kyla

I am now ending my last year as a Junior High School student. It’s such a pity that we cannot experience the traditional approach because of Covid-19, nevertheless, I learned a lot of things that will still be needed as I go on to a higher grade level. I admit that it was hard for me to answer my modules because the lessons were hard. But I am grateful for my teachers and classmates that are very nice and approachable whenever I ask questions about the given topic. Even though I am now in the last quarter, I still find it hard to balance my time with my studies and socials, that is why sometimes I cram in answering my modules. However, I promise to myself that I will do my best in order to not give in to distractions and to have my 100% focus on my academics. Time flies so fast! I still remember the day that I was composing my reflection for the 1 st quarter. Now, I am writing this reflection for the 4 th quarter. Thank you for your extraordinary effort & patience, Ma’am Ev...

"What We Save, Saves Us." World Environment Day is one of the biggest annual events organized by the United Nations (UN) to generate awareness about the significance of nature. World Environment Day is observed on June 5 every year to remind people about the importance of nature. The day is celebrated across the world to inform people that nature should not be taken for granted and must be respected for its values. In 1974, the theme of World Environment Day was 'Only One Earth'. Since then, various host countries have been celebrating it. World Environment Day was first observed in 1974 in the United States. The theme of this year's World Environment Day is 'Reimagine. Recreate. Restore.' as this year marks the beginning of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Pakistan is the global host for the day to highlight the importance of ecosystem restoration this year. This day is observing across the world to respect and acknowledge everything th...

On June 12, 1898, General Emilio Aguinaldo raised the Philippines flag for the first time and declared this date as the Philippines Independence Day. The flag was designed by Marcela Agoncillo, Lorenza Agoncillo, and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, a niece of Dr. Jose Rizal. It is famous for its golden sun with eight rays. The rays symbolize the first eight Philippine provinces that fought against Spanish colonial rule. After General Aguinaldo raised the flag, the San Francisco de Malabon marching band played the Philippines national anthem, “Lupang Hinirang,” for the first time.  Filipinos originally celebrated Independence Day on July 4, the same date as Independence Day in the U.S. In 1962, President Diosdado Macapagal changed the date to June 12 to commemorate the end of Spanish rule in the country. The public holiday celebrates Philippine history, freedom, and culture. They hang up the flag in most public places and take a day off. During Independence Day, we remember the amazin...

Women then had no rights or privileges. Society only describes them as servants to men. They are in their home and all they do is cook, clean, do the laundry and take care of their wives and children. They have no right to work or vote. They can’t do what they want to do. Men were seen as more assertive, confident, while women were expected to be relational, communal. Men rule the world and women are considered inferior to them. María Josefa Gabriela Cariño de Silang, also known as Gabriela Silang was a Filipina military leader best known for her role as the female leader of the Ilocano independence movement from Spain. She took over from her second husband Diego Silang after his assassination in 1763, leading her people for four months before she was captured and executed by the colonial government of the Captaincy General of the Philippines.   Today her courageous leadership became a symbol of the importance of women in Filipino society. Gabriela is referred to as the “Joan ...

 “I am a strong woman because a strong woman raised me.” Every second Sunday of May, we show our gratitude and love towards our mothers. A mother dedicates her whole life to her children without expecting anything. She only wants to want her children to love her. There is nothing more in this world than the embrace of her children. My mother is behind all the precious things in my life, and she is the most precious among them. For me, it is the happiest moment of my life when my mother smiles. We all know that every second Sunday of May is dedicated to all mothers and hence it is celebrated as Mother's Day. This is the best time for us children to express our love and actions towards our mothers so that they can be told that they are special to us. Special relationships and relations that we share with our mother cannot be described in words. Mother shows unconditional love for her child and nourishes our lives through her valuable lessons and teachings. When we stumble, with i...

B inatbatan Festival is a sought-after festival for all Ilocanos both young and old. It is a celebration that lasts from the last week of April up to the first week of May. This festival showcases one of the industries that kept residents alive – Abel Iloco hand-loom weaving. Binatbatan is the process of beating cotton pods to remove the seeds.   This is shown through the Binatbatan street dancing and showdown. It is such a shame that we cannot enjoy the Binatbatan Festival this 2021 due to the pandemic that is happening worldwide. Binatbatan Festival was started in 1993 by the Save Vigan Ancestral Homes Association, Inc. This festival “Binatbatan” got its name from the Iluko term batbatin, or separating cotton balls from the seeds of the local fruit tree kapas sanglay. It Features a street dancing and showdown competition wherein participants use "abel" (woven cloth) costumes and sway in their original panagbatbat dances. The Binatbatan festival boasts of joyful colors whi...

