Another roller coaster ride has finally come to an end

  

    The end of this school year is just around the corner, and it still feels unreal that we are about to survive four quarters or ten months of this schoolyear. Time really does fly so fast. This quarter has been quite challenging for me, and it's a relief that it's almost over, but it's also sad because I'm attached to my section, and the end of the school year means I won't be able to attend classes with the same fantastic classmates and adviser I have now. This quarter has taught me a lot of things, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to expand my knowledge and stretch my understanding. 

    As the school year comes to a close, I wanted to express sincere appreciation to everyone who made this year bearable. This year has had a lot of ups and downs, but your presence and support have made it tolerable, and even joyful at times. I would also like to thank our teachers. Your dedication, guidance, and patience have formed and enhanced our academic career. Thank you for teaching us, encouraging us, and believing in our abilities.

    Moving forward, I will apply the knowledge I have received from this quarter to succeed  and accomplish more in life.  And despite the difficulties I had, I was able to pick up lessons that are quite helpful in our daily lives. It will be difficult, but I know that it will help me become a better version of myself, so I will keep trying to do better. Indeed, this school year made my junior high school meaningful and extraordinary. Once again this is April Diane Fronda, a survivor of an incredible roller coaster ride who is eager to face another one in the future.

Life after a Decade

      What will I look like in ten years? What will I grow into? How about me as a person? What's where I'm at?. Well I can't really picture my future today as I'm still a young girl with undefined dreams but I do envision myself continuing to pursue a career in my chosen field in 10 years. 

      Accountancy is the course I’m planning to take in college, and I envision myself as an accountant who is also a law student in ten years. I would then aim to join a prominent law firm where I could use my education and experience to offer knowledgeable legal advice and assistance.

       In conclusion I'm grateful for every step that led me here and looking forward to the future that lies ahead. And I hope to see myself being content, capable, and motivated person. Keep in mind that despite the challenges you may face, with determination, hard effort, and a commitment in  whatever you do, you are still capable of achieving the goals you set for yourself.

Change Begins With You

    "Change starts with me”, the line highlights the part each individual plays in making a difference and bringing out positive change. It acknowledges that individual actions and decisions may have an impact on larger community or global changes. We may help create a better world by embracing our personal responsibilities and actively working to improve ourselves.

     Start by thinking about your own attitudes, decisions, and actions. Determine those areas of improvement and work on your own personal growth. Next is decide what improvements you want to see in yourself and everything around you, then take action to bring up those changes. Set specific objectives and work consistently toward accomplishing them.  

  You also need to be mindful about the possible consequences of your actions and behaviors. And another one is always look for ways to learn more and gain a broader perspective on the world. Encourage others to think critically and take part in meaningful discussions by sharing what you have learned.

Always keep in mind that change is a continuous process, and the impact may not always be immediate or visible. Start with small steps and eventually make it bigger. However, by embodying the principles of "change starts with me" in your daily life, you can have compassionate and sustainable future.

References: 

https://www.thoughtco.com/

A True Hero

    Mother's Day is a special occasion celebrated worldwide to honor and appreciate the remarkable contributions of mothers and mother figures in our lives. It is a day dedicated to expressing gratitude, admiration, and love towards these extraordinary women who have played an indispensable role in shaping our existence. The significance of Mother's Day goes beyond commercialism, reminding us of the immeasurable love, sacrifice, and selflessness that mothers embody. This essay explores the essence of Mother's Day and its profound impact on our lives.

    Every year, we honor our incredible mothers with a special day. We express our gratitude and love for them on this day. This is the ideal time to demonstrate to them how important they are to us and how much we love them. A mother is more than just a person who gave birth to you; she is your guardian who plays an important role in your life. They are the one who helps us connect better with the world and wants nothing but the best for us.

    To my mother, I am happy and blessed to have you in my life. Your love, support, and sacrifices have shaped me into the person I am today, and I am eternally grateful. Just so you know, you are the best! I love you more than anything in this world. Mom, your presence is a gift that I cherish every day. Your love has been a constant pillar of strength, and I cannot imagine my life without you. Today, and every day, I want to celebrate you and the incredible woman you are. Happy Mother's Day, Mom. Thank you for being my superhero, my role model, and my best friend. May this day be filled with love, laughter, and beautiful moments that remind you of how truly amazing you are.

