CHRISTMAS: A SEASON FOR LOVE, SHARING AND FORGIVENESS

                Christmas is the holiday that people all over the world look forward to and celebrate once a year. But do we really understand the reason for this holiday?

            For some people it might just be a ritual and they do not understand why it is celebrated. I used to think that Christmas just came about because of the birth of Christ; I have come to realize that there is so much more than to the tradition and its origination. We choose to celebrate this holiday for one reason—JESUS. This is the emphasis that my family puts on Christmas and everything that goes along with it. Christmas season is the time to show our love. We, ourselves, have a responsibility to show love to others especially at Christmas. Love is the true essence of life because it embodies all the characters Jesus Christ represents. It is a period of sharing things with those you love. We share food, gifts or other things that can bring joy to others. It is common to see people sharing Christmas cards filled with messages of love and encouragement.

            In this very important and memorable season, all of us must understand and feel the true essence of Christmas. Forgiveness is one of the fundamental of true love and during this festive season, reconciliation normally occurs. Families that were otherwise divided come together as one that new relationships are built and old relationships are renewed. Disputes are settled and reconciliation is achieved. The essence of Christmas is to reconcile men to God and highlight the importance to let go of hurt that has been meted out to us. 

EQUAL RIGHTS, EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

            Should women have equal rights to men? Yes, they have equal rights and opportunities in the areas of speech, education, respect and the freedom to vote. Indeed, all of us were created firmly equal by God.

            In this society, we have heard so many cases and stories about the discrimination, exploitation and the loss of respect of others to the rights and freedoms of everyone, the common victims of these acts are women and children. Your freedom ends when my right starts. We should all be treated equally and any sinful act which opposes the human rights and the law of God is a strong proof that your act and the person, you, is not honorable and must not be respected. According to John F. Kennedy, people don’t have equal talents, but all people should have an equal opportunity to develop their talents, all human beings have their innate and learned talents and these are to be developed in spite of differences in gender, status, age, duties, roles and perspective. Also, God does not look at one of the sexes as if the one is the only important being. Eve was created from one of the ribs of Adam, signifying that men and women stand side by side in status before God.

            These proofs really exemplify the need of us to have the chance to have equal rights for us to live a life which is respected. This also gives us the chance to have equal opportunities in enhancing our talents, skills and potentials to be an effective and successful citizen of this country.

IT ALL STARTS WITH SMALL STEPS..

            In today’s world, a lot can be said about making a difference. People who believe that we can make a difference are the ones who shape our society today, the people who help in driving our country leading us to a better world to live. It is important to keep in mind that one person can make a difference even how simple the life he has.

            I want to make an impact on the world much like Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King and our very own Cory Aquino who moved the world and have changed the lives of many people as they fought the rights and freedom of these. I would also like to change the views and perceptions of our society that even if we are not as powerful and as sumptuous as a politician, it doesn’t mean that we cannot anymore contribute to the betterment of our country. A simple student like me, a youth, can make a change, a powerful one, which most of us think we can’t. But actually, if we are to use the leadership and the good characteristics we possess in the times we are in the shelter of our school, definitely we could lead the nation with firm dedication and stand for the true achievement of change.

            All of us must be responsible enough and we should not be self-centered. Let us all support morality, understand the people and truly unites the nation. I want everybody to have the opportunity to live a decent life. I want to be able to stop crimes, terminate prejudice, and open up anew, more peaceful world. I understand that it would be difficult to accomplish all that I would like to, but it all starts with small steps. Small steps can be taken to accomplish big things. Anyone can make a difference, it just takes the right attitudes, decisions and camaraderie for fellows.

CLIMATE CHANGE, A SERIOUS THREAT

            Climate change and Global warming have been a controversy and becoming a big burden and a threat to everybody. But the question is—ARE WE REALLY CONCERN WITH THIS NERVE-WRECKING REALITY OR WE ARE JUST SELF-CENTERD PERSONS AND DON’T HAVE CARE.

Around the world, people are putting more and more pressure on the environment. They are dumping pollutants into the air and water , and removing natural vegetation to extract mineral resources or turn the land into cropland for farming. We just need to have that good intention and passion and the action for us to make change for next generations. Proper awareness of different affairs is really an important factor for us especially on this very serious suit. Climate change is a long-term and worldwide change in temperature, rainfall, snowfall, fog, frost, hail, wind and storms. Gradual warming and cooling of Earth’s climate has been a natural process throughout its history. Global warming is an increase in Earth’s average surface temperature, the increase in CO₂ and other gases-such as methane-the major cause of this warming. Because of many human activities such as driving cars that use gasoline and burning fossil fuels, contribute to global warming. These kinds of activities produce “greenhouse gases”, which seep into the atmosphere and trap heat. Scientists predict that temperatures may continue to rise by as 10F over the next hundred years.

