CHRISTMAS AT ITS BEST – LOVE, GIVING AND TOGETHERNESS

    Christmas is more than just gifts and bright lights. At its heart, it’s a time to love and be with people we care about. For many, it’s about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. This makes us want to be kind and help others. For those who don’t follow this faith, it’s still a good time to take a break from work and spend days with family and friends. Everywhere, people come together to share joy and make each other feel good.

    Giving to others and sharing is a big part of Christmas. In every place, people help those who don’t have much. They give food, clothes and toys to families in need. Here in the Philippines, we have "Simbang Gabi" – we wake up early for nine days to go to church. After mass, we share warm food like puto bumbong with neighbors. We give extra to those who don’t have breakfast. Christmas isn’t about what we get – it’s about making someone else smile. Many people also go to old folks’ homes, help at soup kitchens or give money to groups that help kids.

    Doing special things every year makes Christmas feel warm and nice. In the Philippines, we put up parols – star-shaped lanterns – outside our homes and on streets. When it gets dark, the stars glow bright and make our neighborhoods look beautiful. We also go caroling with family and friends, singing happy songs from house to house. At home, we cook our favorite foods like fruitcakes, lechon or cheesy spaghetti. We decorate our tree together, hanging old ornaments from grandparents or new ones we made. Many families watch the same movie every Christmas Eve or play games after dinner. These things connect us to our family and culture. They make memories we keep in our hearts and want to share with our own kids one day.

Christmas is also a time to say sorry and make up with people. If we had a fight with someone, we can talk to them and be friends again. We think about all the good things we have – a home, food, people who love us. We hope the new year will be nice for everyone. This makes the world feel more peaceful and kind.

REFERENCES/SOURCES:

https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/christmas-volunteer

https://mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2019/12/parol/

INSIGHT ON PHILIPPINES NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES MONTH

    Every October, we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples (IP) Month in the Philippines. This year’s theme is "Weaving Culture, Enriching Future: Empowering Indigenous Communities as Bedrock of Sustainable Development." It means we honor the first people of our country, who have lived here for a very long time. They know how to take care of nature well, and their ways can help us build a good future for everyone.

    "Weaving" is an important word in the theme. It talks about the beautiful cloth that IP groups make – like the ones from Ilocos, T’boli, and Kalinga. But it also means we should bring things together. We can mix their old ways with new ideas, and work with them to make our country better. When we buy their handmade things, we help their families and make sure their skills stay alive.

    IP communities are like the strong base of a house for sustainable development. They take care of our land, rivers, and forests so they stay healthy. Many of our water sources and green areas are in places where they live. We need to help them – give them rights to their land, let them go to school and see doctors, and listen to what they need. This way, our country can grow in a fair and good way.

    But IP people still have hard times. Some lose their land, and their languages and ways are getting hard to keep. This month tells us we need to do more than just celebrate. We can help by buying their products, learning about their lives, and asking leaders to protect them. When we work together with IP communities, we get a future with rich culture, good jobs, and a clean earth.

REFERENCES/SOURCES:

https://climate.gov.ph/news/360

https://www.textileschool.com/10506/traditional-weaving-methods-around-the-world/

https://climate.gov.ph/news/402

Elpidio Quirino – A Leader Shaped By History

    Elpidio Rivera Quirino was born on November 16, 1890, in Vigan, Ilocos Sur – a heritage city that would later honor him as one of its most distinguished sons. His father, Mariano Quirino, worked as a jail warden, while his mother, Gregoria Rivera, was a teacher who emphasized the value of education. At age eight, tragedy changed the course of his life when his parents and two siblings were killed during the 1898 Philippine Revolution against Spain, leaving him orphaned and struggling to survive. Despite poverty and hardship, Quirino worked odd jobs – including as a messenger and house helper – to fund his schooling. He went on to earn a law degree from the University of the Philippines in 1915, graduating with honors. This journey from orphan to scholar forged in him a deep empathy for the marginalized and a relentless drive to build a more equitable nation.

    Quirino’s political career began in 1919 when he was elected representative of Ilocos Sur to the Philippine Legislature, where he focused on labor protection and agricultural development. He served as a senator from 1925 to 1935, then held cabinet positions as Secretary of Finance and Secretary of the Interior under President Manuel L. Quezon during the Commonwealth era. When World War II broke out, he was captured by Japanese forces but escaped to join the resistance movement, contributing to underground efforts to liberate the Philippines. After the war, he was elected Vice President in 1946 alongside Manuel Roxas. Following Roxas’ sudden death in 1948, Quirino assumed the presidency and won a full term in 1949. His tenure came at a critical time when the nation was transitioning from colonial rule and war to independence and reconstruction.

