Equal Rights, Equal Opportunity

         

       We cannot deny that the world we are living has so many rules and regulations we must follow to have peace and order and to make our lives in harmony. As individuals, it is our duty to follow these rules and part of having these duties and responsibilities are the rights and opportunities we must acquire. All of us have our own rights as a creation of God and as a single person.

        

               RIGHT- authority, claim, liberty, power, justice: everyone has it. It is evident to us that in the past, people were divided into three living status: high-class, middle-class, low-class. Those who are on the top are the ones who are respected, obeyed, and acted as leaders. They are specially treated by the society because of their power, wealth and  luxuries. While these people get all the things they want in their lives, those who are at the bottom class serve as their slaves: pursuing all their commands, being punished if they commit mistakes and worst, they are treated like animals, not even have the freedom to decide for themselves, They are being hold on their necks, strangled by their masters. They are not able to have their rights, not being able to have opportunities. Until now, we still have discrimination among people in terms of the gender, sex, religion, race etc. It should not be because all people: rich or poor, young or old, dumb or smart, tall or small, beautiful or ugly, whoever they are, God created them. God loves them. We should respect every individual, let them have equal rights. Yes, all must obtain equal rights! We are all equal in God’s eyes. Money and physical qualities are not the basis of being ahead with others. Whatever kind of living you have, all f us have the right to live, to be educated, to be respected, to choose what we think is right and good for us, to decide for ourselves, to have a goal and to reach these goals and many more. As for having equal rights are having equal opportunities. We must be aware of these for sometimes; many say that life is so unfair.

            In our world, we must be treated equally: no one is in the top ahead of everyone and no one is at the bottom.

What Difference Can We Make?

The world existed billions of years ago. Creations of God inhabited this wonderful planet: plants, animals, humans. They are different from each other. As years passed, we have gone into growth and development. Now, we’re living in a highly progressive world, but still we are longing for something—CHANGE.

As we look back in the past, we can see that the humanity had always wanted changes to happen.  We Filipinos, for example: Our country is said to be “developing”.  Many leaders have seated and ruled the government, serving or acting as the person in charge for the advancement of the Philippines. Yes, we can see progress but why so slow? Government officials have crucial jobs but it’s their duty to serve the people. They must do their best, focus on it and prioritize things. They must think the effects and consequences of their decisions for the people’s sake. Now, citizens are seeking for changes; they are tired of living a life which is full of anguish, fear, etc.  Dreadful things have been happening in our country; we faced terrible challenges and calamities; encounter problems which are very hard to resolve. All we want is to make a difference, but how? We are not as powerful as the leaders but we the citizens can have the power if we only have unity and trust with each other. Why not? It’s for our own sake. Everybody must do something not only the leaders but also the citizens. Why not do our simple ways to help our fellow? Why not take some action for our environment’s goodness? We can aid the poor by giving them the things they need for their living. We can educate those who did not go to school by sharing them the knowledge we have or if we’re good or rich enough, we can give them some money for their education and other priorities. We can help those in need by donating and sharing them the things we have. As the quote says, “It is better to give than to receive.”  God will be the one who will bless us for being a good person. We can also be a good citizen by taking good care of our environment. The nature needs our concern for we know that it is being devastated little by little because of the destructive human activities. We cannot blame anybody because it is our own fault. We are experiencing deadly catastrophes and calamities; sometimes it seems like the world is going to end anytime. Before it’s too late, why not act now? God gave us this beautiful planet to serve as our home so it is our duty and responsibility to maintain its cleanliness and to preserve it for the next generation. Let us double our time in saving Mother Earth!

We can contribute a lot in our society, in our community, in our fellow- in our planet as general. Every one of us can make differences and we have different ways in doing this. But, we must always remember one thing: GOD is always with us. He created the universe, the world, the living things-- the whole lot. He is only the ONE who knows what will happen to us. So, we must always believe on Him, believe in ourselves and if we will be able to make it, don't forget to thank him and  be proud to say, “I have made a difference.”

                        

R U Helping?

        

      The climate is changing. The earth is warming up, and there is now overwhelming scientific consensus that it is happening, and human-induced. With global warming on the increase and species and their habitats on the decrease, chances for ecosystems to adapt naturally are diminishing.

