Front-Liners: Our Modern Heroes

All of us are scared during this pandemic, but there are these brave souls who continue to stay at work while we stay at home. These people left their families and are risking their lives just to save people. They knew that they have the biggest possibility to get infected, but never backed down. They are scared, but they hide it and choose to be strong because they know that the whole country is counting on them. Imagine the pressure, the fear, the unending exposure to the virus, and the fact that they have families too. To my dear Filipinos, let us help and cooperate with out front-liners. Do not go out if not necessary, wear your masks if you go out, sanitize all the time, mantain social distancing, and pray for our and our front-liners' safety. These are simple things do to, but trust me, it will be a big help to all of us. Our front-liners have families too, they get tired and get exhausted. They are our modern heroes. And this is the time to express our gratitude to all of them. Maraming Salamat, our dear front-liners! Mabuhay Kayo! Saludo po kaming lahat sa inyo!

Pandemic Ka Lang, I am Filipino!

   
    A virus that started in Wuhan, China on December 2019. A virus that killed millions of people around the world, and still continuing. A virus that prevented millions of people to meet their family and loved ones. A virus that is so strong we are trying hard to stop it. A virus that is called COVID-19. 

      It is a virus that affect the respiratory system of humans. It can spread really fast that's why we need to avoid people with this virus. Symptoms may appear after 2-14 days of exposure to the virus. Some symptoms of COVID-19 are chills, fever, cough, difficulty in breathing, muscle pain, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell. Old people and those with medical problems are the most prone to this virus because they have weaker immune system. If you have these symptoms, seek medical help immediately and avoid contacts with other people. It can spread through  face to face contact of people by touching, sneezing, coughing, or just by simply talking. In order to protect you and the people around you, you must know the things to do in order to prevent or slow down the transmission of the virus. Some prevention are; wash your hands regularly with clean water or clean them with alcohol and sanitizers, maintain at least 1 meter distance between you and other people, keep distance when other people are coughing or sneezing, avoid touching your face when in public places, cover your mouth or nose when sneezing or coughing, stay at home and avoid going out, practice social distancing by avoiding unnecessary travel and occasions, and keep your body strong by eating healthy foods and exercising regularly. By following these preventions, you are helping not just yourself or your family, but also the people around you. 

    Indeed, COVID-19 is a very dangerous and life-taking virus. It affects not just us, but our economy and our environment. But we are Filipinos. And Filipinos are known for their resiliency and toughness. We already faced a lot of challenges and problems, and I know we will get through this one. All we need to do is follow the steps in preventing the spread of COVID-19, pray to God, and always believe that this pandemic will be over soon. Filipino Ako! Filipino Ka! Filipino Tayo!  

What Now?

Last quarter, last periodical test, last bonding with classmates. At first, moving up was excited and fun. But I was wrong, it is sad and very tragic. The learning that I have learned is that enjoy every moment. Enjoy every moment especially with classmates and friends. Because after all of this, we'll go separate ways. The problem that I have encountered is saying goodbye to my classmates. I still cannot imagine going inside a room without them. My heart aches every time I think about it. But, we should go on and continue life. Someday, somewhere, we'll meet again. And when that time comes, I know that all of us will be successful in life. I know that after all of this, we will all achieve our goals. Cheer up, classmates! We can do this, my Marconi!

reference:

https://giphy.com/explore/cheer-up

Epilogue

I don't know how did I started writing this one. It took me hours to finally start it. Knowing that this will be my last and final year as a junior high school student, I feel sad and teary. "My Dream, My Future", what does that mean?

Since I was a child, I dream to become a Civil Engineer. But math is a complicated subject for me. And still, I want to become an Engineer. Next school year, I'm gonna be a senior high school student. A harder battle will come. Some of us will stay at ISNHS, but some will also leave and transfer to another school. And I think I may also be one of those students who will transfer. One month left, then boom, time to part ways. I have many dreams. I dream to become either a Civil Engineer or a Marine Engineer. I dream to have a coffee shop which is also a library. I dream to build my own home. I dream to go to places where I can help the homeless people. I dream to travel the world. I dream to repay my parents and build a house for them. I dream to make the world a better place. But with these dreams are also the feeling of being afraid. I am afraid that I might not reach my dream to become an Engineer. I'm afraid that I might not have my own coffee shop and library. I am afraid that I might not have my dream house. I am afraid that I will not have the chance to travel the world. I am afraid that I might not be able to help the homeless because I might also be homeless in the future. I am afraid that I might disappoint my parents. I am afraid that I might fail. But as they say, FAIL means First Attempt In Learning. I may fall, but I will get back up again. I may fail a hundred times, yet I will get back up hundred times. I cannot fail. I cannot disappoint everyone. Everyone's counting on me. 

