4th Quarter Reflection

Fourth year comes to an end. Fourth quarter is already at the ti of nearly the end. Time is surely not on our side. How would I wish we can go back rewind all the things that made this school year a happy one. I admit it Fourth year may not be the most awesome school year for me but it is the most different and unique of all. Within this quarter I felt all the pressure that I never expected I would have.

The month of January was a new beginning for this quarter but it also was the month for me to finish all the requirements needed for my college life. I went to a two-day training, two-day interview and five-day medical examination all was scheduled on school days. So this quarter precious time in school was indeed wasted. on the contrary it gave me the benefit of preparing for my college life.

As I remember when I often ask questions to the seniors before me of how fourth year life is. they are indeed correct. It is like reviewing for the next level of your life. That was really the feeling I had. For every quarter it helped me in reviewing for my entrance exams. Successfully I passed them all, the three maritime schools, and UP.

My Dream, My Future

What if you have the chance to have a glimpse of your own future? It would surely be a great opportunity. However would you be satisfied if you discovered you did not achieve the dream you always wanted to be? It surely be a great disappointment. In reality we don't have to face that problem. Because we don't hold our destiny we can only plan and dream for the future. Do you believe to the saying that whatever you want you would get if you have the determination.

Dreams when you are still a child is different from dreams you now have. That is true before I wanted to become a doctor because of the reason to help the poor but I was surely a child thinking of just helping others and they would just say thank you. Today I always dream to be a Captain of a ship. This dream of mine is not a silly dream anymore. Being a captain gives me the opportunity of having the materials that I ever since wanted to have, not just that my sole purpose was to give my family a good future. Becoming a captain also gives me the chance to really help those who are poor.

Dreams are the structure or the pillar of my future. Without it my life would have no direction. It may waste my time trying every thing in my life just to find the sole purpose of it. With my dreams they just give a meaning into my life. With every step of the way my dreams will guide me of what I should do to have a great future.

Change It Starts With Me

                                                              

            For what a person was before doesn’t affect the person he is right now and who he will be in the future. The things you regret before should not be reason for you to waste time and let life be. We hold every decision that we make in our lives but we don’t know what will happen thorough the process. What the result might be each of us should be ready to accept and also to be ready to stand up and change what made you go down.

            In every person’s life there are mistakes that were committed. Some had the will to change it all and some just let it be and that made them to be the person they wished they should not have been. Can you picture the life of those who are in need? The life of having one set of clothes and 2 times a day of food or maybe only once a day of food. Then there are these groups of people grieving for the death of our country. It has risen before but sank after sometime tied to the ropes of cruelty, corruption, abuse and other kinds of violence.

            As what Jose Rizal mentioned before that we children are the hope of our country it should start now. To those who made a mistake that alters the road to good life should stand and change how things works out to be. Poverty is not a hindrance in changing the life of your family. Be patient and strong in facing life’s challenges.

Kannawidan is Fun!

Kannawidan festival is celebrated every year by the province of Ilocos Sur. This festivity comes so that the province of Ilocos Sur can showcase the products, talents, culture and tradition of ilocanos. An Ilocano is not just known to be a simple person but an Ilocano is a proud person, ready to showcase what creativity he has. So in this kannawidan festival you will not just see our OTOP (one town one product) but the tradition we have and also our culture. However for me the kannawidan this year is different in such a way, in my own experience.

I remember the days when I was still young, I always get bored when my mother and I go to the product stands during Kannawidan.  But this year is a different experience for me. This year not only the product stands that are present but on the other side of the stadium, there stands the two ferris wheels and other circus rides that gave fun for both children and adults. I called it fun also because of the reason that it was my first time to ride a ferris wheel and it gave me joy.

The Kannawidan Festival was very successful this year. It was a festival that was jampacked with fun activities. Nights of concerts, shows and pageant gave a reason for tourists to come and visit Region 1.  

New Year, New Me?

