Lessons learned and moving forward

 

Reflection is an important process for learning and personal growth. It allows individuals to analyze their experiences and understand how they have affected their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Reflecting on what you have learned in school can help you to better understand the material, retain the information longer, and apply it to real-world situations.

Becoming a better person is a lifelong journey that requires self-reflection, self-awareness, and a willingness to change. Learning how to become a better person involves understanding one's own values ​​and beliefs, and making conscious choices that align with those values. It also involves learning how to empathize with others, communicate effectively, and manage emotions. One way to work on becoming a better person is to set personal goals, such as practicing kindness, forgiveness, or gratitude. It's also important to surround oneself with people who are positive and supportive, and who will encourage growth and personal development. Additionally, learning how to become a better person may require learning and practicing new skills such as active listening, compromise, and conflict resolution.

One app, notepad, however it offers a lot. Learning how to utilize has been amazing because I've learned more about computers and how notepads operate. This quarter, we did a community based research takes place in community settings and involves community members in the design and implementation of research projects, demonstrating respect for the contributions of success that are made by community partners as well as respect for the principle of  "not harm" to the communities involved. CBR has its goal to achieve social justice through social action and social change.

Reference:

www.collater.al

Mercies in Disguise

 Holy Week, also known as Semana Santa, is one of the most important and solemn periods in the Christian calendar. It is a time when Christians all over the world commemorate the events leading up to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The week begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday, marking a seven-day period of reflection, prayer, and spiritual renewal.

Baptists and other Christian denominations don’t make the Holy Week a biblical ordinance to observe. One reason is that real Christians make the essence of the Holy Week the core foundation of their faith. It is the entire Gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-4) that Christ died and rose again. We don’t take the Holy Week as a once-a-year observance but rather the daily content in our meditation—that Christ died and rose again for me to live forever in heaven! To remember Christ during the Holy Week is a source of awareness for the non-Christians. But, we, born-again believers, believe in Christ Jesus more than the so-called Christian Holy Week observance. For we are doing “Holy Week” in our hearts daily — even hourly. We are happy for our biblical Jesus for He died and rose again to give us eternal life — through our faith in Him as only Lord and Savior! We keep the Holy Week like keeping our loved ones in our hearts every moment — not just once a year!

As a Born Again Christian, I participate in our church's annual service that centers on Jesus's seven last words. I went to my second encounter of the Seven Last Word this year. Every branch of our church in Ilocos is present at this ceremony, and each church has a representative to talk about one of Jesus' final words. We have a profound understanding of His thoughts as He took on all of humanity's sins from His Seven Last Words. He cries out to God, pardons the repentant thief, pardons His enemies, and announces the end of His earthly existence with these words. To be able to forgive someone, you need to forgive yourself first. Your ability to forgive others is directly tied to the ability to forgive yourself; the skills are the same,” Bartlett said. “It’s all about acceptance. Accept your imperfections and your humanity. Accept that you don’t need others to be perfect and accept that you don’t need to be perfect either. That means you can stop punishing yourself. And if you can ease up on that, you may find a deep well of compassion inside you that you can finally use on yourself.” In addition, during Holy Week, we traveled to the beach to unwind from the pressures of school. We went swimming overnight. We had a bonfire and spent a long time gazing at the shore. We then went to the seashore to catch crabs. We then went for a walk in the morning before spending hours in the sea. Despite the fact that most of modern life is still based on technology, we frequently have the best experiences when we take time off to disconnect and experience the world as it is, rather than how we've made it in our devices. Perhaps this is why so many people today adore beaches: they serve as a reminder of how different our world once was.

In conclusion, Holy Week is a time of deep reflection, prayer, and spiritual renewal for Christians around the world. It is a time to remember the events leading up to Jesus' death and resurrection and to reflect on the significance of these events in our lives. Whether through attending church services, participating in devotional practices, or simply taking time for personal reflection, Holy Week is an opportunity for Christians to draw closer to God and to renew their commitment to living a life of faith and service.

