Winds of Changes

        The only thing you can truly change in this world is yourself. Others might be inspired by your change and decide to change themselves and so on. If you want to change the world you must start with yourself first. 

        Change is not easy. It comes slow, with risks, failures and criticism. And, it is often the fear of those that stops one from taking a step towards change. That first step is the hardest and scariest part of the process because it makes one vulnerable. But, it also opens doors for freedom and great opportunities. The decision to bring change is a tough one and staying on that path by actually putting in efforts is equally tough and important but as they say, nothing good ever comes easy. Change is never comfortable; it is not supposed to be. If it was, everybody would do it. But, as uncomfortable as it is, it is also necessary. When we dream of changing the world, we often forget that in order to change the billions out there, we must first change ourselves. That is where it’s supposed to start. We must believe in ourselves. The world may or may not follow but in our hearts, we know we took the leap and made the journey and reached where we planned to.  As Miley Cyrus said, it’s the climb that matters. Over the years, I have taken decisions that I was hesitant to take because I knew that taking those roads meant opening up to new changes and like everyone else, it made me uncomfortable too, but looking back at those decisions, I am glad I made them and allowed myself to change for the better.

        To change is natural. To be afraid of change is also natural. But what makes us human is doing it anyway. We are members of the human race, and rather than being defined by our ability to change the world, we are defined by the choices that we make for ourselves and what we do to become better human beings, because that is where the change really starts. 

A mother's love

When we’re feeling sad and lonely, we can count on our dearest mothers for comfort. A warm hug from her can make us feel at home and one phone call from her can silence our worries away. The undeniable love we receive from our mothers makes the world sweeter and a little bit more special. And it is for this reason that we have Mother's Day to celebrate and honor her. So to all our mothers and mother figures: Happy Mother’s Day and thank you for all the adventures, the delicious cookies, and for always knowing what’s best.

In many countries all over the world, Mother’s Day is celebrated to recognize the importance and influence of mothers in our society. The celebration happens once a year and it can last from one day to several days. However, any day of the year can be Mother’s Day for we should celebrate our mothers, not just one time a year but all 365 days of the year, even on rainy and stormy days.

It’s a privilege to be able to say Happy Mother’s Day to a loved one. So if you can and when you can, say those precious words and savor the moment. Bake a pie or a cake. Get fresh flowers and cute plants. And of course, call your mom and spend time with your family. After all, the best gift to give is time. Love yah, mom.

The fruit of our labor

        Philippines Labor Day is celebrated annually on May 1 to celebrate hardworking Filipinos across the country. In Filipino, it is known as ‘Araw ng mga Manggagawa’. People in the Philippines relax and spend the day with their family and friends. At Malacanang (the previous American Governor’s residence, now Presidential palace) and in major cities like Manila, labor movements and parades are a part of the celebrations. These activities draw attention to their complaints, which include the minimum wage, inhumane working conditions, and other issues that undermine the rights of employees. Every hardworking Filipino is celebrated on this day, no matter their job. The first Labor Day celebration was held on May 1, 1913, when Herminigildo Cruz, the other founder of U.O.D.F., put together the Congreso Obrero de Filipinas. The party demanded fair working conditions for the labor sector, including eight-hour working days, an end to child labor, equal labor standards for women, and employers’ liability to their employees. 

        Labor Day honors the contributions of workers to society and recognizes their hard work and dedication. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of fair labor practices, social protection, and human rights for all workers. This day is important as it enables workers to take some much-needed rest from their work and to collect their thoughts, spend time with their loved ones, or just recover their energies.This day motivates people to get into work and to work hard. This will help to retain the economy going. It also encourages men and women to follow their chosen careers, to do their best at them. In this way, they contribute to their society. For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and seamen, this holiday holds special significance as they continue to strive for fairer working conditions abroad. Meanwhile, business owners also recognize labor day as an opportunity to appreciate their workforce’s dedication that drives their company’s success. Furthermore, celebrating Labor Day reminds us that we can continue fighting for policies that promote decent employment opportunities and improve working conditions not only locally but globally too. As businesses expand worldwide, our advocacy must be matched with efforts from governments who are responsible for protecting their citizens’ welfare especially when they work abroad such as OFWs and seamen. 

        We know that the worker receives minimum pay by selling his own labor. That is the reason why International Labour Day is celebrated all over the world. So this day is to promote and encourage international labor associations. Thus, it is a special day to appreciate and recognize their contribution to society as they are certainly well-deserved.

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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.

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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.