Neil Arce

 The 123rd High School Day celebration at our school was an amazing experience that brought everyone together. This yearly celebration is important because it reminds us of our school's history and achievements, and it helps us feel proud to be part of Ilocos Sur National High School. This year was extra special for me because one of my classmates won the title of queen, which made the event even more exciting. We also worked hard on a performance and ended up winning first place! It was so much fun to celebrate with everyone. Since this is my last foundation day as a junior student, it means a lot to me. I’m moving up to senior high school soon, and I feel a mix of happiness and sadness about leaving this part of my school life behind. Overall, the celebration was a great way to enjoy our hard work and honor our school's traditions.

As I reflect on the past quarter, I feel a mix of emotions. This is it, this is my last reflection essay, and it’s hard to say goodbye to such an important time in our learning. To be honest, tears are building in my eyes as I am writing this reflection essay.  One of the highlights was learning about Ms. Front Page. Our amazing teacher guided us through creating our own front pages, making the process fun and educational. I'm grateful for the chance to learn from both our teacher and our practice teacher, ma'am Charleen. Your guidance has made a big difference in my growth. As we close this chapter. I just want to take this opportunity to say that I appreciate the experiences we’ve shared and the knowledge you shared to all of us. Thank you, dear teachers, for guiding us and for all your help. Your influence will stay with us as we move forward. Once again, thank you—for this amazing school that you shared with me and my classmates. 

Fifteen years from now, I envision myself as a successful CPA lawyer, having completed my studies in law and built a fulfilling career that blends my passion for justice with my expertise in finance.  Before starting my own family, I plan to take a special trip with my parents and sisters, creating lasting memories and cherishing the time we have together. I see myself living a comfortable life, balancing my professional ambitions with the joys of family. I imagine being happily married, sharing my life with a supportive partner, and raising two wonderful children who inspire me every day. Together, we create a warm home, where values of hard work and compassion are present. As I navigate the challenges of my career, I remain committed to making a positive impact in my community, ensuring that my journey is not just about personal success, but also about uplifting those around me. Ps: Hopefully by now I'm already a millionaire lol🤞✨ Sources: *https://images.app.goo.gl/E4o78kdxKrxx...

The theme "WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society" is celebrated every March during National Women's Month. This theme is important because it encourages everyone to work together for equal rights and opportunities for all genders. When we promote gender equality, we help create a fairer society where everyone can succeed. We can contribute by speaking out against unfair treatment, supporting local groups that help women and marginalized people, and sharing information about gender issues with our friends and family. Joining events during National Women's Month is another great way to show support and learn more about how we can make a positive change together. Sources: *https://images.app.goo.gl/bRujZo2aZsgSrzR89 *https://images.app.goo.gl/L1ZwJZEZv6SvbNiJ7

My attendance at the Tle booth event was to show my support for fellow young entrepreneurs. I made it a point to visit various booths and purchase products they were offering, as I believe in the importance of encouraging their bussiness spirit and hard work. By doing so, I aimed to contribute to their success and inspire them to continue.  Out of curiosity I asked around the purpose of the Estyudantreprenuer event. Turns out it is to support and showcase young entrepreneurs and their innovative ideas. The event aims to empower young entrepreneurs by offering them the opportunity to present their business ideas and products.  In addition, I also took the opportunity to enjoy the various games and activities organized during the event. Engaging in these fun activities not only added to the overall enjoyment of the day but also gave a sense of community among people. Overall, my experience at the event was both fulfilling and enjoyable. 

 The Kannawidan Festival is an annual celebration held here in Ilocos Sur, that honors the cultural heritage and the separation of the province from Ilocos Norte. It typically takes place in late January to early February and marks the founding anniversary of the province. The Kannawidan festival is significant for several reasons.  First, the festival helps keep local traditions and culture alive. It showcases the history, music, and dances of the Ilocano people, making sure these important parts of their identity are remembered. Next, is that it boosts the province's economy. Celebrating the festival supports local businesses by attracting visitors. Farmers and local sellers can sell their products, which helps the community grow. Lastly, is for social purposes. The festival brings people together. It encourages everyone, especially the younger generation, to participate in activities and learn about their heritage, creating a strong sense of community. References: *https://...

 Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14th, is a special day for showing love and affection to partners, friends, and family. It has roots in the story of Saint Valentine, but today it reminds us to appreciate our relationships and share our feelings. As Valentine's Day approaches, many people look for gifts, especially flowers. While roses and traditional flowers are popular, I have found my own way to celebrate this day that has also made me successful. Instead of selling regular flowers, My sister and I create and sell flowers made from crocheted yarn, satin, and fuzzy wires.  Each flower is made special. The money we earn makes us feel delighted but the real joy comes from when someone chooses our flowers to show their love. It Somewhats makes me feel proud and happy. Reference: *https://images.app.goo.gl/CDiniGNaM5ug2t369

 Our journey into community-based research started with a shared goal to understand how the presidency of Elpidio Quirino affected our community and for grade purposes of course (lol).  We began our research with brainstorming sessions during our free time. We discussed various topics but decided to focus on the impact of President Elpidio Quirino's presidency on Caoayan. We recognized that his administration's efforts in economic reconstruction could have shaped the community's development.  With our topic chosen, we talked how to outline our goals and methods. We decided to use surveys and interviews to gather information from community members about their experiences during Quirino's presidency. Each team member took on different tasks.  The most exciting part was conducting the research. We went to explore our community and find some insights from about the former president.  After collecting our data, we analyzed our findings and identified key themes, such...

 Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is an important celebration that marks the start of the lunar calendar. It usually falls between January 21 and February 20. The holiday is filled with family gatherings, special meals, dragon and lion dances, and the giving of red envelopes with money for good luck. In the Philippines, where many people are chinese, Chinese New Year has become a popular celebration. But, some might question why the Chinese New Year is celebrated here in the Philippines when in fact, it is very different to our culture and traditions, well here are 3 reasons.  First, historical and cultural ties. The Philippines has a long history of Chinese immigration, dating back to the 9th century. Chinese immigrants have greatly influenced Filipino culture, language, and trade. Because of this history, many Filipinos celebrate Chinese New Year.  Second, belief in luck and prosperity. Chinese New Year is deeply rooted in beliefs about luck and prosperit...

 Vigan, a historic city in the Philippines, became a city on January 22, 2001. This change was important for its local government and cultural heritage, as Vigan is known for its beautiful Spanish colonial buildings and rich traditions. The city’s elevation to cityhood marked a significant moment in its history. Vigan has a long history that dates back to the 16th century when it was a trading hub called "Samtoy." When the Spanish arrived, they made it a colonial capital, which shaped its unique architecture. In 1999, Vigan was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its cultural importance. The city is famous for its cobblestone streets and ancestral homes, which attract many tourists. The Longganisa Festival, held every January 22, celebrates both the city’s heritage and its cityhood, bringing the community together and showcasing local traditions. Becoming a city allowed Vigan to improve its local government and focus on sustainable tourism. The city works...

 As the new year begins, I find myself reflecting on the past year and thinking to myself "How can I improve myself for the next 12 months? ". I would like to take this New Year as an opportunity and make positive changes in my life. This year, I want to manage my time better. I often find myself cramming, even if they give the activities 2 weeks before the deadline, I've always ended up doing them last minute. To avoid procrastination, I will make a daily schedule and manage my time to help me stay organized and focused on things. Additionally, I want to learn something new. Whether it’s discovering a new hobby or seeking more insights about philosophy to help prepare me for the preparatory course for pre-law that I will take for the future. I believe that learning will help me grow and keep my mind more active. In summary, the New Year is a chance to a fresh start. By focusing on time management and embracing new learning opportunities, we can all become a better versio...

Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and this past holiday season was no exception. The night before Christmas, my family and I kept things simple. We gathered around the dining table, enjoying a delicious meal together, sharing stories and laughter. After our meal, we settled down for the night, we didn't really waited for the Noche Buena and just went to bed. On Christmas morning, the atmosphere felt something so familiar, it was exiting. We kicked off the day by playing games, a tradition that always brings us closer together. Luck was on my side and I won over a thousand pesos during our friendly competitions. The thrill of the games added an extra drop of joy to the day, and I felt grateful for the fun we shared as a family. As December 29 approached, we prepared for a different kind of celebration. We traveled to Puro to partake in their fiesta. Fast forward to December 31, the last day of the year, we woke up early to attend church. After the mass, we headed to the mark...

 Reflecting on this past quarter, I’ve gained valuable lessons that have significantly influenced my perspective and approach to various aspects of my life. One of the most important lessons has been coding. For me, coding have been both enlightening and transformative.  I approached coding with a mix of excitement and apprehension, unsure of my ability to grasp the concepts. However, I choose to nourish and build my skills from each activities and assignments.                                     Source  As I look ahead, I am committed to applying these lessons to ensure continued growth and success. By integrating these lessons into my daily life, I am confident that I will be better equipped to face future challenges and seize opportunities that come my way.