Before the year ends, most of us make their own resolutions. Maybe 40% of those who made would really do it and the remaining 60% won't. It is a part of their routine but in the end they don't try to give their best to make both ends meet. However I still salute those who try to change for the better.

It maybe a new year but it is not necessary for everyone to change. Everyday you meet someone you don't know. everyday  you experience something you did not before. Everyday you see yourself different from other persons. So there is a tendency that you might go with them, do what they do, and change.

There is no really specific time, where or when you need to think of yourself that you need to change. Change is the only constant thing that happens in this world. When you need to change then change. Don't wait for the year to end then make a new years resolution. If you feel that there is a need for a change in yourself then go.

3rd Quarter Reflection

            Third quarter has already ended. Was it all enough? Did I do good on my quizzes and examination? Did I engage that much in recitations for me to have high grades? Was my subject teacher pleased in my performances?

            It is now the last quarter and last months of stay in Ilocos Sur National High School but before thinking of that I will go back to what has happened to me in the third grading period and make an evaluation.

            These past few months nothing big happened to me when it comes to my extra-curricular activities. On the other hand I had my chance in my academic part. When my other classmates are out for their trainings or workshops, I take it as an opportunity for me to shine and have many recitations.

            I enjoyed in this quarter reciting and engaging in the activities in our math subject. I did not expect that solving logarithms is fun. Before, I told myself that logarithmic equations will give me headaches but it turns not to be that way, the other way around.

            Responsibilities and duties in this quarter is not too bad also. We went out for the bigay-puso pogram of the SSG and it was successful.

            Last quarter is here, this is my last chance. Two months of preparation for college and I need to learn everything that I could use in the next level. This is no time for relaxation I need to do all things in double time. Time is really gold!

Essence of Christmas

                Sixteen years of existence, a hundred and more centuries celebrating Christmas. The question is did each of us know the true meaning and essence of it? Some say they are excited Christmas is coming. However, they are excited because of the gifts that they will receive. Others give gifts so that they would receive back something. Would it be much better if we just give something to someone because we care and love them and won’t expect for any exchange?

                It has been a tradition that for every Christmas most families have a reunion. Especially to those who have relatives abroad. When members of the families reunite with each other love surrounds them all. In this kind of reunions stories comes out and caring for one another is seen. There is this part where someone prepares food and others would help. Someone would prepare the table and there is this one who will help. Love doesn’t spark if there is this thing that every member wont execute which is the a smile it might be big or small.

                In this time for Christmas work should not come first unless you are a rescuer. Never try also to celebrate it alone. No one is an island everyone needs to be with someone. Wherever you might be never forget to greet those love ones you are not with. In this era it is possible to have a good communication to those who are apart from us so never hesitate to call or chat with them.

                Lastly, we celebrate Christmas because it is the day Christ was born. Show love to those who are around you and by doing that you also show your love to Jesus. For those who have enemies have peace with them, say I love you and give a hug to those who love you, give things from the bottom of your heart and lastly give thanks to the Lord.

                Have a Merry Christmas Everyone! :D

Unfortunately, It Came

                Decades have passed and weather changes in every season and countries strive hard to achieve economical progress. Climate change might be as normal as it was before, but now it’s different. Sadly most of us don’t care. Some are focused on the present on what they need to do to succeed, but did they care for the future of us children?

                Climate change might be caused by biotic processes, solar radiation, plate tectonics, volcanic eruption these are all normal but addition of human activities would worsen it. Climate change nowadays  is faster. There are days of summer that is rainy, days of winter that is hot and days of spring that is windy.

                Why? Simply is all because of global warming that is increasing rapidly. Increased is caused by us. While U.S. and China and other countries are busy racing to the top, they race also to claim who is better in emitting green house gases.

                Unfortunately who is suffering now? A typhoon called Haiyan struck the Visayas part of the Philippines and killed thousands of people. This was connected to climate change. Storm surge were as big as tsunamis and winds that acted like tornadoes. Who would survive if there was no building that has two or three floors? Maybe the estimated death of ten thousand people would be correct.

