A Day the Field Came Alive: St. Paul’s Celebration

Some days don’t just happen — they unfold. The St. Paul’s celebration was one of those days.

From the moment I stepped onto the school grounds, there was a different energy in the air. The field, usually quiet and stretched out under the sun, had transformed into the heart of the celebration. Colorful arrangements, crisp lines, and a sense of anticipation made it clear that this wasn’t going to be an ordinary event.

The field demo was the highlight — and honestly, it felt like watching months of effort come alive in a matter of minutes. Students moved with confidence and coordination, every step timed, every formation precise. There was something powerful about seeing so many individuals move as one. The rhythm, the discipline, the unity — it wasn’t just a demonstration, it was a statement.

As the demo progressed, I found myself completely drawn in. Cheers rose from the crowd, parents leaned forward with pride, teachers watched with knowing smiles, and the students on the field gave it everything they had. The sun beat down, but no one seemed to care. All eyes were fixed on the performance unfolding before us.

What made the celebration special wasn’t just the scale of it, but the feeling behind it. You could sense the spirit of St. Paul’s in every detail — the teamwork, the confidence, the joy. It reminded me that

school isn’t only about classrooms and textbooks; it’s about moments like these, where effort turns into excellence and memories are made without anyone realizing it in the moment.

By the time the event wrapped up, the field was filled with applause, laughter, and that quiet feeling of satisfaction you get after witnessing something meaningful. Walking away, I knew this celebration would stay with me — not just as an event, but as an experience.

St. Paul’s didn’t just host a celebration that day. It created a moment where everyone felt connected, proud, and very much alive.

Reference: 

blogger.com

2nd to the Last

Quarter 3 reshaped my understanding of learning—not as a set of tasks to complete, but as an opportunity to grow, explore, and appreciate. Through blog posts on appreciation, community-based
research, basic coding, and the joy of learning beyond what is required, I discovered how curiosity and engagement make education meaningful.

Appreciation became the foundation of my learning. Writing about gratitude for opportunities, people, and knowledge transformed routine tasks into purposeful experiences. Recognizing progress, effort, and even mistakes helped me focus on the process, not just the outcomes.

Community-based research taught me that learning is most impactful when it connects to real-world contexts. Engaging with communities showed that knowledge carries responsibility—it should inform understanding, empathy, and action. Through this, I learned that education is not just personal, but social and practical.

Learning basic coding challenged me to think logically and creatively. Errors became lessons, and
persistence became progress. Beyond technical skills, coding strengthened problem-solving abilities and confidence, proving that learning new challenges is as rewarding as mastering familiar ones.

The most valuable insight, however, was the joy of learning beyond requirements. Exploring topics out of curiosity rather than obligation made learning intrinsically motivating. Education became a journey fueled by interest and imagination, not just by assessments.

In sum, Quarter 3 taught me that meaningful learning combines appreciation, community engagement, skill development, and curiosity. It reminded me that education is not only about achieving minimum standards—it is about exploring, connecting, and growing.

References:

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Ink Before Blood: The story of Jose Rizal the quiet sacrifice

 Jose Rizal, a name that wrote history, more than the image printed on our books, coins, and
monuments. He is a symbol of a nation’s awakening, a quiet yet powerful reminder of what it means to love one’s country deeply and selflessly. Behind his calm eyes and composed posture lies a soul that carried the heavy burden of a silenced people, choosing the pen over the sword, knowing fully well that his words could cost him his life.

Rizal lived in a time when speaking the truth was dangerous, when freedom was only a whispered dream. He saw the suffering of his fellow Filipinos—the abuse, the injustice, the loss of dignity—and instead of turning away, he chose to feel their pain as his own. His novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, were not merely stories but reflections of wounds the nation was too afraid to voice. Through his writings, he exposed the cruelty of oppression and gave language to the unspoken grief, anger, and hope of the Filipino people.