 March, it is the National Women’s Month, a time to celebrate women's achievements and raise awareness about the critical issue of violence against women (VAW). The 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women highlights the urgent need for action against this pervasive social problem, with nearly 1 in 5 women experiencing violence from intimate partners, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.                                      Source Central to this fight is the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) Act of 2004, a landmark legislation that provides a comprehensive legal framework to protect women and children from various forms of violence. This law not only establishes laws for legal protection and support services for victims but also emphasizes the importance of education and awareness campaigns to inform the public about women's rights.     ...

 Elpidio Quirino was born on November 16, 1890, in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, to a well-off family of Chinese mestizo descent. He excelled academically, earning a law degree from the University of the Philippines. His early life was marked by a strong commitment to education, which led him to become a barrio teacher before entering politics.                                        Source Quirino's political ascent continued after World War II when he was elected vice president in 1946. Following the death of President Manuel Roxas in 1948, he assumed the presidency. His administration focused on postwar reconstruction, economic recovery, and social justice initiatives, including the establishment of the President's Action Committee on Social Amelioration (PACSA) to aid impoverished families.  In 1953 presidential election, Quirino sought re-election but was defeated by Ramon Magsaysay am...

 The observance of National Indigenous Peoples Month, particularly in 2024, serves as a advocacy for promoting and protecting the rights and culture of Indigenous Peoples. The theme “Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan at Parangalana” highlights the importance of valuing and preserving Indigenous knowledge and culture. By highlighting these traditional practices, the celebration presents a greater appreciation for the unique contributions of Indigenous communities to the cultural heritage of the nation.                                          Source Furthermore, events and activities like this encourages connection between Indigenous Peoples and the government, promoting collaboration in policy-making that respects their rights and aspirations. Last but not the least, it creates opportunities for education and awareness among the public. By engaging vari...

 Climate change poses significant challenges to the lives of many Filipinos, primarily due to the country's geographic location. The Philippines is located in a region prone to extreme weather events, such as typhoons and heavy rainfall, which have become increasingly frequent and severe due to climate change. These natural disasters lead to loss of lives. The impact of these events is felt most acutely by those in low-income areas, where resources for recovery are limited. Source Another one contributing to environmental changes is innovation and the increasing demand for energy. As cities expand and populations grow, the reliance on fossil fuels increase, leading to higher greenhouse gas emissions. This not only contributes to climate change but also increases the vulnerability of places to flooding and heatwaves.  Lastly, the lack of effective leaders and implementation of climate adaptation strategies obstructs the Philippines' ability to respond to these challenges. While...

 The 2024 National Children's Month Celebration, themed “Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines,” highlights the urgent need to tackle the ongoing issue about violence against children in our country. This theme serves as a call to action for communities, organizations, and government to unite in all their efforts in order to create a safer environment for children. By raising awareness about the issue of violence, the celebration aims to educate the public on various forms of abuse and the importance of it's prevention.                                     Source The initiative urges people to implement protective measures and support systems for childrens. Organizations like Save the Children Philippines and the Virlanie Foundation who are actively participating in this campaign, highlighting the need for community involvement in safeguarding ...

 June the month of environment, a month-long celebration reminding us about the pressing need to resolve environmental problems we face, from climate change and pollution to deforestation and loss of biodiversity. It challenges us to reflect on our responsibilities toward the environment and to undertake steps to reduce our ecological footprint. It makes us work toward a better future for us and for generations to come. Certain things could initially appear little and straightforward, but when we gather all of these little parts and put them all together, they might become something larger. For example, unplugging appliances when they are not in use, by doing this simple thing we can conserve and save electricity.  Another way I contributed to the environment is of course planting. Planting helps not only us humans, but also animals. Plants have many benifits, such as it serves as a shade for a hot day, it gives fresh air that clears out bad gasses, etc.  Third, by choos...

Balancing academic and social life during this quarter. I have received helpful knowledge and skills that noted points about management and the importance of prioritization made me aware of needing time for everything, and this has been helpful in managing all my responsibilities. Many techniques on staying on track, such as using to-do lists and self-set deadlines, were learned and implemented. It improved my academic performance and enhanced my confidence and self-discipline.                                        Source However, there were various challenges throughout the quarter. For example, I found myself in many kinds of problems, especially when multiple projects and requirements were about to be due simultaneously. It made me feel lost in confusion, frustration, and anxiety. There were even times when I almost wanted to give up, but my emotions did not beat that inside me. To co...