WHO STAYS...

Translucent rivers, blue skies
Full moon, twinkling stars
Massive territory, filled with trees
So good to breathe, so good to flee

Boats rowing, fishes are swimming
Airplanes and birds spontaneously flying
As the people roam around the city
Day or night, there's nothing to worry

With one mistake, all were gone
One touch, one bite, eyes became open
In this colossal abode, nowhere to run
Nowhere to hide, no way to mend.

How could that one mistake took it all?
How could that one yes led you to fall?
Immured in a body of brokenness
Can't elude, run off with guilt and mess.

Whom to run, whom to talk
Whom to release the poison inside of me
Continue to cry, continue to walk
Stop for awhile and you will see.

Reflect on the water wide and clear
You'll see what betided, trembled with fear
However, the flow of the water, calm and still
So with your heart, keep the faith, be still.

Behind the mysterious transition of life
Is a truth only some could descry
Only some could accept, only some could stand
From the grip of the evil huntman.

Is it time to say ‘Goodbye’?

          The people we get along with, trust, feel simpatico with, are the strongest links in our networks. Links wherein it makes me stable, physically, emotionally and also spiritually. And one of those links, is my friends.

                                      

          The presence of the air is compared to my friends, it is always present. Sometimes I can’t feel them but their existence is always there.

And now I couldn't expect that for my long years in ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, I now face the state of affairs of leaving my considered second home. It’s awful and I feel pity on myself because of the sorrows embarking on my life, sorrows which behind it are the bliss which served as an addition to my memorable and genuine events in my life. I wouldn't remove the marks of moments together with them. There are times wherein laughter’s made without any expectations and hesitations but the true love is the one who works.   

          I know that I would be departed from those who’d become close to my heart. But even though we were miles far away on each other, they would still part of my family and their presence is forever in my heart.

Now, I don't know when could be again the time to meet my friends, teachers and my campus crush J. I couldn't see them enough because of the long distance but I hope that we could still the same after how many years.

          My teachers from 1^st year to 4^th year, thanks a lot my dear educators and at the same time my councilor for good times and bad times. Thank you for molding me to be bolder and for the love you'd shared especially on the days that I almost lose hope. Thank you for nurturing us and instilling good morals. Thank you for those jokes and I will surely miss those. There are really times which made me different and something new and it’s because of you, my teachers.

          To my circle friends, Hana, Hennessy, Louise, Kae Ann, Lirian and others: thank you, I’ll miss you all, this is not the end. We shall meet again J

GOD BLESS YOU ALL GUYS! GOOD LUCK TO OUR SELECTED CAREERS!

The Origin of Great Success

“A thousand fantasies
Begin to throng into my memory
Of calling shapes, and beckoning shadows dire, 
And airy tongues, that syllable men's names
On sands, and shores, and desert wildernesses.”

-John Milton 

          What’s the biggest portion that becomes groundwork of one’s success? I believe almost people in this world had a dream, dreams in unique and mystifying ways. Some were too high but awe-inspiring and some were mediocre but at ease and content.

          Since, when we were children, we make out what we wish for when we grow old. There were nurses, doctors, police, attorneys, engineers, teachers and many other professions. It is so comical because it gives happiness to their parents and guardians for they know that their child has a dream, a dream which could give them good future and success not only for himself but also to their family.

          But as you grow older, you’re deeply known and discern what you could be. You can distinguish your strengths and weaknesses to face tomorrow and you know your capabilities if you could do your selected career. There are many opinions around; there are parents, relatives and influence of friends so that you would stay together. And sometimes, there are also many options, options in courses and even schools.

Have your DREAMS and it’s your key!

          Nevertheless, whatever decision you made, use God’s gift, your heart and mind. Use them religiously and lend all your plans to Him. If it is His will, He will absolutely give it. God wants to give us good education and career. Let’s be faithful to Him. Glorify Him and I know that He loves me, you, every one of us.

          GOD BLESSES EVERYONE! REACH YOUR DREAMS! SHALOM!

Change Starts With Me

  “Some changes look negative on the surface but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge.” 
― Eckhart Tolle

     For all day long, we committed several shadows of negatives in our way. We sometimes fell down and cried for sorrows through these hardships. Sometimes, I'd thought to surrender and lend all these things to God. But there were voices whispering that nothing would happen if I, my own-self wouldn't work. I know that God loves and He has always mercy for everyone, but is that enough? As a saying in Filipino that "Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa". 

