Uncertainty is the only Certainty

The future is uncertain, that's what makes life possible and interesting, for not knowing what comes next. However, it is also important to plan ahead, to try to be on top of things and have a vision for our lives. But we also have to live and accept with the fact that we can't just simply plan for everything. Life takes unexpected twists and turns and throws surprises and challenges our way. The only moment you can control is the moment you experience right now. You cannot control what will happen in a year’s time, let alone what will happen in the next five minutes. 

Future may be uncertain and unpredictable but 10 yrs from now, I want to see myself continuing to grow, exploring, taking risks, making mistakes, and still finding my purpose in this world. I see myself knowing more about who really I am, my strengths and weaknesses, my likes and dislikes, my goals and dreams. As a grown woman, I also see myself having more responsibilities and duties. My future may depend on me, but the world has so much to offer, there's a lot to explore, those unexpected challenges, pains, and worries that will push me to keep going and aiming for that goal. But above all, I want to be whoever I want me to be, without limiting myself, without any judgement and doubt, I want to see myself with my best version living my best life because that is what I deserve.

On top of that, it is also extremely important to learn to live in the present moment. Only in the present moment can you achieve true happiness, peace, and joy, which are all key for our mental wellbeing. With no expectations of the future, you won’t be disappointed by anything that happens. Instead, you will go into life with an open mind and anything good that happens will be a happy surprise. At the same time, you’ll never be disappointed if things don’t work out because you never allowed yourself to worry about the future and hold expectations of how your life should turn out. By staying present, you stop comparing how your life used to be or how it could be, as you just live life as it’s happening.

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If not now, then when?

Change is not easy. It comes slowly, with risks, failures, and criticism. And it is typically the fear of others that prevents one from taking the first step toward change. The first step is the most difficult and frightening element of the process because it makes one vulnerable. However, it also opens the door to freedom, greater, and wonderful prospects. The decision to bring about change is difficult, and continuing on that path through exerting effort is also difficult and important, but as the saying goes, nothing good ever comes easy.

Change is never comfortable; it is not meant to be. Everyone would do it if it were true. But, as unpleasant as it may be, it is also necessary. When we dream of transforming the world, we frequently forget that we must first change ourselves before we can affect the billions. That's where it should begin. We have to have faith, have trust, and believe in ourselves. The world may or may not follow, but we know in our hearts that we took the risk, traveled, and arrived where we intended to. 

 

It is natural for things to change. It is natural to be terrified of change. But what makes us human is that we do it anyway. We are members of the human race, and rather than our ability to alter the world, we are defined by the choices we make for ourselves and what we do to become better human beings, because that is where the true change begins. 

My Constant and Always

The most significant woman in everyone's life is our mother. They will always hold a unique space in our hearts that no one else will ever be able to occupy. Mothers are the most elusive and priceless among all the gorgeous things in this world since there is only one mother in the entire universe. They are the most admirable beings to have ever lived because they only want the best for us.

Meet my one and only mama, she shows me the beauty of life and how we should cherish every moment of it. The bravest, strongest, and most selfless, single mom of 3. Words aren't enough to describe how grateful I am to be her daughter. I've learned more from her than I ever could have from any books or any learning material. She serves as a role model for me, showing me how to live life and make moral decisions even in the most uncertain and difficult circumstances in my life. She believes in me more than I believe in myself, and she gave me everything she could, and never asked for anything in return.

Throughout my life, she has always been there supporting and guiding me every step of the way. She makes me a better person each day and she made me believe that there's always a light at the end of the tunnel. To the woman who taught me compassion, picking me up when I felt alone and broken, and comforting me whenever I need a shoulder to cry on. To the woman who protected, nurtured, and raised me to be the person I am today, all I can say is thank you and I will forever be grateful that I have an amazing mama like you. 

To all mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, foster mothers, surrogate mothers, mother figures, and also to all the dads who also play the role of mother, you deserve all the love and happiness this world has to offer. Happy Mother's Day!

It always pays off

    Labor Day is also known as International Workers’ Day and May Day. Every first of May, the Philippines observe a national holiday in recognition of the toil and contributions of Filipino workers throughout the nation. 'Araw ng mga Manggagawa' is how it is referred to in Filipino. In the Philippines, people unwind and spend the day with their loved ones.

