A Christmas Message To All

Christmas, they say, is the season for giving and sharing. With the terms giving and sharing, it do not mean that you need to buy the most luxurious gifts for your family or friends. It's about the willingness to give and share a part of your life, a part of your well-being, a part of yourself. The season is a way to remind us about the real meaning of Christmas itself - that sharing is caring.

Back in our childhood days, we would ask for gifts from our Ninongs and Ninangs: toys, coins, foods. All these things made us so happy that we didn't care about anything else. Now that we're grown up, a simple hug and kiss from our parents, close relatives and bestfriends would mean a lot. We always knew that being with them is still the best way to celebrate Christmas. 

Between life and death, there are many obstacles an individual must overcome. At one point, we would just let ourselves drop on our knees because of so much stress, of so much suffering. There are these critical times when we were next to giving up, letting every sliver of hope go. From simple mistakes to our total failure, sometimes, we even wish we could just disappear into dust. 

But amidst all those dark moments when problems seem to suffocate us and natural forces ruin our lives, we still have sweet, happy moments to hang on to - having quality time with love ones, accomplishing a job, attaining an ultimate goal,finding the answer to long-asked question, and achieving victory. And more than that, there's this day wherein we feel like celebrating all our hardships and sacrifices for the whole year and for a while, forget all the worries and troubles that are on our ways. 

There may be those less fortunate people who can't afford to get a new dress or have something to feast on, we may be one of those people. But we are STRONG. We cannot let any obstacle spoil the happiest time ogf the year. Every one of us deserves a 'Merry' Christmas.

Just remember our common goal: "Give love on Christmas day." Say "I love you" to your family, to your friends, to your collegues. For these three powerful words can heal everyon's heart. Don't merely say it; let them feel it. And most of all, express your love and gratitude to the Lord, for He is really the source of pure and divine love - the true essence of Christmas.

Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR! :)

Think Before You Act

“Climate change is a long-term shift in weather conditions identified by changes in temperature, precipitation, winds, and other indicators.”

Today’s world is now bombarded with predictions thru climate change. These predictions are utilized in the construction of informations regarding the future. The knowledge it gives us is legit, not like those which are seen on crystal balls, because the informations are based on science. There are suspicions regarding the predictions but the fact that it says that the Earth’s sea water level will rise because of the melting of glaciers and the heating of the atmosphere is of a bit doubtful. Though these were scientifically formulated, we should always put in mind that they are not exempted to change even though they are not speculations nor opinions.

The earthly problems we are encountering now are almost all due to climate change. High temperature, many typhoons, skin diseases due to UV Rays etc.
What are the causes of climate change by the way?
*Natural causes: changes in volcanic activity, solar output, the Earth's orbit around the sun
*Human causes: burning of fossil fuels, conversion of land for forestry and agriculture
*Short-lived and long-lived climate forcers: sulphate aerosols, excessive emissions of harmful gases, carbon dioxide

How about the effects of climate change?
*higher temperature, changing landscapes, wildlife at risk, rising seas, increase risk of drought, fire, and floods, stronger storms and increase storm damage, more heat related illness and diseases, economic loss

See? Its effects outnumbers its causes. With a single mistake, its impact on our environment multiplies.

I know that most of us have the knowledge about the change of climate. Actually, it offers us oppurtunities. And we must evaluate them regarding the risks. We have the responsibility. Yes. Which is to act...

Green your community!
Be energy Efficient!
Trim your waste!
Get informed!
Get involved!
Let polluters pay!



“The science of climate change and the use of science-based predictions has, however, extended far from realm of science. If the predictions of climate change are fundamentally correct, then the change in the climate will impact every continent, every region, every nation, every person on Earth. If the attribution of climate change to the combustion of fossil fuels is correct, our use of energy and our economic success contribute directly to a changing climate. Therefore every component of human endeavor has a vested interest in the climate change problem. Therefore, every component of human endeavor has a vested interest in the predictions of environmental parameters and the uncertainties of those predictions.”


Helpful Reference(s):
http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/urgentissues/global-warming-climate-change/threats-impacts/
http://www.climatechange.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=65CD73F4-1

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Bridging the Gap Through Language

As communication creeps on the terrain under our feet, the need for global language is inevitable. It must be understood by people everywhere. There is a language which is highly recognized around the world. English. Yes, it is.

