Fourth Quarter Reflection

 

         "No rain, no flowers"

           During the Fourth quarter, I have learned lots of things I have never known before which made me question myself whether I can do it or not. Somehow along the process, I got the hang of it and finally understood it completely. However, I cannot achieve what I have achieved with the people who helped me when I didn’t know what to do; from family to friends and to classmates. I have learned to ask help instead of doing it by myself even when I don’t know how do it.

            Moving on, I will continue pursuing my dreams, and promise myself to overcome any difficulties in my life. I will use my knowledge on these things to help other people. When given the opportunity,  I will apply what I have learned on my job.

References:

https://www.destination-innovation.com/transfer-knowledge/

Taking Care of Mother Earth

 

            “Let us green the earth, restore the earth, heal the earth” –Ian Mcharg

            Today, earth is facing lots of environmental issues such as pollution, climate change, etc. It’s just right for us to plan a restoration for our planet. With this advocacy, we can guarantee people that food and water resources are safe and are edible. When the earth will be totally destroyed by these environmental problems, people will live in chaos.

            We should be aware that the earth doesn’t need us, it is us who needs the earth. Why? Simply because we inhabit the earth, we get our daily necessities from the planet, and guess what? We also get earth’s resources for industrial reasons so we are obliged to take care of it. We should be educated on how to reduce the effects of environmental issues to guarantee everyone’s safety.

            Taking care of the earth is like taking care of ourselves. The earth is important, and so are we. We should practice mutualism with the planet in order to achieve a healthy and safe environment for each and everyone.

References:

https://www.wisefamousquotes.com/ian-mcharg-quotes/

https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/545076361133118218/

Philippine’s Independence Day

 

                Every June 12, Filipinos celebrate Independence Day. This day is celebrated annually because this is when we are finally freed from colonizers–Americans, Japanese, Spaniards. Since June 12, 1898, Philippines was never colonized by other countries all thanks to the brave warriors who fought for our country even if it cost their lives.

            After fighting for years, Philippines finally became free. Lots of Filipino men and women sacrificed their lives to the country in exchange of freedom, and comfort of the present generation. Brave men called “Katipuneros”, led by Andres Bonifacio, was the first group who started revolution in the Philippines. They fought with “bolo” while the enemies used rifles.

            Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, wrote novels–Noli me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. These novels are about the harsh and unfair ruling of the Spaniards back then. Jose Rizal’s last words were “Consummatum Est!” which means “It’s finished!” while turning east. They say this symbolizes hope.

            Indeed, many lives were sacrificed. However, it’s all worth it because in the end, we managed to break out from the rulings of foreigners. We claimed what is ours, we are free. It’s all thanks to them that Philippines is set free.

References:

https://filipiknow.net/famous-last-words-in-philippine-history/#:~:text=Last%20Words%20Of%3A%20Dr.%20Jose%20Rizal%2C%20the%20national,Jesus%20Christ%20shortly%20before%20he%20died%20of%20crucifixion.

https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/why-philippines-independence-day-is-on-june-12-a00293-20190607-lfrm

Appreciation Day for Mothers

 

            “A mother’s arms are more comforting than anyone else’s.” – Princess Diana

          Truly, our mothers are the persons we lean on most of the times. They are always present through ups and mostly downs, they are the most reliable persons in the world, and we should consider ourselves lucky for having caring and responsible moms.

            Moms were the persons who brought us to the world, they are also the reason behind everyone’s success. Without our supporting mothers, we would be nothing because they were the one who taught us to walk, talk, what’s wrong, and what’s right. They basically took part on the foundation of becoming who we are so we should express gratitude towards them. Mothers are not materialistic, they do not demand gifts on special occasions, they just want their children to love them as much as how she loved them.

           People around the world celebrates Mother’s Day in different ways. Their children and husbands give their all to show the “ilaw ng tahanan” a great day. However, we should not just express love and gratitude towards them during mother’s day. We should express these every day to fill our mothers’ hearts happiness.

