Love Is All We Need

"Let's sing Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday!
 This season may we never forget the love we have for Jesus
 Let Him be the One to guide us as another new year starts.
 And may the spirit of Christmas be always in our hearts."

         A friend once told me recently that there are two faces behind this event: one is CHRISTmas and the other one is X-mas. Christmas means that we should celebrate this momentous happening with love in our hearts. X-mas, on the other hand, means that we only celebrate this event because we are obliged to. X-mas is for people who don't know how to love while Christmas is for people who are willing to share or sacrifice a part of themselves to others.
          For us Catholics, the main reason why we celebrate Christmas is to rejoice, to welcome the birth of our savior Jesus Christ and to thank the Lord for all of the blessings that He has given to us all throughout the year. As a manifestation to this, we attend "Simbang Gabi" or "Misa de Gallo" , which is also why we SACRIFICE to wake up early to prepare for the birth of Jesus.
         Another good thing about Christmas is that it draws people together. We give gifts to each other and even spare a coin or two for anyone who sings to us. Friends go from house to house to sing Christmas Carols. People from all walks of life donate money, toys, clothes or gifts to the charity. Christmas parties for everyone. People UNITE during Christmas.
          But even though we don't have material things to share to others, there are still things from ourselves that we could share. As an adage goes: "Not all things that glitter are gold." There are things that are much more valuable than any money combined. You have your HEART to give and it will not even cost you a penny.
          "Why don't you give love on Christmas Day?" says a line from a song. It also says that there is no greater gift than LOVE. It's enough to listen to someone who opens up his/her problems. It's more than enough to cry with your friends when they cry. It's comforting to know that someone CARES for you this Christmas.
          It might be quite late for me to post this blog but for me, the Spirit of Christmas is LOVE. And LOVE should be given ANYTIME and ANY DAY of the year at ANY PLACE for EVERYONE. So, EVERY DAY is Christmas. Try to reflect on the last line of the song above: "And may the Spirit of Christmas be ALWAYS in our hearts." :)

Nobody's Perfect

          According to religion, we were all created by God. We were made in his own image and likeness. So, we literally came about in this world as equals. But still, why do most of us act like we are more superior than the others?

          Discrimination has always been a part of our society for as long as I can remember. Rich people eyeing down the poor. Normal people stomping on individuals with disabilities. “Real” men bullying gay men. “Real” women criticizing lesbians. “Beautiful people” laughing at the faces of ugly ones…. The list can go on. Frustrating but true, no?

          Have you ever turned a corner without seeing someone being judged because he/she acts differently than the others? Or because he/she doesn't define what others might call as “normal”? I mean, discrimination is everywhere. It’s like the moon following you at night wherever you go. You can’t hide nor run from it.

          But, even the moon disappears in the sky when the sun comes out. Just like the moon, discrimination can disappear if we can all fill our heads with sufficient light that can overcome the darkness inside. We only criticize other people because our brains are filled with thoughts that we are better than the rest. We need something that can clear our head from thinking so.

          How? Just start from accepting the fact that nobody's perfect. We make mistakes. Superheroes cry. Clowns cry. Soldiers get scared. Even models get insecure. No matter how "normal" we think we are, we still have weaknesses and disabilities. So you see? We are no better than the rest. Start accepting and loving people for who they really are. By doing so, we will be able to see that all of us are the same. "We breathe the same air", as others might say.

TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More)

          Life is a matter of choice between good and bad. In everything that we do, there will always be advantages and disadvantages. In everything that we do, do we always consider to think for a moment about the consequences that our actions might bring? Or do we just instantly do things without even thinking about how it will affect our life or the lives of other people?
         Change is inevitable. We change through the things that we learn, through our own experiences and through our own desires and intentions. Like right now, you find yourself as a young and healthy person and the next thing you know, you're already slowly getting old.
          What was once a life of simplicity now becomes a life of luxury. We discover things that help improve our lives and in these breakthroughs, we also learned to ignore the cries of our Mother Earth. We have turned a blind eye about what really matters the most. We have been destroying our own source of life, our environment.

