Love and Giving

     ‘ Tis the season to be jolly fa la la la la la la la la!

     As we exit the 11th month of the year, we enter a month of caroling, gifts, and smiles. This is definitely the season to be jolly- with the tress decorated with starts and ornaments, to the joyful music in the background and stockings filled with fun. Every street is surrounded with kids caroling. The houses are lit with colorful and glowing lights. People of different ages give gifts to others, and families come together. And as one receives a present, a smile extends from ear to ear. But Christmas is not only about the Christmas Lights, or the gifts you receive, or the songs you sing. There’s so much more.

     Every 25th of December is celebrated as Christmas Day. The cold breeze hits our skin and we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. He shows His love for us in so many ways and this time, it is our turn. This is the time to spread love and the season of giving. It’s the moment when we express our love in various forms. As the old quotation goes, “It’s better to give than to receive.” Let us extend our love to the homeless, the poor, the jobless, the patients, the parents, the doctors, the teachers, lawyers, students, and EVERYONE.

     Let us celebrate Christmas not only this December, but let it be celebrated every single day. Let’s spread and share our blessings. Let us spread the love and positivity.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!

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1=1

     Two number 1’s are compared. One is typed in Arial font, size 30, and colored red. One is written with pencil on a sheet of paper. The 2 are put side by side. One looks more put together compared to the other one. But when we think of it, they are still of the same value. 1 is still equal to 1 even though they look different. The appearance of the number 1 will not make its value go higher or lower. No matter what you do, 1 will always be 1.

     This goes to show that everyone should be given equal rights. Whether rich or poor, tall or short, thin or fat, workers or unemployed, man or woman, child or adult, criminal or not, their rights should be recognized. They should be given equal opportunities. The women are no less than the men. The children are no less than adults. The disabled are no less than everyone else. So why will we deny their rights? Why not give them the opportunity? Every person should be treated the same way and given the same opportunities. We are all created beautifully by the Almighty God, and our personal differences should not serve as a hindrance in showing respect to other people. The state or standard of living of a person should not tell how one should be treated. 

     Let us respect each and every one, not only in the Philippines but the whole world. Let us spread love and joy. Let us treat every one equally. 

Remember: 1=1.

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An Asset- The Hope

Mankind owes to the child the best it has to give. -Anonymous

     With accordance to the Presidential Proclamation 267, every October of the year here in the Philippines is celebrated as the National Children’s Month. It is the time of the year when Filipino children are recognized as valuable assets of the country. This October 2018, we come ti celebrate and i’ts theme is “ISULONG: TAMANG PAG-AARUGA PARA SA LAHAT NG BATA.”

     The children are the assets and hope of our future, as Jose Rizal once mentioned. This is true as they are the next generation that will take charge of the whole world. It is important to mold them into citizens that will take care of our land for the betterment of all. At a young age, they must be taken care of, and fed with information and lessons that will further help them. They should not be abused or hurt. They should not be harmed or hated.

     Children are like pots made of clay. It may come in different shapes and sizes. They are molded in different and various ways. And every hand that cooperates into molding that little pot has an essential role in the growth of an individual. The way the pot will be shaped greatly affects the child. And so, we must be careful in molding these pots. We must have utmost care in the process of building it. Let us shape these pots not only properly but also with love.

     A pot has a lot of functions. Sometimes, it is for display, or maybe to contain objects. But no matter what the use may be, we must handle with care. We must be careful enough so that the pot won’t slip and break.

     Children ate truly the assets and hope of our future. Let us all contribute in building a brighter generation for the world. Let’s not wait for tomorrow to come. Let us start now.

    HAPPY NATIONAL CHILDREN’S MONTH CELEBRATION!

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Accuracy and Responsibility

     There’s no doubt that technology has already affected the human life in various way. Be it in a positive of negative way, it truly made an impact to the whole world. Numerous technological advancements save time and make things easier, but some make people lazy. It may come in  forms of appliances, softwares, and even gadgets. And among these, gadgets are probably the most famous. But what exactly is the purpose of a gadget?

