I don’t get some people would feel the need to change over the span of a day. My feeling is mutual to that of having a New Year’s Resolution. Mark Twain once said, "New Year's Day: now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual . . . New Year's is a harmless annual institution, of no particular use to anybody save as a scapegoat for promiscuous drunks, and friendly calls, and humbug resolutions."

                Out of simple curiosity, why do I need to mindset these belief during a New Year? Why New Year? And when they mean ‘New  Me’, does that mean that I have to alter myself to be someone who is someone I was the year before? I beg to disagree for I find it to be such an appalling notion.

                But I suppose I could do with change. In verbatim it would mean as a process to become something different. Change for the better they say. But this process would take time and most importantly the need to start it slowly, focusing on small things first then surely attaining your desired change.

                Change for me would start with my performance in school. I often procrastinate so I would find myself in trouble by the end of the grading period. I’d work on improving my sense of meeting deadlines and hopefully I’d be able to pass my requirements on time this time. Another one is about spending more time with my friends. I admit, I am quite socially awkward, I rather spend my time reading a book and listening to music than shopping. But as it is already close to, as we call it, major break up, I’d do anything just to spend more time with them.

                I don’t adapt well with major changes. I am really contented with who I am, what I do, and what I have right now so for me, one thing is for sure. I will change at my own pace and change for myself and myself only.

I find this topic to be quite overrated or rather so cliched subjectively speaking. One could just say that the essence of Christmas is giving, or it could be spending it with someone they love and be done with it.

                Quite dull if I may speak so frankly. In the religious sense, Christmas is celebrated for the commemoration of the birth of our savior Jesus Christ. And we as traditional Filipinos, we glorify it with superfluous festivities such as  the lavish food and decorations. We would take days beforehand setting up, the preparation of Christmas trees and lights and garlands and other decorations. Then someone who would spend the whole day in the kitchens to bake, boil, fry, grill and steam whatever the dining table may behold. We eat, enjoy and be with our loved ones to our hearts content. I have nothing against this tradition per se, but when we think about it, this is the day when Jesus was born in a haystack, surrounded with barnyard animals. Now wouldn't everything just feel overwrought? Extravagant? Excessive?

                Yes, there is the adage to disagree with my point that we really should celebrate to the point of being overdone because it is Jesus’ birthday. I don’t disagree.

                But I would like to say that one Christmas, I would like to take time to feel its essence. Just under the cold night, swimming among the brightness of the shining stars, blanketed by the twinkling joys of merriment of my family and relish. Relish the fact that I am in this world today, surrounded with my loved ones because of the birth of one savior and smile.

                

Global Climate Change is arguably the most far-reaching challenge of this century. Many scientists believe that our production of carbon dioxide and other

greenhouse gases is having a heating effect on the atmosphere and this could be very well prove to be a threat to the humankind.

                Many problems could result from global warming. One of biggest problems is the rising sea level. This could result in the flooding of low lying areas and cities such as Egypt, the Netherlands and Bangladesh. Some countries might even disappear completely. Another problem caused by global warming are the changes in the weather patterns. Many areas of the world are experiencing increased hurricanes, floods, and other unusual weathers. A third problem associated with global warming is its effect on animals. Fish populations could be affected while some insects which spread diseases might become even more common.

                There are several things we can do to solve the problem of global warming. One solution is ti diminish the use of carbon dioxide. We can do this by switching from oil, coal and gas to renewable energy. Another solution is to plant more trees. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen which is not a greenhouse gas. A third solution is to use less energy and to recycle more products. Generating electricity is one of the main sources of carbon dioxide. If we use less electricity thus the lesser production of carbon dioxide.

                In conclusion, if we make small changes now in the way we live, we can avoid huge changes in the future. Scientists, Government Agencies and us individuals must work together to overcome this worldwide threat.

      When I was still a child, I already began dedicating myself to English language. From collecting words (like the longest word, hard to spell words and such), to reading books upon books (mountains of them actually) for the purpose of quenching my thirst for illiteracy. Because I believe that this language is very powerful for it not only conveys intention and purpose but feelings and emotions as well.
        We all know that English is the universal language, it is a very common fact to most people to the point of being clichéd but I believe that, that is not the only reason why we should affluent ourselves to said language. In our day-to-day activities and other menial tasks, English language is ever present. In Education may it be Science or Math or Social Studies; In Commerce such as making businesses and mergers and transactions; In Tourism most especially, all around the world you can’t meet a single person who at least doesn’t know meager English. Now we see why English proficiency is very much badly needed. English language had served as a liaison for alliances and World Peace. English language had made it possible for love and communication exist throughout the different countries and races around the world. With all of this, through English language, people’s hearts and minds are connected, no matter how thin of a thread it may be.
        As little as other people English may seem to be, I love English language. Words can’t describe how much more I would like to learn from it , like the classics of Shakespeare, Forster, Bennette, Austen and the Bronte sisters, as well as the contemporary works of Rowling, Riordan, Green, Meyer and Sparks. I feel as though with all of the things that I seek, time seems to fly so fast. But all I can say is that I will pour my body, mind, heart and soul for the sole purpose of my passion, English.

