TRUE ESSENCE OF CHRISTMAS 

          When the month of September comes, people would say, “Hey, -ber months have arrived, it’s Christmas!” People start decorating their houses with Christmas trees and Christmas lanterns. They would spend much of their money buying different kinds of Christmas decorations, from Christmas trees to Christmas lanterns to Christmas lights and many other more. Others would start buying new dresses that they would use on Christmas day. Others start buying gifts for their loved ones. Still others would start buying groceries for their “Noche Buena”. Well I guess the true spirit of Christmas could not be felt from those activities mentioned above. Where does the true essence of Christmas lie?

          “People making list, buying special gifts, taking time to be kind to one and all. It’s the time of year when good friends are dear and you wish you could give more than just presents from the store…”  Are you familiar with those lines? Yes, those are the lines from the first verse of the song “Give Love on Christmas Day.”  For me, the song gives the perfect description on the true and real essence of Christmas…give love on Christmas day. But where did this love started and where did it come from?

         

Let us analyze the word Christmas. We see from the word the name of Jesus Christ. Yes, Jesus Christ was born on December 25, Christmas day. Christ was born out of love and because of love. He was born out of love and because of love…”For God so loved the world that He gave His only son…” Yes, God loves humankind, although man was already drowning with sin. He gave us His only son Jesus Christ so that humankind will be saved from sin.

Let us reminisce once more how Jesus Christ was born. Mother Mary gave birth on the desert. Jesus was born in a lowly manger. No comfortable bed, no air-conditioned room. Jesus had nothing when He came out into this world. What does this imply? It shows humility…it shows simplicity. I do not say it’s bad to decorate our house with expensive decorations during Christmas season, but there are more important things that we should think about other than buying those expensive ornaments. Let us be humble and simple, just like JESUS when He was born.

Where does this tradition of gift giving during Christmas started? Remember the visitors of Jesus when He was born…the three kings? They brought their gifts to a newborn whom they believed to be the King of all kings. They have showed the very first example of gift giving on Christmas Day.

What I am trying to say is that the true essence of Christmas does not lie on how extravagant we spend on our clothes, how expensive the ornaments and decorations we buy, how big or small our gifts are…it is on thinking about Jesus and taking Him as our example not only during Christmas Day but also everyday. Just like what the song say, “Give love on Christmas Day.” But please, let us not stop giving love on Christmas. Let us give love everyday of our life so that we may find peace, joy, and happiness in our life.

EQUAL RIGHTS, EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

When I saw the title of this piece, what comes to my mind is equality among and between men and women, among the rich and the poor, among those belonging to the third sex, equality among humanity. Yes, there were times in the past when the men enjoyed more opportunities than women. There was also a time when those who belong to the third sex were not allowed certain opportunities most especially in work.

Men and women, including those belonging to the third sex, were born equal. All of us were born the same, no matter how rich or how poor we are, either boy or girl, we were born the same. Not anyone was born wearing a dress, not anyone was born with a golden spoon in the mouth. Even the gays and the lesbians, they were also born like anyone of us, just like Jesus when He was born in the manger, bare and naked.

I am happy that now a days we no longer experience what people centuries and even decades ago have experienced. Before, women’s right were very limited. Women were not allowed any political position. Before women were only allowed to stay home. They were not allowed to find a job and work. But now, we see women politicians, we even see lady lawyers, lady engineers and architects, lady soldiers and policewomen. This is a clear indication that the societies we live have opened their doors in giving equal rights and opportunities to both men and women, even those belonging to the third sex.

If equal rights are given to both men and women, including the gays and the lesbians, we are assured of equal opportunities in this world. It would be unfair if certain rights were given only to certain people. If a man or a lesbian can do it, there are also women and gays who can do the same. There are even instances wherein a woman can do better than a man is. If all in this world gives equal opportunities to every human being, then equal rights would be given to them. If this is so, then we can be assured of a peaceful world to live in, with no insecurities to destroy the minds of people. 

