Hero Ways, Zero Waste!

                            https://evreka.co/blog/how-citizens-participate-in-smart-waste-management/

 

    Solid waste management is a vital component for sustainable, healthy, and inclusive cities and communities in an era of rapid urbanization and population growth. When it comes to urban development, nevertheless, it is frequently neglected. We'll force ourselves and our children to live in a world with greater trash and oppressive pollution if we don't take action. Even more would be paid in terms of lives, livelihoods, and the environment. To stop that trend, we already know what has to be done. All layers of society must simply act immediately.

    Solid waste management is a universal issue that can affect every single person on this planet. Poorly managed waste is contaminating the world’s oceans, clogging drains and causing flooding, transmitting diseases, increasing respiratory problems from burning, harming animals that consume waste unknowingly, and affecting economic development such as through tourism. Waste is growing, but so, too, is the global momentum to find solutions to stem the tide and make waste management more sustainable. Many solutions already exist. For example, there are different ways to curb plastic waste – by producing less, consuming less, and including plastics in overall waste management plans.

    Sorting your waste makes it easier to understand how to reduce your general waste output, identify items that can be reused and set aside items that should be recycled. Beyond that, however, there’s also a moral imperative to be responsible for how you handle your trade waste. Failing to segregate trade waste properly means that it will end up mixed in landfills the same way it was mixed in your bins. Waste items like food scraps, paper and liquid waste can mix and decompose, releasing run-off into the soil and harmful gas into the atmosphere. Many natural resources such as trees, gas, and water are depleting. For instance, paper, cupboards, paper cups, and many other products that we use daily are made from trees. Huge areas of trees are cut down every year, and new trees do not have enough time to fully grow. Fortunately, it is possible to recycle paper products instead of cutting down new trees. Reforestation can only do so much. Additionally, it is also possible to reuse metal items. In some countries, there are sites where you can bring and sell old newspapers, metal items, or even glass. All these products are recycled and used again. These little things have an immense impact in our universal battle to save the environment.

   Finally, waste management is also important for public health. Harmful wastes can cause long term health problems, so it is very important that they are disposed of appropriately and carefully and not mixed in with the normal waste coming out of your home or office.

https://cleanmanagement.com/blog/the-importance-of-the-5rs-of-waste-management/

 

 

 

Sources used:

https://blogs.worldbank.org/sustainablecities/here-s-what-everyone-should-know-about-waste

https://axil-is.com/waste-segregation/

https://sciencepark.com.ph/blog/waste-management-important/

Our Father, Our Hero!

 

https://www.indiatvnews.com/lifestyle/books-culture-father-s-day-2021-why-do-we-celebrate-it-know-history-and-significance-of-the-day-712835

            The Father's Day is celebrated across the world with the objective of realizing and honoring the contribution of fathers in the society. It is a day which celebrates the fatherhood, paternal bonds and the efforts of male parents towards their family and society. The day is meant to recall, recognize and remember the endless efforts, initiatives and contributions of all the fathers around us. Father's Day is an occasion to honour all the fatherly figures like Stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles or even big brothers. Traditionally, our culture has often put fathers into a very difficult role. They must be aloof but intimate; must earn the wage, but be present; must be compassionate, but disciplinarian.

            Father's Day festival gave us the opportunity to express thanks to our Daddy for all their unconditional love and affection. Observance of Father's Day makes fathers feel that their contributions are acknowledged in the society and also by their children. They feel proud of themselves! Besides by celebrating Father's Day, children come closer to their father. For, most often children take love of their parents for granted. Celebration of Father's Day makes them ponder for a while on the important role their father play in their life. This helps them appreciate the selfless care and protection provided by their father and hence they come emotionally closer to their dad. Children must therefore take full opportunity of the day and express their gratitude for fathers with all their heart. The best way to do so is to do small things that daddy appreciates and by saying “I love you, Papa” with a gift of beautiful flower.

