Reflections on My Learning Journey and Growth

 

Q1. What have I learned?

    I have learned about HTML attributes and community-based research. In the previous quarter, HTML became deeply ingrained in my knowledge—I familiarized myself with various attributes, corrected wrong tags, and improved my ability to construct well-structured code. This experience allowed me to enhance my understanding and technical skills. Additionally, I explored community-based research, which, as an SSC student, I found to have a distinct approach compared to traditional research subjects.

Q2. What challenges have I encountered?

    One of the challenges I faced was my lack of participation at times. During group activities, I sometimes found myself hesitant to engage, as my shyness would take over. This made it difficult for me to actively contribute to group work.

Q3. How did I overcome these challenges?

    As an introvert person, I am working on overcoming this challenge by pushing myself to participate and collaborate with others. I will strive to overcome self-doubt and insecurities when communicating, ensuring that I contribute effectively to group activities.

    Moving forward, I will cherish the lessons I have learned and apply them meaningfully. As I enter the last quarter of the school year, I am committed to studying smarter than ever, giving my best effort, and working towards achieving my goals for the future.

REFERENCES: https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.p_69icibra3xUv8jJcPvAwHaE1?w=270&h=180&c=7&r=0&o=5&dpr=1.5&pid=1.7

Chinese New Year 2025 – Why Do Filipinos Celebrate It?

     

"The Chinese presence in the Philippines has shaped many aspects of our daily lives, from food to language and even beliefs about luck and prosperity."

    Chinese New Year is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the Philippines, despite it not originally being a Filipino tradition. For centuries, Chinese culture has heavily influenced the country because Chinese traders and settlers had been part of Philippine society even before Spanish colonization. Today, this New Year is an important undertaking celebrated nationwide, with many Filipinos of Chinese ancestry joining in the revelry. The primary reason Filipinos celebrate Chinese New Year is that the Chinese Filipino community is deeply rooted in society. Many Filipino families have Chinese ancestry, and their customs, traditions, and values have blended with local culture. This includes practices like giving ang pao, preparing tikoy, and following Feng Shui beliefs for luck and prosperity.

    Additionally, Filipinos are intrinsically attracted to the activities of celebrating with family, luck, and merriment – aspects that also represent the crux of Chinese New Year. Dragon and lion dances, firework displays, and huge banquets fill hearts with happiness within communities of Chinatown districts as well as households in general.

    The government of the Philippines also declares Chinese New Year as a special non-working holiday, where more Filipinos could partake of the celebrations. This declaration gives a reflection of the multicultural spirit of the country and their respect for other traditions.  It is the epitome of the country's cultural diversity, where the whole nation unites together to thank each other for being fortunate enough to celebrate a prosperous year ahead, bringing.

REFERENCE: -https://www.tripsavvy.com/thmb/GV0A5bjanVUm4uRBByt3WhVq2NY=/4310x2877/filters:fill(auto,1)/GettyImages-821407668-5c279f54c9e77c0001894cf7.jpg

Vigan: A Timeless Blend of History and Heritage

   Vigan is a window to our colonized-but-simpler past, offering a tranquil escape and a glimpse of history preserved in time.

Vigan, once a poor municipality, is now a bustling city that perfectly preserves its rich cultural heritage in the midst of modernity.

Vigan was founded in 1572 by Juan de Salcedo, and it flourished as an important trading post during the Spanish colonial period. Originally called "Villa Fernandina," it was built with a grid pattern that consisted of a central plaza, churches, and residential areas that bore the mark of Spanish influence. Its location on the Mestizo River was strategic, which allowed local and foreign merchants to trade with one another, thus becoming a melting pot of cultures, specifically Spanish, Chinese, and indigenous Filipino traditions.

Vigan was declared a city in 2000. This marked a new chapter in the history of Vigan. The declaration was part of a larger revitalization process that aimed at preserving its historical sites and promoting sustainable tourism. The city's recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 highlighted its unique architectural landscape, characterized by cobblestone streets and well-preserved colonial buildings. Local development has, from then onwards been on enhancing infrastructures, taking care to do so without in any way threatening the city's cultural heritage.