    I want to express my deepest gratitude to all the mothers out there. Your unconditional love and tireless efforts do not go unnoticed. You are the unsung heroes who make the world a better place, one child at a time. Happy Mother's Day to each and every one of you. May you be celebrated, cherished, and showered with love today and always. You are truly extraordinary, and the impact you have on your children's lives is immeasurable. Happy Mother’s Day!

reference:

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https://kiddipedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Depositphotos_253051266_s-2019.jpg

 https://i.pinimg.com/originals/10/9c/50/109c508a3cf0ebe6c99569493353cef1.jpg

Day of Workers

    Labor Day is a public holiday celebrated in various countries around the world, holds deep significance as a day dedicated to honor the contributions and achievements of workers. Labor Day represents a pivotal moment in history when workers united to demand fair working conditions, improved rights, and better wages.

    Labor Day serves as a reminder of the progress made in securing worker's rights. The labor movements of the past fought for fundamental reforms such as minimum wages, workplace safety regulations, the elimination of child labor, and the right to collective bargaining. These hard-fought victories have significantly improved the lives of workers, shaping a fairer and more equitable society.

    This day provides an annual occasion to recognize and appreciate the immense contributions made by workers in various industries that tells us the value of labor, the dignity of work, and the importance of acknowledging the efforts of workers in driving economic growth and progress. Labor Day holds additional significance as a time for rest, relaxation, and spending quality time with loved ones. It reminds us of the need to prioritize well-being and find harmony between professional and personal spheres.

    Labor Day stands as a significant milestone in the struggle for workers' rights and serves as a testament to the achievements of the labor movement. It reminds us to appreciate the invaluable contributions of workers and the progress made in improving their working conditions and rights. As we celebrate Labor Day, let us honor the past, recognize the present, and work towards a future that values and supports workers in all aspects of their lives.

reference:

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https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bria.com.ph%2Farticles%2Fcelebrating-labor-day-2022-in-the-philippines%2F&psig=AOvVaw33SAnkwlXUV8H4VeBtOBiB&ust=1683904042688000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CBMQjhxqFwoTCLjhv8LF7f4CFQAAAAAdAAAAABAN

https://media.istockphoto.com/id/1312590991/vector/happy-labor-day-group-of-people-with-different-jobs-vector.jpg?s=612x612&w=0&k=20&c=6Gt51klkYMjqXrc5ohUglZoMY7j7WvPXvtiKQZlZiiI=

Adiós, 3rd Quarter

    

     It feels unreal that another quarter of this school year has already finished; indeed, time does fly so fast. Another chapter of this school year has already come to an end. Looking back at this quarter, I remember the hardships and challenges I had to go through to do all the school works and activities. I felt like this third quarter is more exhausting than before, and I'm not going to say it was simple or enjoyable because it was a lot of effort. Despite these circumstances, I am still thankful because they helped me to learn and grow. Furthermore, this quarter has also taught me a lot of things, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to learn new things and broaden my knowledge.   

    Throughout the third quarter, we learned about community-based research, which we had never heard of before, yet it is quite similar to what we are learning in our Research subject. The only difference between these two is that there were only a few parts in making community-based research compared to what we are doing in Research subject, which is wider and more complex. Nevertheless, the topic has taught me to work well with the people in my community and has helped me to discover more about certain aspects of our town.  

    We all know that every community has differences and similarities, so learning and expanding knowledge about your community is significantly important. Then, I realized how grateful I was to have learned how to create my community-based project. Although I have faced minor challenges , I can say that this allows me to become more connected to and involved in my own community.