    Labor Day is both a secular and religious holiday. It was created as a secular holiday as a result of the labor union movement to remember the importance of employees in both the economy and society, and it is now celebrated in many countries throughout the world. Thus, the significance of Labor Day may also be understood in the celebration of St. Joseph the Worker, a feast that has been liturgically observed since 1955. Because St. Joseph taught Jesus his trade, the Church continues to recall labor's importance in a special way that honors both its human and spiritual dimensions. Additionally, Labor Day is a significant event from a political perspective. The significance of Labor Day lies in the fact that many people utilize this day to voice their displeasure with workers or employees. Many bosses mistreat or even intentionally exploit their workers. Moreover, unions use Labor Day to spread awareness of current issues affecting workers.

    The significance of Labor Day endures as we remember how our ancestors struggled for fair working conditions in order to support their families. We have been honoring their bravery up until this point as times have improved. You, your friends, and your family should not be prevented from taking pleasure in life's precious moments by the pandemic. But remember that the protection and safety of those we care about should always come first.

Reference:

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Almost There

 

During our 3rd quarter, I have learned more lessons that will be helpful for me and to my fellow students. Learning HTML Lists, Frames, and also doing our Community-Based Research. These are the lessons and teachings that I've gained and I hope that this will be helpful for my future.

I didn't easily understand our lessons and I had a hard time catching up because of things that was bothering me. Fortunately, I handled my struggles and continued what I think should be done. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank those people who stayed by my side, they've helped me in so many ways, and words will never be enough to describe how much they mean to me. 

The journey brought a lot of misfortunes. I was physically, mentally, and emotionally drained and tired, but luckily I survived. Hoping to make it until the last quarter. See you again soon!

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Most Holy Week

    The most holy week of the year is Semana Santa, generally referred to as Holy Week. Street processions, the Way of the Cross, sermons and prayers that focus on Jesus' Seven Last Words ("Siete Palabras"), and the staging of Senákulo are all used to mark the occasion. It entails the Stations of the Cross, Visita Iglesia, prayers, fasting, and abstinence for devotees. The Paschal Mystery, our Lord Jesus Christ's suffering and death, triumphant resurrection, victory over sin and death, and his Father's exaltation are all commemorated.

    It is an eight-day period that gives us the chance to consider the transformation in humanity that Jesus' death on the cross sparked. The week includes five days that are especially significant. First, Palm Sunday honors Jesus' modest entry into Jerusalem to observe Passover. Palm Sunday is observed with a blessing and palm procession in various Christian churches. Jesus established the Eucharist at the Last Supper, and it has since become a significant part of Christian devotion, especially Maundy Thursday. Good Friday is a day of sadness, repentance, and fasting in remembrance of Jesus' suffering and death on the cross. The traditional conclusion of Lent is Holy Saturday, commonly known as Easter Vigil. The Easter Vigil concludes the Triduum and ushers in the Easter season. It is the most distinctive and significant liturgy of the year. Easter Sunday marks the commemoration of Jesus' Resurrection, which occurred the third day following his crucifixion, as recorded in the Gospels. 

    The purpose of Holy Week is to recreate, experience, and take part in Jesus Christ's suffering. Since it commemorates Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection, it is a very important tradition in Filipino culture. During Holy Week, we can use it as an opportunity to make peace where there is conflict, try to love others as He loves us, and think about the forgiveness He extends to us.

121st Year

 

    An organization or institution's founding is commemorated on a set day known as "Foundation Day." It is a chance for an organization to unite and honor its illustrious past with the local population, staff members, and supporters. An institution's founding day is highly significant. It represents beginnings and birth. It is a historic date that specifically denotes the founding of a particular institution or organization. The foundation of identity, history, and legacy is understanding one's origins. 

    Every year, schools and universities celebrate their unique founding days to recognize the moment when they were created or established. Beyond only how long it has been a part of the area where a school is located, it is significant. It is also important, especially if the construction of the school has significantly benefited the community it serves. Due to the pandemic, ISNHS has not commemorated its founding day in three years. However, this year has given those teachers, staffs, especially us, students, optimism because we will finally again celebrate this year's Foundation Day with the theme "Renewed Commitment in Defying Odds to Transcend Heights of Excellence and Solidarity".

    Foundation Day encourages us to recognize, evaluate, and appreciate the foundations being built today. It is an opportunity to reflect, recognise our own place in history, and look forward with optimeism and faithfulness. It is a day of remembrance, honor, celebration of the accomplishments made during the previous 121 years, and anticipation of what lies ahead. This day serves as a warning to us that we enter an uncertain future when we forget our history.

