I Can. I Will.

I see myself, ten years or fifteen years from now wearing a laboratory gown. Maybe you’re wondering why I’d prefer wearing a lab gown rather cool flashy dresses in the future. Well, here’s a secret I want to impart with you…

It was never been really my dream to be wearing lab gown while holding stethoscope (which is most of the time, trust me) years from now. It never came cross in my mind not until Dec. 23, 2010.

Choosing your future career doesn’t always sound that easy. Pressure here, and there. There are just so many things to take in consideration. What my parents want, what I want, what my relatives want, it’s everybody’s hankering. Your future employment is also one factor.

I have undergone several tests to determine the best course fitted for me, but it doesn’t seem to work out as well. I kept on wondering for so long. Months, weeks, days had passed and then in a snap I knew what I would become. I want to become a DOCTOR, that’s for sure now.

I used most of my time thinking about the consequences I may face in making this decision. I made plans including the stepping stones for me to achieve my dream. I kept on pondering on that topic the whole time. My decision was not influenced by anyone…I can say I did it all by myself. Before, if someone asks me if what I would become in the future, I would always answer “I would become a nurse”. Yes, a successful nurse. However, things seem to be changing. And I also grasp for the same thing, changing my mind like a girl changes her clothes.

Now, it’s quite different for I am already 100% sure of my chosen career. It does require lots of thinking but I guess it’s all worth it of my time. At least, I already know what path I will take.

The road maybe rough but, perhaps, I can surpass it. I feel certain that I am not alone fighting in this battle. I can perceive Him. He and the others will help me pass these tests of life.

Soon, they’ll all be calling me Dr. Pam. And my parents, I hope, would be very proud of me for their daughter has already achieve her sole dream in life and that is to become a professional with the vision of helping the people who are under the weather.

I know I can. Therefore, I will.

From Within

“Change is the only permanent thing in this world” the mediocre said for the thousandth time. Sounds so cliché isn’t it? Overused phrase as you may call but it speaks for the truth, the truth some people may only ignore and others try to conceal with other things. It is the only truth that could open our eyes from blinding ignorance.

Embracing change is one hell thing I am not in favor of. I am always afraid of taking chances and most of the time I always ask God for me and for everybody else to stay the same. However, I may have the power to stop the French bullet train but something tells me I can never really stop the 6-letter word—CHANGE in penetrating the whole world.

It’s the truth and for the past years I noticed I kept on running away from it. But there came a time, when I woke up early in the morning and realized I was slowly changing. Change I didn’t noticed while I was busy doing and messing things up my life. I grew up physically, emotionally, socially, mentally and spiritually. I developed some characteristics and attitudes that helped me build my self-confidence and forced me to go out in my shell. I met new friends who became my confidantes and soul-sistas. I acquired knowledge that could help me in the future and at present.

Not only that, I also became aware of the social issues around me and I even tried to look into it. Many changes came and it took me few more seconds to decide whether to keep up with fast pace of life or not. And I did accept the challenge of embracing changes for that time I saw there’s nothing really wrong with it.

As I grow older, I became more apprehensive not senile, my friend. The future of the next generations and the world lies within our very own hands. If we will not change for good, nothing good will happen too.

Time to time I learn, stumble, get up and move forward. With the experiences I still gain, I always learn something from them. I don’t live anymore in fantasy. I have learned to open my eyes to the reality of today.

Before changing the world, let us try to look at the mirror first. Let us also change for the betterment and change should always start from within.

Lowland's Own Begnas Fest

Have you seen the gargantuan kamas, karabasa and tilapia? Or have you sipped some sweet calamansi juice while munching on some “bagpao”(as in bagnet siopao). You see, the things I’ve seen in this festival were awesome. But wait! Kannawidan Festival still has something to unveil yet…..