    Moving forward, I will apply the knowledge I have received from this quarter to succeed in the upcoming quarters and accomplish more in life. This quarter has helped me learn more about the internet and composing written works.  And despite the difficulties I had, I was able to pick up lessons that are quite helpful in our daily lives. It will be difficult, but I know that it will help me become a better version of myself, so I will keep trying to do better. After the last week of the third quarter, the last quarter of this school year will begin. I am eagerly looking forward to learning more in this subject and spending my remaining time as a junior high school student discovering more topics on this subject. Looking forward to what the fourth and last quarter has to offer to us, and I believe I learned a lot during this quarter.

Together We Celebrate!

 

     High School Day or Foundation Day is probably one of the most waited and exciting part of being a student. After two years, Ilocos Sur National High School celebrates their 121st High School Day Celebration last March 25, 2023, with the theme of “Renewed Commitment in Defying Odds to Transcend Heights of Excellence and Solidarity”. 

     There was also an intermission number of the selected Grade 10 students, followed by an inspirational message of Dr. Vida Margarette Andal-Bueno, the Outstanding Alumna. After the messages, there was an awarding of Plaque of Recognition to the Guest Speaker, and followed by another intermission number from teacher's choir. After that, there was also awarding of outstanding teachers, employees and retirees. And before the end of the program The assistant principal, Mr. Rommel R. Rabo, gave his words of gratitude, followed by the closing song to finally end the first part of the celebration.

      The part two of the event is the field demonstration at 1pm which includes calisthenics and festival dances performed by the selected students of different grade levels. The FEC Officers conducted traditional games for teachers and there was also booth like photo booth prepared by the SSG officers. 

    In conclusion, ISNHS’s 121st High School Day Celebration was one of the highlights for the school. It is not only to give recognition to the school but also for students to take a break from the stress because of the school works and activities. Indeed, high school day celebration is one of the most wonderful part of being a student.

Purple Season

    Lent, also known as kwaresma in Filipino, is the season during which Filipinos remember Christ's passion, suffering, death, and resurrection. It is a meaningful season to any Filipino. Aside from it’s the season where people have their break and spend time with their respective families, this is also the time that Filipinos repent their sins. Filipinos are known to be prayerful and this shows on their way of celebrating the lent. They celebrate it with full of passion and even though that the Church don’t agree with some practices like the reenactment of the flagellant to Jesus Christ sufferings and his crucifixion, the church could not do anything about it because it is part of Filipino’s culture.

    During the Lenten season, Filipino Catholics engage in various traditional practices. The first day of Lent is Ash Wednesday. Ashes are traditionally placed on the forehead of Catholics as a sign of interior repentance. Fasting and abstinence are fundamental Catholic practices; some Catholics eat only one meal per day, while others abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all lent Fridays. Senakulo is a traditional play depicting Jesus Christ's suffering and death, which is performed in provinces such as Marinduque. The practice of visiting seven churches and reciting the Stations of the Cross is known as Visita Iglesia. On Maundy Thursday or Good Friday, it is customarily performed.

    In practicing fasting and abstinence, we sacrifice much which helps us grow in freedom to make much bigger sacrifices. Part of this could be giving up some material or worldly resources and treasures for the benefit of the people who are most affected by this pandemic. We give up something or deprive ourselves of something so that others can have it. We become selfless and mindful of others, we extend charity and generosity to others even though we also are affected and still struggling and coping with the economic and financial problems brought by this pandemic.  It’s a sacrifice for others and God. It is an act of love for others and God.

    Every event in the Philippines is made more enjoyable and imaginative by the country's rich culture and tradition. Fasting and abstinence is an act of penance to create spiritual hunger and the avoidance of sin. As an act of repentance and contrition at this time of the pandemic, we implore the presence of the Lord through prayer. It is our personal conversation with Him, a powerful tool to create miracles, to make things right and better in our lives. It leads us to a life of holiness towards God. We must never forget that Lent is more than a religious tradition; it is a time to recall and reflect on Jesus Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection for us.