            It may seem like there is nothing we can do to help prevent it, but that is wrong. To help prevent devastating climate change, we need to contribute in the goodness of our own Planet. We need to burn less fossil fuel, conserve water, change farming methods and treat our planet with love and care. In this time, we need to wake up from a long mind rest, all of us must act to protect our Planet Earth.

REFLECTION

            Another grading period is finished and we are again looking forward for the Third Grading Period. Second Grading Period was full of memorable and undeniably great experiences.

            I have gained and obtained a lot of learning and discoveries, likewise experiences which I will use to confront another chapter of my life. Our topic is mainly focused on HTML Tags and how to use the notepad. Honestly, I really enjoyed as well as challenged by this topic. We have finished 8 hands-on activities regarding the HTML Tags and at this time, I am really happy and thankful because Ma’am Evelyn shared to us her knowledge and learning about this very important topic. We have finished also 4 posts for our blog about our MODERN DAY HERO, TEACHER’S DAY CELEBRATION, Science Month Celebration and English Month Celebration. It is really fun expressing our thoughts and own perceptions about certain issues and topics through writing and posting with the help of Blogger.

            In HTML tags, I found some difficulties. I was a little bit confused because there were many characters and tags which we had to enter correctly. So, in order to overcome my problem, whenever Ma’am Evelyn discussed this, I just listened attentively so that I could understand and accomplish any activity successfully. Little by little, I was becoming capable in doing any hands-on activity about HTMPL Tags. Thanks to Ma’am Evelyn.

             Second Grading Period was great and very comfortable for me. Moving on, I will continue to strive hard, listen attentively and be disciplined enough.

PROMOTING DIGITAL LITERACY THROUGH ENGLISH PROFICIENCY

                In this time, we are living in a high-technology world that is of great help i8n contributing the modern comforts of life.

                The use of many high-tech and digital gadgets an d devices like computers, cellular phones and others is one contribution that modern technology is giving to us.  It enables us to communicate to others and share what we have and think, and even used by most of us especially the entrepreneurs for their businesses. But here on our school, we are using English Proficiency to promote digital literacy.

                Being a student or even to teachers, we must be competent and skilled enough in not only speaking, but also in listening, writing, and reading or comprehending English Language. Through these, we could possibly promote an ability to locate, organize, understand, evaluate and interpret information using digital technology—the Digital Literacy. It involves awareness and working knowledge of the latest high –technology, a clear education and understanding of how it can be used. Digitally literate people can communicate and work more efficiently, especially with those who possess the same ability and knowledge. In our school, we have this Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Subject for the Special Science and Math Classes and for the first 3 sections of the regular class (all year levels) and in here, we are mainly using computers for our classes and activities. This is a way also for us not only to apply our skills and knowledge in English Proficiency but also to use and understand these computers through the help of English Proficiency.

                English Proficiency really plays a big role in molding digitally literate people, for most of the digital devices are using English Language as their medium. English Proficiency is very important not only in promoting Digital Literacy but also in being a globally competitive and skilled person in English Language, that could be used in achieving progress for our country.

CHEMERGY: Chemistry and Science Club in Synergy

               There is no other period in world history when Science has been making its greatest impact upon humankind than it is today, and no doubt that is became a big part in our daily living.

                Even in the ancient civilizations, Science and Chemistry were already applied by our great ancestors but they didn’t even know that those ways of living have connections to Science. Chemistry and Science are giving multifarious and wonderful benefits to humanity today. Then after, these benefits really make our life easier and more enjoyable. Chemistry plays a big role in our life. It is also called the central science for it connects physics to other fields like astronomy and others. It is mostly responsible in making and inventing new drugs and medications, which we are using to treat diseases and illnesses. In cleaning and washing , most of us use detergents, liquids, antiseptic agents and it is also accountable in analyzing chemicals and compositions of different elements that can be used in constructing  industrial materials like metals. All of these are being brought to us by Chemistry.

                Science is covering a large range but I think it is the main knowledge or principle to manipulate other fields of specialization.

