OUT with the OLD, IN with the NEW

 The New Year always feels like a clean, newly made pad of paper, with no doodles, just a new page that takes on another journey 'til it worns out. It is a chance to reflect on the past, let go of what’s weighing us down, and focus on the changes we want to make. For me, it’s not just about making resolutions but genuinely committing to better habits that can shape a healthier, happier version of myself.

One of my main goals this year is to continue the weight loss journey I started mid-year. It hasn’t been easy, but cutting down on portions and staying active through recreational activities has already made a difference. This year, I’m ready to step it up. I want to take on more intense fitness challenges. After all, It’s not just about losing weight, it’s about feeling stronger and proving to myself that I can achieve what I set my mind to

Beyond physical fitness, I also want to focus on self-betterment. Creativity is something I’ve always valued but often neglect in the hustle and bustle of daily life. This year, I want to carve out time for the things that make me happy, whether it’s writing, drawing, or exploring new hobbies. As of now, my creativity is starting to brew as I am determined to make stuff out of dump to make into something useful.

Another big hurdle for me is procrastination. It’s something I’ve struggled with for years, and I know it’s holding me back. This year, I’m determined to tackle it head-on, no more putting off tasks until the last minute or making excuses. Small steps like better time management and setting realistic goals can make a huge difference.

I’m excited (and a little nervous) about the challenges ahead, but I know it’ll be worth it. Here’s to making the most of this fresh start and embracing all the possibilities that come with it!\

REFERENCES:

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How I made my Christmas Vacation, CHRISTMASSY

The holidays are always a much-needed breather, and this year’s Christmas vacation was no exception. With 12 days to spend, I struck a balance between rest and meaningful moments.

First on my list? Rest days. After months of school and extracurricular activities, I finally allowed myself to stay in bed. Long naps, cozy blankets, and not having to rush anywhere, and it was pure bliss. Sometimes, doing absolutely nothing feels like the most productive thing you can do for yourself.

But the vacation wasn’t all about hibernating. As my

long-term friend Nimeesha came back to the province for Christmas, catching up with her along with Shatine was one of the highlights of my break. these moments reminded me of how precious friendships are, even when distance and time keep us apart.

Another meaningful part of my vacation was attending the traditional Misa de Gallo with my family. It’s a beautiful Filipino tradition where people wake up before dawn or take the evening masses for nine consecutive days of Mass leading up to Christmas. Being there with my family made my vacation worthwhile. Aside from that, we also went to church together on Christmas Day, which felt like the perfect way to celebrate the season.

REFERENCE:

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2ND QUARTER REFLECTION

This quarter in ICT has been exciting and fun because I learned so much about HTML and how websites are made. At first, I didn’t know much about coding, but now I feel like I can create simple web pages on my own as well as sharing my experiences and learnings to others.

We started by learning how to make an HTML file. It was interesting to find out that you just need a text editor like Notepad and save the file with a .html extension. Next, we learned about the basic parts of HTML, like angle brackets (<>) and tags. I discovered that some tags, like <br> and <hr> that don’t need an end tag called container tags, but others, like <p> and </p>, need both a start and an end tag to work. 

We also learned about heading tags (<h1> to <h6>), which allow us to create text of different sizes depending on the level of importance. These tags help organize a webpage and make it easier to read. HTML attributes were also introduced, such as the target attribute for hyperlinks and style-related attributes that let us customize fonts, colors, and other properties.

Adding images to a webpage was another valuable lesson. We learned how to manipulate the size and alignment of images using attributes like width, height, and alignment. This gave us more control over the appearance of the page and made it more visually appealing. In line with adding images, we also explored how to use background colors and images to add creativity and personality to a web page. Hyperlinks allowed us to connect different pages, and tables helped organize data in a clear and structured way.

Finally, we discussed frames, which are used to divide a webpage into sections that can display different HTML files. They were very tricky to understand how they split into rows and columns but through thorough examination of the given tasks given to us, I managed to understand how it really worked.

Overall, this quarter helped me understand the foundations of HTML and develop skills that I can use to create simple web pages.

REFERENCE/S:

https://www.udacity.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/HTML_Blog-scaled.jpeg

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Law Defaces Dangerous Spaces ( THEMATIC FOR 2ND QUARTER )

 What would you do if the very people meant to protect you were the ones causing you harm?

For countless women and children around the world, this question is not just a frightening thought but a horrific reality. Violence against women and children (VAWC) is a silent worldwide issue, often hidden behind closed doors, yet its scars are visible in lives shattered and futures stolen. This problem strikes at the core of families, where abuse often goes unspoken, leaving victims to suffer alone. Focusing on the Philippines, where numerous factors such as cultural stigma is one of the main reasons.

Across the globe, 1 in 3 women experiences physical or sexual violence, and countless children endure unspeakable abuse, often at the hands of those they know. In the Philippines, the stories are hauntingly real. Christine Silawan, a 16-year-old girl in Cebu, was found brutally murdered in 2019. A case that shocked the nation and exposed the vulnerabilities of young women. Then there’s Baby River, whose separation from her detained mother, Reina Mae Nasino, stirred public outrage and highlighted systemic failures in protecting the most innocent. These cases are painful reminders that behind every statistic is a human being; a woman or child who deserved love and safety but instead faced violence and neglect.