    Quirino’s presidency was defined by post-war recovery and nation-building. He established the Philippine Rehabilitation Finance Corporation (now the Development Bank of the Philippines) to provide loans for infrastructure, agriculture, and industry. He expanded access to education by building hundreds of schools and increasing scholarships, while also improving public healthcare across the country. In foreign policy, he balanced ties with the United States with a firm stance on sovereignty – renegotiating the Bell Trade Act and revising military bases agreements. He also played a key role in founding the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) in 1954 to strengthen regional security. Quirino’s legacy lies in his commitment to uplifting the Filipino people, drawing from his own experiences of hardship to ensure that progress reached all sectors of society. Though his term faced challenges like inflation and political unrest, his efforts laid essential groundwork for the Philippines’ long-term development.

REFERENCES & SOURCES

https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/753/today-in-philippine-history-november-16-1890-elpidio-quirino-the-sixth-president-of-the-philippines-was-born-in-the-town-of-vigan-ilocos-sur

https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/section/history/presidents-of-the-philippines/elpidio-r-quirino/

https://presidentialmuseum.gov.ph/elpidio-r-quirino/

https://www.esquiremag.ph/politics/news/state-of-the-nation-address-history-photos-a00297-20210726-lfrm2

https://www.flickr.com/photos/govph/14656431414

Our Kids Deserve Better: Thoughts on Children's Month 2025

     This November, we're celebrating National Children's Month with a big focus: "OSAEC-CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban!" That means we need to stop online abuse and exploitation of kids. It's about making sure our children are safe and have their rights protected, especially online.

      The government has a big job here. They've made laws to protect kids, like ones against abuse and online pornography. But just having laws isn't enough. We need to make sure these laws are actually used and that they keep up with new dangers online. It's good that there are special police units for this, but they need enough help and training to do their job well.

      We also need to teach kids how to stay safe online. They should know about keeping their information private and using the internet responsibly. Parents and teachers need to learn how to spot danger signs too. We can also use ads and campaigns to tell everyone about the risks and how to report problems. It's important for the government, charities, and companies to work together to protect our kids.

      Protecting our children is everyone's job. We all need to promise to make sure kids are safe and can grow up happy and healthy. If we work together, we can make sure that every child in the Philippines has a bright future.

 

References:

https://pia.gov.ph/gallery/infographics/paraan-para-mapanatling-ligtas-ang-mga-bata-sa-digital-world/

https://www.facebook.com/share/16jyrDAm1p/

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GXFC79jpN/

My Vigan Adventure Blog!

    The Philippines is known as a really fun place to visit, with so many amazing things to see and do. Now, the country is saying "It's More Fun in the Philippines!" and inviting everyone to share their own fun experiences. As Grade 10 students who love computers, we're joining in with our own special project called "It's More Fun sa Pamayanan" (It's More Fun in Our Community!). Our goal is to show you just how fun and exciting Vigan City is!

    Vigan City is like a magical place where the past comes alive. It's a special city with old-fashioned streets and houses that have been around for many, many years. But Vigan isn't just about old things; it's also a lively place with friendly people, unique local products, interesting jobs, and awesome places to visit. It's a place where you can feel like you've traveled back in time while still enjoying all the fun of today!

    Hidden Garden Vigan: Imagine a secret garden, hidden away from the busy city. That's the Hidden Garden! It's a peaceful place filled with green plants, colorful flowers, and a calm, relaxing feeling. You can walk along winding paths, admire all the different plants, and even enjoy a tasty meal at the garden's restaurant. It's a perfect spot to escape and enjoy nature.

Pagburnayan Vigan: At Pagburnayan, you can see how people make pots out of clay, just like they did long ago. Skilled artists use their hands and simple tools to create beautiful pots. You can even try making your own pot on a spinning wheel! It's a fascinating experience to see how these traditional crafts are made.

    Vigan Cathedral (St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral): This huge church is a symbol of Vigan's history and religion. It's a beautiful building with amazing details that show how people built things long ago. Inside, it's a quiet and peaceful place where people can pray and think. The Vigan Cathedral is a must-see for anyone visiting the city.

    Baluarte is more than just a zoo; it's a place where you can get close to animals and learn about them. You can see tigers, lions, birds, and many other creatures from around the world. It's a fun and educational experience for the whole family! You can also enjoy other attractions and learn about how we can protect animals.