My junior high schools story's epilogue has come. Now, another story will unfold. Another prologue will start.I know that with my determination, and trust in the Creator, I can achieve all of my dreams. God had promised us the best plans in life, that is why we need to trust Him. All things are possible with God. I can do this. I will do this. I can be successful. I will be successful. I can because I will. God bless us all, earthlings!

references:

https://giphy.com/explore/my-dreams

https://giphy.com/gifs/forever-climbing-ladder-yhyGm6eqv9gfS

https://giphy.com/explore/i-can-do-it

Last Dance

     I feel so sad realizing that this will be my last year as a junior high school student. This will be my last dance, last steps, last costume and last bonding with classmates. That's why I decided to make it memorable and worthwhile. 

     High School Day is a chance for students to bring out, discover and show their talent in dancing and choreographing. Activities in the High School Day are the coronation, and the field demo. The field demo is where every grade level will compete with each other through dancing. When I was in Grade 7, the feeling was excited and nervous for it was my first time joining such event. But, now that I am in Grade 10, the feeling of sadness and despair is overflowing. This year, our theme is "Samba" with a hint of hip hop. While the boys focused on tribal dance and hip hop dance. A parade before the opening was also held where students will have a chance to show their costumes and props for the field demo. My goal this year is to make the best out of it. Because our batch haven't yet tried to win in the field demo, we are doubling our efforts. Though, the High School Day has been postponed due to the corona virus outbreak. It is sad because from 3 day celebration, the High School Day will be celebrated a day only. 

     No matter what happens, I'll give my best in participating in the field demo. Happy High School Day Celebration, earthlings! Soar...Fly...Aim High...Ilocos Sur National High School!

references:

https://giphy.com/explore/emotional

https://giphy.com/gifs/jzaZ23z45UxK8

A Festival To Remember

     This year, people from Ilocos Sur celebrate the 13th Kannawidan Ylocos Festival and the 202nd anniversary of the province of Ilocos Sur. The festival started on January 28 and ended on Februray 9. The 13 day festival consists of 48 activities and shows. Most of the shows and activities happened in Vigan City specifically at Tamag Grounds. 

  Aside from imrpoving the tourism of Ilocos Sur, the importance of this Kannawidan Ylocos Festival is to preserve and show the culture of Ilokanos. And because teenagers nowadays don't pay attention about our cultures and traditions. During the festival, visitors and tourists saw our old and new cultures, characteristics, and personalities. We are doing this so that the future generations will be aware of our culture. Antique furniture made by our ancestors and our products were also displayed. Some of the activities were zarzuela, procession, boxing (Kannawidan Boxing Cup), education day and night, fashion show, Saniata ti Agtutubo (pageant), street dancing parade and showdown, fun run, Titong Singson Youth Leadership Congress, longganisa eating contest, LGBT Night, fun bike, Rythm Fest, drag race, and many more. Many artists and singers were also invited during the festival. Some of them were: December Avenue, The Juans and Ben&Ben, which made the people feel heartbroken and sentimental. Andrew E., Erich Gonzales, and Gerald Anderson along with Barbie Imperial and Ronnie Alonte made the audience go wild. Neggi and Chad also came and made the audience laugh so hard. 

     Thi year's Kannawidan Ylocos Festival was very enjoyable and awesome. One thing to describe it is rad. Though, the coronavirus outbreak happened. But it didn't stopped people from coming and enjoying the fest. Happy Kannawidan Ylocos Festival, earthlings!

references:

https://giphy.com/explore/girls-screaming

https://giphy.com/explore/celebration

https://tenor.com/view/music-festival-music-festival-party-concert-gif-12297981

Inside Out

     "Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself."

     The quote written above is a simple yet a very meaningful quote. We, humans always draw our attention to what is wrong in the world. We complain that the world is being destroyed and that we must change it. But, the reason of all the problems that are happening are us. We want to change the world, but how about ourselves?

    We want to change the world. We want it to become a better place and healthier place. But, why do we still throw our garbage everywhere? Why are we still burning plastics? Why are we still cutting trees? We want to help other people. We want to show everyone that we are all equal. But, why do we laugh at people with disabilities? Why don't we want to help the poor? Why are we the first ones who discriminate them? We say that we love animals. We often posts it on social media with a hashtag #AnimalLover. But, why are we killing them and make them our food? Why are we choosing expensive animals when we can choose animals from animal shelters? See, that's how toxic people are. We want to change the world, but we can't even change ourselves. 

   Let us put in our minds that before we change the world, we should first change ourselves. Because, how can we change the world if we cannot change ourselves? How can we solve the problems of the world if one of the problem is us? Change start with us. Then everything follows.We can lead other people. We can solve everything. And we can be happy together. Let us make the world a better place. Will you take my hand?

references:
https://giphy.com/gifs/memecandy-f6E2tHUmg0LGqpoeE7
https://giphy.com/gifs/southparkgifs-3o6Ztd9xXuyeEHSCkg
https://giphy.com/explore/lets-do-it