Grateful Christmas, not Grateful Presents

Christmas, everyone celebrates it and even in most countries. Whether to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ or any other reasons. Let us all collectively agree that Christmas is the most celebrated holiday ever existed. Though in modern day society everyone only celebrated Christmas out of tradition, for the presents, and/or for the sake of celebrating Christmas. Although this year has lost the spirit of Christmas, I want to make my Christmas extra special. But not in they way you expect…

     Love is always present in good or bad timing. Whether it is our desire, our passion, goal, person, thing, anything that makes us love. And in Christmas what else do I love? My family of course! Just meeting with my relatives is the greatest gift I could ever asked for! No need for pasalubong or any gifts. But this year my relatives can’t come over nor we can come over to them. Due to the current conflict within my family, we can’t meet this Christmas. But that doesn’t mean I can just stop there! I just celebrate with the family I have currently! My mother and father, I am grateful enough to celebrate Christmas with them. And that is my love for Christmas.

     

Compassion is the greatest personality a person could have. And in this Christmas I wish to expand my compassion even more. Though Christmas is the season of giving, I can give more than a simple gift. And I don’t need money to buy someone’s happiness if I am enough to make my loved ones happy! Though some people will not appreciate my low efforts to make them happy, I hope it can make me feel slightly better for I am grateful for my compassion.

     

Now what about the community? What can I for my friends and neighbors? My classmates and school? That is the challenging part for me. My mission is to be grateful but everyone has their own views for Christmas. Some understood the message but some needs more than a simple greeting and handshake. My friends included. Well I am trying to make this work with whatever I have in store. So this Christmas I ought to entertain my community the best I could! Caroling, greeting, giving money, and being hospitable is enough to celebrate Christmas with the community. But my friends will be another story…

     My way will look underwhelming to the majority. It isn’t as lavish as the ones you see in social media, but remember that this is my Christmas. I am grateful with what I have, the people I’m with, and if I can’t please your standards then I am sorry. But take note it’s not always about giving gifts or eating out, it’s the thought of being together with the people you love and adore is enough. I am grateful this year, and I hope you too can be grateful.

References:

www.blogger.com

https://www.benjerry.co.uk/whats-new/2016/community-christmas

https://www.northviewchurch.us/event/1813

https://bycommonconsent.com/2020/12/16/love-for-christmas/

https://m.economictimes.com/news/new-updates/merry-christmas-2022-know-history-significance-and-common-rituals-of-this-festival-of-joy/articleshow/96479665.cms

The Future Begins with a Gentle Heart

     May I get your attention? Thank you. Every November, here in the Philippines, we celebrate National Children's Month. This celebration aims to give children access to necessities like education, healthcare, and a healthy environment. Children needs to be Healthy, Nourished, and sheltered. Ensured to have the rights to life, not for some but for all! As Dr. Jose Rizal once said, "The youth is the future of the nation, and investing in children is key for the betterment of the next generation..." 

 

     As a student, actually as a child myself, what could I do to support National Children's Month? Knowing my capabilities, I can share insights I thought or researched: 

Educate Myself and Others 

- Knowledge is key and sharing my wisdom with the youth will ensure that they’ll be educated and mannered. 

 

Volunteer or Support local Initiatives 

- If I have the opportunity, I will join any events or activities involving National Children’s Month. I encourage you, my viewer, to volunteer as well! 

 

Promote Healthy Lifestyle Choices 

- I have seen many children subconsciously waste their potential without realizing it. It is crucial to promote a healthy or appropriate lifestyle to nurture their habits and get rid of unhealthy habits. 

 

Be a Role Model 

- This is important, even if I am a child myself, anyone younger than me will look up to me regardless. Any action I demonstrate will be seen as an example that influences a child’s mind. Be conscious of your actions. Whenever around children. I must set up an example that they can follow, a proper and kinder demonstration that they can adapt.

Celebrating National Children's Month is not for the sake of celebrating it but to empower children's rights to life. Children are the future of this world and if we need to feed their minds with proper knowledge, etiquette, and independence. As early as possible we must teach them right, play with them fairly, inspire them greatly, enrich them with compassion, and make them understand their freedom and rights. Because one day we'll grow older and wiser while our youth follow the same path as us. So while we still have time, why not play with your little siblings? Young neighbors? Cousins? Because they deserve the love and attention too? Go on. Have fun!