     Gadgets, sometimes called gizmos, are known to be technological objects that perform a specific task but is often thought of as a novelty. These help us accomplish daily tasks in a shorter amount of time than expected. It can be found in the kitchen, in your room, or just in front of your eyes.  Yes, the phone you use to capture photos, your Nintendo Switch for gaming, and the laptop you use to finish all your requirements are all examples of gadgets. Gadgets are sometimes means of communication between family members or friends. These allow us to interact and talk with other people. 

     But with accessibility to these gadgets comes responsibility. In order to avoid its negative effects, we must use gadgets the proper way, and not to harm or bring other people down. We must be responsible in using it and not to use it against others. Gadgets are meant to help, and not otherwise. Let us use famous gadgets such as phones to connect, to interact, and to keep in touch with others, especially family and friends.

     This year’s EsP Month Theme, “Mapanuring Paggamit ng Gadget: Tungo sa Mapagkalingang Ugnayan sa Pamilya at Kapwa,”promotes the proper and responsible use of gadgets. Let us celebrate this month with that in mind!

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READ, Dear!

     Jose Rizal is widely known for his heroism and intelligence. At age 3, he can recite the alphabet. By 5, he knew how to read and write. And at age 8, he already wrote a book. He is a polyglot of 22 languages, an ophthalmologist, sculptor, painter, educator, historian, playwright, and journalist. He achieved all of these within 35 years. Jose Rizal himself is a great example of the power and greatness of reading.

     Reading definitely broadens the knowledge and widens the vocabulary. Whether fiction or non-fiction, we are able to learn a lot of lessons that we can use in our every day lives. Reading helps us develop as individuals. When we read, we can gain more knowledge, and knowledge is the foundation of a grate future. But besides this, you will never be powerless or lonely ever again. Reading serves as our drivers and tour guides that allow and bring us to places that we never heard of. Reading gives us the ability to listen to the author's story, and smile, laugh, or maybe even cry with them. Reading may also be a portal that lets us visit the old times, the primordial era, and have a look at the past. Reading also opens our eyes to different rising issues and hot topics.

     Reading is truly powerful in its own way. Reading is the building block that assures a strong foundation for a better and successful future ahead of us. Come one, come all, and let us celebrate the Reading Month Celebration 2018. Channel your inner intellectual Rizal.

     PAGBASA: Susi sa Magandang Kinabukasan!

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Second Chapter: The Ride

     This Grading Period is as thrilling as a carnival. It was a tiring yet exciting experience to conquer all the rides. With the Ferris Wheel of emotions, the Carousel of curiosity, to the roller coaster-like activities, I surely had a lot of fun.

     Half of the school year is in. And as I enter this carnival, a few challenges are encountered, and a lot of lessons are learned. Subject-wise, ICT taught me how Internet was accessed in various ways. In addition to this, I learned how to create and design a web page. But besides these, I learned life lessons that would help me develop as an individual.

     End of the Grading Period fast approaches, and now, challenges start to arise. 

     One of the biggest challenges was having to cope up with the activities I missed. I have not been able to attend to two weeks worth of class because of trainings and reviews for competitions. The number of requirements that need to be accomplished came in zooming like a fast roller coaster. The fact that the periodical tests are upcoming made it harder. 

     Jotting down notes was also hard because of the circumstances. I had a hard time understanding the lessons because I was not able to listen to the discussion. I only copied a few notes and I had to deal with it. A carousel of curiosity started to turn around my brain, hoping to know, gather, and understand even more information.

     Everything that happened in this quarter gave me a whole ferris wheel of moods and emotions. Sometimes, I felt like being at the bottom and just felt low. But some other time, I feel like being on top and it makes me appreciate the beauty of everything that takes place around me.

     Maybe this chapter was exhausting, but if there’s one thing it taught me, it would be coping up with the activities I missed. I learned to manage my time and divide it accordingly so that I can take the quizzes, perform the exercises and learn the lessons I missed. It taught me that when I want to conquer all the rides, I must not waste any time, and make the most of my experience. I should enjoy every ride while it lasts, because I don’t know when it will end.