            So as we celebrate this special day, for that special person in our lives who we call father, remember that he may seem remote but likely is more close to you than you realize. He may be the definition of “tough love,” but it is love. Even if your dad, father or “old man” is grumpy, opinionated and distant, remember that more likely than not you are more important to him than you can imagine. So, if your dad is/was present/loving and showed it, then show it to him. In either case, embarrass dad with an abundance of attention, praise and acknowledgement. Trust me, he will love it!

 

https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/fathers-day-2020-date-history-and-significance-of-the-day-6462185/

 

 

Sources used:

https://www.fnp.com/article/fathers-da

https://www.voa.org/blog/why-it-is-so-important-to-celebrate-fathers-day

https://www.fathersdaycelebration.com/importance-of-fathers-day.html

Philippine Independence Day

            

https://www.zenrooms.com/blog/make-the-best-out-of-this-years-philippines-independence-day/

            The Philippine Declaration of Independence was proclaimed on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite (formerly known as Cavite El Viejo). The proclamation of Independence was led by former president Emilio Aguinaldo at his ancestral home in Kawit, Cavite. The Philippine flag made by Marcela Agoncillo, Lorenza Agoncillo, and Delfina Herboza was formally presented to the people on that same day June 12 was not always our official Independence Day. It was made-so on May 12, 1964, by then-president Diosdado Macapagal. Macapagal moved the celebration to June 12 in order to commemorate Emilio Aguinaldo’s original proclamation of Philippine independence from Spain on the same date in 1898. In his 1962 Independence Day Address, Macapagal elaborated on the rationale for the change, “The irrefutable claim of June 12 as our day of freedom is bolstered by the fact that it is the culmination of many acts of patriotism and nationalism. 

 

            The founding of a sovereign Philippines is honored on Independence Day. The source of power in a particular nation is its sovereignty. Where does power eventually reside, in other words? This has always meant the freedom of whichever embryonic Philippine Republic to adopt its own laws, set its own diplomatic agenda, and rules its own people in the context of the Philippine state, a postcolonial one. In these exceedingly reductionist terms, independence means that the Philippine president, not the Spanish Crown, the American President, or the Japanese Prime Minister, is the highest office in the territory. When clauses like "Sovereignty dwells in the people and all government authority originates from them" are present and are applied, the nation comes into play.

 

            Independence of the Philippines was a mighty feat. On Independence Day, the sacrifices of the national heroes are remembered, the country’s sovereignty is appreciated, instilling nationalism in the citizens, as well as celebrating the culture and tradition of its people.Parades are held nationwide, with participation from the government, and the citizens. As it is a national holiday, businesses, offices, and schools are closed, and families spend the day in parks, and doing other celebratory activities. Filipino communities abroad also celebrate with programs, and annual parades.

 

https://www.cpsctech.org/2020/06/122nd-independence-day-celebrated-in.html

 

Sources used:

https://sprout.ph/blog/celebrating-the-philippine-independence-day

https://asiasociety.org/philippines/todays-state-philippine-independence

https://nationaltoday.com/philippines-independence-day/

 

Motherhood Appreciation

 

                    https://www.giftalove.com/blog/do-you-know-the-history-origin-significance-of-mothers-day-celebration/

    Mother’s Day is a day when every child celebrates it especially for their mothers. It is celebrated annually as an important event of the year on second Sunday of the May month. Now-a-days, it has been a trend to celebrate mother’s day in the schools in the presence of their kids. Mother gets greeting cards, wishing cards or other special gifts by their kids. At this day, family members go outside to have some delicious dinner and get more enjoy. Mothers also give some gifts and lots of love and care to their kid.