Resources:

www.blogger.com

https://www.camella.com.ph/fun-and-insightful-family-activities-for-national-childrens-month/

https://stairwayfoundation.org/childrens-month-celebrating-our-most-precious-resource/

https://nationaltoday.com/national-childrens-month/#:~:text=The%20focus%20of%20National%20Children's,from%20sexual%20abuse%20and%20exploitation.

https://www.unicef.org/philippines/education

https://www.parents.com/benefits-of-volunteering-for-children-6891670

https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/healthy-living

https://ofhsoupkitchen.org/how-to-be-a-role-model

Reflecting to my flaws...

     When you think of that one classmate who is always different from the rest of you, they probably have a trait that is unique or strange from your average student. I for one, think that they should not be judge based on their entire characteristics. They should be treated the same way you treat your friends. Just because he doesn't play basketball, ML, and bike or she doesn't gossip, chatter, and banter isn't a sufficient reason they should be humiliated or ignored. Why I'm saying this? Because I am that person, and now that I've gotten your attention let me share my reflection...

     What have I learned and discover throughout 1st Quarter? Well academic wise: I learned so much. Ranging from the history of internet, the pioneers who are involved with the development of the internet, and domain names. Learning the importance of informational listening, the use of textual aids, and Greek mythology. The types of plate boundaries, the theories that surrounds the idea "How does plates move?", and Earthquakes. The lists goes on! But I can't say for sure when I discovered my flaws...

    My flaws are eating me up like a piranha inside my stomach. I've dealt with a long time problem with my procrastination, which is caused by my lack of motivation to study. I've failed my exams and I know I won't make it into honors. What's worst is my sensitivity to critics. I am so cocky and naïve that I can't listen to anyone's advice, and I only acknowledge them when it is too late as the consequences punishes my ignorance. Not only that but my never ending doubt, lack of self-confidence, and incomprehensive ego all fueled by my negativity. No excuses can help me, no reasons can save me, no explanation is needed when my hypocrisy is written on my actions. I'm a fool of myself and those around me.

      I am stupid but not a fool. I can recover from my mistakes well and fix my problems easily. My potentials unleashes when I'm on pressure. My usage reaches it's peak when I am properly guided. Embarrassing, I am still dependent on others, I am not independent by myself. But I am not stupid for asking questions and requesting help. With a bit of reverse psychology I use my flaws to threaten myself to do better. Change is needed, and I can't sit there and be a sorry excuse.

     Moving on, I will be more diligent. More motivated. More determined. I will become a better student like I was before. I will give time to my studies, excel my exams, and conquer my demons! I will also improve myself as a person not academically but socially as well. Although I can't guarantee that promise, I will always keep in mind. I might make a fool out of myself again, I will learn from it. So I may not be the greatest classmate to be with, but I am not looking to compete with others. I am looking to compete with myself.

References:

Blogger

www.blogger.com

Let the Earth breathe

     Last month was the annual National Clean-up Month where everyone around the globe cleans the environment for a whole week to save and preserve our surroundings, natural resources, and create a healthier living space for fellow beings. As a student, I partake in this act not for the sake of acting good but for the betterment of our Planet Earth. Cleaning isn't always done by your home but to any place we've been. Simple acts can result for a cleaner Earth. Through this blog I will share my activities I've done in September.          

                                                  

The image here shows while I'm taking out the trash. It was my usual job. But what surprise me the most is that people actually dispose their wastes in their appropriate bins. Something like that is rare to come by but it is very welcoming to know some students know how to segregate their wastes.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    

This is me cleaning my classroom. Though you may question, "How does it relate to cleaning the environment?" Well, cleaning isn't always exclusive to nature but to our surroundings as well. The cleaner our surroundings, the healthier for our environment.

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow “

-Audrey Hepburn

Whether your garden is small or large, getting dirt on your hands and basking in a bit of sun can be good for you. So, get out there and beautify your surroundings. And given the current state of our planet, we need to do our part in saving it. Gardening impacts so many aspects of our lives such as the air we breathe, minimizing carbon footprints, and protecting small animals like birds, bees, and butterflies. We should take advantage of and participate in the initiative to improve the health of our planet. 

Here's a snap of me sweeping outside of my house. My parents were skeptical on why I ask if I could help with their chores but they were certainly happy that I helped them. Though I maybe sweeping leaves, my father will use these leaves as fertilizer for our garden. Every drop is recycled into a more significant use.