From the fine-detailed edifice entrance, shiver may run down your spine. The artistically made arc only shows how the resourceful and ingenious Ilocanos are. Kannawidan Ylocos Festival is a festivity allotted for the lowland municipalities of Ilocos Sur. 18 municipalities and 2 cities from north to south of the province gathered up to showcase their one town, one product. It is similar to the festival of the upland municipalities called Begnas Ylocos Festival. This is annually held during the first week of February and the Ilocos Sur Capitol administers this festival.

Aside from mouth-watering dishes like the miki, arroz caldo, pipian and others they also offer indigenous products like the hand woven bags, intricate designed wooden furnitures and also the multi-colored clothes and fashionable hats.

Every stall you pass by, a certain municipality is designated and here you can see the pride of their town. I remember walking with my friends at the fair; we came across different excursionists who have this oh-my-golly-I’ve-never-seen-that-before-ever! expression in their faces.

Indeed, this Kannawidan Ylocos Festival unfolds the hidden treasures of every lowland municipality of Ilocandia. It attracts tourists from all around the globe to witness the flourishing trade, culture, industry and products of all hardworking Ilocanos. Surely in the imminent, this festival will be known not only here in our region but in all parts of the world.

Vavaboom Feast

It was a fair weather day and people in every corner of Vigan fled to the heart of the city to witness the annual event. Youngsters, senior citizens, passers by-- all of them gathered up. January 25 was the day everyone's been waiting for and when the siren started to fill the busy streets of Vigan , the mammoth crowd came into life and the fete had began.

The Grand parade is being held every city fiesta and it is one of the most sought-after event of the people of Vigan and its neighboring locales.It is to commemorate the conversion of St. Paul the Apostle( formerly known as Saul), the patron saint of Vigan. Here, all government sects, students from different institutions, educators, officials, business stakeholders came to join and celebrate.

One thing I can't forget about January 25th was the role that I played for the very first time. I neither wore a flashy abel yloco dress while my waving my hand at the people on a gigantic float nor the beauty queen of a certain popularity contest in a colorful maquillage; it was something more respected though.

For the very first time I participated in the parade with our school's CAT-I Unit. In my complete uniform, with all the paraphernalias( i.e. maroon neckerchief, white gloves, sword etc.), I could say I look more dignified. :) And it was an experience wherein I and my colleagues can prove that our unit is the best among the others. Well, being one of the front runners and one of those who belong in th corps staff, it was really something that I'm really very proud of.

Then, the parade came to its end and the mammoth crowd already dispersed. People were able to continue their routine that day.However, I can say that at the end of that day, we were able to perceive plenty praises and compliments from the viewers and from other schools.

It was, in retrospect, the happiest day of my life. And you know what, January 25, 2011 was one noteworthy date for me.

It's a Tough One...

Balancing your academics and extra-curricular activities isn’t always that simple. Who says it would be easy? You must attend different trainings and workshops in various subjects and at the same time you must cope up with your missed classes. I’m not Superwoman, I can’t do two things at the same time.

The start of third quarter was smooth but after a week it got worse. Why? I, together with my other comrades practiced for an intermission number for the Opening of Vigan City Meet last December 2. Then, it was followed by our review for the Physics Quiz in the Science and Technology Day held at our school in the same month. Lastly, I attended the Division Workshop for Campus Journalists and also the Regional Schools Press Conference which was held at Pangasinan. Undoubtedly, this grading period is one of the toughest quarters I’ve ever had in the past 3 years.

I was out for the whole quarter and sad to say I didn’t learn much from our lessons because of my absence. Good to know that I was able to finish my activities and our Webpage Design. Fortunately, I still learned some tips in making a Webpage and how to enhance it. Thanks to my classmates!

Moving on, for the last quarter in my high school life I must listen more and lessen my ECA for me to get a higher grade in ICT IV. Moreover, I will do my best to enter my classes to be able to finish my requirements in no time.

An Offbeat Comeback

Talking dolls, fairy tale books, happy meals—these are the things I always fancied when I was a child. I always wanted to have battery operated toys but all I can have in those times were pieces of paper dolls. But that was decades ago, Pam has grown bigger and became more mature now.