    Lent is a season that reminds us of Jesus Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection. It is an opportunity to repent our misdeeds and misgivings, and to increase the intensity of our prayer, fasting, almsgiving, the practice of our faith, and welcoming others as our brothers and sisters in our faith community. It is God’s way of reminding us how He himself sacrificed His only begotten son to redeem mankind’s sins. It’s God’s and Jesus’ way of knocking in our hearts to give back for others selflessly and unconditionally.

references:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nyac.com%2F2022-lenten-season-reflections&psig=AOvVaw005EsrWmVlnKu_4_oe4BGF&ust=1681659105587000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CBEQjRxqFwoTCKDkuryarP4CFQAAAAAdAAAAABA_

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fgoldsmithbuildcon.com%2Fweb-stories%2Flent-ash-wednesday-the-first-day-of-lent%2F&psig=AOvVaw005EsrWmVlnKu_4_oe4BGF&ust=1681659105587000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CBEQjRxqFwoTCKDkuryarP4CFQAAAAAdAAAAABBX

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fstaugch.org%2Flenten-season&psig=AOvVaw005EsrWmVlnKu_4_oe4BGF&ust=1681659105587000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CBEQjRxqFwoTCKDkuryarP4CFQAAAAAdAAAAABBf

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.countryliving.com%2Flife%2Fa26294776%2Fwhen-is-lent%2F&psig=AOvVaw005EsrWmVlnKu_4_oe4BGF&ust=1681659105587000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CBEQjRxqFwoTCKDkuryarP4CFQAAAAAdAAAAABBn

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dolr.org%2Flent&psig=AOvVaw005EsrWmVlnKu_4_oe4BGF&ust=1681659105587000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CBEQjRxqFwoTCKDkuryarP4CFQAAAAAdAAAAABBv

Babae ka, hindi babae lang!

    The 2023 National Women's Month Celebration marks a watershed moment in the advancement of women's rights by introducing a new recurring theme: WE for gender equality and an inclusive society. It inspires renewed advocacy efforts and builds on the gains made during the 2016-2022 theme, WE Make CHANGE Work for Women, which emphasized the importance of compassionate and coordinated networks for gender equality and women's empowerment

    Every March, the world celebrates International Women's Day. It's a day when everyone shows their appreciation, admiration, and respect for women. A lady is considered God's most beautiful creation! All exceptional people were conceived in a woman's womb and received their early education from a woman. And it is for this reason that women are treated with dignity in our daily lives. It's a day when women are recognized and praised for their contributions to a variety of fields. Women possess a strong spirit that allows them to thrive in their chosen vocations. They make a significant contribution to the lives of their family members as well as the country.

    Women have triumphed over being a man's assistant in proving their worth, talents, and capabilities to society, they have demonstrated everything they are made for. Women could never match or surpass men's intelligence, abilities, and skills in any field. Women absolutely shine above and beyond what is expected of them; they are now more empowered than ever in the society we live in. Women are co-stewards of men in this God-created universe we are living in. Women’s full potential, confidence, and intelligence are their armor in this patriarchic society. Honing women’s education, skills, talents, and attitudes empower them even better than before, even adversities, challenges, and the pandemic cannot hinder them to shine brighter and be at their best at all times. 

    Women empowerment is one way to get the underprivileged, as well as the reasonably privileged women, to come to realize their worth and potential in the face of a male-dominated country and society. Women make a change, and change makes women empowered for the good and betterment of our society. Let us, regardless of gender, be each other's inspiration. Women's empowerment can take many forms, and we can all help by taking action. All of the responsibilities that women bear should be acknowledged and highlighted. We should use various platforms to shape societal views. Consider it a simple duty to empower, uplift, and educate people. We begin this new era of National Women's Month Celebration with the hope and ambition that WE ARE ALL FOR Gender EQUITY AND AN INCLUSIVE SOCIETY.

References: 

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https://pcw.gov.ph/assets/files/2023/01/Mobile-Banner-NWMC-2023.jpg?x62054

https://mb.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/womens-logo-month.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ESlfOFeUEAIlme5.jpg

 

Happy Heart's Day

    

    Valentine's Day is a holiday celebrated annually on February 14th. It is a day to express love and affection to romantic partners, family members, and friends. The holiday has its roots in ancient Roman traditions, and over time it has evolved to become a day for exchanging gifts, cards, and tokens of affection. Many people use the day to express their love through acts of kindness, romantic gestures, and special outings with loved ones. While Valentine's Day is primarily associated with romantic love, it can also be a day to show appreciation for friends and family members.