HeForShe Campaign: My say for Gender Equality

 Equal rights and equal opportunities is a very vast area, it can refer to equal human rights, equality before the law, equal civil rights and many other more. But in this case, I would like to talk more about Women’s Rights and Gender equality.
I was always a firm believer of the strength of females in general. As a matter of fact, I am very proud to say that I am a feminist myself.
 Being a feminist does not necessarily mean that women are more superior to men, nor are we man-haters, rather it is a collection of movements and ideologies aimed at defining, establishing, and defending equal political, economic, cultural, and social rights for women. This includes seeking to establish equal opportunities for women in education and employment.
           In the old days, women were expected to stay at home and tend to her children. Women were expected stay quiet about decisions and choices while men's words are absolute. Women were expected to stay in the shadows back then. Sadly, up until now some women are still treated this way. Some even get abused for talking back. Not just physically, but even women who were lead to believe that they are inferior to men is one form of abuse and is against gender equality.
          Why are women treated this way? Why can't they have the same rights men do? Why must they feel inferior to the harsh reality called gender equality? These must be some of the questions that would forever make us ponder but never fully answered. But who says we can't start searching for answers now?
 The movement for gender equality was originally conceived as a struggle led only by women for women. In recent years, men have begun to stand up in addressing inequalities and discrimination faced by women and girls.
           If men don’t have to be aggressive in order to be accepted women won’t feel compelled to be submissive. If men don’t have to control, women won’t have to be controlled.
  Both men and women should feel free to be sensitive. Both men and women should feel free to be strong. It is time that we all perceive gender on a spectrum not as two opposing sets of ideals.
  If we stop defining each other by what we are not and start defining ourselves by what we are—we can all be free.
         When I was given this topic, I was very glad because this is one of the advocacies that I could consider myself active on for quite a while now and I am fairly well versed for this particular topic. I am firm believer and a member of UN Ambassador of Women Equality, Emma Watson's HeforShe Campaign and I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to support our campaign and fight against gender equality!
           HeforShe is not about man-hating or women superiority. It's about freedom.

       I have passed feeling the obnoxious excitement with relates to sports events. Long ago, I was once a player myself as a part of a team in volleyball who competed in the regionals. Having to feel the thrill coursing through your veins in the anticipation of facing a strong opponent, having to feel that madly beating heartbeat of not only myself but with the rest of my team mates resembling that of an elephant's parading and having to feel that unexplainable joy and elateness when having been able to win against a specially strong opponent. I mean that is what Intramurals supposed to mean isn't it?

      It is as if people nowadays treat Intramurals as a means of  having been able to get away from studies and watch different sports matches. That may be partly correct, yes. But for me Intramurals is not a day only for the athletes but also for us battle spectators to feel the same thrill that they are going through. Unfortunately, it was like we had our own different worlds with some watching the games, some participating in the booths set up by the different clubs and organizations of the school, and some seems to be not giving a care at all. Add to that, the disastrous second day full of black skies and harsh angry howls of the winds of Super typhoon Mario.

It is not a bad thing to actually try something new and enjoy ourselves while at it but I think Intramurals should be treated with more respect by actually being able to connect with one another through the use of the central piece: sports. 

       I once read something in one of the books of Nicholas Sparks that teachers, they inspire you, they entertain you, and you end up learning a ton even when you don't know it. To be different, I would like to fill this entry with something not about the usual gratitude that we all feel for them, not about having to see them as our stepping stones, not about seeing them as our molders or someone to lean on, but someone, someone who is just there, a hero.

       Throughout our younger years, who would break childish fights between us pupils? Who would wait for our parents to take us home from school? Who would see to it that everybody is well and present just upon entering the pristine walls of the school? Who would it be but our dearest teachers?

I've spent my younger years thanking them, apologizing to them and wishing something from them relating all about our education. Intellectually, yes, the chances are nil that we would be half of what we are today without our teachers. Imagine that, not knowing how to read, how to count, basically just not knowing how to survive. But what we are missing is behind all the technicalities, the patience, understanding and care that they shower upon us is just as much as all the lessons we've learned from them. And I can tell that beyond all the stiff and disciplinary methods, lies a heart full of compassion that wants us to be better and to be  stronger individual.

       I would bow to you teachers like the Japanese do, or salute you in terms of military ways, but still I thank you for without you, I wouldn't be half the person as I am today, intellectually and a person as a whole.