                CHEMERGY is really a powerful and has a great effect, making our life better. Science and Chemistry Clubs reinforce to promote the importance of our environment in our daily life, cooperate to emphasize that we must also give attention the conservation of our Mother Earth so that we are not only focusing on our own progress and success as an individual.

MY TEACHER, MY HERO

            They say, Education is the door that opens us to the new and successful life, it is our key to success and behind these success are our loving parents and friends and of course our great and smart educators- our teachers.

            In the first day we entered school to learn new things, they were there to give us these very important things which we need. They are always there to teach us good manners and guide us to the right and straight path. They make us feel that they are not just ordinary teachers but also as our second parents; that even we hurt them without knowing, they still have patience on us. How great that are that they even sacrifice their own time just to give their attention to us and give us pieces of advice whenever we feel sadness or we have struggles in life. They are not just persons, they are not just ordinary teachers, they are rather more than a friend. Beside the fact that they are our teachers, they make us think of the wrong doings that we did, they are reminding us that we should do right and good things to our fellows.

            Truly, our teachers are our heroes, and we should all be proud of them because they are great educators and parents of us. In this Teacher’s Month, I’m hoping that all of you, Ma’am and Sir, are all happy and glad because for us, you are truly great heroes because you molded and continue molding us to a more sufficient and capable persons for future’s venture. I salute all of you, Happy Teacher’s Month Ma’am and Sir!

MA AND PA TO THE RESCUE

   
        In my 15 years of existence here on Earth, I have experienced so many things; simple luxuries, enjoyment, education and the best life they could ever give. My life would not be complete if they are not with me, they are my true heroes, my beloved parents.
             In the time my mother was conceiving me and after she gave birth to me, my mother and my father took already the responsibility to raise me up, to provide with me my basic needs, give me a good education and the most wonderful life. Simply, I owed my life from them-to my parents.
              Whenever I have many problems and so many things to finish, they are always there behind me to help solve these problems. They give me pieces of advice for me to use these principles in facing obstacles and the logic of life. They teach me how to be responsible enough to take responsibilities for myself. In their simple but meaningful acts, little by little, they are contributing a lot in my progress.
              My parents are very simple but they make sure that you're alright when you are in their own hands, they make sure you are really comfortable. My parents are so hardworking because even if they are already exhausted, they still tend to work for me, just to sustain my daily needs. I really salute them for they are the true heroes for me. Even if they don't have the powers and supernatural  skills, they are still heroes by there own simple ways.
               For these reasons, I'm really proud of them because they are so responsible, loving and everything that qualities of good parenthood are all in them. They are truly my heroes. Ma and Pa to the rescue.

REFLECTION

               ICT IV is really an exciting, fun and interesting subject and no doubt that it has been proven since I entered first year here in our campus. Now that I'm already a Fourth year student, the level of difficulty and complication must be high enough to make me more efficient in  many things.

               In this first grading period, I have experienced lot of challenges, learned and discovered new things about the sophisticated and amazing world of Internet.
               ICT IV focuses mainly on Internet and the brilliant personalities behind this very useful technology. I have gained so many knowledge in conquering and manipulating the Internet. It is also important to know how was it developed, the history and its use and importance in contributing to the development of communication and others. Mrs. Vera Cruz, our very charming, patient and intelligent ICT IV teacher is making our own way of understanding easier making every lesson easier and clearer to comprehend.
               Mrs. Vera Cruz also introduced to us the art of blogging. We were assigned to write on our own perceptions and connotations about a certain hot issue or topic that she would like us to work on. That's an interesting and writing enhancer activity. It develops our skills and capability to write an effective, good and striking essays. Afterwards, we would be posting our drafts to our own blog. Blogging is giving us the modern way of expressing our own opinion, feelings and ideas and be able to share these to others and that's the time our communication skills and socialization are being developed and enhanced.
              But it's not always excitement and fun, I also experienced some problems. I don't have any computer or laptop in our house and so if ever we have any hands-on activity, I was trying my best to finish on time before the bell rings so I would not have any problem when it comes to checking of posts. That's the most effective way wherein I could addressed my own problem.
              Moving on, I will be more active and responsible in doing such work for the next grading periods so I can have good and satisfying grades , likewise i will review my lessons every time so that  whenever Mrs. Vera Cruz will be raising questions or giving an exam, I can answer those questions. First grading period is good and I'm more on expecting a better performance of  mine in the next grading period and many more discoveries, fun lessons and activities.
          