    So how was my valentine's day? My classmates and I agreed to trade gifts before the actual day arrived so that we could make our celebration more enjoyable and exciting. As we drew names, I chose one of my friends. I got her a candy jar with scrunchies and a lot of candies and chocolates. And I also received a lot of chocolates too. The math department also set up a booth for Valentine's Day that included a wedding booth, photo booth, and food booth—all of which sound like enjoyable activities you might do with your friends. Creating memories by taking pictures and trying new foods at the food booth can be a special way to celebrate the day. It can also be a great way to relax and enjoy each other's company.

    This day, people celebrate Valentine's Day in many different ways, from exchanging gifts and going on romantic dates to simply spending time with loved ones and showing them how much they are appreciated. It's worth noting that Valentine's Day can also be celebrated in other ways, such as spending time with friends or family, or even treating oneself to something special. 

    For me valentines day is just an ordinary day. We can show our love everyday, like they said, every day is hearts day. Because the true meaning of Valentine's Day is about expressing love and appreciation for those who are important to us, and spreading love and kindness in the world.

Kannawidan Ylocos Festival; Together We Are ONE ILOCOS SUR

    Among the festivals of Ilocos Sur is the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival, a celebration that lasts from the last week of January to the first week of February. It is a festival that celebrates Ilocos Sur’s abundant culture and traditions and its separation from Ilocos Norte. The Ilocanos created the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival to exhibit and share their cultural treasures with the rest of the world; it is a celebration of our vibrant culture.

    The Kannawidan Ylocos Festival is one of the many famous festivals in Ilocos Sur; this festival plays a crucial role in the culture and history of Ilocos Sur. In this special event, the rich heritage, tradition, culture, arts, crafts, and delicacies of Ilocos Sur is showcased and highlighted. Moreover, the festival is also a showcase of indigenous performances, religious rituals, and as well as cooking demos featuring the best of Ilocano dishes.

    Different municipalities of Ilocos Sur also unite with each other by displaying their products under the One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) booth inside the trade fair. Different contested activities are also organized in this festival such as the zarzuela, choir competition, street dance, and the most awaited event which is the Miss Ilocos Sur; a showcase of the beauty and brains of Ilocanas.

    In addition to celebrating the birth of Ilocos Sur, the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival has grown in importance to every Ilocano as a platform for us to share our rich history and culture with the rest of the world. This is an additional method of preserving the customs that the Ilocano elders have handed on to us. Festivals provide us joy and new colors to our life, much like vibrant seasons do. These kinds of events teach us lessons that will improve our morale throughout the rest of our life. The values of the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival must be preserved, archived, and passed down to future generations. 

    We must preserve our cultural values, respect the ways of life left by our forefathers, and maintain a long-lasting and harmonious culture. This festival is very special because it is already in the heart of every Ilocanos. Because together we are one Ilocos Sur .

Halfway Through

     Second quarter was definitely a blast. It is a relief that what we just learned was the basics of coding. I got to create simple web pages that contained various tags that do all sorts of commands thanks to knowing the basics of HTML. I am greatly satisfied with my performance in this lesson, and I also had fun working with it. This just proves that we can all learn and improve over time. Moreover, we still had our blogging lessons for this quarter. It was fun and engaging creating articles of our own.

     The end of this quarter is just around the corner, and it still feels unreal that two quarters of this school year have already finished. Time really does fly so fast. The past eight weeks of this quarter have been truly tough for me, and it’s a relief that it is already about to iend. This quarter has taught me a lot of things, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to expand my knowledge and stretch my understanding. I will make sure that the learnings I’ve gained here will be put into good use since not everybody has the chance to study and enhance their skills and understandings.

     I have faced minor problems along the way, which was definitely a bad situation for me. These challenges I have faced include tags not working properly and occasionally not properly comprehending the lesson. Luckily, I was able to solve these problems using my resourcefulness. Asking for help from my classmates was also a way for me to properly address these problems.