          Now, we can see the horrific consequences of our actions. Storms become stronger, tsunami waves occur more frequently, strong earthquakes from all over the world shake and destroy the foundations of our buildings, homes and infrastructure, animal species' extinction and death of a lot of human beings. Will we wait for the time that the HUMAN RACE will turn extinct?
          We are aware of the fact that we contribute a lot in causing Climate Change but why do we not do something to at least help in recovering what has been before?
          We can help in our own little ways. Plant trees, conserve energy, don't burn plastics and throw our wastes properly. After all, what's the cause of majority of flooding here in our country? Is it not because of the garbage that we throw on the rivers? Along the streets? In our own backyards? Is it not because of the endless illegal cutting of the trees in our forests and mountains? What's the cause of Climate Change? Is it not because of our own lack of discipline?
           We need to CHANGE immediately so as not to SUFFER more. We need to change for the coming generation. WE can make a big difference in this world.
           There's this adage that says: "Together, everyone achieves more." And this is so true. If we only work hand in hand to heal the world, it is not impossible to achieve our common goal: "To live life to the fullest in the lands of a better world."

"Heal the world, make it a better place
 For you and for me
 And the entire human race.
 There are people dying
 If we care enough for the living.
 Make a better place
 For you and for me."
         

Make The Most Out Of It

          This grading has been, by far, a very busy one. I was seldom present in my classes. I was out of the classroom most of the time because of extra-curricular activities that I barely had the time to cope with our lessons.
          That's why in the few times that I was present in my classes, I always make sure to pay attention and participate in discussions actively. This second grading has been a tough one but despite the busy schedule, I have learned a lot. You can't gain anything from nothing right?
          First and foremost, I have learned to make every second count. Time is important, right? So, I valued my time a lot to make up for the times that I was out in my classes.
          Second, I realized that rushing my projects doesn't really help in making the project better. We only worked on our project in ICT a day before the deadline so we practically just rushed it without even thinking about what would it end up to be. The outcome was good but if we only worked on it earlier, I know that it will have been the best that it could be. So, next time, I will be making my projects with sufficient time for me to make some improvements.
          Third, I have learned to navigate my search engine better. I have also learned about HTML documents and HTML tags. I also learned how to make and improve the appearance of an HTML file. I gained more knowledge about the different kinds of tags. I also got to use my Notepad now that I know how to use it and now that I know its importance.
           As I have said earlier, you can't gain anything from nothing. There would still be impediments as we go on our journey. My problem this grading period is how to cope with my lessons since I'm mostly out of my classes. It's hard to keep up with the lessons especially if there are quizzes that I have missed during my absence.
           So, when the contest that we've been practicing for was already finished, my schedule at my classes is now back to normal. In order for me to understand the lessons, I have asked the help of some of my classmates. I asked them to teach me the lessons that I have missed and I also borrowed their notes. I also took up special quizzes for the ones that I haven't taken up.
          Until now, I'm still coping with my lessons and making up for the lost time. Moving on, I will do my best this coming third grading so that my grades will improve because I have a feeling that my grades will become lower this second grading. I have to make the most out of all my subjects.

Global Competence

         Imagine a world which has different countries and diverse languages and then, there's no medium for us to be able to understand each other. Will there be unity? Will we be able to promote friendship among our countries? Will there be OFWs to work for their families?
         The existence of our universal language, English, is very much important to all of us. English language is used in business, science, mathematics, communication, economics... the list can go on and on. Pretty much everything that is connected to our lives involves the use of English.
          There is no denying the fact that many Filipinos are aspiring to go to other countries to "seek for greener pasture." This situation now comes the role of English to our lives. One of the requirements for us to accomplish if we want to go abroad is that we should at least learn how to speak in English.

In Our Own Little Ways

               Science brought mother earth to what it is now. Science opened doors that led to different discoveries which changed the world---I mean it literally.          
          Science improved our lives in ways that we could have never imagined possible. Although SOME of these breakthroughs are beneficial to us, they also lead to the destruction of the environment. Which makes people and even diverse organism suffer a whole lot more.          Pondering on these things, it is but fitting that Science should also be the one who should be first in restoring what has been before. We, human beings, made Science and therefore, it is the responsibility of each and every one of us to take care of mother earth.          
          There are many ways in helping lessen the impediments that the environment is suffering now. One way is that, people should know how to conserve and sustain energy. How often do our parents and teachers remind us that we should turn off the lights when we don't need it? How frequent do you hear them say: "Close the faucet! You're not using it.". And how many times do we intend to ignore them?
          Each time that we obey and live up to these teachings, we are ignorant of the fact that we are helping our environment improve its current state. Every single night that we turn off the lights when sleeping, we contribute a lot in sustaining energy and thus makes the world a better place to live in.
          The task may be as hard as it sounds, but in our own little ways and as little scientists of this generation, we can be empowered to take part in the campaign of sustaining energy.

