Foundation Day

Every year, schools and universities celebrate their respective foundation days to commemorate the day when the school was founded or established. It is significant not only because of the number of years it has served the community where a school belongs to. It is likewise significant especially if the founding of the school has resulted to considerable benefit to those it serves. This is usually done to accommodate the various activities lined up for the occasion. Speeches of school authorities are heard as they enumerate school accomplishments and their goals and plans for the coming years.

For most parents, the field demonstration is considered the highlight because this is one of the rare chances they see their children perform with the rest of the students. Taking a cue from its name, it is often done in an open field to the loud beat of drums, uptempo music, and applause. Students will dress and perform accordingly depending on the prevailing theme for the year.

Technically speaking, this is part of practical learning as students hone their skills in other things aside from academics. They will learn discipline, teamwork, and patience especially during practice sessions. The many hours spent in rehearsing are considered well spent as students put up a show of a lifetime for their parents.

Commemorating the school foundation day is significant since it is the chance to remind the students about the humble beginnings of their educational institution. This could help them better appreciate the improvements they are currently enjoying which have been worked-hard for by school authorities, parents, and students that came before them. It is an opportune time especially for older and graduating students to determine what kind of legacy they can leave behind to the school that has supported them through the years and to the student body that will be left behind.

Reference:

http://teresay.com/significance-school-foundation-day/

Kannawidan: The Ylocos Festival

The Kannawidan (local term for traditional practice) festival was also an occasion to strengthen the Ilocano culture, recognize Ilocos Sur’s sons and daughters who brought honor to the province, celebrate abundant harvest or just to celebrate the Ilocano spirit that continues to drive locals to boost the province. 

The festival showcases the rich heritage, tradition, culture, arts, crafts and delicacies of Ilocos Sur. Various festivities were staged from trade, agriculture, aqua and a display of farm products. Tradition was also found in the culinary treats that residents prepared including delicacies that Ilocos Sur is known for. Different Municipalities displayed products under the One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) booth inside the trade fair. Traditional games were played.There were Sarsuela and choir competition. and also the Saniata which is the showcasing the beauty of Ilocanas.

Kannawidan Festival is very important. With this festival, we are preserving the culture, history and the old traditions of Ilocos Sur. We must be proud of being an Ilocano because even foreigners admire our culture and traditions.

References:
http://www.ilocossur.gov.ph/index.php/component/k2/item/261-bicentennial-kannawidan-ylocos-festival-opens

https://studymoose.com/kannawidan-the-ilocos-festivity-essay

WHERE IT BEGINS

Change happens whether we like it or not and regardless of whether we do anything about it. Tomorrow will be different than today. We can resist, but that is a bit like standing in a river and trying to hold back the water – useless. We have a choice to watch change passively happening around us, or to participate and lead it.

Changes are taking place on all levels, from simple to complex; whether the minuscule transformations of our brain cells to the political crises unfolding around the world. Some changes we can manage, some we can influence, but realistically, most are outside our control. Statistically few of us will change the history of the world in a momentous way. Individually we cannot eradicate war, poverty, greed and corruption. I won’t invent a cure for cancer or solve the opiate crisis. But I can change myself. And in changing myself I may have a greater, more positive impact on my world – the one in which I actually live.

We can lead change and make our world a better place if we start with ourselves. Learning to become a better spouse, parent, businessperson, leader, salesperson, philanthropist, coach and volunteer will enable me to contribute more to my family, my community, and my industry. By inviting positive change into my life, by initiating change, I might be able to positively influence others. But that’s a choice they have to make.

ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY FOR ME TO CHANGE!

After the Christmas celebration, people wait for the 31st night, that is the day when we recall all the good and bad memories of whole year and say goodbye to the going year and welcoming the new year. People celebrate this day with music and dance. Children’s are very happy about this as they get lots of gifts and good food to enjoy the new year party.