      

     Many agrees that climate change maybe one of the greatest threats facing the planet. Recent years show increasing temperatures in various regions and/or increasing extremities in weather patterns.  Climate change is a tangible problem and its existence can no longer be denied.  There are many factors lead to climate change, such as greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide, fossil fuels. Although it would be self-deception to believe that humans had nothing to do with it, the fact is that human activities caused negative effects on our  environment. Human-caused pollution is making the world a warmer place. This is called the global warming wherein scientists think pollution could contribute to a rise in the Earth's surface over the next years. A warmer world could mean a big trouble because hotter temperatures are causing some ice at the North and South Poles to melt and oceans to rise. The warmer climate is also changing our weather patterns and could result in dangerous tornadoes and droughts. The Earth stays warm the same way a greenhouse does. Gases in the atmosphere such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrogen act like the glass of a greenhouse: they let the Sun's light and warmth, but they keep the Earth's heat from escaping. This is known as the Greenhouse Effect. Scientists think that if too many of these greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere, from pollution, for example,  the gases can trap too much heat, causing temperatures to rise. 

        

      The Ozone Layer, a thin sheet of an invisible gas called ozone, surrounds Earth. It protects us from the Sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. In recent years,the amount of ozone in the atmosphere has decreased, probably due to man-made gases called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and certain chemicals. As the ozone level decreases, the Sun's rays become more dangerous to humans. Pollution is also one of the reasons why the environment is changing. Pollution is the contamination of air or water by harmful substances like the hazardous wastes or anything thrown away that could be dangerous to the environment such as paint, oven cleaner, furniture polish and pesticides. These materials can seep into water supplies and contaminate them. Another source of pollution is the acid rain which occurs when rainwater is contaminated with pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide. These gases come from fuels being burned at high temperatures as in car exhausts. When acid rain falls, it can damage wildlife and erode buildings.

      

      So to resolve these problems, we need to do some ways. Recycling is a great way to conserve resources and help the environment. Remember the 3R's: REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE. Reducing waste is the best way to help environment. For example, buying a larger containers of food is better than those in the smaller containers. Also, instead of throwing things away, find new ways to use them again. Recycled items are new products made out of materials from old ones. Recycle all of your tin, plastic, glass containers and used paper. Think of creative ways to preserve our environment. We need to act now before it's too late. Let us help each other. Let us save our beloved Mother Earth! So, may I ask.. R U Helping? :)

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REFLECTION: Second Grading Period

       Second Grading Period has come to an end. It's just so fast that I didn't even noticed it's time for the Periodic Exam again. After this, we will have our most awaited Sembreak and then, we will start a new quarter again; all back to zero. Well, in this quarter, there were so many things we have done and achieved.

          First, in the Buwan ng Wika Celebration, IV-MARCONI were able to have three consecutive wins in the Paglikha at Pag-awit (Filipino Jingle) Competition: in the Elimination, Grand Finals- School Level and in the Division Contest- we were the champions!!! After failing during the Nutri- Jingle Competition, at last! We had already proved to the people that IV- MARCONI students are not losers! Well, it made me proud because I was one of the participants and of course, because of this competition, we have developed our cooperation and camaraderie. It took a long time before we were able to get over on our victory. Happiness! It's the only thing we felt. September came- the Science Month. It was torture for me because I am a Science Club Officer. At the start of this month, there were typhoons which came and struck our country. As a result, there were suspended days and the schedules of the contests that our club will going to conduct were postponed. So, we were very busy in preparing all the requirements and I was anxious for I had missed so many classes especially English, Math, and Advanced Chemistry. It came to a point wherein I was left in our lessons and it was hard for me to cope up. Sometimes, I blame myself for being so lazy to have a self-study but I cannot do anything for I have no time and I can't  escape being an officer of the Science Club. I was also scolded by my advisers but it's just okay. Everyday, I need to stay late at school, going home in late hours, 7:00 or 7:30 I think. October came and we were still busy again because of the Teacher's Day Celebration and Intramural 2011. We gave some letters and tokens to our beloved teachers and it feels very good especially when we see that they appreciate our gifts to them. During our Intrams, we had our duty during the opening program. Junius Wilhelm Bueno of II-Legendre and Jessa Marie Rojas of IV-Maxwell were the Mr. and Ms. Intrams 2011. We had also fun for we were able to enter and experience the Horror Booth by the Supreme Student Government. It's not scary but rather funny. I almost can't breathe because I was laughing and laughing out loud as someone tried to scare us. I also shouted and I turned tomato red when we came out. There were some tears on my eyes not because I was frightened, but because I enjoyed our trip inside the booth. We also forgot our ID's inside for they were so harsh: they even pulled my hair back, pushed me and touched me as if they were going to eat me. It was a memorable day for me. =D After the celebrations, we went back to our classes again and I was so bored, most of the time, I am not listening to our teacher and I’m not taking down some notes. But I learned my lesson so I eventually worked hard for my studies. In ICT IV, we had a lesson which is very new to me. It’s about HTML Tags and in this grading period, we worked mostly on our exercises. We’ve finished 7 and I really learned a lot. It’s so fun and enjoyable to do those exers, I just hope I can apply it in the future for it is so important.

