05 December, 2023

Magic of Christmas

 
When I was younger, I used to wish that time would fly by quickly enough to bring back the Christmas Season. I can still recall the days where we traveled just to celebrate Christmas at my parents' hometown. As soon as we arrive, they greet us with an advanced Merry Christmas with warm smiles on their faces and assist us with our belongings. The moments when I was beyond excited to consume the foods that my family had prepared for Noche Buena. Agar-agar by my nanay was my all-time favorite food and still is. The time when I was waiting for someone to give me a present whether it is a toy or just simply money. However, back then I valued materials more than money. Simply because I was just a child, I wasn't really aware of things before. The time where I was all out to burst my energy  when the time hits 12:00 in the morning because once the clock strikes 12 a.m, I'll be greeting each and everyone a Merry Christmas. It feels nostalgic to reminisce about those days. Where I was just a happy kiddo, no sadness, no problems at all, and nothing to think about and just enjoying the flow of life. But now, I don't have any idea where it all went. It took a snap to clear all the years and boom, life told me that you're already a 15-year old, with a miserable life and can't even enjoy Christmas like you used to. How I wished I could bring back the time.



Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus. Christmas is basically a festival of giving and love. Friends and family get together to enjoy meals together, trade gifts, and make lifelong memories. Giving gifts is a symbolic act that reflects the warmth and kindness that define the holiday season. It is a season of happiness, warmth, and togetherness that unites individuals. This festive season, celebrated on December 25th each year, holds a special place in the hearts of millions around the world.



Growing up, I haven't really experienced those moments where you and your family make the house shine with Christmas decorations. Those presents that other kids wish for their parents. The socks that should be hung before you sleep because when you wake up, you'll be expecting something from Santa Claus, but we all really know it's from our parents.. I've realized that I haven't got to experience the Christmas experience of other kids but rather I've experienced a very simple one. It might've lacked a lot of things but I'm sure those times were the happiest moments of my life. But now, I really don't know what happened. I can't force myself to not compare the times before and the days now. Looking back to it, I can really tell the difference, it's just that I'm a bit confused. I actually don't know if it's just the year that makes it unhappy or it's already me who's unhappy. A question that has been circulating in my mind for almost 3 years now. Nonetheless, I wish that each and everyone of us finds the spark of Christmas once again. 




References 
Reyes, B., (Nov. 15, 2023). Ayala Triangle Gardens’ Festival of Lights 2023. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/life-     and-style/arts-culture/in-photos-ayala-triangle-garden-festival-of-lights-2023/

Titong, R., (Dec. 1, 2023). 10,000 gather as Victorias sparkles with festive Christmas lights. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/nation/visayas/thousands-gather-victorias-negros-occidental-sparkles-festive-christmas-lights-november-30-2023/


24 October, 2023

Keep it as our Safe Place

"What are you willing to do for the environment?"

It appears to be a small question, isn't it? But believe me, it's big one.

 

A clean environment is a fundamental necessity for the well-being of both the planet and its inhabitants. It is an area free of waste and pollution, with clean water, pure air, and beautiful scenery. It is impossible to exaggerate how important a clean environment is for our well-being, our standard of living, and the sustainability of the earth. 


 
As a student, you might wonder what you can do to help the environment. Even though it could appear like an overwhelming task, every action—no matter how tiny—can help save our planet. Students in particular have a special chance to change the world by spreading awareness, forming environmentally friendly habits, and getting involved in environmental projects.


First and foremost, it is our responsibility as students to play a significant part in raising public awareness of environmental issues. A solid foundation for significant change is education. We can encourage others to take action by remaining informed and spreading awareness about problems like pollution, deforestation, climate change, and habitat destruction. Participation in environmental clubs or initiatives, presentations, and classroom discussions can all help achieve this. 
Students can act as change agents by bringing attention to environmental problems. Raising Awareness may occur in either personally or digitally. 

Now, are you questioning how? Well, by simply organizing seminars, workshops, and presentations on campus to educate peers and the community about the importance of environment. Join or start an environmental club on campus to promote cooperation and a feeling of community while tackling environmental issues. We also have the ability to spread awareness on social media via online platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and other platforms. Social Media and Online Activism disseminate information, articles, and campaigns about environmental issues through social media and online resources. A strategic post or tweet can reach a large number of people. 

Students who incorporate sustainable habits into their daily lives can have a big impact. One of the practices they should start doing is the "three Rs"—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle—are among the easiest yet most powerful ways to protect the environment. By decreasing waste, preserving resources, and reducing needless consumption, students can lessen their carbon footprint. This entails being conscientious of the things we buy and utilizing reusable bags, containers, and water bottles.

Students can be effective environmental advocates as well. Getting involved in activism, joining or starting environmental clubs, and taking part in protests are all effective ways to influence policymakers and advance sustainable practices. The voice of the young has been shown to be a powerful force for change in a number of international movements, including the fight against climate change. Promote Environmental Policies, get involved in student government, local government, and environmental organizations to push for laws that will safeguard the environment and encourage sustainability.

Students have a critical role to play in protecting the environment. Today's decisions will have an impact on future generations. Students have a big role to play in protecting our planet by raising awareness, adopting sustainable habits, pushing for change, and getting involved in environmental projects. Keep in mind that modest efforts added up over time can result in significant and long-lasting change. It is our duty and opportunity as students to help create a future that is more ecologically friendly and sustainable. 


References

Pauline Macaraeg (2021). Filipino youth urge global leaders to deliver on climate promises. Rappler. from 
https://www.rappler.com/tachyon/2021/11/climate-strike-november-6-2021-001.jpg?resize=1600%2C1067&zoom=1

Jire Carreon (2021). Holding companies, governments to account. Rappler. from https://www.rappler.com/tachyon/2021/11/climate-strike-november-6-2021-003.jpg?resize=1600%2C1067&zoom=1

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20 October, 2023

Time to say “Goodbye”?

  It seems sense to pause and consider the journey as the last quarter of my Grade 10 year draws to an end. This time has been full of diffi...