REFLECTION: Third Grading Period

       Goodbye Third Grading Period! I can't believe it is almost done! We are now approaching the end of the school year and I am feeling happy but sad at the same time. Happy because we have now reached this part of the school year wherein we have already a quarter left. Sad because we are already in 4th year-- our last year in Ilocos Sur National High School. Next school year, we will already enter a new chapter and that is our college life.

         

           Well, this quarter is so challenging. I have learned so many lessons. In Our ICT IV Class, our knowledge about HTML tags were expanded. We touched the hyperlinks, putting a background picture and images. But at first, these things were new to me. As I was copying some notes from the white board, I don't really understand what those things are. Thankfully, Mrs. Vera Cruz let us do some exercises to see what those tags can do. I am bit confused at first but as we learn slowly, everything became clear. I made all my exercises and my problems about our lesson was solved, thanks to the explanations of our teacher and to those who helped me. I admit, I am not an expert to these but I find our lesson exciting because there were so many tags which have different effects and trying each is indeed fun! Moving on, I will try my best because it's already our last chance. I will listen to our teacher's discussions and I expect that our last grading will be as enjoyable as the previous three quarters.

         

          Good Luck to everyobody! Third Grading Period was so amazing! I hope ever day of my high school life will be memorable. Let each day count. =)

New Year, New Me!

          As  New Year approaches, there are great hopes, dreams and resolutions to make for the coming year.  New Year is a time when many people around the world make promises. The list that people usually do when New Year comes is what they call their resolutions. It is where they write the things they want to change to themselves and what they want to be next year. However, many of the promises made by people are rarely completed.

          New Year's eve celebration in the Philippines is quite different compared to other countries. Filipinos literally start the year with a bang. Just a few days before New Year's eve, you will see lots of side walk vendors selling different kinds of firecrakers. In spite of the yearly ban on firecrackers, because of a number of accidents caused by firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices that have resulted in the loss of lives, limbs and properties, still many Filipinos see lighting of firecrackers as the traditional means to greet and celebrate the New Year eve. The countdown of New year varies from family to family or from region to region. At the strike of 12:00 midnight, the noise becomes deafening, rings , firecrackers rules the sky, kids gaping in awe as they see the different firecrackers, blooming in the sky. The banging and booming rise to a climax which includes clanging of old pots and pans, blowing jeep, car or tricyle horns, ambulance sirens for full one minute as the countdown to New Year. Around 12:15 am, the noise stops and the air is filled with human voice and the family starts to eat a thanksgiving feast called Media Noche. Twelve round fruits should be on the table as it is a sign of prosperity for the next twelve months. There are so many beliefs when New Year comes and doing these had been a part of our culture and traditon. There is also a midnight mass celebration to welcome the New Year and to thank God for all His blessings.

          I am not fond of making my New Year’s resolutions. All I wish is that, this 2012, I will try to be more metured because I’m already growing older and acting like a child is not good anymore. Since next school year will be the start of my college life, I must be responsible then to take things more seriously. I will be more focused on my studies. I will try to be industrious and cooperative because sometimes I admit, I am hard-headed. I will  improve myself, change my bad attitudes; I want to become a better person. So I wish that I can make these resolutions. It’s time to turn a new leaf—since a new year had come again, it’s time to bring out my new self. Welcome 2012! =)

Keeping in Mind Our Mother Language

          The term mother tongue or mother mother language is used for the language that a person learnt as a child at home, usually from their parents. In some countries, the term refers to the language of one’s ethnic group rather than one’s first language. Sometimes, there can be one mother tongue, when the child’s parents speak different languages. Those children are usually called bilingual.

         People are fond of imitating things they see and hear from other nations. Everybody wants to discover and learn something new to add their knowledge and understanding. Language- all forgot us have their own tongues which are able to verbalize everything we want to say. Across the globe there are different countries and nations making each continent. Each country has their own languages; each has their own which they can be proud of. Here in the Philippines, Filipino is our national language. Aside from this, we still have many different dialects in each region.  In Region I, known as the Ilocos Region is where you can find the thrifty and child-friendly Ilocanos. “Ilocano” is our mother tongue. As our parents taught us how to speak, this language is the first one we were able to know and learn. Iloko is a rich, profound language so even other Ilocanos are often not sure of what some words mean because not all are familiar.  It is the key of communication for us Ilocanos so we must not be ashamed of our mother tongue. As we know, Filipinos adore things which are imported from other countries. Frequently, we admire their products, and most especially, we try to learn about their languages so that we can understand a foreign tongue and it makes us proud of ourselves. But, we must always bear in mind that we have our own and we must be proud of it.

        It’s a funny thing when people have already their own; yet, they still keep on finding others which they consider as better. Learning is not that bad; it is indeed a good thing so that we are able to be aware of what’s happening around us. But always remember, our country is so rich in its culture and traditions, natural resources, history and many more. Be proud to be a Filipino! Be proud you’re an Ilocano! Even though we had so many foreign languages out there, Iloko is the first thing we had. So don’t forget! Ilocano—our mother language!

The Essence of Christmas

Every year, we are waiting for a special holiday to come; a holiday which happens every December and is considered as the most joyful. “Merry Christmas!”, we can hear people greeting each other, children merrily singing Christmas Carols , everyone’s preparing for this much awaited season of the year.

                  

Filipinos are very fond of this celebration. It is already a part of our culture and tradition. They say we have our longest celebration because as the -BER months come, we can already feel the cold breeze; an omen that Christmas is indeed near! Houses start to light up for each family decorates them with Christmas lights, Christmas balls, and other Christmas decorations. They also make their own Christmas tree and place there the gifts or presents from their loved ones. Exchanging gifts seems to be the highlight of this occasion for many. Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus so this occasion is for the Son of God- the one considered as the “Messiah” or savior. When December 16 comes, people start to attend a mass called “Misa de Gallo” or “Simbang Gabi” until the day of the Christmas Eve. Families spend time together and each sets up the “Noche Buena.” Yummy and delicious foods being served in the table; sweets like cakes, fruit salad, macaroni, pastries, and other delicacies so with other mouth-watering recipes fill the table with a pleasant smell that can make everyone burp as they eat them! But more than these things, we must always put in our mind that the essence of Christmas is remembering the birth of Jesus Christ, thus, sharing your love to everyone. It reminds us of one thing: “Every man needs the love of their fellow, and this must be done not only on Christmas day but more on our everyday lives.”

As a song says, “Even the man, who has everything, would be so happy if you would bring him love on Christmas day.” Indeed in Christmas, no greater gift is there than LOVE. Christmas is about spreading love in the world. So this Christmas season, we must not forget our love for Jesus and to every people. May the spirit of Christmas be always in our hearts! Merry Christmas to all!