Roots and Wings: New year, New me.

A new year feels like a blank canvas, ready to be painted with the colors of growth, change, and determination. This year, I vow to be better.

I see this journey as a tree growing taller, its roots digging deeper into the soil of my experiences. Each challenge will be a storm that strengthens my branches, each success a flower that blooms in its season. I want to nurture my ambitions with patience and care, like a gardener tending to a garden, knowing that true growth takes time. This year, I will embrace change, step out of my comfort zone, and face my fears with courage. I’ll challenge myself to no longer fear my pen and my ink, for they are tools of my voice, my expression, and my dreams. I’ll let my words flow freely, no longer shackled by doubt. I also plan to immerse myself in more readings and writings this year. Books will be my windows to new worlds, and writing will be the mirror reflecting my thoughts, growth, and aspirations. Every story I read will be a lesson, and every word I write will be a step closer to understanding myself and the world around me.

This year, I will walk the path of self-improvement, stone by stone, word by word. A new me is not about perfection—it’s about progress. Here’s to a year of blooming, of daring to dream, and of courageously turning those dreams into reality.

Season of Joy

 

The Christmas season is a time for reunions, celebrations, and meaningful moments with loved ones. For me, it all began on December 17, right after our school’s Christmas program. I packed my bags and made my way back to Abra, where my cousins, aunts, and uncles were waiting. Abra felt like a warm hug after a long day—it’s where laughter bounces off the walls, and the aroma of home-cooked meals fills the air. For three days, I soaked in the joy of togetherness, like a sponge absorbing every ounce of warmth and love.

Afterward, I returned to Caoayan to spend time with my immediate family. Home felt different yet familiar, like a melody you know by heart but hear with fresh ears. However, this holiday season wasn’t just about rest and celebration—it was also a time of responsibility. As a 4H Club officer and a part of the Kabataan sector in our barangay, I joined forces with the SK officials and fellow officers to plan our community’s Christmas and fiesta events.

Our planning sessions were a whirlwind of ideas and excitement. We arranged grand balls that sparkled with elegance, basketball games that brought both adults and kids together, and masses that reminded everyone of the true essence of the season. Soliciting funds for these events was like planting seeds, knowing they would bloom into moments of joy for everyone in the community.

Christmas Day was spent surrounded by family, a day filled with warmth and gratitude. When New Year’s Eve arrived, my mother’s side of the family gathered together, turning the night into an endless celebration. We played games until the early hours of the morning, laughter echoing louder than the fireworks outside. Watching the fireworks light up the sky felt like witnessing our collective hopes for the year ahead bursting into color. Lighting our own fireworks, we sent our dreams soaring, letting them dance with the Stars.

1ST PICTURE REFERENCE:

University of Liverpool. "The History of Christmas Traditions." University of Liverpool News, 21 Dec. 2023, https://news.liverpool.ac.uk/2023/12/21/the-history-of-christmas-traditions/

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Building Blocks: Reflection

 This second quarter in the computer lab has been like the construction environment of the building. First, I began with the foundation. This actually was the process of mastering the basic coding concepts and getting the structure of HTML. At a glance, it looked like a difficult task, but the learning went smoothly, as one by one day, I kept on adding bricks of knowledge each day, thus something substantial was created.

By investing time in experimenting with different coding techniques and learning how CSS can be used further down the line. Over the course of the computer lab, the HTML coding became as if a blueprint guiding the structure and layout of the web pages. Every new code was akin to another piece in the puzzle, and as I made connections, the whole picture came into view. The rush of calming moments I found myself in the past while debugging reminded me of the saying “There is no hurry and everything will fall into place soon”, which is similar to the construction process’ tough initial part of making sure the surface is smooth along with the other edges before the house design becomes sturdy and visually appealing.

Even more satisfying is the fact that my improvement is visible. Initially, coding was as confusing and painful as creating a drawing of a blank canvas. Now, however, I am soaring to be a creator, in which the only limit is the extent of my imagination and skills in just text and logic. These bedrock skill sets form the basic platform not only for the studies, but for a whole range of life and career options.

On the other hand, I have not just acquired new skills, but also built self-assertiveness in my problem-solving. The computer lab had been almost everywhere rather than a classroom, shaping my ideas into their greatest (smartest) form and driving me to form them and format them all, and that has been a source of genuine pride for me.

Through the Pink Lens

In every corner of the world, there are voices that have been silenced by fear, by violence, and by injustice. Yet, these voices, strong and unyielding, refuse to remain unheard. The fight against violence toward women is not just a fight for justice; it is a fight for the very soul of society—a call for dignity, safety, and equality. 

The Philippines, like many nations, is caught in a relentless struggle against the violence that too many women face every day. The 2024 18 -day Campaign to End Violence Against Women reminds us that this is not just an issue of the past, but a current battle that affects one in three women globally. One of the strongest advocates for women’s rights in the Philippines, former Vice President Leni Robredo, has tirelessly fought for women’s empowerment and protection. Her initiatives have focused on elevating the status of women, ensuring their safety, and breaking down the societal barriers that perpetuate violence. Leni Robredo’s work highlights the importance of not just legal frameworks, but also community-based solutions and education to bring about lasting change in the fight against gender-based violence.