CLIMATE CHANGE

         

 Have anyone heard the Tagalog song “Kapaligiran’ by the group Asin? The song clearly describes the environment now…the dirty air we breathe, the poisoned rivers and seas. Where are the lush forests, the rich mountains? The song even says that birds no longer have trees where they build their nests. Yes, our environment now is very much different from what our ancestors have centuries ago.

          They say God created the world as a paradise where humankind would live harmoniously and in abundance. God created trees to give us shelter and food. God created the seas to give water to drink and where aquatic animals could live and grow so that they, too, can provide us food to eat. But where are these precious gifts that god gave us? We can see bareheaded mountains, no green and tall trees covering it. We see dark and oily waters rather than clear blue waters from our rivers and seas. We see floating garbage and dead fishes rather than abundant swimming aquatic animals. We can no longer smell the sweet fragrance of the early morning mist, but the polluted air from the factories and smoke-belching vehicles.

          It is true, the world has changed a lot. Man has become wiser. He has invented so many things that give him a more comfortable living. But is it worth it? Despite the comfort that we now feel, what do we notice in our atmosphere? We now experience rainfall and even typhoons even during the months of December, which is very unusual for us since rainy seasons do not reach the month December. Have we not also noticed how scorchingly it goes? So many types of skin diseases have come out because of the climate change.

          Yes, climate change is now occurring because of the thinning of the ozone layer. What is the ozone layer? The ozone layer is the protective layer in the atmosphere that covers the earth from the dangerous air beyond it. The ozone layer is now so thin and that we can now feel the bed effects of it. But how come the ozone layer has thinned so rapidly.

          Because man has become so wise, he has invented almost everything to provide comfortable living to mankind. Yes, comfortable living, but not safe enough to feel comfortable in the end. Man never thought of the ill effects of such progress. Man has only thought of it now that it is felt.

          Let us do our share in protecting the ozone layer. Let us all do our share in protecting the world we live in. Let us save Mother Earth. Let us save humankind.

Reflection..........Reflection..........Reflection..........

As the first semester draws to a closure, I have only yet to be worried on how the outcome is going to be. For this second grading period a lot has happened but not in the four walls of the school. I got engaged to more extracurricular activities this grading period with speech choirs, investigatory science projects defense and also, beauty pageant.

As they say, real knowledge is attained by experience. I was quite fatigued and drained by how hectic my activities where but it was overwhelming due to the positive results. Still there was that notion in which I was worried about how to cope in class. 

Academics are still what are important in the composition of my grade. I was quite hard up, tears were shed, and a feeling of giving up was there. Luckily, I had friends to help and I am that person who struggles first and does everything first except to give up. I have passed some requirements marked late but at least there is the effort. I was not content with the composition of some of my projects because some were rushed and hastily made. 

There are more aspects to be improved in me. In this grading period, the activities taught me to be more persevering and more time efficient. Even though I did not attend some classes, I should have done advanced research and not always relying on my teachers.

Upholding English Proficiency for Communicative Competence

More than six billion people compose the planet Earth up to this date, with individuals coming from different regions and countries. How can they connect? Through what is called as LANGUAGE. 

It is said the language is the most used medium in communicating with fellow individuals today. According to my research, there are about 7000 more or so distinct languages that keep people connected to one another. Due to the vastness of the Earth and more than one language established all around the world, how can we understand others from foreign countries? Simple, establish a language to be learned by all, the most famous linguistics that is famous all over the globe, ENGLISH. 

To learn a new language is quite hard for some and alien to many, especially those from different mother tongues and with different literacy rates. The Philippines for example is comprised of so many regional dialects aside from “Filipino” the national language. To learn yet another language could be quite difficult. I am a Pilipino in which I am a firsthand witness on hard it is to establish and teach English especially to those more fluent in “Filipino” or “Ilokano” here in Ilocos Sur. It is quite difficult for some because some are not quite interested to learn the language especially teenagers like me. 