     After all the rides comes the end to my carnival experience. Just like any other kid, I would not want it to end, but what I felt by the end of the day makes me want to come back everyday. I hope for more experiences in the future, because my ride this time was totally awesome. I will surely apply what I’ve learned this day in the future. I look forward to more great chapters.

All for Human Rights, Human Rights for All

     It is indeed the season to be jolly, because now, we come to celebrate the United Nations Month! It is an annual celebration to showcase different cultures from different countries and continents. This year, the theme of the celebration is “Coming together with those furthest behind to build an inclusive world of universal respect for human rights and dignity”.

     The theme ensures that no one is left behind, even those “furthest behind” are included. As it suggests, let us include everyone, not only those with influence or with power. It aims to end poverty and defend the human rights and dignity of people living in poverty, because at the end of the day, we all are human beings that live with different circumstances.

     In addition to this, the theme for this year emphasizes the recognition and respect for human rights. The issue keeps on growing, but the disrespect on human rights should stop now. The theme of UN for 2018 reminds us of this- that the dignity and rights of every human being should be respected all the time.

     The idea of human rights is as simple as it is powerful: that people have a right to be treated with dignity. Human rights are inherent in all human beings, whatever their nationality, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, language, or any other status is. Every individual is entitled to enjoy human rights without discrimination.

     Respect for human rights should always be observed. Wether it be for the poor, the influential, the tall, or the wise ones, let us ALWAYS show our respect. Let us not rely on reminders, but let it be an everyday thing.

Heroes and Magic

     A student may stumble and fall, but she has a hero to help her stand back up. A student may not see the way clearly, but her hero is there to light her way. A student’s journey would not be successful without the guidance of her hero.

     Every September 5 to October 5, we give recognition to these heroes for burning themselves with the betterment of students in mind. We give our thanks to them because they are our second parents. This is the time when we, students, give back the efforts of these heroes. WE CELEBRATE THEM.

     From the moment we entered the school, our teachers are there to help us in every way. From counting 1, 2, 3, to singing Do, Re, Mi, to reciting A, B, C, they are there to guide us. They never get tired of teaching and molding students into the best version that us, students, can be.

     Imagine the world without teachers- there wouldn’t be architects, or doctors, or even lawyers if it isn’t for our teachers who sacrifice so much. Teaching is indeed the noblest profession, and there is magic in teaching.

     These are only a few of the reasons why we should celebrate our teachers- our heroes.

     Not only do they teach, but they also touch lives.

     And if you are reading this, thank a teacher.

Abilities, Potentials, Advancements

     The month of September is recognized as the National Science Club Month. It is being celebrated annually. This year, we celebrate the NSCM with the theme, “Wavefront: Accentuating Potentials, Activating Technological Advancements”. It aims to encourage students to maximize their potentials and create new inventions.

     Over the years, people’s lives have been greatly affected by the number of inventions and innovations that make things more convenient. Some of these are even considered as needs, as they are being used on a daily basis.

     One of the great personalities behind the development of this advanced world we are living in is Michael Faraday. He is a British scientist who developed the concept of electromagnetism which involves both electricity and magnetism. Through this concept, people are able to showcase their talents in creating inventions and developing innovations to make work more efficient.

     Let’s take for example, the speaker. It is hooked up to your new smartphone and contains a small electromagnet or voice coil inside of it, as do all devices with speakers. The electromagnet translates the electrical current into sounds you can hear by vibrating the paper cone or diaphragm. 

     With the theme, young minds are encouraged to use their knowledge and maximize their abilities in order to activate any form of technological advancement, just like the speaker, and channel their inner Michael Faraday within them.

Umbrellas, Bandages, and Juans

"Watch therefore, for you know neither the day, nor the hour."