Here is an image of me watering our plants. The afternoon may look dull but it wont stop me from watering our garden. Well it doesn't look much of a garden right here in the picture, but trust me when I say we have a garden. I am just watering the plants in our front porch.

Cleaning up our surroundings isn't just about removing trash. It's about preserving the natural beauty of our environment and protecting the precious ecosystem that call them home.

Reference:

Blogger

 www.blogger.com

 Good reads

https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/831377-to-plant-a-garden-is-to-believe-in-tomorrow

A heartfelt letter to our President

"I promise..." Ah every politician says that phrase. But do they really practice what they preached? What about you, our dear President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.? Everyone has their opinions about you, some are good some are controversial. But in this letter you will read my heartfelt appreciation. Because even you deserves a praise for your feat.

Dear Mr. President,

The Philippines needs a leader like you to fix its issues. We believe in you and your upcoming projects to aid us in our time of need. I hope that under your wisdom the Philippines can develop to even greater change. Many Filipinos have extremely high expectations for their president and everyone is hoping for great decisions coming from you. We wanted a future. We needed a great change, we require the president's wisdom!

So as you read this, I acknowledge the burdens you carry and I respect your dedication for this country's growth. To make a greater Philippines is to have unity within it's people, and you unite everyone under a single lead. I hope you are happy, I hope your family is safe, I hope the Philippines develops. Because I do think that under your leadership and wit, we are all safe and contented. So that's all and every word is genuine.

With my warmest regards,

Jake Russel D. Reoliquio

Reference:

Blogger

www.blogger.com

Images

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FWQVf4TaAAU0psG.jpg:large

https://cdn.britannica.com/67/243867-050-49152639/Official-portrait-Ferdinand-Bongbong-Marcos-Jr.jpg

https://www.manilatimes.net/manilatimes/uploads/images/2022/07/03/85558.jpg

The Resilience of Filipinos

 

The Philippines has met its recent typhoon, "Egay", it was devastating however despite the heavy impact Filipinos quickly recovered from the storm. But before bagyo egay, was an earthquake that caused severe destruction to the Philippines, even after our buildings, infrastructure, famous tourist spots, and our beloved Saint Paul Cathedral are ruined. We somehow managed to improvise, adapt, and overcome the aftermath of that disaster. And even before the earthquake there was the infamous COVID-19 pandemic that created a global quarantine. Even after all of that, the Philippines faces such worldwide threat with silver lining. The Philippines remain standing tall, thanks to our resilience!

Filipinos throughout centuries are natural born survivors. Resilience is our defining characteristics that made us different, we manage to tackle our disappointments and emerge more strong and determine with the odds against us! We survive those circumstances for we are strong fighters in those desperate situations. The resiliency of Filipinos can also be inspired by finding strength through close family ties. We remained mentally resilient thanks to our family, friends, and loved ones to lend a sympathetic ear  and a helping hand when times are getting tough.

If we're going to a more resilient Philippines then we must train the latest generation how to improvise, adapt, and overcome the situations that is about to come. Train their minds to be mentally prepared for the unexpected. Feed their knowledge through education and learning. Comfort them if times are getting tough. And most importantly, carry the burden for a resilient Philippines. We have face the storm but together we will all face the world!

References:

Blogger

www.blogger.com

Towards a COVID-1 Towards a COV Towards a COVID-19-resilient Philippines  

https://www.pwc.com/ph/en/issues/covid-19-issues/towards-a-covid19-resilient-philippines.html

RESILIENCE AMIDST ADVERSITY: THE MANY FACES OF RESILIENCE IN FILIPINOS 

https://www.researchpublish.com/upload/book/paperpdf-1593090736.pdf

The Spirit of Being Resilient in Filipino Culture 

https://barokandtakya.com/the-spirit-of-being-resilient-in-filipino-culture/#:~:text=The%20Resiliency%20of%20the%20Filipino%20is%20Finding%20Strength%20in%20Family&text=But%20the%20great%20thing%20about,hand%20when%20times%20get%20tough.

https://barokandtakya.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/resilient-in-filipino-flood-in-airport.jpg

https://barokandtakya.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/resilient-in-filipino-still-playing-basketball-in-flood.jpg

https://barokandtakya.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/resilient-in-filipino-drinking-session-in-the-flood.jpg

Rebuilding Differently for Resilience in the Philippines 

https://www.undp.org/philippines/press-releases/rebuilding-differently-resilience-philippines