            All in all, Second Grading Period is a busy time. But I’m glad because in here, I was able to experience many unforgettable moments: either good or bad memories. And most especially, I learned many important lessons and I look forward on the next two periods that I will be able to eliminate my idleness and clumsiness. In short- I will strive harder so that those awful things which happened in this period will never happen again. =)

Promoting Digital Literacy through English Proficiency

        English is the universal language As we all know, it is the most widely-spoken language around the globe.  It essential that we understand English and we know how to use it properly in our communication.

          

        At the present time, people are already living in a modern world where anything we need can be acquired by the use of high-tech gadgets. Technology has really helped us a lot. Now, work becomes easier. We can communicate with our loved ones or other people as fast as the speed of sound. We are able to make new friendships by signing to social-networking sites. We can obtain instant fame or popularity by sharing something on the internet like videos, etc. Researching for information is also quite easier now. This is what technology has contributed to us. Te use of computers and other gadgets continue to benefit man until now. Ad these things are being used in us leanings. Digital literacy-   is the ability to locate, organize, understand, evaluate, and analyze information using digital technology. It involves a working knowledge of current high-technology, and an understanding of how it can be used. Digitally literate people can communicate and work more efficiently, especially with those who possess the same knowledge and skills. Research around digital literacy is concerned with wider aspects associated with learning how to effectively find, use, summarize, evaluate, create, and communicate information while using digital technologies, not just being literate at using a computer. Digital literacy encompasses computer hardware, software, particularly those used most frequently by businesses, Internet, cell phones, PDAs, and other digital devices. A person using these skills to interact with society may be called a digital citizen. Learning literature through the use of these inventions; w e can be proficient in using English as long as we want it. We can seek the help of technology which can offer us the knowledge we need. Almost all people now are able to use the different innovations and it is important for us to be skilled or proficient particularly in English so that we are able to understand the use of these gadgets and to manipulate them accurately.

          

      Let us practice English Proficiency and promote Digital Literacy!

CHEMERGY: Chemistry and Science Club in Synergy

            For many years, lives of people have been improved and developed by the use of Science. Scientific discoveries and inventions, knowledge about anything in the environment, Science had greatly contributed a lot to man’s life. Easier and faster work, knowing the facts about our planet, we are really benefited by this systematic enterprise.

            

            One branch of Science which deals with the overall study of matter is Chemistry. In our environment, we can find different kinds of materials and elements. Chemistry, as a science of matter is the one which gave us the comprehension on the composition, behavior, structure, and properties, and the changes these matters undergo. It made us aware of what the substances are made of, how the elements of the periodic table were arranged, how chemical reactions take place, why we need to identify the different properties of materials, how new substances are formed, the difference between solution, suspension, and colloid, and many more. Chemistry is a part of our daily lives and it helps us in knowing more what our planet is made up. Chemistry, with combined operation or synergy to the Science Club results to Chemergy. It is important that people give significance and focus on Chemistry; a synergy for greater productivity and efficiency. Chemergy is indeed for the betterment of our country.

            

            We are able to make life easier because of science. So as today, chemergy really is a great help to our lives. It affects us in many ways and reminds us that we should unite with each other so that we will have a better life in the future.

Teacher! Teacher!

     In the age of Internet when all the information one needs can be found at the click of a mouse, what use is of teachers who were once the giver of knowledge?

      Being a teacher is so amazing because you can not only share your knowledge and thoughts but also, you can help others in enhancing their skills and talents. This profession is very important because if there are no teachers, there will be no other professions like doctors, lawyers, engineers, and so on. These people were once helped and guided by their teachers. Even though we have many books, what if there are no teachers who can be able to understand and explain its contents?  Maybe there are something which can be understood by other people especially those intelligent and smart but how about those who are slow learners and need someone to teach them? Our country is said to be a developing country but there were still schools that have no absolute and stable classrooms and complete supply of books and other materials. Our country is poor in the structures and supplies for schools and there are also teachers that go abroad to earn and get more money because here in the Philippines, teachers have low salary. Also, we are now in a modernized world wherein students depend on the information that they can get on the internet. Internet is indeed a helpful tool in our education because here, we are able to search the things we want to. But it also has disadvantages and it makes the students lazy. It also contains some tutorials which are very helpful to the people but for me, personal touch with a teacher is still the best =)

     We must learn to respect teachers because they give all their time and effort just to help students. So , to all the teachers around the world, who have made so many sacrifices only to teach and discipline students, and who gave their best in helping those in need in achieving their dreams and aspirations in life, I salute everyone of you!!