INSIGHTS ABOUT THE SONA

                 President Benigno Aquino III delivered his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 25 of this year at Session Hall of the House of Representatives, Batasan Pambansa Complex. From his Sona, PNoy earned so many remaks and feedbacks from his critics and from Filipinos out there.
                 In his SONA, he spelled out most of his administration's big achievements and changes made regarding our progress. I have sen that PNoy has a dedication ion pursuing and doing his responsibilities upon seated as our President. It's a complement for the peace and order of our country when he removed the "wang-wang" in our road regulations, and I think it is a good start of making the crooked way into a straight one. It's good that in this administration, PNoy is making a growth in our Economy although not so big but still has helped in our progress.
                 But the issue of poverty is still a big burden for most of us. It seems the government is not doing their part in finding a permanent solution to the aggravating poverty issue here in the Philippines. I also noticed that he always give criticisms and bad remarks to the past administration and I felt bad about that because it seems the Arroyo Administration had no contribution in our progress and all they have brought were burdens. There are so many things which PNoy must prioritize than criticizing the past administration.
                 In general, I'm not contented with his performance as our President. But this is only his first year as a President so maybe he is still adjusting himself to engage the life of being a President. My 100% TRUST is still in you PNoy in managing and saving our very own Philippines from getting last in the race. I pray that God will give you the strength and brighten your mind so that you can find good solutions to many problems.

PRO-BREASTFEEDING

       When the month of July comes, it's time for us to celebrate the Nutrition Month and this month's theme is "ISULONG BREASTFEEDING, TAMA, SAPAT AT EKSKLUSIBO."

                           This month's theme which is focused on breastfeeding really emphasizes the importance, benefits that babies could get from their mother's breastmilk, also the do's and dont's in breastfeeding. Because of the improper and lack of good information and knowledge of mothers out there about breastfeeding, they don't anymore value this instead they usually buy commercial or branded milks for their babies in their early months which is not appropriate. The Department of Health (DOH) serves as a reliable source of information on anything related to our health especially breastfeeding and with the help of the Department of Education, they spread the importance of this to babies. In the early months of the babies from birth, the mother should breastfeed her baby and even continue this until the baby reaches 2 years old. Breastmilk really contains almost all the nutrients which babies need in gorwing and developing, these nutrients include calcium, protein, zinc, iron, vitamins and many more. These nutrients will then help babies to be strong , help the fight diseases and develop strong bones and muscles. It's also imoportant for the mothers who breastfeed to eat nutritious  and right foods, observe  balanced diet and proper hygiene so that they'll become healthy.
                          Here at our school, the TLE Department has prepared many activities, contest and programs regarding the Nutrition Month Celebration,these includes Poster-Slogan Making Contest, Nutri-Jingle, Food Festival and many more. With the help of these activities, we are being informed, educated and fully aware on the importance of bereastfeeding.

A LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY

Dear Mr. President,
                              First of all, I would like to express and extend my warmest congratulations to you Sir, and I'm hoping that you're in a safe and good situation at this moment and everytime.
                              It is a great honor and I'm very fortunate to write a message to the President of the Republic of the Philippines, Pres. Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III. As a student and a son, I know that education is really important and precious especially to us youths because we are the 'Hope of the Country' as our National Hero, the great Dr. Jose P. Rizal emphasized on his famous principle. It is important for education is our key to a better and progressive future and high quality of education is a big factor that could give a good reason for the students to continue their studies and pursue their dreams. Here at our school, no doubt, the quality of education is good, we have excellent and professional teachers, good teaching facilities and effective curriculum. But our school is only one of the thousands of schools and institutions of the Philippines and for sure there are still schools which are not fully equiped and doesn't have a good quality education especially on urban places. Every time I watch documentary programs about schools in urban places, seeing their classrooms which are not conducive learning place, seeing them with no books and even incomplete school supplies and the  thing that caught my attention is that they are walking even a kilometers just to go to school and learn something. With this serious situation that our fellow youths are experiencing, I think it's now the time to act, plan and prove that you Mr. President is really deserving as leader of a hard-pressed country. We doesn't need promises which soon will be broken instead we does need a leader who could give us the solution to many nerve-wrecking problems, a leader who does have the potentials, passion, dedication and the commitment to serve his people. Prove that you really deserve this position.                      

                   Always think that we're always here behind you that will support you as long as you will do your responsibilities and obligations to the people. We wish you the best and always good health.

                                                                                                  Reagards,

                                                                                     JEROME P. MECCA