     The created space in our lives is colossal for change, change that seeks for better, change which could make you a better person. 

     In our times, we committed failures, and that's failure must be our capital to correct our pasts. If that failure wouldn't perk up and if it repeats without enhancement or improvement, it's not called failure anymore, instead it's a choice.

     “When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not yet ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back. A week is more than enough time for us to decide whether or not to accept our destiny.” 
― Paulo Coelho   

OUR HERITAGE!

“People will not look forward to posterity, who never look backward to their ancestors”

-Edmund Burke

Many years ago, a noble idea developed in the minds of a group of civic spirited Ilocanos who wanted to promote cultural awareness and preserve the rich historical and cultural heritage. They wanted to rekindle in the youth and future generations the pride of their heritage. The magnificent idea developed and is now a living reality, KANNAWIDAN, the Iloko Foundation of Arts and Culture.

Kannawidan is a variant of the Ilocano word “tawid” meaning heritage or inheritance.

Vigan of Ilocos Sur is a fourth class city in theprovince of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. It is the capital of the Province of Ilocos Sur. It is a World Heritage Site in that it is one of the few Hispanic towns left in the Philippines where its structures remained intact, and is well known for its cobblestone streets, and a unique architecture that fuses Philippine and Oriental building designs and construction, with colonial European architecture.

We are lucky for we are part of Vigan. This inheritance is ought to be proud of. Our heritage is prestigious and a lucky charm for for every Bigueño. Vigan is our Kannawidan!

Let's preserve it's uniqueness and its history!

A living vision that, an esteemed and respected cultural foundation of Ilocanos who hold a deep respect for our heritage, instilling pride and sense of identity among all Ilocanos committed to ensure the conversion, preservation, and promotion of the Iloco cultural, artistic, historical and intellectual heritage.

CHALLENGE!

Past years which are filled with great memories, happiness, judgments, sorrows and not well characteristics which shown up. The feature which makes me change but worse.

The world as we have created, it is the process of our thinking, Albert Eistein.

My parents said that I become idle and irresponsible on my studies. I often disobey them particularly on household chores. I'm not satisfied with one word so they always say, "one word is enough for a wise person." But for me, it's none and it's the worst thing I’d ever done and thought.  I felt sorry about it and I want to confess all of my sins.

And now it's New Year, new personality must approach. I will transform myself and seek for better. I love my parents and I want to show this love by obeying and honoring them. As the bible say that before you can show your obedience to God, obey your parents first.

But if ever, we must not wait for another year to change. We have our own heart and mind to choose the wisest decision.

"Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek"

-Barack Obama

-God loves us unconditionally! God bless :)

The Mirror of Truth

          Few months to go, I am going to graduate soon. I can't realize that in my whole high school life, the feeling of happiness, worry and also sadness is different right now. I know that missing a friend is not easy, how much more to your true friends and teachers who’d become your parents.

           But, if ever I don’t want to have that event L.
In my almost 7 months in high school, 3^rd grading is the most remarkable. Although in some part of my times in every day school is vacant, this times were filled with marked moments. But what are the learning’s and dilemmas I’d met during this period?

           Be an easy to be with person! A characteristic which made me realized that this feature could made me better and nice person. And I cultured this attitude during the NYRYLI a month ago. It’s so pleasure to socialize with other person and make friends by a smile.

           But also I met several difficulties. I’d become more idle and irresponsible on my studies. I’m making my home works in school and not making serious on it. My parents reprimanded me for the immature acts, and I felt sorry about it.

           I address this by first, confessing my sins to God. After it, I started changing my not well habits. Doing home works in school is slightly diminished. Changing is not totally in a glimpse, it takes time.

           I wouldn’t take this action for this period only. I know that doing assigned works must do in time. Like our drafts! J


   THIRD GRADING ENDS

"Christes Maesse"

          "Glory to God in the highest, and o the earth peace to men and whom his for rest" (Luke 2:14)
          The word Christmas entered the English language sometime around 1050 as the old English phrase Christes Maesse, meaning "festival of Christ".

          But what is the true spirit of Christmas? Why do people take substantial time preparing for this notable occasion? Why do we commemorate?
It is when Jesus was born. It is when He's been given by the Father in heaven to retrieve us from death and to reside in His side eternally. Being forever grateful and thankful is enough and how big or small our transgressions are, confess them all and repent. Whether you like it or not, God is a justifiable and awesome God.