  Moving on, I will continue to learn and see if I can develop some skills with this lesson that we had for the second quarter. I am very grateful for the knowledge I gained in this quarter, and I will try to improve and enhance it more as time goes on. Overall, this quarter is very informative and engaging. I learned and enjoyed a lot in this quarter. I am eagerly looking forward to what the third quarter has to offer to us, and I hope I can use what I have learned in this quarter on the upcoming third quarter of this school year. I believe we can make it until the end of this schoolyear. Just keep goings! 

Agbiag Bigueños!

 

    The celebration of Vigan City Fiesta is held in honour of St. Paul the Apostle, the City's patron, has been a traditional doing of the City Government of Vigan and the bigueños every January 25, every year. Locals and tourists gather to experience and see the street dancing, carnivals, food fairs, and arts and crafts, adding to the attraction of this UNESCO World Heritage City.

    Celebrating festivals here in the Philippines offer people a chance to exhibit their rich culture and pay homepage to the history and patron saints. Tourists around the world would visit the Philippines to experience our country’s grand festivals that without a doubt, makes it more fun in the Philippines. For many decades, celebrating festivals has been a part of the Filipinos’ culture, and each city has its very own fiestas that they are very proud of. As such, Vigan City has its own fiestas that every Bigueños celebrate. Vigan City is known for its grand festival celebrations; the city comes to life as people gather to watch street dances and other festivities made especially for the festival celebration. Among the grand festivals of Vigan is the Vigan City Fiesta, a festival held on the twenty-fifth of January. This special day commemorates the feast day of the conversion of St. Paul the Apostle, the city’s patron saint. Bigueños make an effort in making the fiesta memorable for locals and tourists. The Vigan City Fiesta is composed of magnificent street dance and parades, cultural shows, arts and crafts exhibits, carnivals, and food bazaars that represent the spirit of Vigan’s cityhood.

    Vigan Street Dancing is a popular event held during the Vigan Festival in the Philippines, which is an annual celebration of the city's Spanish colonial heritage and history. The event features street parades where participants, dressed in colorful costumes, dance to traditional music while showcasing the city's rich cultural heritage. The street dancing is a lively and energetic display of the Philippines' cultural traditions and is a must-see for visitors during the festival.

    Vigan Fiesta Food Court is a food festival that is held annually as part of the Vigan Festival in the city of Vigan, Philippines. The food court features a wide variety of local cuisine, including traditional dishes and street food, as well as drinks and desserts. The event is an opportunity for local food vendors and restaurants to showcase their culinary creations and for visitors to sample the delicious cuisine of the region. The Vigan Fiesta Food Court is a popular event for food lovers, attracting visitors, and is a great way to experience the rich culinary heritage of the area.

    

    Celebrations, be it big or small, give us something to look forward to, lifts up our spirits, and help us recognize the good things in life. As the city motto suggests, Viva Vigan! Be happy and have hope in life. We are living the pages that will be in history books, so we might as well make it more interesting.

 

Here's to 12 New Chapters

We have opened another book with 12 chapters and 365 pages. New book, new year, new me, new perspective, new chances. Hoping this year would be great for my self-love and improvement to be a better person. But problems and struggles are inevitable, and it always bound to happen, but it will serve us as a challenge and the lessons we learned from the past will help and guide us to fight and overcome it. Throughout 2022, I learned so much from it and realized many things which I can use to fix myself and make the whole year joyous and full of positivity.

    With a bang, we begin the new year. Children bouncing as high as they can, fireworks shining up in the sky, and some people praying for a calm and joyous beginning. We celebrate the New Year with a lot of passion and enthusiasm. On this day, a whole neighborhood celebrates a festival by sharing their joy and excitement with everyone. Both adults and youth are delighted on this wonderful day. We dance, let off fireworks, blast our trumpets loudest, and have fun as a family as we say goodbye to the last year and greet the one that lies ahead, brimming with fresh possibilities.