    The mothers of Philippines have various nicknames including Mama, Nanay, Mom, Mommy and many others. However, children in the country denote their mother by “ilaw ng tahanan“, which means the light of the house. This idiom used for mothers in the country describes the comfort and warmth that they bring to the home with their cheerful demeanour. Mothers are the one who, at most occasions sacrifice their own interests just to serve their children. They make sure to keep alive the well-being the entire family. Another saying which describes the sacrifice that a mother does is, “Ang Ina, isusubo na nga lang, ibibigay pa sa anak”. This can be to an extent summed up as “even if the food is all ready for her she will always want of feed ounce of it to her children. Mother’s day is extraordinarily revered and therefore it is celebrated throughout the country with utmost zeal. The people there do not only celebrate the festival not only in honour of their own mother but they also revere their grandmothers, cousins, aunts, and every other female members of the family.

    While versions of Mother’s Day are celebrated worldwide, traditions vary depending on the country. We may all celebrate it differently, but we all know deep down that all we wanted, was our mother to feel special and let her know that her hard works are very much appreciated and known.

 

https://horizoncc.com/calendar/details/2019/05/12/exploring-mothers-day-celebration-to-my-mother/

Sources used:

https://www.mothersdaycelebration.com/mothers-day-in-philippines.html

https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/mothers-day

A Festival of Fabrics and Cotton

 

r3.rappler.com/previous-articles?filterMeta=Binatbatan%20Festival%20of%20Arts

Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, is a city that has stood the test of time. It has a traditional Hispanic checkerboard street plan. Its main street, Calle Crisilogo, is lined with structures made of brick and wood, with steeply pitched roofs reminiscent of traditional Chinese architecture. Vigan is an exceptionally intact and well-preserved example of an East and South-East Asian European trading town. Vigan was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 due to all of these characteristics. On the 3rd of May, the Feast of Apo Sto. Cristo Milagroso is observed with a mass at the Simbaan a Basiit. This is a most significant religious celebration in Vigan due to the many instances that the city was said to be saved by the Apo.

Another significant festival within the Viva Vigan festival is the Karbo Festival, which was began in 2005. It’s aimed at giving importance to the people behind Vigan’s agricultural industry and their contribution. The name of the festival was taken from the words carabao, the Philippine water buffalo used for farming, and bokel or seeds. During this day, gaily painted carabaos are paraded and children show their artistic creations that make use of seeds. Viva Vigan’s week-long festivities have both religious and secular importance. It starts on the 1st of May, when the whole country celebrates Labor Day and Vigan remembers its own Isabelo de los Reyes, who founded the country’s first federation of labor. The catholic faithful also remembers on this day St. Joseph, patron saint of workers. The first-day commemoration is followed by the Binatbatan Festival celebrations, which includes a street dancing competition. Binatbatan dancing is connected to Vigan’s abel Iloco craft. The dance depicts how cotton pods are beaten with bamboo sticks to release the cotton fluff called batbat from its seed. This festival was started in 2002 to showcase this traditional weaving craft that is said to predate the arrival of the Spaniards.

Visitors are also encourage to squeeze into their six-day Viva Vigan experience the watching of the calesa parade, ramada or traditional games, comedia or stage drama, Santa Cruzan parade, abel fashion show and house decoration, singing contests and beauty pageants and other exciting events like the Amazing Heritage Race. They can also participate in religious rituals or visit exhibits, garden shows, as well as trade and food fare.

https://eazytraveler.net/2012/05/viva-vigan-binatbatan-festival-of-the-arts-2012/

 

 

 

 

 

 Sources used:

https://generosepomelo.com/2019/05/05/viva-vigan-binatbatan-festival-of-the-arts/

https://www.vigan.ph/attractions/viva-vigan-festival-of-the-arts.html

 

 

 

Strong(her)

                         https://www.google.com/Ffemale-empowerment-other-inspirational-bullshit-
 

        Since 1987, the month of March has been recognized as National Women's History Month. This offers us all the opportunity to recognize and reflect on how women in our personal lives and throughout history have impacted us individually and collectively. From science to art and politics to sports, yesterday's trailblazers organized, lobbied, marched, and shattered barriers so that generations of women could dream and achieve. Throughout history, women have provided healing and fostered hope, and they've played an integral role in our country's development. As we acknowledge everything women have accomplished, we must also recognize the obstacles they still encounter today, in 2022, and think critically about how we can be part of the solution. Below are some of the strongest woman that I know of, and how they faced the pandemic.

