be the change

As I look around the world today, it's clear that change is desperately needed. Societies are grappling with issues such as inequality, injustice, and environmental degradation. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and wonder if anything can truly make a difference. However, I firmly believe that change starts with me.

Every individual has the power to initiate change in their own lives and the lives of those around them. By taking responsibility for our actions and choices, we can set an example for others and inspire them to do the same. It is a personal journey that requires self-reflection, determination, and a commitment to making a positive impact.

First and foremost, change starts with me in how I treat others. I believe in the power of empathy and kindness. By approaching people with understanding and compassion, I can create an environment that fosters cooperation and harmony. Small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect, spreading positivity and prompting others to act in a similar manner. Whether it's offering a helping hand to someone in need or simply listening attentively to a friend, these actions can make a significant difference in someone's life.

Furthermore, change starts with me in how I choose to live sustainably and protect the environment. The choices I make as a consumer, such as reducing my carbon footprint, recycling, and supporting eco-friendly initiatives, contribute to a healthier planet. By embracing sustainable practices and encouraging others to do the same, I can help preserve our natural resources for future generations. Each individual's commitment to environmental stewardship can collectively create a significant impact on the health of our planet.

Change also starts with me in challenging social norms and advocating for equality. By educating myself about different cultures, experiences, and perspectives, I can develop a broader understanding of the world. I can actively combat discrimination and injustice by speaking out against them, promoting inclusivity, and supporting organizations that champion equality. Through respectful dialogue and a willingness to learn, I can contribute to a more tolerant and equitable society.

Moreover, change starts with me in my personal growth and development. By constantly seeking knowledge, embracing new ideas, and honing my skills, I can become a better version of myself. Personal growth not only benefits me but also enables me to have a more significant impact on the world around me. By striving for excellence, I can inspire others to pursue their dreams and aspirations.

Each one of us has the power to make a difference through our actions, choices, and attitudes. By treating others with kindness, living sustainably, challenging social norms, and investing in personal growth, we can create a positive ripple effect that extends far beyond ourselves. Instead of waiting for change to come from external forces, let us embrace the responsibility and be the catalysts for the change we wish to see in the world. Together, we can make a significant difference and create a brighter future for all. 

If we want change, it starts with ourselves.

Reference : Jordan, B. (2020, December 4). brown wooden blocks on white surface. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/JD0D-lReHFE

super mom

Mother's Day is a special occasion that holds immense significance for me, as it provides an opportunity to express my gratitude and appreciation for the unwavering love and support of my mother. However, as the daughter of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), celebrating this day can be challenging due to the distance between us. 

Mother's Day is a celebration of motherhood and the sacrifices and hard work that go into raising a family. It is a day to honor and appreciate the countless ways that mothers provide care, support, and guidance to their children. For me, Mother's Day is a time to reflect on the profound impact my mother has had on my life and express my gratitude for her love and devotion.

Being the daughter of an OFW, celebrating Mother's Day can be bittersweet. While I am grateful for the sacrifices my mother makes to provide for our family, I also miss her terribly, especially on special occasions like Mother's Day. Her absence can make it difficult to fully celebrate and express our appreciation.

Despite the distance, my family and I make it a priority to celebrate Mother's Day together. This year, my father, sister, and I decided to have lunch together and reminisce about all the cherished memories we have with our mother. Although my mother was not physically present, we felt her love and presence with us through our memories and the stories we shared.

Celebrating Mother's Day also serves as an opportunity to honor the sacrifices my mother has made as an OFW. She works tirelessly to provide for our family, and we are forever grateful for her dedication and hard work. While we cannot fully repay her for all that she has done for us, celebrating Mother's Day allows us to express our appreciation and gratitude for all that she does.

Mother's Day is more than just a holiday; it is a reminder to appreciate and cherish the love and sacrifice of our mothers. It is a day to reflect on their unwavering support and dedication and express our gratitude for all that they do. Even though celebrating Mother's Day with an OFW mother can be challenging, it is essential to make the effort to honor and celebrate them.