    Calle Crisologo Vigan: Walking down Calle Crisologo is like stepping back in time. This famous street is lined with old houses, cobblestone streets, and charming shops. You can take a ride in a kalesa (a horse-drawn carriage) and feel like you're in old Vigan. You can also buy local crafts and souvenirs, and soak up the atmosphere of this historic street. It's a perfect place to take photos and imagine what life was like in the past.

Through our travel blogs, we want to show you all the amazing things that Vigan has to offer. Join us as we explore the hidden treasures, celebrate the local culture, and show the world why "It's More Fun sa Pamayanan" in Vigan! We hope our blogs will inspire you to visit Vigan and experience its magic for yourself!

My Quarter 2 Reflection

    This quarter, I learned so much about making my own blog and using special computer codes called HTML tags and attributes. I found out how tags like <p> for words, <h1> for big titles, and <img> for pictures help build a page. Attributes, like src for picture locations, make these tags work even better. It was amazing to see my ideas turn into a real website.

    But it wasn't always easy. I often made mistakes in the HTML code, and my blog wouldn't look right. Finding these small errors in many lines of code was hard and sometimes made me feel stuck. Also, trying to write good things for my blog and fix the code at the same time was a big challenge.

    To fix these problems, I didn't give up. I patiently looked for my coding mistakes and used simple online guides and videos to learn more. I also made a plan to spend time writing on some days and coding on others, which helped a lot.

    Next, I want to learn more about making my blog look even nicer with more codes like CSS. I also want to make sure my blog works well on phones and share more interesting things with everyone. My journey with blogging is just starting!

https://pin.it/5DnJaGi8c

https://pin.it/4y7mwzKFX

https://pin.it/6wCwKYnFz

My Teacher, My Hero

 

   The 2025 Teacher's Month Celebration, with its warm theme "My Teacher, My Hero," feels very special this year. As we enter October, everyone is thinking about the amazing people who teach us. This celebration isn't just a date; it's a way for our whole country to say thank you to the everyday heroes in our schools. They don't just teach lessons; they help build our future. It's a time to really see and thank them for all their hard work that often goes unnoticed.

    For me, showing thanks to these heroes means remembering the exact times they helped me. I recall a tough problem I had earlier this year, and it was advice from an old teacher that showed me the way. Their lessons weren't just for a test; they were for life. This 2025 celebration reminds me to reach out, even with a quick message, to thank those who made a difference. It’s about letting them know their hard work truly mattered and still helps me today.

    To show my respect and thanks during this 2025 celebration, I think it's important to really join in the spirit of the theme. This could mean going to school events for Teacher's Month, sharing good stories about teachers online, or just writing a honest thank-you note. It's about making sure every teacher, whether they taught me long ago or are teaching now, feels seen and valued for all the great things they do.

    Teachers help build our future not just by sharing facts, but by giving us a sense of purpose and strength. In 2025, with all the changes happening, their job to get us ready for what's next is more important than ever. They teach us to think for ourselves, to change with the times, and to always try to get better. Their hard work makes sure we have not just facts, but also the good character and courage to face tomorrow's challenges.

    This Teacher's Month in 2025, I celebrate every teacher who has ever made someone feel good, shown them the way, or believed in a student. They are the true heroes who build the strong base of our society, one lesson, one student, and one future at a time. Their steady effort to help young minds grow is a gift to all of us, and their impact will keep shaping the world long after this celebration is over.

References:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1442137001248074&set=a.513209064140877&type=3

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1442139271247847&set=a.513209064140877&type=3

Third Picture: Captured by Abad Santos Ict-10

Science Month 2025: Building a Better Future Together

   This year's National Science Month is all about "Harnessing the Unknown: Powering the Future through

Science and Innovation." It means using science to make our lives better and solve the problems we face. 

Science isn't just for scientists in labs; it's for everyone. During Science Month, we'll see fun activities like quiz bees, amazing robots, and creative posters and slogans that show how cool science can be.

In the coming years, science will play an even bigger role in our lives. New ideas in areas like computers that think (AI), medicine that uses our bodies (biotechnology), clean energy, and tiny machines will change how we live, work, and take care of our planet. AI can help businesses do things faster, but we need to make sure it doesn't take away jobs. Biotechnology can help us fight diseases, but we need to think about who gets access to these new treatments.

    To make the most of science, we need to help everyone understand it. That means teaching science in schools, talking about science in our communities, and making sure scientists, leaders, and regular people can talk to each other. When we all understand science better, we can make sure it's used in ways that are good for everyone. We also need to make sure that everyone has a chance to be part of science, no matter who they are.