        My mom, she is one of the strongest woman that I know. And due to the pandemic, all of us has to stay at home and learn from home. She is a mother of three so it was a bit hard on her part to look after three kids while also teaching them since schools are closed. I have seen her tired, annoyed, frustrated during those times but I also saw how happy she was when she's with us. She never gave up and she stands strong for us. She never fails in making us laugh and smile, when she was struggling. She is a strong and a brave woman.

            She is my aunty, her name is Analyn. The pandemic greatly affected her life, since she has a disease. She was strong and she never gave up. She has 3 kids, and she has to teach the two because they are still in elementary. She was stressed and tired, but she stands strong despite the challenges she faced.

        She is Deanalyn, an 11th grade student. Due to the pandemic, schools have to close. It was hard on her part to welcome 11th grade since all would be self-learning. But despite all the tasks she had to do in school, she also does her best to help household chores and help in teaching her siblings.         Women were denied a lot of opportunities and they missed out on a lot of things that would have changed their lives. However, they deserve equal opportunities for education, in their careers, in the society, and so much more. The empowerment of women is a very important task that every one of us should undertake. This is because empowering women is equal to empowering the whole community and generations to come. References: http://www.housedems.ct.gov/node/20970 https://importantindia.com/19050/essay-on-women-empowerment/

Off to 4th Quarter

 

                                                        https://leverageedu.com/blog/research-design/

 Our 3rd quarter ended and I am so happy that I have gained new knowledge in certain topics. As I face another day, new lessons and knowledge enter my mind. With the help of our teacher, I got better in certain areas. For this quarter, I learned about Community-Based Research! It was fun learning it since i got to know the history of the place I am in right now. I learned how to construct a Community-Based Research, its fundamentals and its components.

 This quarter was a surprise for me because I didn't expect us to do a research. It took me by surprise but I did what I can to understand the lessons well. I admit it was a bit of a struggle and that I lacked knowledge in this topic, but I am glad that I get to know more about it.

 CBR was new to me, but I learned how research works and I knew the steps conducted. In order to be familiarized with the topic, I read the concept notes over and over. It was a bit hard answering some of the tasks, but I get to know more about our topic and the place where I am right now. I discovered new things and gained more knowledge.

 Moving on, I will make sure to do my best in the next quarter. I will keep these lessons in me as I grow up and treasure the moments as I go through this journey. Third quarter was fun, I hope to experience this again as I welcome the next quarter.

 

To a Better Future

  

                https://cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/WPDQ2FBCW5M6XHVA5CPD46ZM5Y.jpg

     Vaccines save millions of lives each year. The development of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines are a crucial step in helping us get back to doing more of the things we enjoy with the people we love.

    Typically, children are not included in clinical trials until phase 3 trials (in which the vaccine is given to thousands of people and tested for efficacy and safety) have been done in adults. This is justifiable in order to ensure we have strong and compelling safety data of the vaccine in adults before enrolling kids. Children are a vulnerable research population because they cannot provide consent, so it is important to minimize the risks to which they are exposed in research. Like adults and teens who contracted COVID-19, children can spread the disease when they are asymptomatic. In addition, although children may have milder symptoms when infected with COVID-19, there are still many cases of children getting severe lung infections and requiring hospitalization. Other complications, such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), may require intensive care or result in long-lasting symptoms. And while children are less likely to have severe illness initially, they are susceptible to long COVID symptoms long after initially recovering from their illness.