Liwanag sa Dilim

March is commonly regarded as Women's Month in the Philippines, a time to celebrate and commemorate the tremendous contributions made by women to society. Women's Month in the Philippines was first observed in 1988 as a result of Proclamation No. 224 designating the first week of March as Women's Week. The goal of this month-long celebration is to increase public awareness of women's struggles for gender equality and their rights. The 2023 National Women's Month Celebration is a significant milestone in the advancement of women's rights because it introduces a new recurring theme for the following six years, until 2028: WE for gender equality and an inclusive society. This was later extended to the entire month to promote women's empowerment and gender equality.

The history-making accomplishments of women in our society are honored at this occasion. Women's empowerment is a key topic here, especially in light of their recent demands for equality. The discipline they exhibit and the resources they contribute to the family cannot be denied, nor can their significance in the family. It intends to monitor the advancement of women's rights and serve as a forum for learning about the Magna Carta of Women's progress and the creation of other legislation. The entire month of March has been set aside by Filipinos to honor the accomplishments of the women of their nation and to spread awareness of issues such as sexism, domestic abuse, and other challenges women experience on a daily basis. The celebration of International Women's Day, which was established by the UN as a day for people all over the world to address civil and human rights, is part of this event. It includes commemorating International Women's Day, which was established by the UN as a day for people all around the world to talk about civil and human rights and equality for women.

In the Philippines, Women's Month is an important occasion to honor women's accomplishments and raise awareness of the obstacles they still face in their quest for gender equality. It is a chance for people and groups to band together and work to build a society that is more equitable and just for everyone. On this day, women's accomplishments in culture, politics, society, and the economy are honored. It provides a chance to motivate efforts to eradicate gender prejudice and discrimination and achieve gender equality.

Aimer et être aimé

    Valentine's Day is increasingly seen as a time to honor all admirable human connections. The festival is currently recognized as the day to honor all manifestations of love. Individuals make it a point to tell their friends, parents, siblings, teachers, or anybody else they deem precious, "Happy Valentine's Day." Children also plan get-togethers in many schools to celebrate Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day today can be seen as a chance to explore the shared emotions and sensations that are associated with love.

    My feb 14 went well because it was just a normal day for me. It was filled with love everywhere. I didn't expect any gift or appreciation because I feel loved and enough everyday, but someone still gave me gifts. I received chocolates and flowers from my closest friends. They didn't say any words, but the gift itself expressed so much words and feelings. Their presence or greetings is already enough for me, but I felt appreciated even more because of those simple gestures. 

    Millions of people throughout the world give their loved ones candies, flowers, chocolates, and other Valentine's Day presents on February 14. But It should not only be during valentine's day to express appreciation to our loved ones. It can be any day in any time. The focus of Valentine's Day is being with the person you love. The most crucial thing to keep in mind is that you may make someone else's day extremely special by simply recognizing the love you have with sincere and meaningful emotions. To commemorate your love for one another, you don't need to spend a lot of money.

Pride of the Ilocano Culture

    A stunning and unique province called Ilocos Sur is located in Northern Luzon. This province has a rich cultural past that combines Filipino and old Spanish influences. The villagers created the "Kannadiwan Festival" to promote these cultural traditions and to showcase and share their riches with the rest of the world. It is one of the well-known festivals in Locos Sur. It honors llocos Sur's rich culture and traditions as well as its independence from llocos Norte in 1818. Over the course of the festival, a variety of thrilling events and exciting performances will be presented.  

    Ilocos sur has 32 municipalities and 2 competing cities. each cities and municipalities has it's own unique and special recipes of foods, or handmade souvenirs, and home displays that makes them stand out the most.  They also have their own cultures and traditions that is different from all of the other places. What makes the festival extra special is that famous artists are also invited in joining the  celebration of Kannawidan every year. 

    This gathering serves as another opportunity to introduce Ilocos Sur's natural culture to young people. The festival is highly attended by young people, who participate in talent shows, games, and other activities like beauty pageants, parades, and music and dance competitions. Kannawidan will always be one of the most favourite and famous event here in Ilocos Sur.

References:

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When in Vigan

 

Reflection (2nd Quarter)

 

Adios 2022