A Year of Firsts

     2018 was definitely an amazing but tiring year. I have encountered so many experiences from which I learned so many lessons. I was able to build and lose friendships, travel to different places and experience extremely cold weather, and also lose a few pens.

     In 2018, my relatives came home from overseas. During their stay here in the Philippines, we visited La Virgen Milagrosa, and there, it was my first time speed boating. I was very nervous and scared at first, but I enjoyed every second of it- feeling the cold breeze against my skin.

     In 2018, I won the Regional MTAP Competition! It was my first time winning a team competition with my teammate, Henadine. It was a very unexpected result, but it felt nice and accomplishing, especially that I love Mathematics. Who knew that after years of fighting for the spot, I have won!

     In 2018, I was appointed the Corps Commander of the CAT I Unit of Ilocos Sur National High School. This is the first time I’m carrying a responsibility so heavy because I have to lead a whole unit of  CAT Officers. I felt a little bit pressured, but I am having a lot of fun now.

     In 2018, I joined my first ever debate competition. I became more aware of the nationwide events because of joining the said competition. It was amazing to see debaters from other divisions and witness how they justify their sides. It was a great training ground for public speaking and there, I definitely developed my confidence.

     In 2018, I got my hands on a few EXO albums for the first time. It’s cool to see how artists from another country produce their albums which includes photos, posters, and a lot of photo cards. I  had fun listening to their songs.

     And by the end of 2018, I was unexpectedly called to enter a team competition- the Provincial Sirib Quiz Show. This was definitely a nerve-wrecking one, considering the fact that we joined with no review at all. But with God’s Grace, we were able to make it to the top! It felt so surreal and accomplishing at the same time.

     2018 taught me so much- from being patient, to managing my time between studying and having fun, to working really hard, and being able to know my priorities. But as I enter 2019, there won’t be a new me but there is an improved me. This year, I look forward to entering Senior High School with a clean canvass, ready to be turned in a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. I look forward to happiness and more great memories with family and friends. I look forward to an even better version of myself, continuing to learn and discover, and a great year ahead. 

Third Chapter: The Dusk

     As one chapter closes, another one opens. This time, I’d like to take you on my journey on a roadtrip, where we will travel far and deep in to a different world. Riding our vehicles, we will conquer the world. Come with me, as we take a peek on the third chapter of my story.

     As I go down the path and start my journey, I gain a lot of lessons. In the field of ICT, I learned to design a web page. It gave me the opportunity to develop my creativity. I definitely had a lot of fun doing so. But this Grading Period had a few hindrances.

     I easily get distracted. This is one of the challenges I needed to overcome. I get a notification, and my eyes turn to my phone. I see a dog, and my heart beats, telling me to go pet it. I easily got distracted, but I needed to focus. And because I easily lose focus, I wasted a few hours of the day surfing the internet instead of doing the tasks. My time went to watching Youtube videos instead of writing some notes. It was quite unproductive. But I needed to accomplish my requirements.

     I had to do what I had to do. I set aside my phone and pulled out my notebook and pen in front of me. It took me a while, and I got tired in the middle of doing my activities. I wanted to stop what I started. This roadtrip is very tiring. But it taught me that it is okay to take a break from time to time because I can get tired. It is okay to pause, but I shouldn’t stop. It is exhausting, and I also need to rest and take care of myself. It pushed me to finish my travel.

     I was so scared that it would start to get dark outside, so I wanted to be as fast as I could. The thought of traveling down a street in the middle of the night made me scared. So I wanted to appreciate the views on daylight, when I can get a full view of the sceneries. I wanted to drive as fast as possible, but I remembered that there is a speed limit. That made me ponder. How will I be able to appreciate the views when I’m going too fast? How will I be able to look at the beauty if I am scared? This taught me to always take my time.

     I didn’t finish my journey until dusk, and as I was driving back home, my eyes were blessed to see the beauty of sunsets. I never really thought that entering the darkness was this fascinating. And I am glad that I am witness of this gorgeousness.

    I drove home safely without traveling faster than the speed limit. This day was both exhausting and exciting, but as much as I didn’t want it to end, it had to. Thank you for traveling with me. I am looking forward to more fun activities in the future.

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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