I grew up holding with my simple dream and that is to become a gold medalist. I no longer yearn for those toys I favored before. My eyes were finally opened and my understanding about crucial things in life became broader. I did my best to pursue with my studies. I stand up when I stumble on my way. My determination keeps on igniting and my focus was to reach the goal that I had set.

However, the time came for me to make the most vital decision in my life and that is to choose my future career. This decision is neither for my parents nor for my friends, it’s all about me no more, no less.

As 2011 started, I already have chosen my career. I want to become a Doctor. It was hard for me to decide but I was never influenced by any one. I did it all by myself alone. Even though I will not graduate with flying colors, at least I gave the best that I can give. Nevertheless, 2010 may not be my breakthrough year in either academics or ECA, I know 2011 has more for me and I won’t let the opportunities pass me by…

No more talking dolls and fairytales. I need to prioritize more important things and one of it is to graduate in college. No more happy-go-lucky…I need to become more serious with my studies for me to fulfill my dreams.

2011 is a new year for me to have a different outlook in life. 2011 would be my breakthrough year!

What the word 'CHRISTMAS' means to me...

Kathy received a pair of prada shoes whereas Nathan got a guess shirt. Nixon wanted a new set of Wii and had it last Christmas. Thea's jaw dropped for her friends gave her a Red Dot cocktail dress. Marie and Claire hopped out the box when their parents bought them a new Asus laptop. What branded things they have received this Christmas, however, its brand is not the thing that matters...

Christmas isn't Christmas without Christmas party. And during this times, students would want something good. Good enough for them to satisfy their cravings. Well, who wouldn't want expensive and branded things for Christmas? It might be the best Christmas gift ever!

When we receive something good, we would all be like a hippy-happy jumping with joy and all. However, when we receive something that is not-so-good we tend to let sadness in our hearts.When I was a kid, there were times when I was obsessed with gifts. I would want everything for Christmas. I usually open my gifts as fast as I could as soon as i received them. And it has been a lot of times that frown's been plastered on my face and I would give a staggering fierce glare to the one who had given me that not-so-good gift.

But now is different. A lot more different than that of before. I was able to apprehend the simple yet true meaning of Christmas. It is neither about the material things nor the brands. How much it costs,its size or how the gift was perfectly done with wrappings and trimmings, all of it doesn't matter.

It is all about appreciating simple things or deeds and still finding happiness from it.

Even how cheap that gift is, at least someone hadn't forgotten you all this time. Even how small that gift is, at least someone out there has a big heart to give you that one. And its Christmas, my dear. Giving implies more than receiving.

If you received something not-so-good this Christmas, try to see what's behind it. It's like reading between the lines, you know. And when you've found what is behind that gift , surely you will be shocked for you will find something abstract. You can't see, hear, smell, touch, and taste. Something a person cannot physically interact with.

So, you tell me what you've found and I'll tell you mine.

Magandang Pagsasamahan tungo sa Maayos at Maunlad na Lipunan

Ionic Bond. A type of special bond that binds metals and non-metals. Similarly, it is the bond that binds diverse people into one single complex mass.

People nowadays, forget the true essence of mingling to other human beings. Some are self-centered and selfish while others don't mind their neighbors at all. But that should not be...

I remember during the Mass Induction wherein the EMCEE's quoted that "Teamwork is the ability to work together towards a common vision or dream. With teamwork we can achieve our goals as our individual experiences added together, gives us power to attain success. It is the FUEL that allows young people like us to attain uncommon results". Upon hearing that meaningful quote I realized everything's possible if we will all work together hand in hand.

If we value the relationship that exists between us human beings, we would all be united. And by having constant communication and relationship with our neighbors, our goal is not impossible.

If we will play our role in the ecosystem, ours would reach the state of equilibrium. We should always have a tight grip on that bond that binds us all into one.

And to finally end this, always inculcate good values and by loving our neighbors as we love ourselves. Remember that our goal-- to have a peaceful, orderly and progressive community requires not only the interference of a man but of all the creations of God.