    Vaccines save millions of lives each year. The development of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines are a crucial step in helping us get back to doing more of the things we enjoy with the people we love. Vaccinating your children can help protect them and your family and bring the pandemic to an end faster.

references:

https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/what-you-need-to-know-covid-vaccine https://www.lung.org/blog/why-children-should-get-covid-19-vaccine

Historic Day of Greatness

        

                        https://i0.wp.com/tinainmanila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/img_7601.jpg?fit=731%2C420

         Araw ng Kagitingan, also known as the Day of Valor, marks the greatness of Filipino fighters during World War II. It is marked on or around April 9 in the Philippines each year. This historic day marks the greatness of Filipino veterans and American allies who fought against the Japanese invasion in World War II. Thousands of lives were lost during this dark chapter in our history in defending the country’s freedom and sovereignty.

Araw ng Kagitingan is a non-working holiday that is part of a long weekend in the Philippines. World War II veterans parade in different cities in the Philippines on this day. There are small parades in different localities in the Philippines but the Araw ng Kagitingan’s main highlight occurs when the country’s president gives a speech at the Mt Samat shrine, in the Bataan province, to commemorate the heroism of the Filipinos and American troops during the World War II. The Day of Valor was a national observance until a Letter of Instruction No. 1087, dated on November 26, 1980, made “Araw ng Kagitingan” a national public holiday to honor the people who helped bring democracy and freedom in the Philippines during the World War II era. Executive Order No. 203, dated on June 30, 1987, further proclaimed April 9 as “Araw Ng Kagitingan” to pay tribute to the heroes of Bataan, Corregidor and Bessang.

The Day of Valor is an opportunity for Filipinos today, and for Filipinos tomorrow, to remember moments of our past, of strength and courage against overwhelming odds, and to call upon that strength once more if need be. Thus we recall not just Bataan and Corregidor, but the revolts against Spain and the Philippine Revolution, the repelling of a Dutch fleet and Chinese pirates, the resistance against the British invaders, the Philippine-American War, the other battles of the Second World War on Philippine soil, and the heroes and victims during the martial law era.

references:

 https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/philippines/araw-ng-kagitingan https://cfo.gov.ph/araw-ng-kagitingan/ https://www.cnnphilippines.com/life/culture/2018/04/06/Araw-ng-Kagitingan.html

Season of Lent

 

                                                                    https://hallow.com/lent/

Lenten Season is the season where people commemorate the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ. During Lenten season, people usually do three traditional things: praying, fasting, and alms-giving Also, during this season, two significant virtues are observed. Mercy and compassion can be attained through three simple steps. First, rest with God. During this step, people keep themselves from doing their errands and routines. This step is usually observed during the Lord’s Day because people go to Church and have a time for God. Just like what the word “rest” literally means, we forget all the demands of our work and have much time with our own families and have a peaceful period in ourselves. Second, renew one’s self. Renewing doesn’t mean loving ourselves more.

Most Christians view the season of lent as an opportunity to give up a food that we tend to eat frequently or to fast between meals. But the true and original meaning of lent, is to put us in the place of our savior, Jesus Christ. He spent forty days in the desert without any source of food. He was tempted by the devil on several accounts. He sacrificed his own life on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. The purpose of these forty days leading up to the resurrection of Christ, is to challenge ourselves. To give up or devote yourself to something other than the regular.

Lent is a time where we can all show each other kindness and hospitality. Jesus did not suffer his entire life to have us hate each other. All of us Brother Rice students have the capability to get to know a student that we have never got the chance to come around and talk to. You can all make someone feel welcome into our community. We can and should use the days leading up to Easter to build stronger relationships with our peers and prepare for the celebration of the resurrection of Christ.