"Developing excellent communication skills is absolutely essential to effective leadership. The leader must be able to share knowledge and ideas to transmit a sense of urgency and enthusiasm to others. If a leader can't get a message across clearly and motivate others to act on it, then having a message doesn't even matter." A quote from Gilbert Amelio. Before we could develop a skill, specifically on communication, we need to learn the language first.

Good communication is a primary factor on the success of a transaction. It is an important ingredient not only in business but also in terms of relationships around the world.

It estimated that more than 1 billion people speak the English language whether as a native language, or as foreign/secondary one. It has also become a language used by the majority of the countries today.

To make communication really global, we have to let the English language slither into our veins. We must practice the use of it every single day. Thus, number of mis-translations will be reduced. Communications between variety of culturees will be easier.

"English is the only language used in international air traffic control and is virtually the only language of a whole range of other activities from scientific research to pop music."

English might not be the bet of all tongues, but it sure is the best. So, hand in hand let’s make  communication be effective by utilizing and developing the English Language in our daily lives.

Different Yet Equal

In the eyes of the Lord, we are equal. We were born bestowed with the earthly blessings given by Him. There were no richer and poorer, stronger and weaker.

Equality is roughly about treating people fairly despites the circumstances that might hinder them with regards to relationships that takes cycle in the society.

Around the world, anywhere you go, anywhere you lay your eyes, inequality takes place. 

Be it in the case of Men and Women, skin colours, varying Nationalities, and also in business.

In the actual community we are living in, there are the so called grounds  which are said to be the bases of discrimination which elevates inequality. The first one is age. Situations on this case are seen mostly on job applications. They justify capabilities according to age, and it shouldn’t be. According to Equal Opportunity Policy, age diversity is appropriate and practicable. Another one is disability. Disabled people experience so much with this unjustified discrimination. They suffer not only due to their physical disability but also social disability which pertains to the attitude of people towards them. These attitudes then create margins or borders on the access of this disabled persons on full human rights.

The fact that gender is also tackled by discrimination can’t be escaped. Roles in the society were assigned different to men and women. But, it is a verity that different doesn’t mean unequal, and equality is not equivalent to likeness. Women are observed to be discriminated mostly on lifestyle and on job applications and they are more likely to experience economic disadvantage, violence, and alienation.

Those are just some of the cases visible straightaway in only few steps within the walls of our homes.

In business, there are some instances where clients are discriminated due to several reasons.

“We strive to earn the respect and confidence of our clients, customers and

suppliers and to maintain high standards for their benefit. We are

committed to treating them fairly and with dignity and respect, making

adjustments to support broader participation within the context of our objectives.”

(A statement from BRITISH COUNCIL  EQUAL OPPORTUNITY POLICY) A must to implement on the thinking of every businessman.

The cry of equality is a form of corruption to the very concept of “rights” itself.  There are policies reprimanded to seek the rights of every individual. Everyone must enforce these to achieve the core objectives of such policies. Let’s not make individual differences be the reason for inequality.

We have every second, every minute, every hour and every day to restore sanity in the world where light is called darkness and darkness is mistaken for light.  

ICT Lores II

     This grading is one of the most challenging gradings I've ever encountered. I was bothered by the overlapping activities in our school: Science club, Solidarity, Filipino club, etc. But of course, I'm sure that there's something left in my mind.

     In this subject, we entered the world of HTML or the Hypertext Mark Up Language. Just by the topic itself, it triggered my creative juices to come out. I am very much interested especially because it has something to do with the internet.

     First, we took up the different tags. We were able to differentiate stand alone and container tag. Next, we had exercises using the posts we had. At first, I find it boring - doing the exercises. Then, as we went deeper and did more different tags, my nerves were again awakened. After the exercises, we had lectures regarding the different attributes which we might apply in making our web designs. The last activity we had was so confusing. I felt sorry for m eyes. But, it's worth it. I finished our activity properly.

    In the next grading, I am expecting for more complex but interesting activities where I could learn things I might use in the near future.

Teachers: Real-life Heroes

For teens like me, it's a fact that we've  been spending most of our time in school, right? We meet many people , friends, teachers, strangers, etc., whomever we treat like family.

Our generation is known to have this people who are appealing to the senses or mind through beauty. With these characters, some even trended some superheroes; Batman, Captain America, Superman, many more.. Then, these heroes amused eyes of many by their enthusiastic characteristics. But, if to me you'd ask who my hero is, I'd answer you plainly with, "My Teacher."