                However typhoons like Haiyan only serves as an early warning to us. We should definitely change our ways.

               

Stay Connected Through English

                A long time ago, English was already becoming common worldwide. British or English colonization brought the language to each and every nation. Due to modernization nowadays and worldwide communication, there is a need of an international language, English.

                In politics, nation leaders tend to easily understand and communicate to each other because of the use of only one language instead of using their own mother tongue which will bring misunderstanding to one another. Imagine there would be no English considered as the universal language, there would be no united organizations of nations such as the UN. What will happen if this comes true? Simply there would be chaos.

                In entertainment, even if we lived in the Pacific region we still appreciate the English songs and shows. If America likes this movie, same true as the Filipinos who watched it. There wouldn’t be probably international bands visiting us if there was no English as the universal language.

                In business or the industry, it is very important to have a good communication with your client or investor. It is nice to communicate with fellow countrymen because we have our own mother tongues but what if we try to clients in other nations. Chances of getting more income will fly away. So English is very important.

                So we need English to stay global. We need to stay tuned and we need it to understand and stay connected worldwide.

New Hope For Success

            Did you ever gave up for once in your entire life? Is not bad to give up but at least it could be great to try again. Any disappointment in life for me is a boost of confidence to fight back and make a silent revenge. But after you’ve done it, is it enough?

            First quarter was a heartbreaking period for me in my high school life. My first time not to step on the stage that every student wants to. After knowing the result of rankings, I reflected to myself. What did I do wrong? What bad move did I make?

            First thought was, my time management was wrong this quarter. I shouldn’t have focused my time on being the president of my club. I also admit it was hard to balance responsibilities and studies. When there was a new lesson I am out of the classroom doing my job.

            Second thought was too much extra-curricular activities. The time we went for the regional Science Fair, I only wanted to focus my mind on what am I going to do to make us win. Unfortunately we were unlucky on this contest.

            Knowing that I was on the eleventh place I strived hard to have recitations. I doubled all my work in all my subjects. However, is it enough? I think so it would be, at least I did all my best. Good luck to me. 

Heroes Duty

            Who are the ones that welcomed you and guided you in entering a world of adventure, discovery and reality? Was it worth it, or are their efforts enough for us? Can you imagine life would be, without these kind of heroes? Well the truth is life would be…..

            It all started when we took our first step entering the school. They showed us the door of the room where we will learn how to speak well, read books and write sentences. They taught us how to deal with problems in life it might be small or big. They showed us how to be brave, be strong, and be responsible to our actions.

            Did you ever had a teacher who scolded you because of doing nothing? It would be a great experience having one. A teacher who wants you to try and have mistakes. Then he you had a mistake he will correct it. Which is his role as a teacher.

            Did you also had a teacher that doesn’t treat you as his student but as his/her friend? It would be fun having one. Imagine a teacher like this, a teacher that can bond with you. A teacher where you can share your crushes, relationships and problems.

            There are more kinds of teachers in this world. It would be nice to encounter all of them. Without them we would be nothing. Without them we would never reach what we dream for. Life would be great beside them life is miserable without them. A heroes duty is not only to serve but also to love the persons were he renders his service.

All at Once!!

            For all these years that we crave for new inventions, di we care on what’s going to happen next? I’m pretty sure you still enjoy playing with these inventions or maybe using them for easier life. However. Did anyone of us tried to reverse the flow of modern life?

            Imagine life working by hands with no aide of any gadgets or robots. It may be hard though but admit it that it would be fun. Can you tell the difference between a call center agent and a man who makes pots or jars? It is easier to be a call center agent because all you need is a good voice and great communication skills, but in the end of the day it is much enjoyable to be in the situation of the man who makes pots and jars.

            Imagine life playing outside with friends. The sad thing now is, most children prefer to play inside their houses and go online. Through the internet they meet their friends and play with them. Outdoor games is much more fun and children like me will avoid undue fatigue. Skills can also be developed in playing outdoor games.