  During the third quarter of the school year 2020-2021, I learned how to create community-based research. Although it was hard, I easily gathered data because a lot of elders are easy to talk to. Before, when modular distance learning was first implemented, I had a hard time adjusting. But now, that we are ending the third quarter for this school year, I now got the hang of it. Time flies so fast! I still remember my first day in Ilocos Sur National High School as a grade 7 student. Now, I am only one quarter away from ending my junior high school life, although it’s virtually. I look forward to more complex but at the same time easy to understand lessons for the next quarter.   Reference/s: (n.d.). Retrieved from https://k35hmi.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/147713-take-time-to-reflect-1-original.jpg?w=640

 The Covid-19 pandemic has not only presented to us the numerous vulnerabilities within our healthcare system, public health emergency response, governance, and communities. It has most especially taught us that our health and safety depend on collective action. Are you wondering how the covid-19 vaccine was quick to develop? This is because governments across the globe, are financially backing the most promising vaccine candidates.  If you are wondering if covid vaccines are safe, well then, the answer is YES. All Covid-19 vaccines currently available have been shown to be safe and effective at preventing Covid-19. The best COVID-19 vaccine is the first one that is available to you. Do not wait for a specific brand. All currently authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines are proven to be safe, effective, and reduce the risk of severe illness. Safety trials begin in the lab, with tests and research on cells and animals, before moving on to human studies. If the safety data ...

  The Battle of Bataan was fought by the United States and the Philippine Commonwealth against Japan during World War II. The battle represented the most intense phase of the Japanese invasion of the Philippines during World War II. In January 1942, forces of the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy invaded Luzon along with several islands in the Philippine Archipelago after the bombing of the American naval base at Pearl Harbor. No one knows the exact number of deaths that occurred during the Battle of Bataan, however, approximately 10,000 men died. Of these men, were 1,000 Americans and 9,000 were Filipinos. These people that risked their lives are the pride of our nation. They defended our beloved country with their blood and lives. If these people were still alive, although some are, I will thank them. For they made a huge impact on our history. The pain that they had gone through is unbearable. The Japanese brutalized them during the march north. They beat them incessantly, somet...

 Lent is the period of 40 days that comes before Easter in the Christian calendar. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. Only a small number of people today fast for the whole of Lent, although some maintain the practice on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. It is more common these days for believers to surrender a particular vice such as favorite foods or smoking. Whatever the sacrifice it is a reflection of Jesus' deprivation in the wilderness and a test of self-discipline. In addition, Catholics and other Christians often choose to give up specific pleasures, such as sweets, alcohol, or social media, during Lent as a way to foster simplicity and self-control; many use their cravings or desires for these items as a reminder to pray and to refocus on spiritual matters. But why 40 days? According to the bible, lent is connected with the 40-day fast that Jesus undergoes (Mark 1:13; Matthew 4:1–11; Luke 4:1–13). Al...

“Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women, who have her back.” This is a quote that empowers a lot of women including me. March 1 marks the beginning of a month-long celebration of National Women’s Month. It recognizes women’s contribution in the struggle for national independence, civil liberties, equality, and human rights. Through its initiatives and the efforts of various women’s organizations, our country takes part in the global campaign to advance gender equality and women empowerment. Traditionally, women were considered to be full-time homemakers. Their responsibilities were to take care of their children and family. They didn’t have any role in a household earning. Over the years, the roles of women have changed. Women now bear a smaller number of children than they used to before. Most families now have one or two children. They even give birth to a child at a more mature age or not give birth at all. Women now have children even without marriag...

  During the second quarter of the school year 2020-2021, I discovered that learning is fun but at the same time it was difficult. During the daytime, I get lazy to read and answer my modules. Because I tend to be sleepy and just want to lay in bed. And it was also hard to focus because my surrounding is noisy. But at night, I get so energetic to finish a subject. I  also procrastinate when the date of submission is still far away. I tend to binge-watch my favorite show and not worry about my modules. However,  I have addressed these challenges by taking some time to get used to my problems. I always remind myself to be calm in this stressful situation. I also planned my strategy on how I can be more proactive in the daytime.  I also installed an app on my phone, that creates schedules so that I have more than enough time to answer my modules and have still time for leisure.  Moving on, I will see to it that I can learn my lessons any time of the day but not hav...

  Kannawidan Festival is a sought-after festival for all Ilocanos both young and old. It is a celebration that lasts from the last week of January up to the first week of February. This festival showcases the rich culture of Ilocos Sur that has a mix of Spanish and Filipino cultures. It is a shame that we cannot fully enjoy the Kannawidan Festival this 2021 due to the pandemic that is happening worldwide. However, the provincial government, through its provincial tourism office , managed to plan a simpler celebration of the annual Kannawidan Festival. They announce strict instructions to be observed for those people that will attend the festival to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The provincial government requires the use of a facemask and safe pass to enter the Trade and Food Fair in Kannawidan grounds. Under 15 years old and senior citizens are prohibited from entering because they are more prone to catch the virus. For me, this was a well-executed plan. We can still ...