I believe that it is attainable and we are few steps achieving it.

A Tiresome Break

Semestral Break Plan:

A dip in the pool
A trip to the spa
shopping at malls
sipping iced tea while having a movie marathon
island getaway

What a relaxing week if I did these stuffs. Endless days in my chase with pleasure and the whole world according to moi!
A screeching sound was made and i woke up from my dream. I was quite frustrated for it was just a petty dream. I lazily got up from my bed went straight to the kitchen, ate my breakfast, freshened up and i hopped in to go to school. It's just 8 am. That was my routine last semestral break. I volunteered to join the dance troupe for the Twilight Festival. And guess what? It was fun practicing the steps for the showdown and the street dance because we played the role of hungry zombies.
For the first time, my bones were awakened. It was an experience that I could never forget. My companions and I were enjoying the whole week laughing, eating, sweating and banging. But when the day of the competition arrived, I was expecting that we will not win due t0 the fact that the other contingents performance were better than ours. For me, it's just okay at least we have tried our best to come up with the most creative performance we could ever have.

When the 'todos los santos' arrived, I offered flowers and lit candles to the tomb of my demise relatives. I also silently uttered a short prayer for them.
Our semestral break was over! Indeed it was tiresome but it was loaded with so much fun. till next time...

HTML: My New BFF

Five months from now we will be leaving this institution of learning. And in my stay here in school particularly in the Fourth Year Computer Laboratory, my brain had gained myriads of concepts regarding html.

This topic was new to me but in my journey into the world of social networking sites I have met this hypertext mark-up language. Well, I had missed some lessons but i was able to cope up with those lessons. With the help of my classmate CHE, I was able to understand well the learnings our teacher had taught when I was not around.

Moving on, i will continue to do my activities promptly and pass my requirements on time. Also, I will try to have a better performance and active participation in my ICT IV class.

Breaking Barriers Through English

When there is PEACE, there is LOVE. When there is LOVE, there is UNITY. All can be fulfilled through our certain medium known as English.

In my fifteen years of existence, I've been taught over and over that ENGLISH is our universal language. It is the standard vernacular people around the globe is using. It has been marked up on my mind since the day I met the word English. Back when I first entered this institution of learning I progressively understand the significance of the English language. Now, I realized that there are good things it could give and amazing results it could provide.

Breaking barriers, in simpler terms is surpassing the challenges and problems that may arise in our path towards progress. If we could all learn and try our best using the English language we can be united as one. We are one, therefore we can achieve the goals we have set as well as annihilate the concrete carriers that serve as hindrance to development.

I can. You can. We can. With the help of our benevolent creator we could all break free. English is the bridge... English is the way forward...

Filipinnovation: The Way Forward

"An innovation is one of those things that society looks at and says, if we make this part of the way we live and work, it will change the way we live and work."

Do you imagine Filipinos including yourself entering a much modernized world? getting more digital and advanced? Well, it is possible...

Introducing new or something different to Filipinos is not a major threat. It should serve as an opportunity to change. A change that could lead not only to the success or improvement of one, it can be for the whole nation. Looking forward and moving forward is the key to the door of prosperity. A brighter future is waiting for us.

Innovation is not reformation. It is simply giving variance to those old and usual customs or habits. Filipino innovation is our way forward. It could transform the dream Filipinos always dreams of. We just need to embrace those good alterations that will be made for it may contribute to the development and progress of our country.

Together , we move forward. Thinking, discovering and doing new things never done and known before. Surpass the challenges laid before our very own eyes. All together we say, "keep moving forward".

My Teachers...My Heroes...

When I was younger, I thought all teachers are like villains in a happy ending story. They are like those wicked witches and stepmothers. But that was just my theory I wholeheartedly believe in when I was in elementary. That was before....before I met the word "HERO".

