ESSENCE OF CHRISTMAS

                                 True Essence of Christmas

         “Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart, a wide open heart that thinks of others first. The birth of the baby Jesus stands as the most significant event in all history, because it has meant the pouring into a sick world of the healing medicine of love which has transformed all manner of hearts for almost two thousand years... Underneath all the bulging bundles is this beating Christmas heart.” - George Matthew Adams

Everyday is Christmas. But can we really feel its true essence? Christmas is always defined as a celebration of the birth of Christ among the Christians. Christmas season starts when the month of December enters. We started to put up our Christmas decorations such as lanterns, Christmas lights, Christmas trees and the “Belen”. We spent a lot of money just for our houses to be decorated. Christmas season is also the start of children’s door to door carolling at night. They ask for what they call an “Aguinaldo”. These are just some signs that Christmas season has started.

Christmas is about love. Caring one another, spending the time to do the little things to make the holiday special for our loved ones. Christmas is also about togetherness. Being with the people you love, laughing, sharing a meal, sharing happy memories. Christmas is also about giving. Doing things for others - collecting food for the needy, helping with toy distributions to needy children. Remembering those less fortunate.

Christmas isn’t only about the gifts we receive from our parents, relatives and friends but most of all it is about preparing ourselves to be prepared for this very special occasion. We are easily occupied by the evils of this world and we forget the true essence of this occasion. We are easily blinded by the worldly happiness that why we do not appreciate God’s promise of unending life. We should remember that the true essence of Christmas is sharing and giving and this should be done everyday and that is love that must be shared by one and all.

“Until one feels the spirit of Christmas, there is no Christmas. All else is outward display - so much tinsel and decorations. For it isn't the holly, it isn't the snow. It isn't the tree, nor the firelight's glow. It's the warmth that comes to the hearts of men when the Christmas spirit returns again.” - Author Unknown

EQUAL RIGHTS, EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES PROGRESS FOR ALL

EQUALITY FOR PROGRESS

“We could learn a lot from crayons: some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, some have weird names, and all are different colors… but they all have to learn to live in the same box.”-Unknown. This quotation tells us that we have equal rights, equal opportunities. And for this year, the theme for International Women’s Day is “Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress for All”.

Honest equality between women and men, girls and boys can only be apprehended in the process of a just, fair and civilized transformation of our society as a whole. There’s need for us to unite and enable women to take their rightful place in production and political activity to improve their economic and political status. We are in a democratic country and we have the right to do whatever we want to do as long as we are not hurting anybody. Women are known as “weaker than men.” But, this must change. We dare for a change!

Women must not be treated as ordinary inactive participants in national development. They must enjoy important rights and freedoms suitable all human beings, both in democratic and public life. Women need to be treated fairly in families, workplaces, public life and the church. Women are backbone of our families and play major roles in our economy, especially in rural areas. The life and health of women are of central importance to the future development of our nation. Women bring special gifts to the progress of our country. They also have the right and duty to take part in the political and administrative work of our nation. Politically, women have contributed a lot in all our struggles.

We must get off the discrimination between men and women. Equal rights and equal opportunities should be given to all of us for the progress. 

Responding to Climate Change

CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change is caused by human activity. And there has been a significant climatic change that has taken place throughout the years on Earth. These changes have affected the society in more than one way.

Climate change is a significant and lasting change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns over periods ranging from decades to millions of years. It may be a change in average weather conditions, or in the distribution of weather around the average conditions. Climate change is caused by factors that include oceanic processer, variations in solar radiation received by Earth, plate tectonics and volcanic eruptions.

Nowadays, there is nothing society can do about the long term influences of climatic changes. Society has tended to address the short term effects of climatic changes that influence the global temperature within the life span of present generations. Climatic changes affect society, health and economics. Society depends a lot on natural resources for various aspects. First of all, society depends largely on forests to supply trees which in turn supply wood for construction. Other resources include oil and animals. The health of people will also be affected. If we will not going to use our resources in a right way. Because if we will abuse them, its bad effect will return to us.  And if this will increase, it will affect the economic rate of the society.

We don’t know what climate change will bring to us. So, we should ready ourselves in whatever may happen. And we should not abuse our resources that protect us.

Reflection: SECOND GRADING PERIOD

Next Page Please!

               

                            Time runs fast. Every tick-tack of the clock brings us changes. Almost 4 months have already passed and second grading is about to end. We have to open new chapter of our 4th year high school life, 3rd grading period. Next page please!