"Magnificent Woman"

She's a model of courage and strength. She's a beautiful picture of grace. She's a constant, a friend, a keeper of dreams, a comforting shoulder to lean on, an adviser who's tried and true blue. She's a giver of life, a giver of love- a magnificent woman.

I have known this woman all my life. She's beautiful, intelligent, friendly, approachable, kind and very generous. Since I was a kid, I admire her so much because of her good characters. She is such a good friend and I consider her as my older sister. She is very supportive and she comforts me when I have problems.  When I was still in elementary, she is the one who taught me on some of our assignments. She also helped me in doing my projects. She shares her own ideas and suggests what is the best thing to do. She also acts as my tutor on the lessons I could hardly understand. Until now, I still seek her help but not so often because she is very busy on her studies. This school year, she will going to graduate in college. It's just so amazing to think of it because once we were still children, playing games, teasing each other, visiting relatives together, running on the farms, eating fruits and climbing trees. Now, we were already teenagers and I know that after  finishing her studies, she will going to find a job already. She is a nursing student and I can see that she really want this profession even though they say that it is not already in demand. She is after the service that she can give to people and I admire her because of that. Whenever she comes to our house, she has always some stories to share like her encounters on the hospital, where she met patients with mental illness. I was scared by her story, in fact, she encouraged me to take up nursing when I go to college. But I told her that I think I cannot do it because first, I am clumsy and nurses must work fast. Second, it's not really what I want and as I see her browsing her very thick books and making some reports and projects, it made me dislike this course. Third, I can't stand seeing sick people. The feeling sucks so I insisted that I don't want to take up nursing. This woman is understanding and humorous. She also shares jokes and her funny experiences during college and high school. I love the way she laughs and the best thing I know about her is that: SHE LOVES EATING. :)) I have known many things from her. She is also a loving daughter and sister to her siblings. We have faced many challenges together and for me, she is the best friend I ever had.

With her amazing personality, I know someday she will be successful in her life. For now, we will continue to support each other. When she will work on other place, I will surely miss her. I just want to thanked her for everything, for sacrificing her time just to help me, for comforting me when I have problems, for giving me advices and always being there when I feel alone. Thank you my dear sister, good luck! You're my modern day hero.. =)

REFLECTION: First Grading Period

       It is now our 4th year in high school and I still can't believe that I've already reached this part of my life. Being a senior is quite easier than being a junior because now, we have less assignments or homeworks although there are times that we are loaded with works to do. But compared to our life as a junior, we are busier last year doing anything required than now and I'm glad for that. 

            

      It's been three months since we started our classes and now, First Grading Period is over! We have just taken our First Periodical Test and as I scan my notes, I remember everything that happened during the first quarter, especially in our ICT IV Class.

       In this grading period, I have gained so much learnings and discoveries. We tackled all about Internet: its history, the persons behind its development, about the web and of course, we had lesson about blogging. At first, when I find out that what we're going to do is to blog and blog and blog, I feel excited and at the same time, some doubts because I am not expert on these things. It's not my passion or hobby to blog but we have already done the basics when we are on third year. We had our accounts on Wordpress so I already knew some basics. 

       But on our subject, I still encountered some problems and challenges. There are times that i have experienced some difficulties especially when we are still on the process of making our accounts. But thanks to my patience and companions, I am able to make it finally. I also had some problems on adding a blog list but at the end, I was still able to handle it. Thanks to our teacher, Mrs. Evelyn Vera Cruz because she really explained to us everything and we really understood it. We're very glad she's our teacher because she is very able, patient and intelligent.

      For the next days, I know that we will have more things to do, learn and discover. Still, new problems and challenges await us. Moving on, I will put more effort in blogging and I will do my best so that I will be able to understand our lessons clearly. Also, so that  at times of difficulties, I will be able to resolve my problems easier and quicker than before. I hope I will be good on blogging someday but now, I need to work more. ICT IV is such an enjoyable subject!  =))

PNOY and his SONA

In the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Benigno Aquino III, many people reacted on the things he said because it mainly criticizes the previous administration. 