Reference:

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121 years of Shaping Leaders for Tomorrow

 

    Foundation day is an important celebration that takes place in many schools around the world. It is a special day dedicated to commemorating the establishment of the school and the efforts of those who worked hard to make it what it is today. Foundation day is usually celebrated on the anniversary of the day the school was founded. The exact date may vary from school to school, depending on the year of establishment. Ilocos Sur National High School usually celebrates is on March. This year, ISNHS celebrates its 121^st Foundation Day themed “Renewed Commitment in Defying Odds to Transcend Heights of Excellence and Solidarity”. It is a time for the school community to come together and reflect on the history and legacy of the institution. The significance of foundation day lies in its ability to remind everyone of the school's origins and the values and principles on which it was founded. It is an opportunity to honor the founders of the school and the hard work they put in to establish an institution of learning that has become an integral part of the community.

    The Foundation day is divided into three parts. The first part begins with the Thanksgiving Mass. The thanksgiving mass is a beautiful way to express gratitude to God for the many blessing we have received. It is an opportunity to give thanks for our health, our studies, our families, our friends, our teachers, classmates, and all the other gifts that we have been given. The second part includes the inspirational talk where the history and achievements of the school are highlighted. To be followed by the Awarding of Outstanding Teachers, Employees, and Retirees. There is also performances by students showcasing the school's talents and accomplishments. The third part was the field demonstration of Calisthenics, Festival Dances, Traditional Games, and Booths. These activities provide an opportunity for students to showcase their skills and talents while fostering a sense of community and school spirit. Foundation day celebrations are also a time for alumni to reconnect with their alma mater and reminisce about their school days. It is an opportunity for them to see how the school has grown and changed over the years and to reconnect with former classmates and teachers.

    In conclusion, foundation day is an important celebration in schools around the world. It is a time to reflect on the history and legacy of the school and to honor the hard work of those who established it. Through its celebration, foundation day fosters a sense of community, school spirit, and civic responsibility among students, staff, and alumni alike. 

Reference:

ISNHS SSG Facebook Account

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ABANTE BABAE

Abante Babae: Babae ka hindi Babae lang simply means to inspire every woman to dream of advancement whenever and wherever she goes. It serves as a reminder for women to learn how to stand on their own two feet anytime they feel denigrated. You are not alone. Knowing that you are not alone is such a huge relief in this world where we all deal with various problems. Making sure that no single woman feels like she is fighting all of her life's challenges alone is imperative from this point forward. You are valid. Remember that you are valid no matter what criticism or rudeness you encounter from others.Go easy on yourself, babe. Do what you want, get what you need because you can do all things as long as you’re not causing mess or trouble to anyone around you. It is us, above nothing else - girls. In connection to what the first reminder entails, we, as girls should know that we need to raise the flag of our sisterhood from time to time. In short, this just basically means that every day of us shall look like a day of “I got your back, and you got mine”. Above all, remember to inculcate in mind that we are women, and we are humans. We don’t need no man to survive as we are born bold and strong, ready to conquer every challenge, fear and problems we might face. Abante Babae: Babae ka, hindi Babae lang; keep that phrase in mind especially during the worst times of your life. You are awesome and you deserve a world where women can feel what equality and fairness means after all.

 

"There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish." — Michelle Obama 

Today, we celebrate the International Women's Day. We are raising an awareness to issues like gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence, harassment, and abuse against women. We also recognize the accomplishments of women in various fields, like Leni Robredo, Maria Ressa, Hidilyn Diaz, Maria Josefa Gabriela Silang, and many more. Regardless stereotypes that have remained over the years, it is undeniable that women can prove themselves across several aspects of today's society. Several women around the world have shown and proven that they have blossomed into strong, independent, and successful people. As we celebrate this day, we envision a world where men and women are equally prevalent. A community without prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination. A diverse, fair and equal, and comprehensive society. A nation that encourages and embraces diversity. Remember, we can create gender equality by working together.

