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

Vigan: A City Of Culture And Tradition

    Every 25th day of January, the fiesta of Vigan City is being celebrated. Another celebration during this day is the conversion of St. Paul which is the patron saint of Vigan City. The Vigan's main church, Metropolitan Cathedral and the major Catholic educational institution, the St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur are dedicated to St. Paul. The Vigan City Fiesta lasts for several days. The celebration also includes the cityhood of Vigan celebrated every 27th day of January. 

     During this event, Bigueños all over the world return to Vigan to join their family and friends in the celebration of this big event. Thousands of visitors and tourists also come and see how we celebrate our fiesta. They enjoyed the activities prepared by the government and the people of Vigan which shows our culture, tradition and products. Some of the activities during the fiesta were: cultural shows, parades, street dancing, food fairs, arts and craft exhibits, visiting carnival, various games and other activities. 

     Within the Vigan City Fiesta days, the very famous Longganisa Festival was also celebrated. It is to show our product, the Vigan longganisa, a native version of Mexican salami and has a distinct garlicky taste that became a favorite of the Filipinos. Making of Vigan Longganisa is a centuries old-tradition that's why we let people know about it through activities such as a Longganisa themed parade and a street dancing. 

  This year's fiesta is as beautiful as before. Many tourists still adore our cultures, traditions and products which made the Vigan one of the Seven Wonder Cities of the World. Through this fiesta, we showed how rich Vigan City is. We hope that after many centuries, Vigan will still be Vigan. Happy Fiesta, Vigan City! Viva Vigan! 

references:

https://tenor.com/view/fiesta-gif-5935843

https://www.buzzfeed.com/isabellelaureta/putik-on-my-itlog

https://giphy.com/media/hYt80Cd9r3T1K/200.webp

2020: An Empty Book

365 days completed, 366 days to go, I am writing my New Year's resolution, how about you? The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. 2019's story has ended, now another story will unfold. 

Every year, we make our resolutions and goals for the whole year. We make these things to improve ourselves. I have a long list of my New Year's resolutions and I'll do my best to make all of those things happen. My first resolution is to eat healthier foods and avoid the foods that are bad for my health. Last year, the doctor detected many complications in my body and I am advised to take good care of my health or else it'll get worse. Another resolution of mine this year is to be confident and take some chances. I should be confident to tell my opinion on something. I should take chances and should not be afraid to fail because failing is normal. And when I fail, I learn. This year, I am going to reduce stress and learn to live my life happier. 2019 was stressful and a year with lots of problems. And lastly, I will start saving money. I want to spend my own money when I want to buy something. There are more resolutions on my list but I will not enumerate all of them. Thanking the Lord Almighty for reaching 2020 is the first thing that we should do. And asking for His blessings and guidance for the whole year is also a thing we should do. Although this year, many problems had happened upon welcoming 2020. Forest fires, volcanic eruption, wars and others. But I know that after all of this, blessings will overflow. 

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. Happy New Year, earthlings! God Bless Us All!

references:

https://tenor.com/view/spongebob-squarepants-happy-new-year-fireworks-all-the-best-for-new-year-gif-15968155

https://tenor.com/view/spongebob-newyearsresolution-garry-list-gif-4811929