This brings us the dilemma that we have to solve now. Evidently, if there is no communication prior to the understanding of many, there wouldn’t be any unison that may lead to other hostilities among nations. 
Solution? Proper education and practiced. Language can be learned in school but it must be continued also at home. Activities like this blog should be established so that we’ll know the importance to learn English so that someday we’ll be nationally or better yet globally competitive in speaking the language. 

Once these skills are acquired, we are now safe to say that we are one-step closer to global unity and competitive. United through linguistics, through the people engaged in the learning of English, this vision of global competence may be achieved.

.Scientricity: Energizing Science Clubbers for Sustainable Energy

This year the Science Club uses “SCIENTRICITY”, from the combination of the words Science and Electricity, as its main theme for this year’s National Science Month Celebration. Science and Electricity, some of the discoveries man has made through the years that made us understand things that happen everyday. 

The theme is actually a wakeup call to every mind that the nothing is permanent. Life on earth is not permanent. Through the years we have been constantly moving up the ladder due to the discovery of Science. It has somewhat skyrocketed life as we know it. But it actually made us improve but not all had good effects to Earth, some are constantly detonating it to pieces, inch by inch. Actually, this month calls a reason that we must make an initiative that we must somewhat we make alternative resources to fuel the society without having severe effects to nature. 

Change is constantly happening. It is a phenomenon that cannot be altered. That is why actions must be done fast. While time is still abundant, we must do the necessary actions. Hand in hand, we must make a change especially due to the fact that we were given the highest form of thinking power. It is our mission to take care of what is existent in this planet. 

No matter how complex or how simple it may be as long as it is conceptualized to help the Earth it is needed to be implemented now. The sky is vast they say and now that we are needed we must in turn save the day.

THE HERO OF ALL HEROES

It’s so heartwarming to see thousands of professionals – a doctor who can save a life, a lawyer who can defend a life, a soldier who can give us a peaceful life…. an engineer, an accountant, an architect and so on. These persons are considered as heroes for they offer selfless service to humankind. But behind the success of these individuals are great mentors, the teachers!

Students will be under a teacher for almost 2 decades. Starting from kinder to college, we will be dealing with different teachers having various personalities. Their whole lives are dedicated in making the world a better place to live in. They want to help humanity and serve wholeheartedly.

They teach not only lessons in books but also lessons in real life. They teach us how to be happy when we feel so down. They scold and punish us whenever we make mistakes. They hold the light of enlightenment and guide us through the road of success. With them, we get to know the values that a person should possess. They let us know what is right and wrong. They let us appreciate the things and the people around us. They defined to us the true meaning of life.

Whoever you are, whatever you do, and whatever profession you have, you should always bear in mind that teachers answer to one calling---SERVICE! They are not only teachers; they are the heroes of all heroes!

                                         

I salute all the teachers for their outstanding performances, undying love and most of all for the knowledge they fed in my mind. They influenced me a lot. Because of them, I am what I am.

TEACHER: A FRIEND, A SISTER, A MOTHER

Whenever I’m alone and sad

You’re always there to make me glad

Whenever darkness fills my sight

You’re always there to be my light.

Whenever I get too much wild

You correct and treat me as your own child

When things are getting wrong

You teach me how to be strong.

Your daily lessons are my reasons

To live well and be a better person

Your pieces of advice are my inspiration

To reach all my ambitions.

I don’t know how to thank you

For all the things that you do

All I know is, wherever I go

I will always remember you.

I just want you to know

That I’m thankful for helping me grow

You’re a friend, a sister, a mother

And my hero forever.

In my life, you’ll forever be a part.

Thank you for showing me the right path

Teacher, you’ll always be in my heart

I love you no matter what.