                   Going back to the previous chapter, I would say that it was full of experience. My knowledge in first grading became wider, these were doubled, tripled. I have learned new pieces of knowledge which my teachers have imparted to us again. Entering the world of HTML(Hypertext Mark-up Language) is definitely exciting. I have discovered creating HTML file and tried it in a HTML editor, Notepad. But this was only "start tag" and I learned more about this. As time goes by, I discovered that I can still reformat this by turning it to bold, italic, underline, subscript, superscript, etc. That was not the "end tag". I have discovered also the font attributes. I can format now the text using font attributes, font size, font color, font face.

                            I have my great experience this grading period, because in our Analytic Geometry subject, we had our educational hike out at the radar satellite station. A deathly hike out. It really challenged our patience and strength just for us to reach its top. It was not easy to climb but we did it! And I am proud to say, “I SURVIVE!”

                     Beyond these experiences and pieces of knowledge, there are also problems. Many projects are assigned to us and when the deadline came, we were running of time and rushing everything. There are also times that I got low in our quizzes. In address to these problems, I use my time wisely and finished my projects and assignments in time. And I tried my best to review our lesson to get high score.

                        Moving on, I will strive harder and I will be more studious. And be always positive. I will be more confident so that I can be out of my shell. I will start the next page with a more confident me.

UPHOLDING ENGLISH PROFICIENCY FOR COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE

ENGLISH, ENGLISH PROFICIENCY

                           Language is used for expressing our thoughts, and for verbal thinking, problem solving, and creative writing, but it is used essentially for communication.

                    English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. It is considered as the universal language, for with it is understood by almost all countries around the world. It is used by most people as their second language. First, it is a way of communication in business; it plays an important role in the basic education, particularly to speaking and writing. English proficiency pertains to the ability to speak, read and write in English. To be considered as truly proficient, we should have an advanced skill in this. We know that English is the universal language, to communicate to those people in other countries; we have to speak in English so that they will understand what we are saying. English proficiency can be an important aspect of education. Even native English speakers can benefit from increasing knowledge and improving writing skills. There are many accessible ways to improve English proficiency effectively without taking formal classes. One of the most important aspects of gaining proficiency in any language is speaking it regularly. Self-study can improve reading and comprehension skills. Watching and listening to media in English. The internet is full of resources that can help you improve your English proficiency. Reading news articles at English  news websites is a way to work on reading comprehension.

                          In upholding English proficiency, we can improve our communicative competence. Enhance our English speaking and creative writing. We can develop our communicative competence by upholding English proficiency.

SCIENTRICITY: Energizing Science Clubbers For Sustainable Energy

ENERGY CONSERVATION

                    Annually, we are celebrating the Science Month. And for this year, 2012, the theme is "SCIENTRICITY:Energizing Science Clubbers for Sustainable Energy." Why do we have to celebrate the Science Month? What is it contributes to us?

                    We are now in a high modern technology. But as of today, we are suffering from crisis. Scientists and inventors keep on discovering and inventing something new. And people want these inventions to try. Of course in using these inventions, they will use energy. So, how an we conserve energy if in this world we are living, we need electricity to live; to sustain our secondary needs? Sometimes, some people abuse the usage of electricity. Even if they don't need it, they keep on using energy. They are using energy at the same time. Television, laptop, charger, radio, etc. Sometimes, they are using these at the same time. Because most of us are not aware in conserving energy. All we are doing is to use, use and use. We don't know how to conserve it. And when our electric bills come to us, we are shocked with its high cost. The source of our energy are solar, wind, nuclear energy and geothermal energy.

                           We should not waste energy. We should conserve it.

MY TEACHER, MY HERO

Not just an EDUCATOR, but a MOTHER too

               In our daily lives, we meet new people in our way. Some will be remembered and some may be forgotten. But one thing for sure, I will never forget a person who has been part of my life and who has been a second mother to me.

                Beyond my confusions in life, you enlighten my mind. Your words inspired me as they lead me to what I desire. You have been our guide, the one who scolds and corrects us when we are doing something wrong. You showed us your unending patient. Even though some would say that we are the noisiest students, you never left us behind. You never lost hope that someday, we will change our bad attitudes. We appreciated so much your efforts just for us to gain knowledge. You are the one who appreciates our efforts even in silly things. You fed us inspirational words and pieces information that we might use someday. The one who is not looking after the level of life, in your hands, everyone should be fed with the same level of knowledge. You sacrifice your time just to support us, you are the one who is very considerate, I can never forget what we have learned from you that, “there is a time for everything.” You taught us how to be a good leader and how to be a responsible student.