National Women's Month is an annual observance that celebrates the contributions and achievements of women to society. It is an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the progress that women have made in various fields and to reflect on the ongoing efforts to achieve gender equality. National Women's Month provides a platform to celebrate the achievements of women in different fields, including politics, science, arts, business, education, and many others. This recognition helps to build awareness and appreciation of women's contributions to society and their impact on the world. Advocating for gender equality: Despite the progress made in recent years, gender inequality remains a significant challenge globally. National Women's Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges that women still face and advocate for gender equality. Empowering women: National Women's Month also serves as an opportunity to empower women and encourage them to take leadership roles in their communities, workplaces, and homes. By highlighting women's achievements, the observance helps to inspire other women to aim for excellence and pursue their dreams. Fostering inclusivity: National Women's Month promotes inclusivity by recognizing and celebrating the diversity of women's experiences and achievements. It helps to foster a sense of belonging and promotes the acceptance of women from different backgrounds and walks of life. 

"There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish." — Michelle Obama 

 National Women's Month is significant because it helps to promote gender equality, empower women, recognize their achievements, and foster inclusivity. Today, we celebrate the International Women's Day. We are raising an awareness to issues like gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence, harassment, and abuse against women. We also recognize the accomplishments of women in various fields, like Leni Robredo, Maria Ressa, Hidilyn Diaz, Maria Josefa Gabriela Silang, and many more. Regardless stereotypes that have remained over the years, it is undeniable that women can prove themselves across several aspects of today's society. Several women around the world have shown and proven that they have blossomed into strong, independent, and successful people. As we celebrate this day, we envision a world where men and women are equally prevalent. A community without prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination. A diverse, fair and equal, and comprehensive society. A nation that encourages and embraces diversity. Remember, we can create gender equality by working together.

 

Half a Heart

 

Valentine's Day is a popular celebration observed every year on February 14th. The day is dedicated to love, romance, and affection. The day has a long and interesting history, and it is celebrated worldwide in different ways. This essay will discuss the significance of Valentine's Day, its history, and how it is celebrated today. The significance of Valentine's Day lies in its focus on love, romance, and affection. It is a day when people express their feelings to their loved ones, whether it's their spouse, significant other, friends, or family. The day is a celebration of all types of love, and it is an opportunity to show appreciation and gratitude for the people who matter in our lives.

The history of Valentine's Day is somewhat unclear, with several stories and legends surrounding the day. One popular story dates back to ancient Rome, where a festival called Lupercalia was celebrated in mid-February. The festival was a pagan celebration of fertility and was later replaced by Valentine's Day, which was named after St. Valentine, a Christian martyr who died in the 3rd century. According to legend, St. Valentine was imprisoned for performing marriages for Christian couples, which were banned at the time. While in prison, he fell in love with his jailer's daughter and sent her a letter signed "Your Valentine" before he was executed on February 14th. Today, Valentine's Day is celebrated in various ways around the world. In the United States, it is common for couples to exchange gifts, flowers, and cards with romantic messages. Many people also enjoy a special meal, such as a candlelit dinner, or a night out on the town. In other parts of the world, Valentine's Day is celebrated differently. For example, in Japan, women traditionally give men chocolates on February 14th, while men reciprocate with gifts on March 14th, which is known as "White Day." In some countries, the day is a celebration of friendship, and people exchange gifts and cards with their friends. Our class officers decided to exchange gifts on Valentine's day in order for everyone to receive a gift. The gift can be anything that will make the receiver smile, like a note, chocolate, or flowers. The Mathematics club set up a booth with a marriage booth, a blind date booth, photo booth, a message booth, and a snack bar inside. My friend and I decided to write a letter to our crush that day. Writing a Valentine's day letter to your crush was a pleasant experience. 

Valentine's Day is not without its critics, who argue that the holiday has become too commercialized and that it puts pressure on people to be in a relationship or to spend money on gifts. However, many people still enjoy the day and find it to be a meaningful way to express their love and appreciation for the people in their lives. In conclusion, Valentine's Day is a celebration of love, romance, and affection. The day has a long and interesting history, and it is celebrated in various ways around the world. Whether you choose to exchange gifts with your significant other, spend time with friends, or simply enjoy the day in your own way, Valentine's Day is a special occasion to celebrate love and the important people in our lives. 