In the blink of an eye, the year 2022 came to an end and now we are embracing new chances and opportunities. While last year was undoubtedly difficult for me and everyone else, it also provided us with important lessons that we can use going forward. Time does truly fly quickly, therefore we must embrace the new year with joy and a smiles on our faces, letting go and forgetting all of our regrets and problems from the previous year. Last year, many important memories were created, and I'm hoping that'll be the case this year as well. I only wish for this year to be filled with brighter days.

        There will be new things and opportunities in the coming year. I have another opportunity to improve and get ready for the realities of life. And oh! my resolutions for the new year! I hope to make wiser judgments, stop putting too much pressure on myself academically, get rid of my toxic traits, and enjoy every second of 2023. I have a ton of goals for this year that I would like to achieve. I can't wait to see what this year has offer for me! It's time to get ready for another wild yet exciting trip. This year will be challenging with many ups and downs, but I'm confident that with the support of my loved ones, I'll make it through.               

   

     The start of a new year symbolizes a new beginning and teaches us to grow. Whatever we accomplished something over the past year, whether it was successful or not, we can learn from it, go forward in the future with a fresh outlook. We shouldn’t be sad about the last time in life instead, look forward to this new year and welcome fresh opportunities and try to improve life through them. Last year was filled with wonderful and unforgettable experiences that will always hold a special place in our hearts. We have another opportunity to make new memories this year with both same people and the new ones we've invited. We must look forward what 2023 may bring to us. This year, I will conquer my fear and be strong enough to face the challenges and obstacles. I will focus in making myself better not only for me but as a student, and daughter of my parents. Let's leave the last year's negativity and regrets behind and embark on this year with happiness, hope, and fulfillment!

 

The most beautiful time of the year!

    

    The winds have begun to whisper that means Christmas season is nearly approaching and that it will soon be Christmas. It won't be long before the season of giving arrives. Every home and public places has already begun to display Christmas decorations. Soon it will be the season of giving and receiving. 

    Since the epidemic began over 3 years ago, we have experienced two Christmas seasons amid this disaster. We can notice many Christmas decorations distributed over the city's central area. In order for us to enjoy the location of our attractions even more, tourist attractions also put Christmas decorations. Before December 25th, city streets are crowded with cars and shoppers looking to buy presents for their loved ones. People are flooding supermarkets and grocery stores to shop and buy goods for their Noche Buena. We frequently play Christmas-themed music in our speakers because the locals here enjoy it so much. 

    Even though I had a bad memory on Christmas Day, this is the time of year that I have been eagerly anticipating each year. It was 2019, and I remember spending my Christmas with a coffin in the house, we didn’t even have the chance to spend Christmas with my Lolo for the last time and it was the most painful Christmas I’ve ever had. However, the holiday season signals the completion of our family. Spending time with my brothers and our cousins simply felt different. When it's not Christmas, it's just my brother and I, and because of our large age gap, I don't really feel at comfortable talking with him. So, I was especially happy when my two siblings returned home. Christmas party at school is one of my favorite holiday traditions. 

    Being in my final year of junior high, I had a great time because we hadn't been able to celebrate the past two years due to the pandemic. It was one of the memorable events I will surely remember. Additionally, I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to travel to Baguio with my family, which is something I had always wanted to do. On the eve of Christmas, my entire family and I had dinner together, followed by going to church for the Christmas mass, and after that we played games and ate Notche Buena at home, I also enjoy singing karaoke with my cousins.

    During this season, our tradition and culture truly come together. COVID-19 may close our doors in doing the original Christmas gala we used to be. Holiday season can really bring joy and happiness to our lives. Although the last two years may have been different, the love and happiness we feel each year is still present. We should take use of this opportunity to cherish, love, and truly connect with our family. There are no worries about a possible Covid transmission that may lessen the family's happiness and celebration on this day. God is with us , has always been with us, and will always be with us despite all of the chaos and fear that the pandemic has brought and is still bringing. Being with one’s family on Christmas, we reflect with faith, hope, and love with Christ’s presence in us, we can all overcome this crisis together.  

This pandemic taught us that as long as you have the Christmas spirit inside of you, nothing matters. Never forget that the actual meaning of Christmas is simplicity combined with hope, peace, love, and joy! Christmas will always be Christmas, pandemic or not!.

Reference: 

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