 

 references:

https://www.brotherrice.org/daily-prayer/peer-ministry-blog/lenten-student-reflections/ https://www.ipl.org/essay/Importance-Of-Lenten-Season-P3HL7LNPC48R https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/lent/perspectives-on-lent/articles/reflecting-on-the-lent-season/

Festival Kannawidan

 

http://www.traveltothephilippines.info/2015/06/04/join-the-celebration-of-kannawidan-festival-in-ilocos-sur/

Kannawidan is a festivity which the City of Vigan celebrates every year. In this festival, the Ilocano people showcase cultural shows, native products and the talents of the Ilocanos. Kannawidan Ylocos Festival became an annual festival that aims to create awareness on the preservation of the province' rich cultural heritage, practices and traditions, and a showcase of the different agriculture and industry products of the province. There is a need to preserve our rich heritage and unique culture. With this in mind, the provincial government of Ilocos Sur has conceived a festival that highlights these culture and traditions and attract local and foreign tourists as well.

It is a tradition that during the opening of the festival, there is usually a mass held at the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral. It is followed by a procession of the Patron Saints of the 40 parishes and images of Jesus Christ and Virgin Mary around Vigan City. DepEd Officials of the province usually join the mass and the procession. This event showcases the deep-rooted religiosity of the Ilocanos.It is the Ilocanos’ way of giving thanks to the Almighty not only for the bountiful blessings but also for the rich heritage of the province, including the close family ties among the Ilocanos.

Well, Kannawidan Festival is not all about this. I mean, this is a week-long festival that features a wide variety of events and programs from beauty pageants, music, culture, street partying, trade fair, street dancing and more! Basically, this day was all about the superlatives in the agricultural world, specifically the record setters in our province Ilocos Sur.

 

references:

https://www.edmaration.com/2016/02/bantay-kannawidan-festival-where.html?m=1 https://depedilocossur.info/?p=2011 https://www.studymode.com/essays/Kannawidan-The-Ilocos-Festivity-1381332.html

The Warmth of Christmas

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/fotograzio/49401160413

 

We celebrate Christmas at 25th of December to honor the birth of Jesus Christ. But due to the pandemic, it has become a little bit hard to celebrate Christmas due to the protocols we have to follow. But Vigan is very serious when it comes to these kinds of things. People decorates their house as soon as September comes, because September is the start of the so called 'ber months', where you start to feel the Christmassy feeling.

Of course Christmas isn't complete without the 'simbang gabi', where people attend masses at either 7 pm at night or 4 am in the morning. And also the Christmas caroling, where children go house-to-house to sing Christmas songs in exchange for some coins. The children have make-shift instruments, like a tambourine made from the bottle caps and such. And when it's near Christmas, you can hear Christmas songs wherever you go. May it be the grocery store, the department store and even in your neighborhood. People love music and Christmas.

Christmas really do bring people together. And the memories created in this occasion will be treasured forever. The memory of caroling, simbang gabi, the smiles of people and the love you receive from your friend and family. Viva Vigan and Merry Christmas!

                        https://www.bomboradyo.com/vigan/christmas-tree-idiay-sangwanan-ti-kapitolyo-nalukatanen/

Second Quarter of My ICT Lessons!

 

 

                                    https://www.ictcertified.com/ict-fundamentals/ict-fundamentals.php

 

Second Quarter is about to end now. That means we are now heading to start the third quarter, but before that, I wanted to share the lessons I learned, challenges I faced and discoveries I have gained. This quarter I learned more about HTML. HTML stands for Hypertext Markup Language, and we learned how to code and create a website. I learned about the different tags used in creating an HTML and the different attributes, I also learned how to create hyperlink. We are also still doing blogs, and I like it because it can help me in many ways. I had fun learning and discovering new things that expand my knowledge!

But it is not, however, always happy; there are bad days and problems too. I frequently run out of time and sometimes I am concerned about my time management skills. I'm also concerned about the blogs I can't start because starting one can be difficult, or you could say I'm suffering from writer's block. And sometimes I also laze around, and that gives me a feeling of uncertainty. I sometimes also cannot understand instructions, but I think that is because I wasn't that focused.

And in order to improve, I must confront these difficulties. If I'm worried about my time management, I'll occasionally avoid having to cram and stress about it, but I also keep track of my schedule. I also make sure that only few works aren't finished before I relaxed a little, so I won't have a lot to do.