To all mothers out there, Happy Mother's Day ! 

araw ng paggawa

Labor Day holds immense significance to me as it serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles and triumphs of laborers across various industries. I deeply understand the significance of this day and the pressing need to address the issue of unequal treatment faced by laborers.

Labor Day represents more than just a day off work; it symbolizes the collective efforts of workers who have fought tirelessly for fair treatment, improved working conditions, and equitable rights. It serves as a reminder of the accomplishments of the labor movement and its ongoing mission to advocate for the well-being and dignity of all workers.

Labor Day is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of laborers in shaping the fabric of our society. From farmers and factory workers to healthcare professionals and service providers, every laborer plays a vital role in the functioning of our communities and the progress of our nation. Their hard work and dedication deserve acknowledgement and appreciation.

Despite the progress made, it is crucial to acknowledge the persistence of unequal treatment among laborers. Many workers continue to face challenges such as low wages, lack of job security, inadequate benefits, and unsafe working conditions. This disparity not only undermines the well-being of individuals and families but also hampers the overall progress of society.

Labor Day serves as a call to action, urging us to address the inequities faced by laborers. It reminds us of the need to advocate for fair wages, safe working environments, and equal opportunities for career growth. It is a day to stand in solidarity with laborers and support efforts to eliminate discrimination, exploitation, and the marginalization of workers from all backgrounds.

Labor Day provides an ideal moment to express our gratitude to the laborers who contribute to our daily lives and the prosperity of our communities. Whether through words of appreciation, acts of kindness, or supporting fair labor practices, we can show solidarity with workers and contribute to a more just and equitable society.

Labor Day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles and accomplishments of laborers. Let us use Labor Day as a catalyst for action, striving to create a society where every laborer is treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. Together, we can build a future where the laborer's contributions are truly valued and celebrated.

Sa lahat ng mga manggagawang Pilipino, Happy Labor's Day! 

Saludo ako sainyo! 

only one quarter left to go

We have one more quarter before we start senior high school. The first week of the third quarter seems to have just passed. While this quarter is different from the previous two, it is also harder. One of my favorite memories from my time in grade 10 is going on a rollercoaster during the weeks of third quarter. Despite the fact that our subject is challenging to comprehend and that several of our lecturers are sometimes absent due to a variety of significant circumstances, it is a race against time.

Reflecting on my performance during quarter 3, I am proud of my accomplishments but also recognize areas where I could improve. One of the biggest challenges I faced during this quarter was the fact that my teachers were not always present, making it difficult to study and learn effectively.

Despite this obstacle, I managed to maintain good scores and complete all of my assignments to the best of my abilities. However, I know that I could have done even better if I had more support and guidance from my teachers. Without their presence in the classroom, I often found myself struggling to understand certain topics and concepts.

To overcome this challenge, I had to be proactive in seeking out additional resources and support. I turned to online tutorials and videos to supplement my learning, and I sought help from my peers when I needed it. I also made an effort to communicate with my teachers when they were available, asking questions and seeking feedback on my work.

Looking ahead, I know that I need to continue to be proactive in my learning and seek out additional resources to supplement my education. I also recognize the importance of communicating with my teachers and seeking their support when I need it.

Despite the challenges I faced during quarter 3, I am proud of my accomplishments and am determined to continue to grow and improve as a student. I know that with hard work and dedication, I can overcome any obstacle and achieve my goals.

What the upcoming quarter has in store excites me. Junior high will soon come to an end as there is only one quarter left to go. 

Babushhh Quarter 3, Salamuch!!

 

lenten season !

The Lenten season is a significant time for Christians worldwide, and it is a time of reflection, penance, and spiritual renewal. In the Philippines, many schools and universities observe a week-long break during this season, giving students an opportunity to focus on their faith and participate in religious activities.

