"Goodbyes are hard, but the future is exciting"

 Learning to accept goodbyes is something that is very hard for each and every one of us. But, even though it is hard, we must still learn to accept it and look to the brighter side of the future.

 For 10 months, I have been walking through the same faces every day, and to think that in a span of a few weeks, we will all be separated is pretty heartbreaking to me. But even though I still look forward to the future.

 To my Markov, it was truly a great chance to meet each and every one of you. For most of my life, I have craved the presence of a true family. And who would've thought that I would find them through you—people who were once just strangers to me? Markov, you guys are truly amazing people. I love how you guys support each other, show that you truly care and will always be there for them, and how there is no "I" in Markov. I love how you guys find a way to smile even in hard times. Although, at times, it would feel as if there was a gap in between each and every one of us, I guess that's just how it is. Not every time we have to be lovey-dovey.

 It may be hard to accept that we all must go our separate ways, but I guess that's just how life goes. But even though we will not be together anymore, I just want you guys to know that I will continue supporting you in the steps that you take. And I will pray that each and every one of you finds success and happiness in your next journeys. You guys will always have a special place in my heart. Goodbye, Markov.

"How do you see yourself 10 years from now?"

    Such a simple and easy question to answer, yet somehow my mind just goes blank every time someone asks me that. All my life, from kindergarten to now, it has always been the same exact question, and I have always had the same exact answer. "Oh, 10 years from now, I think I would be an engineer; I would be successful and have already finished my studies," but as I have grown older with a much deeper understanding of the world, it's not that easy to say.

    To be honest, as of now, I think my future is uncertain. I don't really see myself living the life that I once wanted to have. I don't even see myself being alive 10 years from now. I'm not saying that I'll be dead in the future; what I mean is that there is just a chance that I may not survive this lifetime. Well, it's not that crazy of a statement, as I once planned to commit suicide at 50 just because I couldn't imagine myself living until 80, when I have to wear adult diapers, and I asked my caretaker to wipe my shit off. haha.

    But what kind of life would I really want to live in the future? Well, I used to want to be rich—someone who could buy the things that they wanted without saving for them, someone who would provide for my parents and siblings with anything and everything that they wanted. And at one point, I even wanted to be the "tito" who would spoil their nieces, nephews, titas, and titos, and especially my grandparents, giving them money and gifts for Christmas. But now I just want to live a peaceful and simple life. Don't get me wrong, though; I still want to spoil them in the future, but maybe I'll just prioritize myself a little bit more.

    For now, maybe I am still uncertain of what I want to become in the future, but there's no need to rush; eventually I'll figure it out, just like I always would. There's no need to worry, for I know that I can do anything I want if I try and really want to.

"Change, it starts with me"

    Change is inevitable, encompassing personal growth and societal progress. Often, we wait for external sources to bring change, failing to realize our own power to initiate it. "Change starts with me" highlights that true transformation begins at an individual level. By taking personal responsibility and making conscious choices, we can create a ripple effect of positive change in our lives and the world around us.

    Embracing this concept empowers us to take control of our lives. Instead of blaming external circumstances, we recognize our power to shape our own destiny. By setting goals, committing to personal growth, and cultivating positive relationships, our efforts lead to a more fulfilling existence.

    By embodying the principle of "change starts with me," we become catalysts for change in our communities. Our actions inspire and influence others. Leading by example, we motivate those around us to embark on their own journey of transformation. Whether through charitable work, sustainable practices, or promoting inclusivity, our actions create a domino effect of positive change.

    Furthermore, the idea extends beyond personal growth; it encompasses broader societal change. When individuals collectively embrace their power to effect change, social movements and revolutions are born. History shows us that a single person's vision, determination, and actions can lead to movements for civil rights, equality, and conservation.

    In conclusion, the phrase "change starts with me" reminds us of our agency and responsibility. By recognizing our power to make a difference, we become active participants in shaping a better future. Through individual choices, actions, and commitment to growth, we can collectively create a more compassionate, just, and sustainable world. Change truly begins with each of us.

"Mother's Day"

    Mother's Day is a special occasion to express love, gratitude, and appreciation to our mothers for their unconditional love and support. It is a day when we celebrate the incredible impact of mothers in our lives and recognize their countless sacrifices. In this essay, I will discuss the significance of Mother's Day and the importance of honoring our mothers.

    Firstly, Mother's Day is an opportunity to thank our mothers for their love and care. From giving birth to raising us, our mothers have dedicated their lives to make us feel loved and secure. They have been there to comfort us when we were upset, encourage us when we faced challenges, and provide us with guidance when we needed it the most. Mother's Day is a chance to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our mothers and let them know that their love and sacrifices are not taken for granted.

    Secondly, Mother's Day is a reminder to cherish the time we have with our mothers. We often take for granted the moments we share with our loved ones, and it's important to realize that time is precious. Whether it's a simple phone call, a homemade card, or a thoughtful gift, taking the time to show our appreciation can make all the difference. Mother's Day reminds us to cherish the moments we have with our mothers and to make them feel loved and appreciated.