The fight against VAWC has led to significant steps forward. Laws like Republic Act No. 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act) and Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection for Children) provide legal safeguards for victims, while the Safe Spaces Act combats sexual harassment in daily life. Organizations such as the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and the Child Protection Network tirelessly advocate for victims, offering not just legal aid but hope and healing. 

Yet, despite these efforts, the question remains: Are we doing enough?

Ending VAWC is not just a matter of policies or punishments; it’s about changing mindsets. It starts with educating communities to break the cycle of violence, empowering women to stand on their own, and teaching children that they deserve respect and care. By choosing kindness over cruelty, justice over silence, and action over apathy, we can create a world where no one has to live in fear of those they love.

REFERENCE/S:

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Bannuar iti Ilocos Sur, Bannuar iti Pilipinas!

Born on November 16, 1890, in Caoayan, Ilocos Sur, Elpidio Quirino was a man whose leadership defined a crucial time in Philippine history. Quirino was the sixth President of the Philippines who served from 1948 to 1953, assuming the presidency of a country still reeling from the aftermath of World War II. His presidency was a crucial time when the nation required strong guidance to rebuild its economy, infrastructure, and institutions.

His elevation into the presidency was founded in public service. Mariano and Gregoria Quirino instilled values and importance of education in the heart of their son who had these values up until retirement. Before becoming the head of state, he served in the Senate and also sat at the helm of government institutions that he headed as Secretary of Finance. His government placed significance on social welfare. These include housing, education, and health for Filipinos.

Though he had his share of difficulties in office, Quirino's leadership will be forever remembered in the Philippines. He was a committed man for national progress and the service of the people that earned him a place in the hearts of Filipinos as a respected figure in the annals of Philippine history. His presidency may have been brief, but the leadership during the period of rehabilitation has become a legacy for posterity, reminding everyone about leadership, integrity, and national unity in building a future.

REFERENCES:

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Sa Kanilang Mga Lupa

The indigenous peoples of the Philippines are living treasures, embodying a deep connection to the land, a profound sense of community, and centuries-old traditions that tell the story of our nation. From their vibrant festivals to their wisdom in nurturing nature, they enrich the cultural fabric of the Philippines in ways that inspire pride and gratitude. 

Some indigenous individuals have stepped into the limelight, using their platforms to amplify the voices of their communities. Lumad leader Bai Bibyaon Ligkayan Bigkay, a prominent advocate for indigenous rights, and Apo Whang-Od, the legendary Kalinga tattoo artist, are just a few who showcase the resilience and beauty of indigenous heritage. However, behind their celebrated stories lies a reality of struggle as their communities face ongoing challenges.

One major issue is the loss of ancestral lands. These lands are not just their homes but hold deep spiritual and cultural significance. Unfortunately, large-scale mining, agriculture, and infrastructure projects often force indigenous communities to leave their territories, even though the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997 is supposed to protect them. Adding to this is the systemic discrimination they face, from stereotyping to being excluded from quality education and job opportunities. Their traditions and languages are often overlooked, putting their cultural identity at risk. On top of this, many indigenous leaders and activists face harassment and violence when they try to defend their communities.

The indigenous peoples of the Philippines are keepers of tradition, knowledge, and biodiversity. By standing with them, we protect not just their communities but a vital part of the nation’s soul. It is our shared responsibility to create a society where they can thrive with dignity and respect.

REFERENCES:

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Filipinos Uniting for a Sustainable Tomorrow

 The Philippines, being one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, has experienced drastic shifts in weather patterns and environmental conditions. From powerful typhoons like Yolanda to rising sea levels threatening coastal communities, climate change has brought profound challenges to Filipino lives. The resiliency of Filipinos, often highlighted during disasters, stems from a culture of bayanihan and adaptability. However, these qualities are not enough to go against the root causes of environmental degradation and its long-term consequences.

SAVE Participants Rehabilitate Philippine Forests

One major cause of environmental damage is the logging, especially in key locations such as the mountain ranges of Sierra Madre. The Sierra Madre is considered the country's natural shield against typhoons, but it has had much illegal logging and land conversion that makes it weaker in protecting communities. A big problem involves pollution of rivers due to improper waste disposal. Pasig and Marilao rivers overflow plastic and waste commingling with factories that hurt water ecosystems, in bringing health problems to people who stay nearby. Environmental issues make the impacts of climate change worse, in bringing difficulties in recovery and adaptation.

Fortunately, various organizations and movements are stepping up to address these issues. The Haribon Foundation and Masungi Georeserve advocate for forest conservation, reforestation, and sustainable land management practices in areas like Sierra Madre. Meanwhile, groups like Greenpeace Philippines and the DENR’s Clean Water Program focus on reducing water pollution through awareness campaigns and stricter regulations. On a grassroots level, community clean-up drives and programs like "Paaralan ko, Linis ko" encourage Filipinos to take part in local efforts to reduce waste and care for the environment.

The road to climate resiliency demands a collective effort. Filipinos must not only recover from disasters but also work proactively to protect natural resources. By supporting these organizations and implementing sustainable practices, the Philippines can address the root causes of climate change and build a future where resilience goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship.

REFERENCES:

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