Moving on, I will try to improve myself more and will also do my best like this quarter. And I hope to be more productive so that I won't cram much. And the lessons that I learned this quarter are very fun and exciting!

 

 

 

 

Viva Vigan!!

 

     https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2014/10/29/1385516/vigan-beckons

 Part and parcel of the Filipino culture are the festivals being celebrated in every town. One of the most popular ones is the Vigan Town Fiesta observed during January 25, in honor of St. Paul the Apostle. The Vigan Town Fiesta is commemorated in the northernmost part of the Philippines in Ilocos region. The festival gathers a lot of tourists who come to see the presentations they do for the show. Vigan Town Fiesta is composed of arts and crafts exhibit, carnivals, street dancing performances, and other vivacious performances that celebrate the spirit of Vigan’s cityhood. But due to the pandemic, festivals haven't been celebrated very well.

Fiesta is a time for Filipinos to celebrate. Festivals, on the other hand, have become less enjoyable and amusing during this pandemic. Furthermore, as a result of the pandemic, this year's festival was not as joyous and blissful as previous years. However, celebrating Vigan City's fiesta in the midst of the CoVid-19 pandemic only served to highlight how important and unique culture is to us, Filipinos. Despite the fact that the Festival's main events, such as parades and street dancing, as well as carnivals and food fairs, were reduced in size. And the majority of Biguenos celebrated with their families at home. This festival is allegedly one of the most important events hosted by the City of Vigan, and it is understandable that the authorities and organizers were simply concerned about the safety of the participants.

 Festivals are important to us, but we also need to understand that there is a pandemic going on. In order for us to feel the excitement and fun again, we have to defeat the virus first. In this kind of time, do not be sad, instead think positively and enjoy life. You can still celebrate festivals at home with your family, so be happy and think of ways to enjoy such celebrations.

 

Sources used:

https://primer.com.ph/tips-guides/2016/01/18/vigan-town-fiesta/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of the End

                                               https://www.grammarly.com/blog/happy-new-year-2/

The New Year is celebrated around the world with great passion and enthusiasm. The end of the 31st December of the year at 12 o'clock midnight and the start of the next year's 1st January signify the start of a New Year. We often say the phrase "New Year, New Me!" for we consider the start of another year, a new chance to improve ourselves by having New Year’s resolutions. The celebration of the New Year reflects towards a new beginning and it teaches to move forward. Whatever we did in the old year, learned successful or unsuccessful, learning from last year to proceed with a new hope of coming year is the significance of this celebration. This way New Year’s celebration awakens new hope inside us.

 For me, 2021 has been a roller coaster of a year. Looking back, a lot of things happened this year— and it is a combination of good and bad. I got to explore new things, create fun and exciting memories and I also faced some of my fears. I learned a lot of lessons too. I learned to value myself more, and I learned that I am not alone. For this year, I just wished myself to be genuinely happy and healthy. I hope this will be a great year for me and my family.

 New Year is an important day for everyone. It brings new hope and happiness for us. It is an opportunity for us to learn from our previous mistakes and more forward in our life with an aim to not repeat those mistakes again. We should celebrate new year with full enthusiasm like any other festival. 

Sources used:

https://www.careerindia.com/amphtml/features/happy-new-year-essay-on-new-year-for-             students-031121.html

https://mbthought.com/essay/happy-new-year-celebration-essay/?amp=1

Pandemic Christmas

https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/christmas-tree-with-baubles-and-blurred-shiny-lights-gm1179032100-329777384

    

With a focus on the Covid virus, we are preoccupied with guidelines on how to celebrate Christmas this year– with only members of the family who are living in the same household, to continue wearing masks, observe social distancing, or to wash hands frequently. We are being discouraged from visiting one another for our mutual protection and safety. The usual Christmas glee and merriment that we have been accustomed to is not possible this year. Even though this holiday season will be different – and difficult for many – we can take comfort in the fact that the sacrifices we make now will protect us, our loved ones, and our communities. The goal is to make sure we are all here to celebrate in-person next year. It is very important that we keep up-to-date on the latest public health orders and recommendations – and follow them. We will have to be creative and think of ways to celebrate and enjoy the holiday season despite not being able to gather in-person.