What makes Rizal’s sacrifice even more profound is that he did not seek glory or martyrdom. He longed for a peaceful life, for family, for love, and for a future where Filipinos could live with dignity in their own land. Yet he surrendered these dreams, understanding that real change demanded courage and loss. His exile, constant surveillance, and eventual execution were prices he paid not with hatred in his heart, but with unwavering faith in his countrymen.

In his final moments, Rizal faced death with grace and acceptance, offering his life as a final message—that freedom is worth every sacrifice. His silence in death spoke louder than any speech, echoing through generations as a call to remember, to question, and to stand for what is right. Jose Rizal’s legacy lives not only in history but in the conscience of every Filipino, urging us to honor the past, confront the present, and continue the unfinished fight for justice and freedom.

references:

https://www.joserizal.com

https://philhistoricsites.nhcp.gov.ph/registry_database/jose-rizal-1861-1896-7

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The Christmas Jams

Whenever i pass by the shop where it made me feel like Christmas is not just about the gifts we recieve from our relatives and love ones, clothes worn just for the purpose of Christmas pictures, or the decorative homes where the room lights up with joy. There is something that makes christmas more special than it already is. The birth of jesus is one, we celebrate for the purpose that Our Christ is birthed to bring the purpose of becoming a foundation of all but there's more than just what the weather is becoming more like the coldest season ever. Because at every December feels like it's the warmest regards the year has ever symbolized of love, togetherness, and hope--where our hearts celebrates even when the rest of the year was something they fear to bring up at every Reunion.

It's where we know that Christmas light up a new furning fire, replace the old one that rusted before ending what has been. Leaving the year would weigh down a million regrets, mistakes, wrong decisions. What makes us human is our conscience, our hope that stands at the center of our soul and these occasions are not just occasions but to us, it's where we can express our deepest gratitudes. Whenever i hear the bells of the simbang gabi, the decorations put together creatively in front of every city, christmas dongs played at every store i go, the nutcrackers i fabor so much but they only appear during Christmas, the Christmas tree that saw everything, gifts that probably held thoughts of "what should i get her/him?", it comes to me like a realization that this is not just a celebration but in this month, we make the most of it. We know that no one will look st you wierdly if you do something grand for yourself even just once, or that your house is almost crashing with electricity bills, or that the food is too much because it's Christmas.

The real purpose is that we are together. That you have a companion to celebrate before the year ends in a jiffy. It doesn't matter as long as you have more than just yourself to say Merry Christmas. What's the
thrill, the joy you feel when you are alone and lonely? The heart always longs for companion and that's the essence of chrismas.

And maybe that is why Christmas feels different every year—because it meets us where we are. Whether we come carrying joy or silent sadness, it welcomes us the same. It reminds us that as long as we choose to open our hearts, to sit beside someone, to share a moment no matter how simple, Christmas will always find a way to feel like home.

reference: Blogger.com

The Different: Appreciation towards the Indigenous People

The Philippines proudly celebrates National Indigenous Peoples (IP) Month every October, honoring the rich heritage, wisdom, and resilience of our Indigenous Peoples. This year’s theme, “Weaving Culture, Enriching Future: Empowering Indigenous Communities as Bedrock of Sustainable Development,” beautifully captures the deep connection between culture, identity, and progress. It reminds us that the future we hope to build is strongly rooted in the traditions, values, and knowledge passed down by our indigenous communities through generations.

Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines, numbering around 14–17 million, are not just a part of our population—they are the living soul of our nation’s history. Their cultures, languages, rituals, and ways of life reflect a profound relationship with the land, nature, and community. For centuries, they have protected forests, rivers, and ancestral domains, practicing sustainability long before it became a global concern. Their traditional knowledge teaches us respect for the environment, cooperation within communities, and harmony between people and nature.

Despite their invaluable contributions, many IP communities continue to face serious challenges. Issues such as land dispossession, cultural erosion, discrimination, and limited access to education and basic services threaten not only their way of life but also the heritage of the entire nation. These struggles remind us that celebration alone is not enough—there must be genuine action, understanding, and support. 