The Vigan City Fiesta is held every 25 th of January. It is celebrated during the feast day of Vigan’s patron saint, St. Paul the Apostle. This 2021, we are experiencing the COVID19 pandemic that made us all stay at home as much as possible. But how can we celebrate the much sought-after celebration? Not just the people from Vigan, but all Ilocanos. Luckily, our Vigan City government executed a plan so that we Biguenos can still celebrate our weeklong festival even though the cases here in Ilocos Sur is still increasing by the day.  Starting off, we have our Saniata ti Ylocos Sur 2021, but unlike before we don’t get to watch it personally. We can watch it on our phone screens because it is a lockdown pageant and our safety is the number one priority of our government. There will also be a trade and food fair, a lot of products and different types of food that will surely make our mouth drool will be there.   It is expected that not a lot of people can come to the Kan...

  New Year’s Eve is a day mixed with feelings for many individuals. This is a time to celebrate the end of the year. Welcome what is in store for the New Year. Also, this is a time where much experience a sense of nostalgia as we reflect on the events that took place in their lives in the past 12 months. A lot has happened for the past 12 months that it feels like forever. Nevertheless, we should always be grateful for everything that God has planned for us. As I am entering a new year, the memories that I made during 2020 will shape to what I will become this year and the next few years. I’ll make sure that each day I wake, I will live my life like there’s no tomorrow. That is the only way I can say that I have truly lived. To live with no regrets. Going forward and not looking back at the things that weigh me down last year is a way to start the new year. 2020 has been a tough year. We didn’t really enjoy it, we were all just staying in our home waiting for it to be over. ...

  During the first quarter of the school year 2020-2021, I discovered that I could manage my time wisely and efficiently. I can answer all my modules earlier than the time allotted for us to answer while also doing a lot of chores in our house. But at the same time, it was hard because I don’t have anyone to teach me the lessons after all we are in our home and not in the school due to the pandemic.   And the amount of tasks that are given is just too much to be answered in one week. I addressed these challenges by taking some time to get used to my problems. I always remind myself to be calm in this stressful situation. I also plan my strategy on how to juggle school and home related stuff. And every once in a while, I give myself a break. Moving on, I will get used to this modular learning by the end of the first quarter. We are all experiencing a difficult time. Our teachers stay up all night to work on our modules whereas the students also stay up all night to answer the g...

Our country, The Philippines is prone to experience earthquakes. Why? Because it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is an area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes occur. As a result, earthquake and fire drills are observed in all places here in our country. The possibility of having an earthquake is inevitable. A lot of earthquakes had happened in the past years, that only means one thing. There is a probability that the big one is coming. A 7.2-magnitude earthquake from the west valley fault. No one can predict when an earthquake will occur. We do not know how and when it will occur so it is best to be prepared. Being prepared can reduce the fear, anxiety, and losses that accompany disasters. Earthquake drills and exercises are an extremely important part of a preparedness plan because they teach us students, teachers, and parents how to respond to the complications of an actual earthquake, and it will also help us to evaluate if our earthqu...

  T oday one of the hottest topics around the globe is “Climate Change." It is threatening our life on Earth. The words “climate change” and “global warming” are easily interchangeable, but the term climate change includes global warming and its adverse effect on humankind and the living world.   There are many problems that climate change and global warming bring, and we’re just making them worse. We need to change how we do things, and we need to work on how to fix the problems we’re causing, as-well-as fixing the causes. Climate Change cannot be stopped, but at least it can be slowed.   The best way to deal with these issues, though, is to raise awareness of them. We need to make these issues widely known and talked about. The more people know of these issues and the problems they cause, the more push there will be to change policies and laws to prevent and fix them. There are organizations and websites that allow people to gain information and research the probl...

  This school year 2020-2021, parents are hesitated to enroll their child because of the virus. But then they have no choice because if they don’t enroll their child, their child will miss a year. A lot of students can’t afford internet connections. Or the internet is slow. That is why teachers right now are very understanding because we are all experiencing the same. Teachers are busy creating modules for us students so that we can still understand the lesson even though we aren’t seeing each other personally. It saddens me to think that people are struggling just to find a good signal for their online class. Some are climbing up a tree, even though it’s raining very hard. Some students even committed suicide because of the stress. College students are complaining about the tasks that their professors give them in a day. Some are having a mental breakdown due to the stress online classes are giving them. A lot of students, including me, are tired and not getting enough sleep but...

During the pandemic, a lot of Filipinos suffered. Most of us lost our jobs. We became dependent on the government. On their cash assistance, and relief goods. I saw a lot of Filipinos being creative during this pandemic just to save their livelihood. There were some who have lost their job and now working as food vendors. Some were working on a construction site. Some even started a small business. A lot of Filipinos were glorified because of how they were able to cope with this crisis. But the downside of this pandemic is that some people don’t have the opportunity to be creative. Filipinos were forced to sell their things in order to survive. Some were forced to leave their apartment because they can’t pay the bills. Some committed suicide because they can’t do it anymore. Why are Filipinos being glorified for how well they cope. It shouldn’t be, because the problem is the government.  They should be coming up with solutions by now. But their solution is to wait for the vaccine...