- Matthew 25:13

     Mighty blows of wind started attacking Tacloban, Leyte, and parts of Samar, afternoon of November 8, 2013. Haiyan began throwing splashes of water, but that was just not it. It felt like rain continuously and tremendously poured. This was worsened when storm surges occurred. The trees were uprooted, and these places were extremely flooded. Children were crying, families went starving, and people went missing- some were drowned, some could not be found. Then, when the super typhoon started to calm down and exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility, hundreds of communities were left devastated. Families had nothing left except for the clothes they wore that day. Haiyan only left debris.

     Philippines experiences a number of calamities as it is located near the West Basin and the Pacific Ring of Fire. The most common calamities that visit the country are earthquakes and typhoons.

     That being said, during the aftermath of the typhoon, the primary services from the Local Government Unit started within the residents themselves. Parents, teachers, as well as students lead in the distribution of relief goods. Despite the flooded roads, fallen trees, broken posts, and debris from infrastructure, they managed to deliver these goods to the areas of Leyte that were harder to reach. After a few days, a lot of places were still "underwater", but the condition was more stable. Donations from others were being distributed, and tents were being given out as temporary shelter. The community lost a lot, but not the bayanihan among the people.

     This is a concrete example to show the resiliency of the people. This exact scenario is how Filipinos bandage the wounds brought by disasters.

     But with resilience should come preparedness. Let us be reminded when Benjamin Franklin once mentioned, "An ounce of preparedness is worth a pound of cure." Let us reflect on the story of Noah a long time ago, when he encountered a death-defying calamity. That time, the storms strength was so powerful, it caused extreme floods. The forty days of rain cause water to rise so high, it covered the mountains. Fortunately, he, along with his family and two of each animal, survived. After all, it took him a hundred and twenty years to build an ark to serve as their shield against the challenges that the rain brought. He prepared, and so he survived.

     In emergency management, preparedness and resiliency of us, citizens, will ultimately prove our strength amidst any calamity. Let preparedness be our umbrella- it won't stop the rain but it would help us get through it. And let resiliency be our bandage- it won't heal the wound immediately, but it would help in the process of recovery.

     With our umbrella and bandage, we are ready to face any calamity, no matter how strong it may be.

Scavenger Hunt 2

CHALLENGE 2

Search the Internet for the following facts and information. Write your answers in the table below.

1.            What is the context of "embedded journalist"? When was it first used? Who created the term?

2.             _______________ is the only pope honored by Turkey a Muslim nation. His statue stands at center of a city square of ______________.

3.            Who designed the tallest building in Hong Kong?

4.            In September 11, 2001, two commercial airplanes commandeered by terrorist crashed and destroyed the World Trade Center in New York. Is this the first time that an airplane crashed into a skyscraper in New York?

5.            __________ is the tallest building in the world. It is located in ____________. The construction started in ________ and was finished_________.

6.            What is the meaning of tundra? Why is the Bush administration so interested with exploring and exploiting the tundra?

7.            Draw in a diagram form the metamorphosis of an "urban legend"

Item	Answer	URL	Search Engine	Search Technique
1.	Embedded journalism refers to news reporters being attached to military units involved in armed conflicts. It was first used last 2003.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embedded_journalism	Google	Phrase Searching
2.	Pope Benedict XV's is the only pope honored by Turkey , a Muslim nation. His statute stands in the courtyard of St Esprit Cathedral, Instanbul Turkey.	http://www.answers.com/Q/Who_is_the_only_pope_honored_by_Turkey_a_Muslim_nation	Google	Phrase Searching
3.	Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (design) Belt Collins & Associates (landscape) Wong & Ouyang (HK) Ltd	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tallest_buildings_in_Hong_Kong	Google	Phrase Searching
4.	No	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_11_attacks	Google	Phrase Searching
5.	Construction of the Burj Khalifa began in 2004, with the exterior completed five years later in 2009. The primary structure is reinforced concrete.	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burj_Khalifa	Google	Phrase Searching
6.	Tundra is a vast, flat, treeless Arctic region of Europe, Asia, and North America in which the subsoil is permanently frozen. Bush administration so interested with exploring and exploiting the tundra because their administration is looking for oil resource	https://www.google.com.ph/search?q=tundra+meaning&oq=tundra&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0l5.3200j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 http://religion.answers.wikia.com/wiki/Why_is_the_bush_administration_so_interested_with_exploring_and_exploiting_tundra_Rephrase_question	Google	Phrase Searching
7.		https://prezi.com/xvcgfcu4wxy-/fairy-tale-fable-and-myth-venn-diagram/	Google	Phrase Searching