Light Amidst the Darkness

          "A teacher is like a candle, it consumes itself just to give light to others."
       
          In the passing of time, many people will come and go in our lives. People come to us with a purpose, in one way or another. No matter how long or how short they intend to be with us, one thing is for sure: They come to our lives to teach us lessons in life that help us become who we are today. These people, i believe, are sent by God to serve as instruments in making my life more meaningful.
          What is more meaningful to life than seeing your dreams build up piece by piece? What is more meaningful to life than to attain one's hopes and dreams? This is a step that is impossible to reach without being able to graduate from your studies.
          Indeed, education has a great role to play in preparing us for the future and we should give due recognition to the people who help us get through with it.
          I am now in my fourth and final year in high school. During the span of mys elementary and high school years, I can say that I have learned a lot. My knowledge has become broader in the passing of time. I have become an independent and responsible person through the guidance of my teachers.
          Before, I was always wondering why my teachers has been pushing me to do things that I have never tried before., things that I find difficult to do. I remember when I was in 6th grade, one of my teachers would always push me harder than anybody in my class. He was trying to build my self-esteem because I was not really that active in reciting. He motivated me to stand on my own. He told me that he's expecting a lot from me. I couldn't understand him then, but now, I think I should thank him. I have come to realize that he's been doing all those things to preapre me in facing the life of a high school student.
          Being shy and isolating yourself to people is not accepted in high school. I you want to do something in your life, you should get out of the box. Now, as my high school life is nearly at an end, I can't help but reminisce what my teachers did to my life. They helped me to stand on my own feet. They taught me lessons that I will forever cherish.
          I couldn't help but be amazed at how a teacher can endure the non-stop talking --- discussing the lessons --- without really complaining. Not once did I hear them give up even though there are times that the students are stubborn.
          Thinking of their deeds made me realize that it is possible to love and care for a person even though not related by blood.

You are My Superheroes :)

        When I was a kid, I had an impression that people who have extraordinary powers are the only ones who should be considered as heroes. The notion that heroes only appear in movies was seared into my then innocent mind.
         But, as they always say, we learn things as our brain matures and starts to process things on what lies beyond the normal understanding. As my brain started to understand things better, I have come to the realization than movies are made to teach us something. It's not the superpowers that count, it's about how that certain person can affect the lives of people in a good way and it's about how much of his life is he willing to sacrifice for the betterment of someone.
         I know that it sounds cliche when I say that my parents are my heroes. Even though they don't have laser visions, unbelievable strengths and flying abilities; I have reasons why I consider them as my modern-day heroes. They possess abilities that are far more better than superpowers.
         For one, we all know that not all people are gifted with many riches. Not all people are lucky enough to be sent to school. Fortunately, I am one of the lucky ones thanks to the never-ending sacrifices of my parents. My family lives the average-kind of life where we could live comfortably and provide our basic needs. But hey! We have financial problems sometimes but that doesn't keep my parents from giving up. They work hard every day for our needs. My mother even decided to go to Canada --- which is far away from where I am now, if I may add --- even though I know that it breaks her heart to leave us. But she did it anyway because she wants to give us a secure life by sending us to a good school. My father, on the other hand, is also hardworking. He goes to the farm where he bathes with his own sweat and soak under the heat of the sun. So, just the mere fact that they are doing these things for us makes me admire and love them even more.
        In movies, Heroes are always to the rescue in times of despair. And, apparently, I have found my superheroes in the ral world. Although I am not close to my parents that much, they never fail to know if there is something wrong with me. It's like there's this kind of connection that I have with my parents because even though I try so hard to hide something that bothers me, they will still know and they will always have a solution to my problem in one way or another. In circumstances like this, I know that I can run to them and lean on their shoulders in times of problems. When all will be gone and everyone else will turn their backs on me, I know that when I look back, my parents will be there waiting for me with open arms without any hint of judgement.
           Thinking of these things makes me realize how lucky I am to have my parents. They are indeed godsend. They are the superheroes that I will admire more than I admire Batman and Superman. They are my heroes because they are willing to sacrifice their own happiness for the betterment of my life. They are the living proofs why I know God is good.