National IP Month is a call for awareness, appreciation, and solidarity. It encourages us to listen to indigenous voices, recognize their rights, and protect their ancestral lands and cultural identities. Empowering Indigenous Peoples means giving them the space, respect, and opportunities to thrive on their own terms. When we uplift IP communities, we are not only honoring their past but also strengthening our shared future.

By embracing indigenous cultures and supporting their empowerment, we weave a nation that is more inclusive, compassionate, and sustainable. Their stories, traditions, and wisdom enrich us all, reminding us that progress is most meaningful when it leaves no one behind and when it grows from respect, justice, and unity.

References:

https://nationaltoday.com/national-indigenous-peoples-month/

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ELPIDIO'S LEGACY: the flame that lit its way

His life reminds us that resilience is not the absence of struggle, but the decision to keep choosing service despite the weight of the world. He guided the Philippines through reconstruction with a vision anchored in hope, proving that the courage to rebuild is just as important as the courage to fight. Quirino’s legacy remains a quiet but steady fire—one that continues to warm the generations that follow. A reminder that leadership is not measured by power, but by the lives one uplifts. And that the true duty of a leader is simple, yet profound: to serve the people, even when it costs you.

His journey into national service reads almost like an unfolding destiny. From representing Ilocos Sur in 1919, to finding his voice in the Senate, to serving beside President Manuel Roxas—Quirino
moved through each role with quiet precision. And when Roxas passed away in 1948, fate placed the full weight of a recovering nation on Quirino’s shoulders. The Philippines was wounded, rebuilding from the ashes of war—yet he stepped into the presidency with a steadiness that felt almost like calm after a storm.

 In the long memory of Philippine history, Elpidio Quirino rises not with noise, but with a quiet kind of brilliance—one forged from humility, hardship, and an unwavering belief in what a nation could become. Born on Nove

mber 16, 1890, in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Quirino’s early life was simple, almost unremarkable on paper. Yet it was in that simplicity that his strength took root. The world often underestimates those who come from modest beginnings—but Quirino proved that greatness is not inherited; it is earned.

As president, he did not simply manage a country—he reimagined it. He established the Central Bank of the Philippines, pushed for post-war reconstruction, championed infrastructure modernization, and enforced agrarian reforms that aimed to restore dignity to the farmers who fed the nation. There was

something deeply human about his leadership, something tender even—so much so that people fondly called him “Epidong.”

What I carry from Quirino’s story is this: perseverance is not loud; it is consistent. He faced crises, criticism, insurgency, foreign pressure—yet he stayed rooted in the purpose of public service. His leadership was a blend of wisdom, compassion, and humility—rare qualities that only grow stronger under pressure.

References:

Agoncillo, T. A. (1990). History of the Filipino People.

Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines – Elpidio Quirino

Zaide, S. & Zaide, G. (2004). Philippine History and Government.

Republic Act No. 265 – Central Bank Act (1948)

Elpidio Quirino Presidential Papers & Speeches

https://www.google.com/imgres?q=elpidio.jpg

https://kahimyang.com/resources-9/quirino-1948.jpg

BATA:Ang pag-asa ng bayan, wag ipagtabuyan

The theme “OSAEC-CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban!” feels heavy yet necessary, especially now when so much of children’s lives happen online. It reminds us that behind every case of online exploitation is a real child whose dignity and innocence are being stolen. The
theme pushes us to finally confront the reality that abuse in the digital world is just as damaging as abuse in the physical world—sometimes even worse, because the images never truly disappear. It’s a wake-up call for society to stop treating online threats as invisible or harmless.

I appreciate that the government has been strengthening child protection, especially with the passing of Republic Act 11930 or the Anti-OSAEC Law, which directly targets online sexual exploitation. Agencies like the DSWD, DOJ, DICT, and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking have been working together to track cases, improve reporting mechanisms, and support rescued victims. The Child Protection Compact Partnership between the Philippines and the U.S. also shows that the issue is being taken seriously at both national and international levels. These actions signal that the government recognizes the complexity of online exploitation and is trying to adapt to fast-changing digital dangers.