First Chapter: The Beginning

     Over the course of 2 months, I have learned a lot of things- specially in the field of internet and blogging. I have learned how the internet started, what it really is, and how it actually works. In addition to this, I also learned how to create and start a blog, along with it's types. These information- specially blogging- are beneficial to me as a student as it develops my writing skills, widens my vocabulary, and enhances my creativity. Furthermore, I am able to share my ideas and opinions, as well as understand those of others.

     But in the duration of learning and applying these lessons, I encountered a lot of challenges. These challenges needed to be addressed accordingly. Listed below are some of the challenges I encountered and how I faced them:

     First is being able to compose an informative article to be posted on time. During the first articles, I did not know how to start my drafts. I had difficulties in writing because I had no idea on what to put.  So to address this, I always start with an outline of the whole essay. I also research for information by surfing the internet or by interviewing others. When doing these, I find it easier to write an article.

     Another is the difficulty in managing my time. I found it difficult to manage my time considering my first challenge. I always spend a lot of time in writing because I either get distracted and get nothing done, or I start writing but I do not have an idea on what to write. As a result, I would always procrastinate in order to finish them on time. But to lessen the cases, I started to remember and write down everything that needs to be done, or to be taken note of. By doing this, I can see the tasks that need to be completed first and I would start doing it. When I see a lot of things to be done, then I would get motivated to finish them all. Plus, I wouldn't forget to do a task because all are listed.

     Overall, the First Quarter was a great chapter. Despite the challenges, the interaction within the class was amazing. I indeed learned so much- even lessons that I can apply in my daily life. Moving on, I will surely apply what I learned from the challenges that The Beginning brought. I will take note of everything in order to avoid or lessen these challenges. I look forward to more colorful and fun Quarters and Chapters from the ICT Class.

     This is the end of the First Chapter. This is how my story begins.

Scavenger Hunt 1

NUGGETS	ANSWER	LOCATION	VALUE: Sources/Author/Date Published/Sponsor/Copyright	Search Engine	Search Technique
1. Sometime in   1991, a chief scientist at the NIIT, named, started an experiment hole in a wall.	Sugata Mitra	India	Businessweek Online Daily Briefing, March 2, 2000  by Paul Judge	Google	Phrase Searching and Boolean Logic
2. What does NIIT stands for?	NIIT stands for National Institute of Information Technology.	India	Author: Vivian Falae UPDATED: 9 MONTHS AGO	Google	Phrase Searching
3. It was implemented at a slum area in New Delhi.	The "Hole in the Wall" was implemented at Kalkaji, New Delhi.	India	© Hole-in-the-Wall Education Limited 2015	Google	Phrase Searching
4. His team carved a hole in the wall that separated NIIT campuses from slum areas. Why did they carve hole in the wall?	Dr. Mitra’s Team carved a hole in the wall that separated the NIIT premises from the adjoining slum. By having this hole, a freely accessible computer was up for use.	Kalkaji, New Delhi	© Hole-in-the-Wall Education Limited 2015	Google	Phrase Searching
5. What was the significant finding of the experiment?	The results, which have been uniformly encouraging, show that children learn to operate as well as play with the computer with minimum intervention. They picked up skills and tasks by constructing their own learning environment.	India	© Hole-in-the-Wall Education Limited 2015	Google	Pseudo-Boolean Logic
6. What could be the implications of this finding to existing teaching practices especially those that are related with the use of ICT in learning?	An effective assessment task is one which assesses students'attainment of the learning outcomes. Unit learning outcomes are what students are expected to know, understand or be able to do in order to be successful in a unit.	Australia	Learning and Teaching Centre at Macquarie University	Google	Phrase Searching