Say it Loud, Say it Proud!

          
    August is a month that marks the celebration of the Buwan ng Wika. This is an opportunity for us to say out loud that we are proud to be a Filipino. While it is, no doubt, that we are greatly influenced by the cultures of other countries, may our love for our own culture and country still dominate our hearts.

    Every country has its own culture, traditions and, most importantly, language. Even by just observing and hearing one's language, a person's nationality can be identified. Picture it like this: An animal who barks is, undoubtedly, a dog while an animal who meows is , obviously, a cat. The same is true with people who have different languages. You can easily identify which is which because of the variation of languages.
    The Philippines has many dialects which differ a lot and when we communicate with other Filipinos who use a dialect which is different from our own, it is inevitable for us to not to understand each other. How can we be united if that will be the case?
    This is now the role of our national language, FILIPINO. It enables us to have a common language to use from which we are all very familiar with, may it be a person from Batanes or a person from Jolo. Thus, it binds us together and brings us closer with each other. Filipino is the key for PINOYS to be as one. Thus, ensuring strong relationships among all the citizens of the Philippines.

No Pain, No Gain

          Before, when I was a freshman, I have thought of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as a boring subject because I thought that we will only sit and stare at our computer screens and learn nothing other than repeating the same lessons over and over again. I thought that ICT is a subject that only focuses on facts about computers but when I was able to encounter the subject personally, a sudden thought hit me: I had the wrong impression. I have come to the realization that it is an enjoyable and fun subject and I suddenly started to like ICT.
          It's my fourth and final year in high school and not to mention, my final year to be able to take up ICT as a subject. Times sure flies by so fast. It was only as if yesterday when the first day of classes this school year has started but the next thing I knew is that we will be having our Periodical Exams for the First Grading next week.
         Going back to our lessons in ICT in the last two months, I can say that I have learned a lot in that short period of time. I learned about various people who are behind the success of the internet. The internet from which  I was taking pleasure of using. The internet which helps me in my studies and which serves as a bridge for me to be able to talk to my mother from afar. Because of this, I am grateful that I have met these people, although not personally, but at least I got to know how great they were to have been able to come up with an idea that surely changed the world.
         I also got to improve my writing skills through posting in my blog. I got to live up my passion which is writing. I also got to share my ideas, thoughts, opinions and emotions through blogging. In short, I have learned to open-up some more to other people. Also, I have learned to develop my patience when the internet connection gets slow and I need to wait for how many minutes before I will be able to start working.
          But as they say: "No pain, no gain." You have to encounter challenges before you learn something. I faced some problems in meeting the deadlines for our compositions to be posted in the blog along with meeting also the deadlines of our requirements in other subjects. I'd have to also rack my brain to think of the things that I want to say in my composition so as to make it the best that it could be.
         When I noticed that these problems may still be solved, I thought of ways for me to be able to overcome them. I set a schedule in doing the requirements for each of my subjects so that I will be able to meet the deadline without much difficulty. I managed my time and I never encountered problems of the likes again.
         Moving on, I will continue to follow my schedule and manage my time. I will also strive harder in making my compositions/essays better for the readers to see. I will also improve my writing skills more because I know that I will be needing it in the future.