The Anti-Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Act of 2004, along with other important laws, seeks to offer women the protection they deserve. But laws alone cannot end violence; they are a tool in a much broader fight—one that requires society to change its perception of women's worth and rights. The VAWC Act is a vital part of this fight, aiming to safeguard women and children from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. By holding perpetrators accountable, it provides a shield of protection for the vulnerable, ensuring that justice will be served and that victims are no longer ignored. Just as a fortress stands strong against invaders, this law stands as a defense against violence, offering hope to those who have suffered in silence. Alongside the VAWC Act, two other laws have made significant strides in protecting women's rights. RA 8353, the Anti-Rape Law of 1997, redefined rape, shifting the focus from the victim's actions to the perpetrator's crime. This law clarifies that rape is not about the victim's dress or behavior, but about the violation of a woman's autonomy and dignity. It ensures that no woman's consent is ever disregarded, and no man who commits such an atrocity will escape the consequences. It is a law that stands as a pillar of justice and a reminder that women control their own bodies. In addition, RA 11313, the Safe Spaces Act, addresses harassment in public and online spaces, which many women face daily. Whether on the street, in the workplace, or on the internet, this law ensures that any act of harassment will be penalized. It acknowledges that women should not live in fear of verbal abuse or physical harassment, even in spaces that are meant to be public and safe for everyone. The Safe Spaces Act is a step toward reclaiming the streets for women, offering a guarantee that their voices, thoughts, and freedom are valued in all spaces. 

The fight against violence toward women is far from over, but with laws like the VAWC Act, the Anti-Rape Law, and the Safe Spaces Act, we are inching closer to a future where women can live freely, without fear of abuse or harassment. These laws are not just legal tools; they are symbols of progress, of society's commitment to change. But the work doesn't end here. Each of us must take responsibility, raising our voices and standing up for equality.The 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women reminds us all of the power of unity in the face of injustice. It is time to work together and ensure that every woman can walk in safety, with her head held high, in every space she occupies. 

REFERENCE: Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and ICF. 2022 Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS): Key Indicators Report. Quezon City, Philippines, and Rockville, Maryland, USA: PSA and ICF, 2022.

IMAGE REFERENCES:

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A Leader of Hope

Elpidio Quirino, the sixth President of the Philippines, was a man who worked hard to lift himself and his country. Born on November 16, 1890, in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, he came from a poor family. Despite this, he studied hard, graduated from the University of the Philippines, and became a lawyer. His story is proof that determination can overcome even the toughest challenges.

Quirino’s career in public service began when he became a congressman representing his province. He later served as a senator, vice president, and eventually president in 1948 after the sudden death of President Manuel Roxas. Quirino took on the role of leader at a time when the country was still recovering from World War II. Like a builder fixing a broken house, he focused on rebuilding the economy, creating jobs, and helping people get back on their feet.

During his presidency, he worked to improve the lives of ordinary Filipinos. He introduced housing projects for the homeless and helped farmers and workers. He also made sure that the Philippines became part of important global organizations, such as the United Nations. Quirino believed that the Philippines could stand strong on the world stage, even if it was still recovering from the war.

Elpidio Quirino’s life and leadership remind us that even in hard times, there is hope. His dedication to helping the country rise again is like planting seeds for future growth. Today, we look back at his efforts as a symbol of resilience, showing us that with hard work and unity, a brighter future

 is always possible.

IMAGE REFERENCE: https://pin.it/5oP3vlcEs

Roots of a Giant Tree

October is a special month for the Philippines as we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Month. This year, it’s even more meaningful because we are also marking the 27th anniversary of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997. The theme, “Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan, at Parangalan” (Valuing, Nurturing, and Honoring Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Knowledge), reminds us of how important Indigenous Peoples (IPs) are to our history, culture, and future.

Imagine Indigenous Peoples as the roots of a giant tree. They have been here long before roads, cities, or even the Philippines as we know it today. Their traditions and knowledge have kept them connected to the land, guiding them to live in harmony with nature. This celebration is a way of showing gratitude to them for protecting our forests, rivers, and mountains. It also reminds us to learn from their wisdom, which has been passed down through generations like precious heirlooms.

By celebrating this month, we shine a light on the challenges they face, such as land disputes and cultural disrespect. Programs, forums, and cultural showcases held during this time aim to educate people about their rights and rich traditions. It's like giving them a microphone to tell their stories and share their knowledge with everyone. When we protect their culture and rights, we also protect a vital part of our identity as Filipinos.

This celebration is not just about remembering their past but also about securing their future. By valuing, nurturing, and honoring Indigenous Peoples, we ensure their contributions to our society remain strong and lasting—like a river that keeps flowing, giving life to all it touches.

IMAGE REFERENCE: https://pin.it/5oP3vlcEs

Break the Cycle

 

November is the month the Philippines celebrates National Children's Month, a time to reflect on the importance of protecting the rights and well-being of our youngest citizens. This year's theme, "Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines," shines a light on the urgent need to address the growing issue of child abuse and neglect across the nation.

Child abuse, in all its forms—whether physical, emotional, or sexual—leaves deep, lasting scars on young minds and bodies. It disrupts their growth and development, steals their sense of security, and takes away their innocence. Most devastatingly, it threatens their future potential, limiting their ability to thrive and succeed in life. This is a crisis that cannot be ignored, as every child has the right to a safe and nurturing environment.  As a society, we all share the responsibility to protect children from harm and provide the care and guidance they need to grow into healthy, confident individuals. We must create a culture of safety where children are not only protected from violence but are also empowered to speak out against it. To make this vision a reality, we must come together as individuals, communities, and institutions to raise awareness, strengthen laws, and ensure that support systems are in place for victims. This includes reporting suspected cases of abuse, offering assistance to those affected, and promoting measures that prevent abuse from happening in the first place. Schools, families, and local organizations all have a role to play in making sure that children are safeguarded at all times.

Let us commit to breaking the cycle of violence and ensuring that every child in the Philippines is given the opportunity to grow up in an environment that is not only safe but also filled with love, care, and support. Only then can we ensure that they will have the chance to reach their full potential and contribute to a brighter, stronger future for our nation.

Picture reference: https://pin.it/2f3MwpIJl