My Non-Fictional Hero: WonderMOM

Having a cape, being able to fly, carrying the heaviest things and beating the villains of the world are some of the hallmarks of a superhero. Having extraordinary power that can execute exceptional things can captivate and magnetize the interest of an individual. But the question is, do these characteristics make someone a real hero?

When I was still young, i believed that there were superheroes. It was imposed in my mind that super heroes were real. When I think of a superhero, Spiderman, Batman, or Wonderwoman usually pops in my mind. But as days passed by, I was awakened with the fact that those superheroes who have superpowers were not real and the real heroes are the ordinary people who make something special out of the ordinary things they have. They are the real heroes living in the real world with different specialties.

I grew up appreciating and admiring a real life hero, my mom. She has no superpowers like the superheroes in the fantastic world but she has a good heart that definitely makes her a hero. She has done too much for me. She lets me experience a comfortable life. She gives me everything more than what I deserve. I may stumble sometimes but she helps me to stand up. She makes me laugh and be happy when I feel so down. She lets me cry for me to learn. She constantly reminds me to have faith in God. She's always there to guide me through the road of success.

No words can express how thankful I am for having a mother like her and no amount of money can compensate all the sacrifices she has done. I yearned to be a hero someday neither with cape nor with superpowers. I wanna be just like my mom, simple and ordinary. She's my hero and I am her ultimate fan.

Ugly Mommy. Joke! IloveyouMother! <3

Tatag ng Wikang Filipino  

 Lakas ng Pagka-Pilipino

Many problems have tested the Philippines. Countless obstacles had already gone through the hands of many Filipinos. But despite these, the flag of the Philippines remains high because of the unity of every Filipino. Unity that was achieved because of a language. Filipino language that is a reason why Filipinos understand each other.

            It all started with ABAKADA that was developed and enriched by the Filipinos. Then, the foreign languages ​​like Frances, Spanish and others came in our country. But because of the pervasive use of it, the Filipino language was not lost or destroyed, rather it became stronger. As years passed by, different dialects such as Ilocano, Panggasinense, Waray, Capampangan and many more sprang up in various parts of the Philippines. It just proves that Filipino language is solid because despite the number of different languages and dialects used in our country, the Filipino language is still what people are using to help each other and unite for our country.

            Filipino language should be used because it is a symbol of identity that we are Filipinos. In life’s struggles, Filipino language is our foundation that gives strength to our country. Every Filipino should cultivate it, it ought to be proud of in the whole world and it should be loved wholeheartedly. Because of the Filipino language, Filipinos understand each other.

            Let us start with ourselves, let us use our national language - Filipino. With this, the friction and misunderstandings will be lost which is the barrier in achieving prosperity.

Reflection

                During the 1^st Grading Period, I have learned many lessons in ICT IV particularly the history of Internet, the people who discovered it and the time when it began. We also learned how to share our insights in the online world. With the use of Blogger, we can easily post our opinions regarding different issues and topics.

                Because it was my first time to deal with blog, there are problems and challenges that I have encountered. It was hard to compose a draft for my blog. But it’s even harder when you already made the draft and started typing it, then your fingers unintentionally stopped and just don’t want to move. It’s weird but it’s true! Maybe because I have the fears for I might hurt someone’s feelings. I also had hard time learning on how to make my blog look better. At first, I did not know how to customize the appearance of my blog. I did not even know how to edit or delete my posts. I was so ignorant that time!

                But as days passed by, I was able to find solutions to my problems. I faced my fears and did not allow it to overrule me. This is a free country, I can post whatever I want whether it may be positive or negative. But before I post, I make sure that I won’t hurt anybody. I spent more time in front of the computer and because of this, I have discovered and learned more about Blogger.

                Moving on, I will continue to explore not just about Blogger but also upcoming lessons that we will take. As we move on to the next chapters, we will definitely meet different problems and challenges along our way. But with our teacher and of course the lessons that she fed in our young minds, I am sure that everything will be in proper order. 