          Also during Christmas, there are gifts and foods in every house. This was traditionally happens in our society, but what is the most important thing that we could give to our love ones? TIME! Time which you can share to your family. You eat together, having fun moments, watching fireworks and praying together because Jesus was born to be our savior, our redeemer. :)

          I hope that Christmas should celebrated everyday in our hearts. Love and sharing should prevail always. Merry Christmas! God bless :)

What's worse about our Practice?

“Ethical veganism results in a profound revolution within the individual; a complete rejection of the paradigm of oppression and violence that she has been taught from childhood to accept as the natural order. It changes her life and the lives of those with whom she shares this vision of nonviolence. Ethical veganism is anything but passive; on the contrary, it is the active refusal to cooperate with injustice” 
― Gary L. Francione

In a snap, the alteration around was done in a glimpse. A change which can't automatically get back on it's origin. A big difference... A difference which in a single moment, can devastate you and me.

Climate change is a significant and lasting change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns over periods ranging from decades to millions of years. 

This is the reason why Super typhoon Yolanda wreak havoc in the Philippines. Should we blame the nature 
or ourselves? 

We, the people of today's generation should wake up! We must raise ourselves in caring God's gifts - nature. We shouldn't abuse those and give it a magical change. Let's clutch ones hand for uniformity and strengthening one another to have a truly Christian and steady nation.

ENGLISH: KEY TO THE WORLD

A master of the English language does not need to exaggerate; an illiterate almost always does. -Lord Hailsham.

English Language, primary language of the majority. It is also an official or semiofficial language of many countries with a colonial past, such as India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and South Africa. Even in countries where English is not a primary or official language, it is taught as a foreign language and used as the language of technology and diplomacy. This serves as the bridge of communication between different states for we could understand each other. Through this, the interaction between people would be swiftly comprehendible.

                English is a big help in many aspect ways. Also some are planning to venture business in other countries, on tours, and mainly in studies especially on students like me. Since elementary to college, most of the institutes or schools worldwide comprises English as one of their major subject which indicates the importance of English language literature. English is very dominant that it has been used when negotiating with very prominent personalities. With regards to worldwide meeting, the language of English is officially the language being spoken. In English, there will be a bridge of communication and a wire of connection on every state.

Every countries will never experience being reformist and well-appointed because, without the presence of English dialect, things are impossible to happen. Thus we should consider the importance of English language in daily life. 

Equal rights, Equal opportunities

The concept that human beings have inalienable rights and liberties that cannot justly be violated by others or by the state is linked to the history of democracy. As before, Philippines had its freedom after the long years of Martial Law, but luckily we’re still having that democratic system.

Democracy defines as free and equal representation of people; the free and equal right of every person to participate in a system of government, often practiced by electing representatives of the people by the majority of the people. We people have that right; right to speech, walk, dance and everything we desire to do. We have it equally, no matter what is your state in the society, either your rich or poor. Those higher authorities shouldn’t rule our lives because we have equal opportunities. Equal opportunities to do what others can also do.

Although we, people have this kind of liberty, we have the limitation to bear in mind for whatever we do. It is not the grounds for doing things which were not correct and acceptable in the society and in the eyes of God. 

AS THE TIME FADES…

          Second Grading almost done and another era for another moments of life. A tear fell when I’d realized that time moves so swiftly and irrevocably for I am graduating soon. For 4 years in Ilocos Sur National High School, I’d witness different kinds of people…. Classmates…. Teachers….

          In this institution, I’d learned what is life and why did my parents send me here. Mainly, to learn and to have a high-standard of education but for me, there’s a more significant reason why I’m here, it’s to explore, socialized and expound more than what I know. It is a great pleasure that I’d studied here because I’d seen riots, chaos between my classmates but I also felt mutualism only here in ISNHS.

          As a senior high school student, I can’t deny that of course I could judge others on what they are doing, bullying and even making jokes in a hurtful way. And I’d realized that, is it okay? Is it good to hurt the feelings of others?

          I’d get discernment from my mother and from God on how could I seize my struggles against myself and others. I felt guilt and I don’t know what could be its result. My mother told me to change my bad attitudes and say sorry to those whom I’d hurt and I know that it’s also the advice of God and He used my mother as an instrument for me. Many days passed but I’m not still ready. Until the moment comes that it’s the time. Time to say sorry and lending them help whenever they need it.