Since 3, I already started schooling. Thus, at an early age, I've been dealing with heroes; real-life heroes. I would like to talk up about the teacher who have influenced me most in my stay at Ilocos Sur National High School.

She's my hero, at the same time my idol. She did not spend our time just taking up lessons, lessons, and lessons. She is very strict with regards to discipline. It's good. I understand that, because she's training me, or us, to be future leaders. "A good leader is a good follower". This is the line she often tell the class whenever she notices that some isn't doing their assigned jobs well. She withstand words she foretold..... enough with 'us'.

Ever since high school, I didn't have enough courage to recite, which I guess is the problem with me. I might know the answer but, I don't voice 'em out. I just speak to myself. It's like 'WOW.'. It's like wow, how now, I already have enough courage to recite. I thank my teacher, Mrs. Cacal, so much. It might not be that big deal for some, but for me ,it is. She'd taught me a lot with regards to leadership and also to life. If I'd list down everything, I guess it would end you up a day reading.

I feel very lucky to have had a teacher like her and also, a second mother.

HAPPY TEACHERS DAY to all Real-life Heroes out there! :D

"Unravel the Causes, Build the Solutions, Empower Science Clubbers into Action"

When I hear the Science Club Celebration's theme, I see a picture of two buildings in my mind: one is high and the other one is the size of it's half.

The higher, the black one, is marked "causes". The is said to be supplying the Earth's veins, of course with negativity. This building's structure was made of wrong deeds. As people hurt and pollute the environment, the building goes higher creating more black fluids going to different areas on all parts of the world.

The lower, the green one is marked "solutions". The building was constructed with good actions- efforts of people in preserving the beauty of mother nature.

As told, the higher one is the black, and the lower one is the green. Hence, the causes are more than the solutions. The green one struggles with the black. How can the green fight with it? 
We - our actions - are the creators of these imaginary buildings. Therefore, it's in our hands.We have to make things right. We must make the green one higher until it overcomes and unwinds the black one, and finally, it'll dominate the veins supplying earthly blessings in the world. Hand in hand, we can make it happen!

My Man of Steel

        When people meet the word "hero", they often see pictures of superhumans having extraordinary powers and saving people from villains. Me, when I hear the it, in my mind, I see my father. He is my man of steel since birth. He is a positive influence to me and also to other people. 

        No one can beat his super powers. He exhibits heroism in a way that he loves without expecting for something in return. He is known for his kindness and generosity. He toils each day for our future and to make us experience every single thing that their own childhood lacked.

       My only wish is that someday, I would be able to repay him for all he has done and continues to do for our family. 

Filipino Language: The Bridge Towards Progress

A bridge is a structure connecting two or more lands separated by other bodies. This can also be a thing, a person, experience or event that enables things to be hooked with one another.

Mainit sa radyo, telebisyon, at pati na rin sa diyaryo ang mga suliraning dulot ng hindi pagkakaintindihan. Saan man lumingon, nakikita ang gulong dulot nito. Kung ang mga magkakapamilyang may iisang wika’y nagkakaroon ng sigalot na kadalasang umaabot sa kitilan ng buhay, ano pa kaya sa pagitan ng iba’t-ibang rehiyon, relihiyon, lalawigan, pulo, at grupo na bumubuo sa Pilipinas? Paano uunlad ang isang bansa kung ang anggulong ito ang naghahari?

Sa aklat ni Rizal na pinamagatang El Filibusterismo, nabatid ng tauhang si Basilio na ang Wikang Kastila ang siyang magbubuklod-buklod sa mga pulo ng Pilipinas. Upang maiwasan ang hindi pagkakaunawaan, ang pagkakaroon ng pambansang wika ang pinakamatibay na tulay upang maisaayos at maiwasan ang mga suliraning maari nitong maidulot. Kung may iisang wika sa isang bansa, mas madaling maipabatid ng bawat mamayan ang kanilang mga saloobin sa kapwa, sila man ay nabibilang sa iisang grupo o hindi. Kung may kaliwanagan sa bawat salitang binibitawan ng tao, at kasing-aliwalas naman nitong darating sa tenga ng nakikinig, mas maayos at mas mapayapa ang lipunan.

Hindi lamang sa Kriminolohiya magbibigay ng pag-unlad ang pagkakaroon ng iisang wika. Maaapektuhan rin nito ang ekonomiya ng bansa. Sa kalakalan, mahalaga ang pagkakaintindihan. Kung may malinaw na pagmumungkahi rito, mas maganda, mas mabilis at mas maayos ang daloy ng negosyo.