PNoy's 3rd SONA

The 3^rd State of the Nation Address of President Benigno Aquino III was uploaded by those who attended the SONA. The report made by the President was well understood by the listeners.

During his SONA speech, the president talked about the positive changes under his administration, which contributed to our economic growth. He proudly presented his achievements and provided some specific details. He also said that our country, Philippines, is no longer the “Sick Man of Asia”, rather “Asia’s next tiger”. Aside from his declaration of the positive changes, he also tackled about his upcoming projects for the country. He said that he would finish all his projects before his term ends.

          There is nothing new with the reaction of some people. As expected, there are complains about the president. Yes, the primary problem of the Philippines is still here. Poverty is still reigning in our country. We keep on blaming our leaders because of what is happening to the country. We keep demanding good governance from them. But, have we demanded anything from ourselves? Have we participated in the government’s program? Have we shared solutions to the problems that our country is facing?

Inspite of the achievements attained, there are still missing piece in the puzzle. Progress is not yet fully achieved! We must consider the fact that the president can’t do it alone, he needs each and every Filipino’s cooperation.

However, Pnoy’s 3^rd SONA gathered positive feedbacks. I expect for his next SONA that he will proudly tell to us, his “BOSSES” that our country fully achieves PROGRESS! 

“Pagkain ng gulay ugaliin, Araw-araw itong ihain.”

            Junk foods, soda and oily fatty foods are only one of the many that the children in this generation prefer. Not thinking of the possible side effects, they eat “junk” to their heart’s content but what do they get? Absolutely zero percent, there are no benefits, if there are it may have negative results to the person.

            Thin to the bones is a description to this generation of children, severely overweight and sickly are just supplementary. This is the effect if children will not realize the value of green leafy slimy vegetables. Intensely disliked by the children but they do not really know their benefits. Strong and healthy bodies with glowing clear to come with, a healthy focused mind are needed by the children especially if they are going to school.

            Also, there is an advantage of eating veggies. Children will have lesser chances of getting sick and a possible early death if a strong virus enters a body.

            Parents are the key. They must give what is best for their children. They must instill in their children the importance of eating vegetables. In this, they will truly understand the purpose.

 Just a minute or two of eating bitter ampalaya could bring a lifetime of goodness or maybe eating a bowlful of “pinakbet” has a lot to give. J

Letter to the President

Dear Mr. President,

Leading a whole country is not an easy task. Being a president is hard, but you stood up and showed us what you've got.

You were elected as the Philippine president because the people believed in you. We know that you have the qualities and capabilities to be a good leader. In your Inaugural address, you told us many things to be expected from you. The transparency in all departments of the Government was one of those, and of course helping each and every Filipino.

As day passes by, we can see that you are doing your best to do all your responsibilities. You stopped the "wangwang". You stopped the abuse of the extraordinary people and priviledges granted to the high and mighty people.

It is also good to note that you have taken to call our OFW's as "Bagong Bayani". These OFW's make our economy strong because of their huge remittances. Though they work hard, it's your dream to recall all OFW to come home with work available for them so that Philippines will be placed in high standard through our own efforts.

It is such a great priviledge to be under your leadership. I also witnessed how you truly love the country including its sovereignity. Defending the Spratly's against the foreign investors. It was such a great move having a peace talk with that country. I hope you'll still continue your excellence.

You have so many more visions especially in line of education, agriculture, transportation, health, etc. I am so much aware with your promises and I hope that each of these will be done.

Mr. President, in spite of your trust ratings getting down, it is an obvious fact that many Filipinos still trust your leadership. Eventhough there are criticisms that attack you, you are still doing your best to lead our country. I appreciate your courage so much in facing each and every problem that we have and defending for what you know is right for the country.

Progress however is not yet fully achieved, so I expect you that with your 4-year more stay in office, all your dreams to make the Philippines bright and beautiful safe to line in, will come true!

May God bless you always. :)

Respectfully yours,

Clariza Joy del Castillo