During this break, I decided to take the opportunity to observe the Lenten season in a more meaningful way. Last Holy Saturday, I went to church to light up candles and ask for forgiveness for my sins. The solemn atmosphere of the church, combined with the flickering candles, created an atmosphere of introspection and spirituality.

The following day, I and my family decided to take a trip to Pagudpud, a scenic coastal town in the northern part of the Philippines. The trip was an opportunity for me to connect with nature, appreciate God's creation, and reflect on the meaning of the Lenten season.

As I strolled along the pristine beaches and admired the rugged cliffs, I was reminded of God's infinite power and wisdom. I felt humbled and grateful to be alive and to witness the wonders of his creation. The trip was a powerful reminder of the importance of gratitude, humility, and mindfulness in the Christian life.

Lenten season is a time of introspection, reflection, and spiritual renewal, and it is essential for us to take the opportunity to observe this season in a meaningful way. Whether it is through lighting candles in church or taking a trip to appreciate God's creation, we should use this time to grow closer to God and recommit ourselves to living a holy and righteous life. The Lenten season is an opportunity to reflect on the blessings that we have received and the actions that we can take to improve ourselves and help others.

bongga !

 ISNHS has been celebrating its high school day since 1902, which has been jam-packed with enjoyable events and programs. As the day goes on, it is the day that is enjoyed by the professors, students, and visitors. It hosts occasions including palaro, talent shows, award ceremonies, and speeches. Due to the pandemic, ISNHS's high school day was postponed in 2019. The students may be seen rehearsing their original acts for the high school day celebration on the field every day from the morning till the afternoon. Everything was set up, but then it was abruptly cancelled. Though, guess what?

Ilocos Sur National High School was finally able to commemorate its 121st high school day on March 25, 2023, with the theme "Renewed Commitment in Defying Odds to Transcend Heights of Excellence and Solidarity." The occasion was joyful and happy as the program progressed, after nearly three years of waiting. The day began with a solemn mass, where students and faculty members gathered to give thanks for the blessings of the past school year. The mass was a moment of reflection and contemplation, as we looked back on the challenges and accomplishments of the school year. It was also a moment of prayer and gratitude, as we gave thanks for the guidance and support that we received from God and our teachers. After the mass, the event moved on to the awarding ceremony. The awarding ceremony was a moment of recognition for the retirees, teachings, and non-teachings staffs. It was a proud moment for the awardees, as they received recognition for their hard work and dedication. 

The festival dances were also a highlight of the event. The Grade 9 students showcased their talent and creativity through their colorful and energetic festival dances. The Grade 10 students, on the other hand, wowed the audience with their impressive hip-hop performance. 

My favorite part of a high school day is when we perform our exquisitely dance piece. Our day was complete when we heard the raucous applause. The fact that the finish was seamless, in my opinion, is what matters most. . This experience will always be a treasured and everlasting memory for me.

 

empowered women !

As March rolls in, it marks the start of Women's Month - a time to celebrate and appreciate women from all walks of life. Women's Month is a time to acknowledge the significant contributions that women have made historically and are still making today in a variety of disciplines, and it’s a time to celebrate and honor the contributions of women throughout history. From political leaders to artists and activists, women have played a critical role in shaping our society and advancing the cause of equality.

As we commemorate National Women’s Month, it’s important to reflect on the progress that has been made in the fight for gender equality, and also to acknowledge the work that still needs to be done. Women continue to face significant barriers to equality in many areas, including education, employment, and healthcare.

One of the most important ways that we can support women’s rights is by promoting gender equity in all areas of society. This means working to ensure that women have access to the same opportunities as men, including education and employment, and that they are treated fairly and with respect in the workplace and in their personal lives.

It’s also important to recognize the unique challenges that women face, such as the gender wage gap, maternal mortality rates, and gender-based violence. We can all do our part to address these issues by supporting policies and programs that promote women’s rights and by speaking out against gender discrimination and inequality.