As i climbed up to the ladder of success, I met lots of heroes and heroines, not those who are featured in comic magazines. They are the living heroes of today. They are our TEACHERS. Our second parents, who guides us to the path leading to a bright future in the imminent. Reading, writing, counting and expressing ideas were taught patiently to us. And now, still they don't give up teaching and feeding us new concepts to broaden our knowledge.

Without them, I will not be here. I secretly appreciate their hardwork and persistence in molding the youth into better citizens. They open the door but it is us to enter the door itself. Thank you dear teachers. You really are the living effigy of Jose Rizal.

KUDOS TO ALL TEACHERS!

ICT First Grading Encounter

Time flies so fast! First grading period is already over. But before we celebrate we have to take first the periodical test and I hope after that there will be no more tensions and anxieties.
Exploring the web is kinda fun. My brain had absorbed myriads of things I haven't known before.
My knowledge in Information-Communications Technology broadens everytime I enter the Computer room 3. I'm very grateful that our teacher patiently teaches us the lessons about internet and the Web despite our unpleasant acts sometimes.

My interest was greatly captured when we enter the world of blogging. I never thought there are many benefits of blogging. Well, I did not take it seriously when I was in my lower years. Another thing is the making of templates by using html codes, I've been dying to make one! We also had our hands-on exercises with the use of the notepad and saving it with the file extension called.htm.

There were also problems like interruption in the internet connection that delays us in encoding our posts. Other than that is electrical failure, that's the worst thing! We have no choice but to stay in our classroom and have our lesson there. Although the computer room is better than our classroom for it has aircon.

Nevertheless, this grading period is about to end and I really learned a lot. Another chapter will soon be opened. Moving on, I will be more active in class to get a higher grade.

Love is synonymous to the word CHERISH.And cherish according to the dictionary is to value someone or something highly.Have you ever cherished someone? or something?
Language is one very important factor for us to understand each other.

Our national language plays a crucial role in every Filipino and in the development of our country. In everything we do language is always present. It is needed in doing business deals, applying for job, speaking in public and it is everywhere. We Filipino's must patronize and cherish our mother tongue, the FILIPINO LANGUAGE. We are Filipino citizens and we should not be foreigners to our motherland.

Another thing we need to give importance is our environment. It is where we live and interact with other things created by God. Destruction of mother nature may lead to extinction of us, humans. The love and care we're giving to ourselves and to our neighbors must also be the love and care we need to give to our environment. God created us to look after the things he created for humankind. We are the steward of God's creation.

It is not yet too late, my friend. Let's cherish and value our language and our environment.

NUTRITION MONTH CELEBRATION

" SA PAGKAING WASTO AT SAPAT, TIMBANG NI BABY ANG KATAPAT "

"Health is wealth" a very famous adage isn't it? Healthy mind and body, a treasure we need to keep in our entire existence.It is really important especially to babies...let's go and find out.

Nutritious foods like vegetables, fruits, grains and milk are vital for baby's growth and development. Proper intake of go, grow and glow foods, constant supervision of parents to their kids and continuous medication are necessary. Why? Because infancy is the stage wherein constant attention to babies is highly observed, these are needed to assure the proper development of a baby as it grows old.

In this stage we are building their resistance for them to have a strong body system. A healthy body keeps the worries away from their parents. With the correct amount of nutrients and minerals a baby has,a corresponding weight will be attained.

So if you have a baby, start working it now, be responsible in keeping your child away from danger. Nourish them with love and care.

Letter to the President

Dear Mr. President...

As a youngster of our motherland, i would like to express my sympathetic pleasure on the account of your success as the newly elected President of our country.

June 30 had passed and now you will be facing big responsibilities, countless decisions to make and myriads of problems that demands solutions. There will be many things you need to consider, but please do not neglect the problem many Filipinos are facing today which is unemployment. Many graduates are seeking jobs to help their families. Mr. President, I will be graduating next year, my concern is that I am not sure what course in college will I take. I've seen lots of college graduates who cannot land on a job, am I one of those after I finished college?

I hope you, together with your comrades can finally resolve this problem. I have faith in you that you will do your best for the betterment of our nation.