                After two years of being our adviser, you never stop to fill us with knowledge, you never give up in guiding and leading us to a right way. You are not just an educator, but a mother too. And now, even though we’re already in fourth year, you’re still acting like our mother. You are concerned of what is happening to us now. Everything may fade, but a teacher like you, Mrs. Ma. Theresa Redondo will always be our hero for life, for the efforts and sacrifices that you have done for us. I want you to know how proud I am to have a teacher like you, thank you so much. You’re an inspiration to me. My teacher, my hero.

MY HERO

"God gave me YOU"

                Batman, superman and woderwoman, we are admiring them because of their superpowers to save and help people. And for that service, they are popular and we are considering them as heroes. But we can be heroes also by our own way. We don't have to be popular only to be known as a hero. And we don't have to have superpowers to serve our fellowmen. Dedication and sincerity to serve is enough to be a hero.

                God sent us angels for us to be guided individually. And God gave me YOU.

               My angel is not only my angel, but a hero also. She might not have superpowers , but in her simple way, she serves as my hero. Day and night, she's there to guide me. Everytime I'm in need, she's there to help me. My hero is always ready to rescue and save me against evil. I consider her as my hero because the way she take care of me and love me is to the highest level. She is very sincere, eventhough before I'm not giving her my attention, she did not give up. And now, we're happy together. She doesn't like me to be tired so, she's doing the works that I supposed to do. When I have problem, she is always there to advice me. When I'm crying, she's my shoulder. When I feel I'm alone, she's there to stay beside me. Eventhough some people hate me, she's still the one who is very proud of me. When someone is pulling me down, she's there to save me. She sacrifices all that she can only for me to feel the love she gives. She is a unique person. The most kind of all the people I have met. She is very understanding. She is brave to face all the challenges that we encounter. The reason why we are still firmly established. My hero is very unique, she is loving, caring, understanding and the kindest. She is my everything. The one who lit up my world.
               The way you are is enough to call you, "MY HERO". The way you're giving your effort, the way you serve me without asking any pay. You don't have to have extraordinary powers to be a hero. And for me, the way you are is all what I am admiring. Because you're my angel, you're my hero, the ONE who God sent to me.

WE SHOULD BE PROUD OF...

 "TATAG WIKANG FILIPINO, LAKAS NG PAGKA-PILIPINO"

                 There are lots of languages in this world. A thousand, perhaps. Language serves as a tool for us to communicate with each other and to share our ideas and feelings to everyone. Without this, there will be no discussions and imagine. So God gave us language for us to understand each other.

                We are known to be Filipinos because of our national language. And in celebration for the “Buwan ng Wika”, we should know how to care and value our own language.

                Modern technology had began far enough to technologically improve people’s way of living. One of the technologies is the cellphone, this gadget had influenced people especially teenagers here in the Philippines. They are fun of texting using this and because of that, “jejemon” had banged in the news, papers, television news and adds. As we all know, jejemon is a contradictory of using our language right. Just like the words “po” turned to “powhzxs”, “sige” to “cgue”. This bad trait shows that our Filipino language is not firmly established. This is one reason why writing and reading skills of students are getting low. Sometimes, there are Filipinos who almost forget using our own language because of having their vacation to the other country. This proves that they don’t love their own country and our own language. We should be thankful to our ancestors who sacrificed their lives for us to have our national language. Because of this, we can understand each other.

                Instead of using the language of other country, why not just use our own language? We should be proud of our nationality. We are not known to be Filipinos if we do not use our own language. We should establish the use of our Filipino language s that our nationality will be strong. We should be proud that we are Filipinos, we should be proud that we are using Filipino language!

I HAVE LEARNED...

I HAVE LEARNED...

I was afraid in stepping forward. But I have to face… I am now a senior student.  It seems like yesterday I just took my first step but now almost two months have already passed.  And first quarter soon to end. I have learned a lot already, but as always, there are circumstances.

My knowledge became wider because of the informations and knowledge our teachers fed us.  At first, I was afraid because I know our lessons now are harder.   But I tried my best.   And now I have learned many things.   In our ICT class, I have discovered the excitement in learning BLOG.   It was first time to create my blog account and to enter its world.   Blog serves as personal-online diary.   My friends can read my posts and can leave comments.  I have also learned more about Internet.  Meeting new formulas; knowing how fast a body moves; finding solutions to a certain problem, etc.  Behind these learnings, I have encountered also challenges.   Just like when I can’t follow with the discussion because I can’t understand the lesson.  And as a result, I got few in our some tests/activities; and sometimes I can’t answer the question when my teacher letting me recites.  That makes me disappointed with myself.  So, to level up myself, I studied harder.  I reviewed our lessons, took advance reading and let myself be ready always, so that I am always prepared in unannounced quizzes.