            What if we try to invent things without destroying our environment? It is possible nowadays. Many scientists already built some. The problem now is the publicity of these works. Some were invented but were bought by big companies to keep the inventors mouth shut. Unity is what we need to support these actions. And as science students we should try also to invent eco-friendly materials. All at once we should fuse up our minds and lift up what others started.

            

Modern Day Hero

                      Almost all of us say that modern day heroes are those that work with dignity and the will to help and share the blessings he has. In times of calamities they are the ones who put their lives into the lines just to save others. Fireman, policeman, soldiers teachers and volunteers.
                      A hero inspires someone to be like him, even if not exactly like him. A basketball player always inspire me. He is Michael Jordan. When he was still in his prime age of playing the sport, he never stopped dreaming. He always gives his best. In practices he takes it seriously that his teammates could feel the game with the desire to win. He was an effective leader, he inspired his teammates to play hard/work hard and to play as one. His mistakes were just his foundation in getting his NBA title.
                      I always wanted to be like him. I admit that I am not good in basketball but I just want to be like him. I want to have the attitude he has. I should always do my best in everything I do, no matter how hard it may be. I want to lead like him. I want to be a person who gives inspiration to others. That's all I wanted to do all this time. I hope I will be successful.

Filipino: Wikang Mahal Ko

            Buwan ng wika nanaman. It’s the time again for us to celebrate, what we treasure as Filipinos. We always know that every country has their own language that they use. Only one general tongue is used for them to understand and be easily united on the things they do.

            For example; you are a Filipino and you went to Spain, you noticed that it was very awkward for you to use our own language. Even if you use the international language it would still be very hard to communicate to them. If you can’t understand it would be a great advantage for them.

            However, if we practice using our own language we can stand as one and be the prime movers. With unity our country will succeed again.

            Some say; “ ang wika ay ang ating tulay para umunlad muli ang ating bansa.” I strongly agree on what they say. If we all use tagalog we will understand well each other. No one would misinterpret what someone said. No one would treat each other as a person. No one would be higher or lower on their state of being.

            Our language can be our weapon and our shield in preventing other nations to invade us. They can invade us by means of music and books. We can fight this kind of invasion by improving our Original Pilipino Music (OPM) songs and by publishing more tagalog books that people would appreciate.

            It is not too late to do what is needed to be done. Use our own language, let’s fight for what is right.

Nothing is Easy

                After a long vacation, this first quarter is another kick start for this school year, a year of preparation for college life. There were new things I learned or discovered. Being a leader in the school and a senior student, it was a little bit hard to learn new things. With the help of some teachers and fellow students I accomplished most of my work with no failure.

                As a senior student I still have a problem with this two subjects; Math and English. I don’t know what the real reason is but I think it is because I can’t adjust on how the two teachers teach. I am not used to the way they teach so I end up unsatisfied after every lesson. Another problem I have is I don't know how to balance my school works, contest practices and my review for college admission tests in the course that I want.

                It is not easy to adjust but I really need to. I know that it would be better for me if would ask help to my fellow classmates or talk to the teacher. My solution for my second problem is only; time management. It is not too late to apply time management. It’s time for me to throw unnecessary activities away and focus on my goal. My goal of achieving and preparing for my future.

                Now as the second quarter starts it is time for me to show what I really have. I may have been discouraged a little bit this first quarter, I know I still have it inside the heart of a true Filipino that never gives up on challenges in his life.

State of the Nation Address (SONA)

Since the time of president Ferdinand Marcos and Cory Aquino there was always this yearly report they make for the nation to know the state of our country. Before, even if the Martial Law was still ongoing, President Marcos still gave his SONA. So it became a tradition for us to always hear the yearly report of our president.

July 22, 2013 President Benigno Aquino III gave his State of the Nation Address. As usual he reported the achievements of his administration. In education, agriculture, preparation for calamities, Social Security System to police behavior and many more, P-Noy told us that there was a big change of improvement in our government and nation.