References:

https://www.askideas.com/110-most-beautiful-and-inspirational-mother-quotes-and-sayings/

https://quotesgram.com/cool-mom-quotes/

Vigan city's Binatbatan Festival

 

            Binatbatan Festival of the Arts celebrated from the last week of April to the first week of May was originally the Feast of the Natives that began on May 3, 1883. The Naturales of Vigan chose “Tres de Mayo” of 1883 in honor of Apo Lakay of the Simbaan a Bassit as an act of thanksgiving for having saved Vigan from a deadly epidemic in 1756. The festival got its name from the Iluko term batbatin, or separating cotton balls from the seeds of the local fruit tree kapas sanglay.

            Every year, establishments around Vigan City are decorated with colorful abel to celebrate the Binatbatan Festival. Street dances and exhibits are not to be missed during the festival. Here, you will witness various masterpieces made by the Ilocanos. During the festival, there is also a food fair where you can eat and buy delicious foods that would surely make you ask for more.

            Just like the Longganisa Festival, this festival is also not just for fun hence, it is also for religious purposes. Locals visit the Simbaan nga Bassit during the festival to thank and pray for Apo Lakay whom they prayed and believed in during the pandemic back in 1756 when an epidemic spread within the city.

            This festival means a lot to the Ilocanos because of its history, and of course the activities during the festival is fun and exciting.

 

Credits:

http://localphilippines.com/events/binatbatan-festival

http://vigancity.gov.ph/binatbatan-festival-of-the-arts-2019-2/

https://pia.gov.ph/features/articles/1021193

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Costume_Festival

COVID-Vaccine: Should it be feared?

 

        The whole country is quarantined because a virus has spread around the globe. Cases of this said virus drastically increased over the months, and doctors haven’t discovered a medicine that can cure carriers of COVID-19. Classes were suspended on March 13, 2020, and the quarantine started on March 15, 2020, from then on, our economy was failing because lots of people lost their jobs because of this pandemic.

            A vaccine has been released and was injected to those who are exposed in corona virus such as health workers and seniors. A lot of people are scared to be vaccinated because the efficacy of the vaccine is not yet confirmed. However, the vaccine should not be feared. According to professionals, such as Lisa Maragkis M.D., M.P.H., senior director of infection prevention, and Gabor Kelen M.D., director of Johns Hopkins Office of Critical Event Preparedness and response, the vaccine for Corona Virus has a safe profile based on research. These vaccines have been tested out in large clinical trials. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given two COVID-19 vaccines emergency use authorization (EUA).

            Some claims states that these vaccines are not safe. However, these side effects only occur on people who has severe allergy such as anaphylaxis. “People with allergies to certain foods, insects, latex and other common allergens can safely receive the COVID-19 vaccine.” The CDC stated. “Those with a history of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to injectables or other vaccines should discuss the vaccination with their doctor, who can evaluate and assess their risk.” They added. Some people experiences fever, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, or all of the above after receiving the vaccine.

            Based on the evidences shown above, we should not be afraid in COVID 19 vaccination because it lowers our chance in contracting the virus. Vaccination is a way of familiarizing your body with how should it defend from Corona Virus. This process protects you, and the people around you from this deadly virus.

Photo Credits:

https://waow.com/2020/12/22/covid-19-vaccine-is-free-for-all-wisconsin-residents-oci-confirms/

Lenten Season is the Season for Reflecting and Repenting

 

            The first day of Lent is Ash Wednesday. People with a smudged, black cross on their foreheads may have caught your eye. The ashes from the Ash Wednesday service can be seen there. Ashes reflect our sorrow for the mistakes we've made and the resultant separation of imperfect people from a perfect God. Many Christians practice fasting, repentance, moderation, self-denial, and spiritual restraint during Lent. The aim of the Lenten season is to devote time to contemplating Jesus Christ. During this season, Catholics considers His suffering and sacrifice, His death, and His resurrection. People who observes lent restraints themselves from doing bad habits, watching TV, swearing, etc.

            During lent, we are bound to fast. Fasting is giving up something that’s a regular part of life such as scrolling on social media. Catholics practice this during lent in order for them to avoid distractions, and just focus on building a strong relationship with God. Catholics also practice the act of giving. Giving the needs of other people instead of keeping the goods all to yourself is an act that strengthens our relationship with God.

            This season is truly the season for reflecting because during the Holy Week, we get to spend time at home without any work, and by that, we can reflect on our actions, and eventually come up with a resolve to avoid committing the same mistake twice. Lenten season is also a good opportunity to strengthen and develop a closer relationship with God.