          I have still a lot of time to show my care and how sincere I am as a student of IV-Marconi year 2013-2014. Being here is a big challenge and take the challenge to be a better and strong person.

SECOND GRADING ENDS

“THE GEMS CANNOT BE POLISHED WITHOUT FRICTION”

Education developed from the human struggle for survival and enlightenment. It may be formal or informal. But where do people foremost educated?

As we know that we first learned in our own homes, our parents serve as our first teachers however it doesn’t end there. As we grow, our parents send us to school to learn more, to know why do people exist in this world and to observe how life mutual to another life. But, who are the people behind these institutions? TEACHERS! JThey serve as our second parents in school. Guide, protector, source of advices in every consequences we’re facing. They shared their love and care their students as their own children. Sometimes, they scolded their students for their mistakes but these instances made them better creation. Our teachers mold us to be BOLDER and the reasons for bearing certified and standardized personalities in our society. 

Patience…. Initiative…. Enthusiasm…. Determination…. Faith…. Humility…. A servant at heart…. These are the keys of our teachers to be worth-emulating teachers. As I said that “gems cannot be polished without friction” that those professionals and we, students can’t be what we are right now for it’s not because to our teachers who wholly give their hearts to serve. I salute you teachers for imparting your life for us that we could seize upon circumstances as instruments with which to work. I really thank you and I pray that all teachers continue their profession in upright and enjoying way in service.

This proves that Americans contribution (education) is one of the greatest contributions we ought to thank of.

UNRAVEL THE CAUSES. BUILD THE SOLUTION. EMPOWER SCIENCE CLUBBERS TO ACTION.

          To the depth of the sea… A melody of glee… Up to the highest sky… Unto the midst of the aisle… Nature is wonderful… relaxing… refreshing… prestigious… support an abundance of life…

          But what had happened? Wherever I go, I saw catastrophes in every corner. But what are the origins for these things? What have you done? What I had done? Are you one of the prime suspects? We use nature in abusive way. We abuse it, aren’t we? Yes we are. We people are the one who’s destroying our own because of greediness; people want to be successful. Mining, illegal logging, dynamite fishing, burning plastics, smokes coming out from vehicles are really improper. World is surrounded by technologies which create good but mostly bad influences. Mother earth doesn’t want and it’s not actually one who create landslides, flood, depletion of ozone layer, climate change, global warming and others but US, we are the origin of these devastating measures.

          Fellow men, I don’t know when would be the end of nature. If we don’t know how to take care and love it, this might be the reason of our going in 6 ft. under the ground. We still have a lot of time to travel, time to walk to change ourselves, to change ourselves in changing the world. Change it for better and for progress.

THE ONE I HOLD ON

In my early times in this world, I testify that there’s one I really admire on. He’s prestigious, perfect, grateful, lovable, astonishing and he has everything.

He is omniscient and His advices really work. No matter how difficult my problem was, He is always there to guide, support and lend me the things I need. I always hurt his heart then I feel ashamed because He never hurt me, instead, He persistently loves me. He is my SUPERHERO in life, He always saves me from mishaps and upset, gives me good health and He is whom I’d share my secrets. He is the best diary. As I talk to him, He never fails to answer, and as he answers, you can feel comfortable and happy for He always listens. Jesus is my BEST FRIEND ever!!! J

No one can beat Him. He is holy and his love never fades. His love is everlasting, eternal… He can be your hero and best friend also. His heart is open for everyone. As I sin and asked forgiveness, He at all times forgive.

*Psalm 37:4 “delight yourself in the Lord and He will give the desires of your heart”

EXPLOIT OUR NATIVE DIALECT FOR A STRONGER INSTRUMENT IN PURSUING THE BRILLIANCE OF OUR COUNTRY

          “Everybody has a right to pronounce foreign names as he chooses” (Winston Churchill). But, is it tolerable to love more the foreign vernaculars than our own? Currently, Filipinos more prefer to use other language for them to be called standardized persons. There’s no such harm in having it, but we must not fail to remember the place where we foremost mould.