Moving on, I will strive harder.  I will discipline myself so that I can do all my works.  And I will listen attentively to the discussion of my teachers.  I will be more active and I will study harder.

SONA 2012

SONA 2012

 “It wasn’t too long ago when we began to dream again, when united, we chose the straight and righteous path; when we began to cast aside the culture f wang-wang, not only in our streets, but in every sector of society,” President Benigno S. C. Aquino III stated in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 23, 2012.

  It has been two years since we restored a government, whom we knew can make changes. But we can’t feel yet the progress that we are hoping for.  We are tired of corruption and of poverty.  When will our dreams come true?  PNoy said that they are building an environment where progress can be felt by the majority.  His goal is to have a sustained economic development and poverty reduction.  To reduce poverty, he implemented programs such as state health insurance, scholarship and other programs for indigents.  Mothers now get regular checkups, children have been vaccinated and students no longer need to miss school because of poverty.  Poorest PhilHealth members can enter any government hospital and get treatment without having to shell out single centavo.  They are also ensuring that our economy’s newfound vitality generates job. They produced jobs so that our fellow Filipinos can have their own jobs.  So, the unemployment rate went from 8% to 7.2%.  They have fixed more than roads so that traffic will be lessen.  Business and the economy of the Philippines are improving as evidenced by a boom in investors and new businesses.

 Two years have passed, maybe majority of us can’t feel the progress.  But I know that our president      is trying his best to fulfil his responsibilities.   He said that we will take the straight and righteous path.  We are hoping that the changes we are hoping will come true before his administration will end.  He has more time to improve and solve the problems left by the previous administration.  We are hoping for the improvement of the economy, success in the anti-corruption campaign, modernization of the AFP, better governance and many others.  We are holding your promises. The betterment and progress of our country is in your hands.  Words are not enough, do your words for the progress.

Nutrition Month Celebration

"PAGKAIN NG GULAY UGALIIN, ARAW-ARAW ITONG IHAIN"

                                Are you eating vegetables? If yes, you have healthy body but if not, you should be.

                             July is the Nutrition Month Celebration. And for this year(2012), the theme is "Pagkain ng gulay ugaliin, araw-araw itong ihain". We  all know that vegetables have many benefits to us. They make our lives longer, they make our body healthy, they help us to prevent from sick, etc. Vegetables are the cheapest but the most nutritious. Cheapest because we can get them in our surroundings that we can just pick and cook to eat. Nowadays, mothers have big problem to their children because they don't want to eat vegetables. They only want meat, frozens, and junkfoods which are not good and make children malnourish. Mothers solution is to cook the vegetables in different ways so that the children would love to eat vegetables. We should eat vegetables everyday. Vegetables have many benefits to us, they contain vitamins that would make our body strong and healthy.

                              We should reproduce vegetables in our surroundings. So that we can have something to cook and eat everyday. We should not eat vegetables once a year or twice a month only. It should be everyday. So, we must encourage everyone to eat vegetables everyday.

letter to the president

                                                                                                    Ilocos Sur National High School

                                                                                                    Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

                                                                                                     June 21, 2012

Dear Mr. President,

                 It's been two years when you got the trust of many people. Most of the Filipinos selected you in your present position, President of the Philippines because they know that you can do your  responsibilities. President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino, the progress of our country is in your hands.

                  Being a president of a country is no that easy. Because handling a country has big responsibilities. And I know that you are doing your best to rule our country. Your administration has accomplished and started some programs and projects. But only some of us are being benefited by these programs and many of us are still suffering from poverty. It's hurt to see our fellow Filipinos who can't eat three times a day and those who can't have their basic needs while others are enjoying their rich. PNoy, let us end the culture of negatism; let us uplift our fellow Filipinos at every opportunity. You should identify the poorest of the poor and give them the opportunity to have their job. Help those people who are in need, help the children who can't go to school because of financial problem, help the senior citizens who can't buy their medicines because of overpricing, help those people who seek for justice. All of us must be equal, no rich, no poor and this will lead us to a right way.

                   PNoy, I'm expecting the change that our country's hoping for, the progress. You have four more years to continue what you have started and do all what you haven't do yet. I'm hoping that before your administration end, Philippines will be a progressive country already. We praise you for all the good things you have done. Continue what you have started, we salute you! Hope that you are in good condition and strong enough to do your responsibilities. Good day!

                                                                                                       
                                                                                                          Respectfully yours,

                                                                                                          Christine Marie Collado