Still, enforcement remains a challenge. Online exploitation thrives in communities affected by poverty, lack of awareness, and limited digital literacy. Even if laws exist, many families do not understand how
OSAEC operates—sometimes even happening inside households pressured by financial struggles. This shows that protecting children goes beyond passing laws; it requires stronger implementation, community education, and more trained local officers who can respond quickly. Ending OSAEC means working on prevention, strengthening families, and supporting survivors—not just punishing offenders.

Overall, the celebration of National Children’s Month serves as a reminder that child protection is a shared responsibility. The government may build systems and create laws, but communities, schools, and families must also be actively involved. Children deserve to grow in a world—both offline and
online—where their safety and dignity are defended. Fighting for their rights is not just an annual theme; it is a long-term commitment we owe to every Filipino child.

References:

Republic Act 11930 – Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children Act: https://pcw.gov.ph/republic-act-11930/

DSWD on Child Protection Programs: https://www.dswd.gov.ph

Department of Justice – Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT): https://iacat.gov.ph

UNICEF Philippines – Online Child Protection Reports: https://www.unicef.org/philippines

Child Protection Compact Partnership (Philippines–US): https://www.state.gov/child-protection-compact-partnerships/

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The Beauty of my Community; Sto. Domingo

 A Journey Through Sto. Domingo: Where History Meets Nature

As I stepped into the charming town of Sto. Domingo in Ilocos Sur, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and curiosity. With a population of approximately 29,372 people and a land area of 55.63 square kilometers, this town may be small, but it's packed with a rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty.

My journey began at the St. Dominic Parish Church, a stunning example of Spanish-era architecture that dates back to the early days of the town. The church's imposing bell tower, where Diego Silang once served, stands tall and proud, a testament to the town's enduring faith and heritage. As I explored the church, I was struck by the intricate details and ornate decor that adorn the walls and ceilings.

But Sto. Domingo is more than just a history lesson. The town is also a nature lover's paradise, with its lush landscapes, crystal-clear waterfalls, and natural springs. I was amazed by the beauty of the town's natural attractions, which are perfect for hiking, swimming, and other outdoor activities.

As I explored the town, I was impressed by the thriving community that's full of life and energy. The People's Coliseum, Municipal Plaza, and Public Market are just a few of the many attractions that showcase the town's vibrant culture. And with 37 registered multi-purpose cooperatives, 8 bakeries, 6 computer cafes, and numerous other businesses, it's clear that Sto. Domingo is a town that's going places.

What struck me most about Sto. Domingo, however, was the warmth and hospitality of its people. The townspeople are known for their welcoming nature, making visitors feel like they're part of the family. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Sto. Domingo is a destination that's sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

 This charming town may be small, but it's packed with a rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. If you're looking for a destination that's off the beaten path, Sto. Domingo is definitely worth a visit.

References:

blogger.com

I LEARNED AND I GREW

This quarter in ICT was a game-changer for me. I learned so much about coding, especially HTML variables and web development. I remember spending hours working on projects, trying to get the code just right. Blog posting became a regular thing, and I enjoyed sharing my experiences and showcasing my work.

But it wasn't all smooth sailing. Debugging was a major challenge for me. I'd write code, but it wouldn't work, and I'd get frustrated. Time management was another issue. With multiple projects and deadlines looming, I had to prioritize and stay focused.

To overcome these challenges, I turned to online resources like W3Schools and Mozilla Developer Network. They helped me understand complex concepts and fix my code. I also practiced coding regularly, which improved my skills and confidence. And when I was stuck, I didn't hesitate to ask for help from my instructor or peers.