But a global pandemic doesn't have to ruin the festive season completely. We can still celebrate Christmas this year in our own little ways. First, prioritize the traditions that matter most to you. "Think about what is the essence of the holiday for you, so you can try to preserve it," says happiness expert Gretchen Rubin, author of Happier at Home. "Even if you're not doing everything you used to, you can set up the holiday decorations, if that's really important, or make the special foods you love." Remember, it doesn't need to be extravagant or pricey. Yes, Christmas is the season of giving, but remember, presence over presents. You don't need to buy material things to make your Christmas celebration complete. I hope we know that more than material things, we can have fun when with our loved ones. If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it's to cherish the little things in life. Be it a glass of wine by the Christmas tree or unwrapping a gift from someone you love. With an uncertain future looming ahead, it's more important now than ever to be grateful for our day to day lives. This season should be a great time to be with each other's presence. Lastly, we should always remember the true meaning of Christmas. This pandemic should not be a hindrance for us to celebrate the birth of our savior Jesus Christ. This Christmas, remember the true meaning of the holiday and celebrate God's incredible act of love.

 Let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas just because of a pandemic. But always be careful so you won't catch the virus. Let us be thankful everyday and thank God for another year of spending our Christmas together with our love ones. Always remember, that the essence of celebrating Christmas season is not to have a house full of Christmas lights, having a tall and beautiful Christmas tree full of gifts underneath it and giving expensive gifts. Christmas basically means sharing what you have, not just the material things but also those that can only be felt like a warm, tight hug, a simple thank you, showing our appreciation to our loved ones and forgiveness among others.

 

Sources used:

https://su.edu.ph/reflections/celebrate-christmas-amidst-the-covid-19-pandemic/

https://www.fnha.ca/about/news-and-events/news/celebrating-christmas-during-the-covid-19-pandemic

https://radyonatin.com/story.php?storyid=41794

 

Rights Remain With or Without Pandemic

 

https://www.voicesofyouth.org/blog/same-human-rights-children 

 

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, all of us are to stay at home. It has a big impact on our work, and this might affect the achievement of our shared vision of a world without violence against children. As the virus continues to spread across the world, we are all facing multiple new stresses, including physical and psychological health risks, school and business closures, family confinement, isolation and economic vulnerability. Through all of that, children are particularly vulnerable.

As the COVID‑19 crisis spreads around the world, it is transforming children’s day-to-day lives. The pandemic and the associated policy responses of confinement and social distancing touch on almost every part of children’s worlds. COVID‑19 directly affects formal care arrangements, education and leisure services offered by early childhood services, schools and other organizations are interrupted. Recognising that the impacts of these measures will hit some groups of children harder than others is critical. These groups of vulnerable children include children living in poverty, children with disabilities, children in out-home care, children in detention, and also refugee children and children at risk of child labour. Furthermore, the pandemic has the potential to create new vulnerable children and countries must prepare to respond to growing needs for support. To a varying extent, these issues intersect with income poverty and poor housing, with the common denominator being that children in poorer families are more exposed.

Let us not also forget that the children’s' are also having a hard time. They also need to be taken care of in situations like this, they shouldn't feel like a burden and feel like their rights are snatched from theirs. Be mindful of the words you say and the things you do. Treasure the children while also respecting their rights.

 

 

Resources used:

 

https://www.end-violence.org/protecting-children-during-covid-19-outbreakhttps://www.oecd.org/coronavirus/policy-responses/combatting-covid-19-s-effect-on-children-2e1f3b2f/

PROTECTING CHILDREN DURING COVID-19 | End Violence

end-violence.org