Filipino language will serve as the bridge to our country’s developments. If a country is peaceful and its economy is growing constantly, no doubt for reforms to take place. So, to all Filipinos out there, study, learn and use our National language properly. Hand in hand, let us build and strengthen the bridge towards progress!

ICT Lores

"Every start has it its end." The closure of the first grading period is fast approaching.
During the first quarter, on the subject ICT, I learned deeper informations regarding internet: history, personalities, and its major components.

In history, I learned the dates and advancement of internet throughout 19th century. Contributors on its reforms were also tackled, Filipinos and even Foreigners. In its components I figured out how web servers and web browsers work together. I was also able to recall the different data types found on the internet.

We also made our blogs. Though I find it hard to make a good essay in just a night or two, I took it as a challenge. So, for me to do better, I read articles, books, and magazines more often. I can say that it helped not only me, but all of us.

In the previous years, we were used to submit assignments anytime of the week. This year, our teachers are training us to be more obedient. Especially in the subject ICT. She doesn't accept late assignments. I like it that way. And it is, indeed, for us to be more responsible to things we are assigned to do.

As far as this period, I can already conclude that ICT is not just a training ground for us to be future entrepreneurs/ITs but also for us to be better students and citizens of the society.

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State Of the Nation Address (Reaction)

     President Benigno Aquino's 4th State of the Nation Address was delivered last July 22, 2013 at the Senate. It is considered the longest SONA in post-1986. It took him approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to deliver it.

     He spoke on the improvements of Philippines specifically on the achievements made, allied from his previous SONA.

     Some says it's simple yet meaningful, others say it's quite long and boring. Though lengthy, he still lacked to tackle deeper issues regarding the theme of his address and concerns that really matter. In his speech, no job declaration was mentioned. Proven by some analysts, he also did not have a say on human rights. The fuming issue on political dynasty and the solutions on military disputes were not also mentioned. It also had clips which in fact is not affecting the majority.

     Most of his political promises are still in progress, some are done and gradual reforms are already visible, but some aren't given enough actions yet. It's true that leading a country and improving it do not take only one, two, or hundreds of days. I know it, and I'd consider that.

    Overall, the State of the Nation Address of Honorable President Benigno Aquino III was great. I am hoping that every word in there would be visible as soon as possible and that it will still continue even after his term.

Nutrition Month Celebration

 

DepEd celebrates Nutrition month, this July, with  the participation of all schools (private and public) nationwide. This year, the theme for the nutrition month is "Gutom at malnutrisyon, Sama-sama Nating Wakasan". 

Objectives of the 2013 Nutrition Month Celebration    

a) increase awareness on hunger issues and actions to mitigate hunger and malnutrition; 

b) encourage stakeholders to contribute in addressing hunger issues; and 

c) advocate for stronger political action to end hunger.

Poverty is the raging problem experienced by Filipinos. It brings a more serious obstacle for us to handle. It is famine which also leads to malnutrition . 

Financial problem is the number one cause by which people do not get enough food they need. Indolence, lack of job and knowledge, and unawareness are the main causes of poverty. So, for us to be able to solve the problem on malnutrition we need to get rid of the root of all these problems - poverty.

Everyone should be more diligent to attain higher standards of living. Also, the government should pay more attention and put more actions about the financial issues the country faces.

After solving the issue on poverty, the last thing needed is to be aware. 

Young as we are, we can help solve the problem on malnutrition with awareness. With this, we can encourage and inform other people regarding issues about health. So, let's all help end malnutrition progressively :) 

A Letter to the President

Honorable Pres. Benigno Simeon Aquino:

Greetings!

I am a student at Ilocos Sur National High School and I am deeply honored to have the chance to write you a letter. My views about governance pushed me in making this.

People usually blame a country's President about its economy. I know that people shouldn't think that way. Here is a situation I have cited: The President works well. His/Her Gabinet members work well. But how if the leaders below don't perform their duties as well? This is one of the reasons why smaller areas in our country do not feel the improvement of our economy. Leaders who do not perform their duties well and takes politics for popularity or fame shall be off service. 
Based from the Gross National Product of the Philippines, our economy is improving. But, how is it if we base it on the Per Capita Income? Can the improvement on our economy be gleaned? That's why it is very important that every part of our country should grow in terms of economy - and that has something to do with proper governance.
To whatever action you might put up unto this, thank you so much Sir.

Respectfully Yours,

Cherryl Utrera