    In conclusion, Mother's Day is a special day to celebrate and honor our mothers. It is a time to reflect on the impact our mothers have had on our lives, and to express our gratitude for their love and support. As we celebrate Mother's Day, let us take the time to appreciate our mothers and cherish the moments we have with them. After all, a mother's love is priceless, and we should never forget the sacrifices they make for us every day.

"Homage to the Workers"

  Labor Day is a federal holiday celebrated on May 1 in the Philippines. It celebrates the contributions of workers to the nation's prosperity and well-being. The holiday honors the social and economic achievements of American workers, including their contributions to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of the country. Labor Day is also a day to recognize the contributions of trade unions and the labor movement, which have fought for better wages, working conditions, and benefits for workers over the years.

  The significance of Labor Day can be traced back to the late 9th century when the labor movement in the United States was gaining strength. At that time, workers often worked long hours, sometimes up to 16 hours a day, and in unsafe and unhealthy conditions. Labor unions were formed to advocate for workers' rights and improve working conditions, and they organized strikes and protests to demand better pay, shorter hours, and safer working conditions. The labor movement also played a critical role in the passage of labor laws and regulations that protect workers' rights and safety.

  With all that is said, Labor Day is a time to celebrate the contributions of workers and the progress made in improving working conditions and rights. But it's also a reminder that there's still work to be done to ensure all workers are treated fairly with good pay, safe conditions, and benefits. Therefore, Labor day is not just a day off but a day to support the ongoing struggle for workers' rights and social justice.

"Chapter III"

 As we approach the end of the third quarter, it is surreal to think that we will soon be parting ways. Despite this being one of the toughest quarters in our 10th grade experience, I still found it enjoyable, and I hope my classmates feel the same way. The quarter was filled with various tasks, including reports, role plays, research, and even dancing. While these activities were physically and mentally demanding, they also played a crucial role in strengthening my relationships with my peers. Together, we created unforgettable memories while working on these tasks.

 Throughout this quarter, I believe I have matured significantly. I learned valuable lessons through the challenges and mistakes that I faced, and I intend to use these experiences to improve myself in the future. Above all, I realized that success requires effort and perseverance, and cannot be achieved in a matter of seconds.

 As we head into the final quarter together, I wish my classmates good luck and encourage them to make the most of it. This last quarter is a unique opportunity to enjoy each other's company and make the most of our remaining time together. Let us continue to support each other and create unforgettable memories as we move on to the next stage of our lives.

"Semana Santa"

 Holy Week, which is also referred to as Passion Week, is a significant religious occasion in the Christian faith that commemorates the last week of Jesus Christ's life, including his crucifixion and resurrection. This week is characterized by a range of events and traditions that reflect the solemnity and importance of this period.

 I didn't engage in many activities during Holy Week, except for joining a procession at school on April 1st as a math club officer. Attending processions was new to me as my family rarely participates in such events, and we usually stay at home during Holy Week. On Palm Sunday, I went to church with my relatives and later had lunch with them. For the rest of the week, we mostly stayed indoors, except for Holy Saturday, when we visited the beach. We ate breakfast there with my cousins, nieces, and nephews, and I had a wonderful time. And on Easter Sunday we went to the church again to celebrate the resurrection of god.

 Overall, Easter sunday is a time to reflect on ones self, a time for christians to remember and thank god for the sacrifice that he made for our sins, and a time to spend with your family.

"121st Foundation Day Celebration"

    Ilocos Sur National Highschool recently conducted their 121st Highschool day at March 25, 2023. Highschool day is conducted once a year by Ilocos Sur National Highschool to pay tribute to the foundation of the school, it have been 3 years since the last highschool day celebration was held because of the pandemic. During highschool day students together with teachers usually perform traditional and modern dances, and compete at each other. The theme for this years Highschool day celebration is "Renewed Commitment in Defying Odds to Transcend Heights of Excellence and Solidarity".

    The celebration begun in the morning, it was started by a thanksgiving mass at 8:00 AM in the gymnasium and was later followed by an opening program at 10:00 AM. During the program, personels like the prinicipal and other expressed their thoughts about the celebration. There were also an intermission number by selected grade 10 students and the teachers choir. After the opening program in the gym it was followed by the Field demo that was held at the school field. Selected students performed the Galaw Pilipinas dance at 1:00 PM, then was later followed by Grade 9 students performing the 8 traditional festivals of Ilocos Sur. Next came the modern dances by Grade 10, which was performed by the top 3 winners of the hiphop dance contest. After the dances, there were traditional games held which was facilitated by FEC officers. There were also booths by the supreme student government by that time. Finally, after the celebration, Mrs. Judeliza Refuerzo, the head teacher of MAPEH department expressed her gratitude to everyone who participated in the celebration.