In the end, our future depends on how well we use science to explore new things. By being curious,

working together, and using science responsibly, we can build a future where science helps us solve problems, stay healthy, and create a world that is fair and sustainable for all. Science Month is a great time to celebrate all the amazing things that science can do!

References:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid022aq1edYpmJxrvEfduEekBN8AYcCuFUC6YvvzWCq4jbiYFFvab55CEuWPqz7YpAPgl&id=100057594732052

https://www.dice.com/career-advice/biotechnology-industry-desperately-needs-technologists-data-experts

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid024o3M4ZcEfuvmf8tM3wGmS7BwL6X2qFYZU9zfMXfJV4cRoAGLKk6B5kvwjQZJ8Rcpl&id=61577851770490

The Philippines: Facing Climate Change with Strength

  

The Philippines, a nation of beautiful islands, is facing significant challenges because of climate change. These changes in the environment are affecting the lives and homes of many Filipinos. Our location in the world, how much we depend on nature, and the way our society works all make us open to these problems. Understanding these reasons helps us see why our environment is changing and how it's impacting people.

One of the biggest issues is the number of strong typhoons that hit our country. The Philippines is right in the path of these storms, experiencing about 20 every year. These typhoons bring heavy rains, strong

winds, and big waves, which cause floods, landslides, and damage to buildings and roads. Scientists say that climate change is making these typhoons even stronger and happen more often. This is especially hard for people living near the coast and in low areas, where they are always at risk.

   

    Another major problem is the loss of our forests. Over time, many forests have been cut down for logging, mining, and to create farms. When we lose forests, there are fewer trees to absorb carbon dioxide, a gas that warms the planet. Also, without trees to hold the soil in place, we have a higher risk of soil erosion, landslides, and floods. These forests are also important for indigenous communities, who rely on them for food, medicine, and their way of life.

    In addition, the growth of our cities and industries has led to pollution and unsustainable use of our resources. As more people live in cities and more factories operate, our air and water become more polluted. Trash is often not handled well, and there aren't enough clean water systems. In farming, too many chemicals can harm the land and water. Our oceans are also suffering, with destructive fishing methods reducing the number of fish and damaging coral reefs. These practices threaten the income and food of many families who live by the coast.

    Despite these serious challenges, Filipinos are showing their strength and ability to recover. Communities have developed traditional ways to deal with disasters, like building strong houses and

planting trees to protect the soil. Many also use sustainable farming methods passed down through their families. The government is also working to fight climate change and protect our environment by investing in clean energy, promoting responsible land use, and improving how we prepare for disasters.

      By understanding these problems and working together, we can build a stronger and more sustainable future for all Filipinos.

Resources:

https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2023/03/with-global-warming-of-just-1-2c-why-has-the-weather-gotten-so-extreme/

https://fulcrum.sg/reclaiming-the-resilient-filipino-from-romanticised-climate-narratives-towards-resilience-focused-climate-policy-in-the-philippines/

https://www.cgiar.org/news-events/news/climber-defining-strategies-to-increase-filipino-farmers-climate-resilience/

Intramurals: Sunshine, Showers, and School Spirit

    Okay, so Intramurals, right? It's like the one time of year everyone in school gets to go a little crazy, show off their team pride, and (try to) be athletic. This year's two-day event was no exception, but it definitely had its own unique flavor, thanks to the weather.

    Day one actually started off pretty awesome. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and the opening ceremonies were in full swing. We had the parade, with all the teams showing off their banners and costumes. Then came the racing of flags – seriously, who knew that could be so intense? And of course, there was the Ms. and Mr. Intramurals competition, which is always good for a few laughs and some serious talent.

    I was even supposed to be part of the badminton team, but here's where things got a little complicated. I had a class I couldn't miss, so I made the tough call to go to school instead of playing. Yeah, I know, bad teammate move. Ended up getting disqualified, but hey, priorities, right?

    Anyway, by the afternoon, the weather decided to rain, rain, and more rain. But honestly, it didn't kill the vibe.

   I spent most of the afternoon in the gym, watching the basketball games. My classmate, Joseph, was playing, so I had to be there to cheer them on. And let me tell you, it was way more exciting than sitting in a classroom.

    Day two was pretty much the same: sunshine in the morning, followed by an afternoon downpour. But rain or shine, the spirit of Intramurals was alive and well. Even though I missed out on badminton, and even though the weather wasn't always on our side, it was still a blast. It's all about coming together as a school, having some fun, and making memories that will last way longer than the bruises from those "friendly" games.

Sources:

1st and 2nd picture: Captured by me

3rd picture: From John Joseph Dasalla