For The Filipinos

It's been more than a hundred years since we finally attained freedom from the harsh hands of the Spaniards. But in our current state of living today, can we say that we really are free?
          Since we achieved sovereignty, Filipinos started to rule our country. WE started to rule our country. But with all the anomalies and corruption that we are suffering, I can say that we still are not free. Some of our leaders today are no better than the Spaniards who once ruled us. Our leaders take advantage of their power which leads to many people who are suffering from poverty today.
          But with our current administration, I can say that we are already slowly cutting the chains that bind us to poverty. The Philippines is now starting to gain progress although I am not implying that the Aquino administration is perfect 'cause of course, certain flaws are inevitable. There are still flaws in our current system of government.
          If all the things that the President mentioned in his speech are facts, I salute him for all he said were really good news. But if they are just stating false things just to manipulate the minds of people, then I am very disappointed and ashamed to have a leader which acts with dishonesty.
          I am so glad that he mentioned about the problems regarding education and how they are doing their best in order to implement change. We are very much aware of the fact that the classrooms, chairs and textbooks we have now are not enough to accommodate all the students and without these things, students should not be able to concentrate in their studies. It was the right thing for Aquino to prioritize education because it contributes a lot in helping our country become more progressive.
          Aquino also showed his concern for the environment by stopping different mining activities and illegal logging. A great leader should not only think of his people but he should also think about the maintenance of nature in which we live in. After all, our natural resources are important in uplifting our current state of living.
          But there are some things I expected for him to say which he was not able to mention. Namely: The support for our athletes who goes on various competitions to represent our country, the increase of the salaries of teachers who make doctors,lawyers,engineers,etc., and other important things that should be prioritized which I need not to elaborate further. I hope that they will give these matters some attention. I would also like to hear from him about the one billion dollars which he lent to the International Monetary Fund. I think it's not acceptable for them to lend money when our country itself is suffering from poverty. We also still have a debt amounting to 5 trillion pesos and they should use that one billion dollars in diminishing our debts. This step of the government is utterly unbelievable.
         Aquino once aid that he will lead us to the straight and right path. I think that he's telling the truth because I can feel and see the changes occurring in our country and economy although there are still some roads that need to be straightened. Nobody's perfect after all. Hopefully, by the end of his regime, our country will become into a more progressive and peaceful country.
       
     

My Precious Vegetables

         
          Life is important to all the creatures in the world, especially to us human beings. Life enables us to exist and do things beyond our imagination. Life makes us do the things that we love. Yes! Life is beautiful.

          It is because of the importance of life that it is imperative for us to cherish it. True, Maintaining a thing that is so vulnerable such as life is not an easy task when there are tempting things like chocolates, junk foods, candies and other foods which are unhealthy if taken up regularly. But, trying out something new such as eating vegetables would not hurt you but it will benefit you instead.

          Our precious lives can be prolonged when we keep our body healthy and fit by eating the right kinds of foods everyday. Healthy foods like vegetables are the keys to having a healthy life. Vegetables provide us with different kinds of vitamins and minerals to make us cope up with the hectic lifestyle that we have.

          There are many wonders and benefits which are given to us by these vegetables. There are vegetables which are good to diabetic persons like the ampalaya. Sea vegetables or seaweeds help to heal and prevent goiter. There are some that improves our eyesight and there are some that gives us energy to work for our daily tasks. To make matters shorter, vegetables when taken up regularly, serves as a way for us to live a healthy lifestyle.
          So if we love our life so much, we should have the longing to take care of it. Start now by including vegetables in your everyday diet and at the end of the day, you'll slowly see the effects of it in you body. Eat vegetables for a healthy you and for a longer and happier life.

A Letter To The President

Dear President Noynoy Aquino,
     
          A pleasant day Sir!
          I know sir that being a father of a whole nation is not easy. but despite of your busy tasks, a faithful citizen is hoping that you would lend even just a minute or two from your hectic schedule to read a humble letter.
          The Philippines was ruled by different Presidents after gaining our independency one hundred and fourteen years ago. Each of whom has given an important contribution in making the Philippines what it is today.
          You are the son of Ninoy Aquino and Cory Aquino, two great people who are loved by many. People expect you to become just as great as them or maybe even better than them. Sir, you have been sitting on the throne of Presidency for almost two years now. And in those two years of your reign, there is no denying that you have implemented programs and projects that are very useful to the Filipinos especially those who belong to the poor families. your government also impeached Corona which proves that you will not tolerate anyone in corrupting and stealing the money of the citizens. You have made your own image as Noynoy Aquino and not just living under the shadow of being the son of Ninoy and Cory. You have proven your worth to be a president in your own little ways. Because of your good examples, I know that the Philippines is ruled under good hands.
          Like I have said earlier, being a President is not easy. you need the help of every Filipinos. I promise that i will do my part in making this nation the best that it could be. On your part; may you continue to lead this country with justice, equality, dedication, honesty and faith.
          Thank you for giving attention to this letter. May you have a good day!

Respectfully yours,

Amea Faye V. Pilotin