          Sa kabila ng pighati’t katagumpayan, may nag-iisang wika na kaakibat ng bawat sangkatauhan at sa pagtahak ng napipintong daan palihis sa kabalukturan. Napaparap ng isang kabataan tulad ko ang atmosperang  lumilibot sa Perlas ng Silanganan na animo’y isang kidlat na kay bilis impluwensyahan ng wikang banyaga ang bawat Pilipino. Katutubong wika na tumitipon sa bawat Pilipino upang magkapit bisig sa pintig ng iisang layunin, ang mapaangat ang bansa. Gaano man karami ang alam na wika ng isang bayan, ang tunay na kaunlaran ay nakasalalay sa tamang paggamit nito, sa kakayahan, tunay na pagkakaisa at disiplina ng lahat ng mga mamamayan nito.

          “The accent of one’s birthplace lingers in the mind and in the heart as it does in one’s speech” (Francois la Rochefoucould). We must not mortify what we have. Let’s ought to be proud that we are Filipinos. Everybody have to clasp one’s hand for stillness, triumphant and brilliant country throughour native language, Wikang Filipino.

Facing the reality...

          As I undergo the journey through the end of the school year, I can’t picture that I’m already 4^th year. Almost four years of being part in ILOCOS SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL. First quarter had finish and in the other hand I am nearly graduating. But, instead of taking fear on the coming graduation, I will just enjoy what’ present… But let me start the things which put me into a better and more wholesome facts and ideas about the world.  

          What I’d learned during the first quarter? I’d learned random things, like English proficiency, manipulating computers by means of internet, deeper words, angles and many more. I know that this learning’s where not only for high school years but also for a lifetime.

          During my previous days in school, I can’t deny the consequences in my studies. No. 1 is the assignments that made me sleep late during nights but I’m not saying that there’s must not have an assignments. It’s just making me feeble. And another was I don’t have a lot of references to refer on during discussions.

But I know, I can do these. Facing again another grading was to be accepted. Facing the reality that I will nearly graduate. 

FIRST GRADING ENDS

P-NOY's fourth SONA

       
           Last July 22, 2013, our president gave his address about what his administration had done for another year in the service. This includes the programs, accomplishments, referendum on the success of his regime and affirmation of his administration's mandate of good governance. His platforms were very helpful like concerning on education and his "Pantawid Pamilya Program" on us, Filipinos.

          I'm in awe of him 'cause he doesn't have piece to glimpse on, seems that he knows all the details in his address. But his intelligence was not the actually one I admired on, it's about his sweats, tears, headaches, hurts, pains and even giving up his love life. in my side, he is an upright person. He almost gives up his life for our country to have a better, progressive and to a right way of living. I know that still many Filipinos don't have the reliance on him, but those criticisms would put us down.

          The Philippines wouldn't ascend if we engage on revolutions against the government. Instead, let's clutch on one's hand having a goal on success, for our economy to rise up and not to obliterate one's image for own fame.

Nutrition Month

“Gutom at Malnutrisyon, Sama-sama nating Wakasan”

    Month of July, month of Nutrition. Every year, each school is celebrating nutrition activities to widen students understanding and knowledge about nourishment. As the students gain certain information, we ought to to employ these things for us to stay physically, mentally, spiritually and intellectually fit.

                At Ilocos Sur National High School, we already started some of the activities. The food fest was one; this activity has tenacity to develop the abilities and skills of students to be a good entrepreneur. And many more activities will arise.

                So as long as there are activities like these, I will join those for enjoyment, happy and non-sense moments and also for experience.

Letter to the President

Mr. President Aquino,

               

              It’s my pleasure and honor to have the prospect that a high being like you would read my letter about my concerns and apprehensions.

                 

              I would like to show my gratitude to you first sir for the mechanisms, programs, platforms, attention and love you’ve giving to our republic and to your countrymen, us. I am pleased that you’re doing all of your great best for our economy to be upgraded. Many schools were being currently established for us to have a worthy and standard education.

               

              But sir, many employees don’t have livelihood for lack of job opportunities. Even though there’s companies/programs open who present jobs, still those were not enough. There’s still many of our fellow were vacant in these days. I hope sir that you would have concern about that issue.

              

              Sir, together with your cabinets, co-workers, assistants and we ordinary people will work together in unison for us to build up a well amended and restored nation. May the blessings and provisions speak and be upon you. 

                Thank you a lot sir. God bless.

                                                                                                       Respectfully yours,

                                                                                                       Diana Rose N. Barte