He tackled mostly about the corruption done by the individuals under former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Because of the nonstop investigations on the activities done by them, many secrets have been revealed but because of this, some people protested against the president. Not that they are on the side of GMA but because according to them, PNOY has already forgot his duty as the President of the Philippines for the reason that he only spends more of his time in the investigation of the doings of the past administration instead of making steps for the development of the country. PNOY must prioritize his job rather than those things. He must leave the past and let his assignd officials to do this task. He must concentrate on resolving the problems of our country. It is so nice to hear from him the things his administration have done for their first year of leadership. Some of these are the decreased percentage of self-related hunger, exceeded stock market that reached 7 records higher, cheaper energy source, more trustworthy agencies, zero based budgeting, better benefits for police and military, health programs for the poor and many more. He also assured that the funds will be used properly; that he will not allow corruption and cheating to reign in his administration.

I just wish that for the next years of PNOY's term, he will be able to do his promises. Although people have different reactions on his SONA, these people have the same aspiration and desire- to have a better life and this depends only if PNOY will do his job properly. Let us respect our president, it is still the start of his term and he can still do many things. And also we, the whole nation of the Philippines must trust him so that altogether, we will walk on to the straight path going to the country's growth and development.

"Isulong ang Breastfeeding: Tama, Sapat at Ekslusibo"

      Breastfeeding is the normal way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. It is very important because it benefits both the mother and the child. All mothers can breastfeed their babies as long as they are provided with accurate information and support from their families.

      According to some researches and to the experts, breastfeeding is the perfect food for the infants. It is really a must to be done by the mothers. It is the most appropriate way of giving their infants the important nutrients they need for them to grow healthy. The benefits of  breastfeeding to the infants are having greater immune health, higher intelligence, less childhood obesity or becoming overweight, protection to some sickness or less tendency of developing allergic diseases, diabetes and many more. Mothers who let their babies feed with their milk lose weight, return to fertility, have less risk of having diseases like breast and ovarian cancer. Also, it strengthens the maternal bond, making the mother relax and feel more nurturing toward her baby.

     But some mothers prefer commercial milks rather than their breast milk. Why do they still need to buy commercial milks if they have already their own which is more healthy and nutritious than those? Through breastfeeding, babies will grow strong and healthy. So for all the mommies out there, let your babies feed on your breast milk. Don't give your full trust to the commercial milks being sold in the market. PROMOTE BREASTFEEDING FOR A HEALTHY LIVING!!!

Make Some Action!

Dear P-NOY,

                 It's a great pleasure to write you a letter. Being the President of the Philippines, I know you have a very big responsibility. I am just a concerned citizen who is aware of the happenings here in our country. I know that your job is not easy and that, Philippines is facing so many problems nowadays. I hope you don't mind if I will tell you some things about our country. I just hope you are in good condition while reading my letter.

                 I have been watching the news and reading some tabloids. As a student and a member of the youth, I am conscious to the different issues and events happening in our country. The one that I am concerned to is the quality of education here in our country and also the increasing number of Filipinos who are unemployed. As the saying goes, "Education is the key to success." All of us have the right to study in a school but because of poverty, some are not able to do it. There are those who are very eager to learn but have no enough money for education. I feel very pity to those children who are not studying but are already doing labor. I want to help all of them but I can't do anything. I know there are public schools wherein they can study but there are those which lacks facilities and equipments such as classrooms, books, and many more. I just wish the government will act on this because it's for the sake of the young citizens in the Philippines. Also, about the program which suggests to have additional years of learning in school, I think it's about time to implement it so that students in our country will be more knowledgeable and more advanced in learning. But I am just worried because of the number of the Filipinos who have no stable jobs. Even those student graduates in college are hard up in finding jobs because there is only a limited number of available here in our country. As a result, there are those who need to go overseas just to have a work and to earn some money. If only there are many available jobs here, Filipinos don't need to go abroad and suffer under the arms of  their abusive foreign bosses. I just wish that the government will use the funds in a right way and the people will help and cooperate with each other so that our country will soon grow and develop.

                That's all Mr. President. Thank you for reading. I hope you will do your work properly. Please make some action! I am expecting that in the following years, our country will be more progressive. Let us unite and become one. Good luck to you and God bless!

                                                                       Yours Truly,                                                                                                          

Darigold Perinion Apopo