Looking ahead, I'm excited to build on what I've learned. I want to explore more advanced web development topics and apply my skills to real-world projects. I'm confident that with persistence and practice, I'll become a proficient web developer and create something amazing.

references:

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A FAMILY:TEACHERS DAY

 My Teacher, My Hero: A Heartfelt Tribute

As we celebrate the 2025 Teacher's Month Celebration with the theme "My Teacher, My Hero," I am reminded of the profound impact that teachers have on our lives. They are the guiding lights who illuminate our path, helping us navigate the complexities of life and learning. With their unwavering dedication, patience, and passion, teachers shape not only our minds but also our hearts.

Teachers are more than just educators; they are mentors, role models, and inspirations. They see potential in us, even when we don't see it ourselves. They push us to be our best selves, to strive for excellence, and to never give up on our dreams. As Kiran Sethi, founder of the Ripple Effect, so eloquently puts it, "Teachers are the backbone of a strong education system, and without them, we wouldn't have the thinkers, leaders, and change-makers of tomorrow" (The Ripple Effect).

I remember the teachers who took the time to listen, to encourage, and to believe in me. They made me feel seen, heard, and valued. They helped me develop a love for learning that has stayed with me to this day. Their impact extends far beyond the classroom, shaping my values, my relationships, and my very identity.

As we celebrate Teacher's Month, let us express our heartfelt gratitude to these unsung heroes. Let us acknowledge the late nights, the early mornings, and the countless hours spent grading papers, preparing lessons, and mentoring students. Let us celebrate the teachers who make a difference, who inspire us to be our best selves, and who shape the future, one student at a time.

To all the teachers out there, thank you for being my heroes. Your dedication, passion, and love for teaching are a beacon of hope and inspiration to us all.

References

TEDtalk.com

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SCIENCE: TO KNOW LIFE

 The Science Month Celebration has granted us the opportunity to declutter our minds of what “Spatialyze: Surveying societies, sensing solutions” has led us to empower every generation passing—the contests, activities, and preparations throughout this month. I learned a lot from the creative, informative delivery of what this celebration has come down with its purpose.

Science has been everywhere, but the echoes of voices from people, which allowed this celebration to be the root for us to gather our knowledge and ideas about Science. The future holds nothing but the unknown, they quote, but with the help of every bits of fiber with the technology that science provides us, not just your busy cities and communities, but every home in the world.  The innovation that created unbelievable experiments and worth proving theories has powered us to believe in ourselves, or rather, it is really a fact that the world will continue to evolve because of Science and innovation. We gather information about every aspect in life, a wide range of fields and areas that sometimes, a few are aware of. One is medical, whether it be drugs, anesthetics, viruses, treatment, chemicals, and cures—biology and chemistry will gladly be in our hands. Motions, and sometimes we cannot understand how things work, physics explains. Natural phenomena that are wind blowing will strike you that it might be magic, well, it is not, because Earth Science is sure to open your mind to something factual—because science is not just facts, but a bunch of FACTS.  

So science is not only about your atoms, chemical bonding, matter, and elements, but there’s more that the brain cannot fathom so easily in just 16 years of education. We, as a society, coexist with science in our daily lives. Even if we are just breathing, just existing, we are Science itself. As said in the dictionary, Science is a systematic method of acquiring knowledge about the physical and social world through observation and experimentation to understand general truths and fundamental laws, which these laws have been the basis of our life, such as quantum physics, genetics, biotechnology, neuroscience, and many more that we rarely even talk about. 

There’s more to come with better inventions and discoveries that science will be able to conquer. It is only right that we make an effort to appreciate the world around us because life has been made easier, convenience has become the top priority, and science has become the standard. As to why? Worlds and kingdoms will never be conquered without a vague idea about a place you want to be puzzled and be able to create something new—we would’ve been nothing but just land, humans, animals, and nature if Science did not have theories and discoveries that are constantly being researched carefully. And we use these statistical data to evaluate and
create a purpose for ourselves. Science makes the impossible possible so that society will rise to greater heights.

REFERENCE:

https://www.britannica.com/science/science

https://www.diplomacy.edu/blog/part-1-harnessing-technology-driving-sdgs/

https://study.com/academy/lesson/how-science-technology-economic-activity-shape-societies.html