The elderly encourage children to jump at the stroke of midnight so that they would grow up tall. Many people display 12 circular fruits and wear clothing with polka dots to symbolize money. It is also popular practice to open all the doors and windows at the stroke of midnight to let in the good luck. Many Filipino families also read the Christian bible and attend a church midnight mass. It is common for many Filipinos to blend religion and superstition in celebrating New Year’s Day. And everyone has their own resolution.

To celebrate my New Year, I have to change my bad habits. I have to change myself for the better. I need to stop procrastinating which is the biggest barrier that keeps most people from reaching their goals is the desire to relax and do something fun instead of working hard. Once you get used to procrastinating it’s difficult to snap yourself out of it, so you’ll need to put in a lot of work to change this bad habit. So let's cheer to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.

References: 
https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/50-new-years-resolution-ideas-and-how-achieve-each-them.html
https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/philippines/new-year-day

LOVE IN CHRISTMAS!

Every day is like Christmas for us because Jesus is so good to us every day, but this time is extra special because He pours out His love in extra measure. We feel His love from loved ones, acquaintances, and even strangers. There's just something about Jesus' birthday that turns people's hearts and minds to peace and love and goodwill. It brings out the best in everyone because it brings Jesus out, and He's the best!

God does not expect us to do great things this Christmas. We only need to do things with great love. Finally, this Christmas, may we contemplate God’s humility in Jesus, his divinity hidden beneath the poverty of a the Holy Infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger; the Master and Creator of the universe reduced to the helplessness of a child. Once we accept this paradox, may we discover the truth behind it and that truth is His Love. The First Noel, the Savior becomes one of us, our companion along the trying times. May we all take his hand which he stretches out to us: a hand which seeks to take nothing from us, but only to give.

Christmas is best enjoyed when it isn't centered on decorations, gifts, or festivities, but when love is at its core. Love is the essence of Christmas. Christmas should mean taking quality time with your family and friends. It's about cherishing and celebrating the love you share.

Fight for the Equality!

Our society is founded on the idea of fairness and equality. Under the law, every person has the right to equal and fair treatment, independent of their gender, race, sexual orientation, age, religious beliefs or any other personal characteristic.

Across all nations and cultures, the enduring pursuit of equality in life seems global and timeless. Some would believe that their own country has achieved a true democracy with no residual inequalities of which to speak, while others know they are at the other end of the spectrum, enduring unjust laws that should not be bestowed on any human. Through the course of history many countries have fought for that democracy and all the equality that it implies. While some believe they have reached that goal, others continue to fight for the most basic human rights, even in this time of enlightenment.

Truly equal and fair societies are more likely to be prosperous and harmonious ones. Failure to tackle discrimination and to provide equal opportunities hurts individuals and families, negatively impacts our society, and costs the economy.

References: 

http://cubegroup.com.au/why-equality-and-fairness-matters/

https://www.bartleby.com/essay/Fighting-for-Equality-and-Freedom-F3N72AYTC

CHILD'S FUTURE IS OUR FUTURE!

October every year is observed as National Children's Month (NCM) in our country pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 267 issued on September 30, 1993. The celebration seeks to emphasize the importance of the role of the child within the Filipino family and in nation building. It also supports Section 13, Article II , of the Philippine Constitution, which recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation building and mandates the promotion and protection of their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being by instilling in them the values of patriotism and nationalism, among others, as well as encouraging in public and civic affairs.

Children's rights are the human rights of children with particular attention to the rights of special protection and care afforded to minors. The 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) defines a child as "any human being below the age of eighteen years, unless under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier." Children's rights includes their right to association with both parents, human identity as well as the basic needs for physical protection, food, universal state-paid education, health care, and criminal laws appropriate for the age and development of the child, equal protection of the child's civil rights, and freedom from discrimination. The field of children's rights spans the fields of law, politics, religion, and morality.

Stop the abuses. All of us are God's children. We don't have the rights to hurt them. They should be loved  and cared the way they deserve it. They hold our future.

References:

https://www.scribd.com/doc/219341819/Narrative-Report-on-the-National-Children-s-Month-Celeb-2013

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children%27s_rights