"National Women's Month"

National Women's Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions that women have made to society throughout history. It is an opportunity to acknowledge the progress that has been made in advancing women's rights, as well as the ongoing struggles that women continue to face in many areas of life.

The significance of National Women's Month lies in its ability to raise awareness about the achievements and challenges faced by women in various fields, including politics, business, science, arts, and sports. It is a time to honor the trailblazers who paved the way for women's progress, and to inspire the next generation of women leaders.

National Women's Month also provides a platform for discussing issues such as gender inequality, violence against women, and discrimination, and for advocating for policies and programs that promote gender equity and women's empowerment.

In sum, National Women's Month is a time to celebrate the many ways that women have enriched our world.

"With my beloved"    

    Valentines day is something that everyone celebrates, some people thinks its only a celebration for those who are in a relationship but in reality it is for everyone. It is not only a celebration for them but it is a celebration for those who you love like your family, friends, and classmates, not necesarilly needed to be your lover or whatkind.

    I honestly thought that this years valentines day would just be like the other past years, but to my surprise it would actually be pretty different. Past Valentines days, it would just be like any other days, giving your teachers gifts and then proceeding to being just like a normal day. But this year, our section decided to have an exchange gift, where you can give your drawn name anything your like. It was not needed to give anything expensive to the person that you have drawn, as long as its from your heart like a letter or maybe even flowers if you like. I gave the person I have drawn socks since when I ask her friends what she would like they said she wanted pink socks so I gave her socks, I know its pretty weird but I think it really made her happy, hopefully it made her happy hehe. Anyways, if you think that's weird, what I recieved was weirder, I recieved 2 chocolates and canned sardines hahahahaha. But I still think that it was a great gift specially since I know it came from the heart. I also really enjoyed eating the canned sardines, I ate it after school (it was very delicious).

    I had a really great valentines day, full of love and joy from all of my classmates. Hopefully, next year I would experiences a unique Valentines day again.

 

"A unique experience in the heart of Ilocos Sur"

  The Vigan City street dancing festival is an experience that I will never forget. This colorful and vibrant celebration of culture, history, and tradition is truly unique and a feast for the senses. The festival is held annually in the month of February and is a major event in the region, attracting visitors from all over the Philippines and beyond.

  As I walked through the streets of Vigan, I was greeted by the sights and sounds of traditional music, dancers, and colorful floats. The energy of the festival was contagious and the excitement in the air was palpable. The dancers, dressed in traditional attire, moved gracefully to the beat of the music, their movements a beautiful blend of Spanish and Asian influences. 

  One of the highlights of the festival was the street food. The food fair was a showcase of the region's culinary heritage, featuring traditional dishes and sweets made with local ingredients. I was particularly impressed by the quality of the food and the variety of dishes available. I tried several local delicacies and was blown away by their flavors and textures.

   I had a great time celebrating Vigan City's festival with my friends, it is definetly something that I would always remember everytime I visit Vigan again. From the vibrant street dancing parade to the delicious food and cultural shows, I was truly immersed in the celebration. I would highly recommend visiting Vigan during the festival to anyone who loves culture, history, and vibrant celebrations.

Reflection

  I'm not sure how to describe how I felt during this quarter. I guess you could say it was difficult because of the number of activities we were assigned and the short amount of time we had to complete them. But I also think it was fine; while it was difficult, it was also enjoyable.

  During this quarter, I've learned a lot of things. One of them is probably that I should learn to gather my courage and take the risk rather than regretting it later and losing my chance. Be accountable for managing my time and completing tasks as soon as possible. I learned that I needed to accept reality and keep moving forward rather than getting stuck in the past. In the midst of a crisis, I've learned to stay calm and have fun. Most importantly, not everything goes as planned, and it's okay if it doesn't, what matters is that you tried your hardest in the hopes of achieving your goals.

"The Spirit of Christmas"

    Christmas is a holiday that is celebrated on December 25th by Christians around the world. It is a time for families and friends to come together and exchange gifts, decorate trees, and participate in other festive activities.

    One of the most popular traditions of Christmas is the decorating of trees. People often decorate their homes with Christmas trees, which are usually evergreen trees that are adorned with lights, ornaments, and other decorations. In many parts of the world, people also put up other decorations, such as wreaths, mistletoe, and holly.

    Another popular tradition of Christmas is gift-giving. On Christmas Day, people exchange gifts with their loved ones, often in the form of wrapped packages that are placed under the Christmas tree. Many people also exchange greeting cards or send gifts to friends and family members who live far away.

    In addition to gift-giving and tree decorating, there are many other traditions associated with Christmas. Some people attend church services on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, while others celebrate by singing carols or participating in other religious activities. Many people also enjoy preparing and eating special Christmas meals, which often include dishes such as roast turkey, ham, and Christmas pudding.

    Overall, Christmas is a time for joy, celebration, and coming together with loved ones. It is a holiday that is celebrated by people of many different cultures and religions, and it is a time for spreading love, kindness, and good cheer to all.