Tawid ken Kultura; Kannawidan Festival

    

 Festivals are an integral part of many cultures and communities around the world, and hold great significance for those who participate in them. These celebrations are often steeped in tradition andsymbolism, and can serve many important social, cultural, and religious functions. Kannawidan is celebrated annually by Ilocos Sur in commemoration of the separation of two Ilocos Provinces in year 1818. Kannawidan Ylocos Festival is one of the famous festivals in Ilocos Sur. It celebrates Ilocos Sur abundant culture and traditions, and it's separation from Ilocos Sur. 

     One of the most important functions of festival is to bring people together creating a sense of community and shared identity. Festivals like Kannawidan provide an opportunity for individuals to connect with others who share their beliefs, values, and interests, and to celebrate their common heritage and traditions. Through shared experiences such as food, music, dance, and ritual, festivals help to create a sense of belonging and foster social cohesion. 

    Numerous exciting activities and shows are being held in Kannawidan like Fireworks Display, Street Dancing, Float Parade, Concerts, Fun Run and many more. This activities play an important cultural role, they provide a forum for the expression of artistic and creative expression, and often serve as a platform for showcasing local or regional arts, crafts, and cultural practices. By preserving and promoting cultural traditions, festivals help to pass on important knowledge, values, and beliefs from one generation to the next, ensuring that they are not lost over time. 

   Festivals are an important part of human culture part of human culture and hold great significance for those who participate in them. From fostering social cohesion and cultural expression, to providing an opportunity for spritual renewal and economic growth, festivals play a critical role in our lives and are testament to the enduring power of human connection and community. 

The Vibrant Vigan Festival: Celebrating Culture and History in the Heart of the Philippines

     

Vigan is a city located in the Ilocos region of the Philippines. It is known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, making it a popular tourist destination. Vigan is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, being the best-preserved example of Spanish colonial towns in Asia. The city is a melting pot of different cultures, with influences from Chinese, Spanish, and indigenous Ilocano cultures. It is famous for its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and ancestral homes. In addition to its rich history and cultural heritage, Vigan is also known for its delicious cuisine, such as the "empanada" and "longganisa," traditional dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients. 

     Vigan Festival is a yearly celebration in the city of Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. It is a cultural and religious festival that marks the feast of St. Paul the Apostle, the patron saint of Vigan. The festival features various activities such as parades, street dancing, food stalls, and religious processions. The highlight of the festival is the 

Longganisa Festival is a food festival in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. It is an annual celebration that showcases the city's famous longganisa, a type of Filipino sausage made with locally sourced ingredients. The festival features a variety of activities such as cooking demonstrations, food tasting, and culinary competitions. Participants and visitors can enjoy different variations of longganisa, including the sweet, spicy, and garlicky versions. The festival also highlights the local food culture of Vigan, including its traditional dishes and ingredients. The Longganisa Festival attracts both locals and tourists, providing a unique experience for those interested in trying new foods and learning about the rich cultural heritage of the Ilocos region.

     Kannawidan is also a cultural festival celebrated in the Ilocos region of the Philippines. It is held annually in the city of Ilocos Sur and showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Ilocano people. The festival features various cultural and historical performances, such as traditional dances, songs, and plays. Participants and visitors can also experience the Ilocano way of life through food and craft stalls that sell local products and delicacies. Kannawidan also aims to promote the preservation of Ilocano traditions and customs, as well as their contributions to Philippine history and culture. The festival is attended by both locals and tourists, providing a unique and memorable experience for those interested in learning about the Ilocano culture and history.  

Festivals serve as a significant tool for promoting the tourism industry by attracting tourists to a particular destination. They create awareness about the destination and its unique cultural offerings, generating buzz and bringing attention to the area. Festivals provide a one-of-a-kind experience for tourists, offering them the chance to experience local traditions, customs, and history. This unique experience can encourage tourists to visit again or recommend the destination to others. Additionally, festivals can boost the local economy by attracting visitors and generating revenue through food, souvenirs, and accommodation. By showcasing a destination's cultural heritage, festivals can also enhance cultural exchange, allowing tourists to learn about and engage with the local community. Overall, festivals play a crucial role in promoting the tourism industry by attracting tourists, boosting the local economy, and enhancing cultural exchange.