               

Since our government is correcting all the bad projects of the last administration. It is really hard for now to expect that we would wake up considering our country a tiger nation. I have realized that funds for the armed forces of the Philippines cannot support our defenses like having fighter jets. Our president explained that the aerial defenses needs more than 30 billion pesos to make up a full squadron. A squadron is not enough. Facilities for navigation or radar bases are not included in that 30 billion pesos.

                 

I salute our president for investing the funds of AFP for the housing of our policemen and military personnel.  He said that if we want to make our AFP to have enough naval and aerial defenses like ships and fighter jets we would end up spending all our money on this things and nothing will be left for our needs during calamities and education for example.

Our only hope now is for having peaceful ties with big countries like China and America. Right now, because of the issue of China claiming that they own some parts in our territory. For us to survive we need the help of our allied nations like the United States. However, we need to start building a foundation for our countries defenses and it will be continued by other generations.

Letter to Our President

Dear Mr. President,

                I am Raymund a student in Ilocos Sur National High School. I am also a leader like you but I only hold a club in our school. I am a person who likes reading books and watching movies. I am one of those persons who wants change and freedom in our country.

                After watching the movie Abraham Lincoln: the Vampire Hunter, I’ve visualized what kind of leader we need for this country to progress and be free from ropes that ties us with big countries like China and the United States. A leader that wants every citizen to be treated fare. No one is richer in his eyes and no one is poor because of his actions and plans for them.

                Mr. President I want to congratulate you for doing a good job. These past years you served in our country you’ve done changes that improved the status of it. Abused government employees were given disciplinary actions. The former president accused for plundering is now in a hospital arrest. I think the nation is now in that right road you always say we need to set foot.

                Although you’ve done a good job in punishing abuse government employees, the freedom of our country is still unreachable. Many of us are really craving for freedom. The rights of children and women are still being abused by persons who don’t have hearts. Companies that are claiming that they own a portion of land in this certain place but the real truth is that the land was given by the ancestors of the settlers in that place. Some of this settlers are part of an ethnic group. Foreigners that are settling in our country that build businesses are sometimes abusing our natural resources. I’ve always loved the agenda of one of our past presidents which is “Filipino First.”

                Why is it that if other countries needs our help our country is immediately giving millions of money for calamity victims in that country? If our fellow countrymen is in need of help because of a disaster that struck their place, the action of the government is slow.

                I now actions are better than words, but what if you inspire your fellow politicians and countrymen to change by using both words and actions. You said before that we are your “boss” then find a solution to problems that needed to be solved right now. Use your time to lead. Share the same dream in making our nation a better one. Let everyone know that we need to be kind to each other.  

“Hunger and Nutrition, Let Us End it Together!”

                Celebrating the nutrition month yearly became a tradition for the department of education and a successful action for the National Nutrition Council (NNC). Different themes with one vision, which is to improve nutrition in our country. This month of July is going to be a month full of fun, learning and improving skills to students like us.

                When I was still a kid, I feel so blessed that I was born in a country rich in natural resources. Until one day I woke up and suddenly knew the true state of our nation. People in rural areas are taking chances in going to big cities for work but only to find out that in the end they would end up on the streets begging for food. This has been one of the true reason why there is hunger and lack of nutrition in our country.

Encountering the theme for this year’s nutrition month for the first time made me think that it is not very interesting to hear. As days passed by, I became interested onto knowing the aims of this year’s nutrition month. After knowing the aims I reflected for minutes and concluded that we really need to act now. Even if we are only students we can encourage government agencies, NGOs, private sectors, civil society organizations and communities to contribute in fighting hunger and malnutrition.

For so long, our government has been trying to solve hunger issues in our country and it is not easy. However we need to advocate now for stronger political actions. Local government units sometimes lack in their services when it comes to health and nutrition of their community. We really need to wake them up. We all deserve to have a good nutrition and as citizens we need also to help/do our part.

A man once said to me; if you are blessed don’t be selfish, help those who are in need there will come a time that your actions will be followed by others. Then he added: because others followed your community will improve, soon the whole nation.