Nowadays, Vigan is an emblem of the cultural and historical legacy of the Philippines. Every year, it accommodates thousands of tourists to have a taste of its distinctive aura through sites like Calle Crisologo, Vigan Cathedral, and Bantay Bell Tower among others. There are also numerous lively festivals: Vigan City Fiesta and Longganisa Festival that celebrate the rich local culture and cuisine. And as it progresses to becoming a city, it still pursues its rich history while maintaining its economic development and community progress.

REFERENCES:

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The Best Is Yet to Come

 "Every day is a chance to begin again. Don't focus on the failures of yesterday; start today with positive thoughts and expectations." — Lacey Sturm

Now that the new year has arrived, I totally welcome the mantra "new year, new me" and view it as a powerful catalyst for transformation and renewal. At this moment, I have an opportunity to look back at my past, consider what I achieved and what was challenging, and set ambitious but achievable goals for the future. I realize that personal growth starts from within, so I am ready to let go of the worn-out habits which are no longer helping me in my life but rather to allow the good positive changes that can reflect the better version of myself.

On this premise of rebirth, I promise myself that I am going to work towards maintaining and nurturing my body through healthy wholesome foods, doing exercises regularly, and practicing mindfulness for mental lucidity and hardiness. I will be responsible for taking care of my self-care, not only in terms of physical fitness but also emotional and spiritual health. Time will be created for rituals that will include meditation, journaling, or spending quiet time alone in nature.

I also want to explore new passions and interests that can reignite my creativity and curiosity. Whether it be learning a new hobby, taking a class, I've always thought I should take, or diving into the book that I have been intending to read forever, I should learn and challenge myself to the unknown. Stepping out of my comfort zone this year with new challenges such as trying some things I really want to but haven't stepped out to accomplish yet.

Equally important, I will always be committed to nurturing meaningful relationships. I will always invest time into connecting with my family and friends, strengthening those bonds that will bring joy and support into my life. My goal is to surround myself with positive influences—people who inspire me to be better and who celebrate my journey as much as I celebrate theirs. Together, we can uplift each other and build a network of encouragement and love.

A new year in a new dawn-while all around, and in my world anew, I vow to remember each step of this journey is both up and down as I change through the ups and downs, for every small success, I must learn from small failures. For with hope alive in my heart and determination coursing through my soul, it is with faith that I hope to become, one day at a time, the very best of what I can become, for life is full of promise and boundless possibilities.".

Tis the Season for Love and Happiness

"Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind." — Calvin Coolidge

This year's Christmas holidays were simply a beautiful and joyous culmination of love and connection with good reflection, set against the backgrounds of precious moments spent with families, filled with laughter and rich storytelling. This warmth of those moments brought so much love into the atmosphere while reminding us all of the love that bonds together. Engaging in festive traditions like decorating the tree brought out a sense of unity as we reminisced over past holidays but created new ones. Baking cookies not only filled our home with the wonderful aromas of cookies but also brought us closer together in the kitchen, creating a haven of joy.

The pleasure of thoughtful gifts, giving and receiving them, added magic to the season. Every gift that was exchanged was a symbol of our love and appreciation for each other, which reinforced our connections and gave us memories to last a lifetime. Ice skating and holiday movies were seasonal activities that enriched our experience, creating opportunities for laughter and shared enjoyment. These moments together helped to create a festive atmosphere that made the holidays feel truly special.

At the end of the year, I took time to reflect on what I had accomplished and what I would like to achieve in the coming year. This introspection was beneficial, as it helped me set intentions for personal growth. Volunteering and donating to those in need made the holiday season even more meaningful, reminding us of all of the importance of empathy and community. Special meals, music, and other cultural practices deepened connections as we cherished the holiday and made this an experience I will not forget.

“Christmas is forever, not for just one day. For loving, sharing, giving are not to put away.” – Norman Wesley Brooks

REFERENCE:

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A Deep Dive into Learned Lessons

Reflections on My ICT Learning Journey

A. What are the learning/discoveries have I gained?

During the second quarter of Grade 10 ICT, I learned several HTML tags, links, and many other basic concepts of web development.

B. What are the problems/challenges have I encountered?

Some of the weaknesses I had were comprehensive understanding of a few lessons, for instance, how to open an account. Also, there was the <time management problem caused by the various projects that were very sensitive to time and required multitasking.

C. How did I solve those problems?

To solve those problems, I did to reached out to my teacher and classmates whenever I needed help.

I utilized online resources and tutorials to explain concepts I found difficult.  I improved in time management by creating a timetable for study, setting specific time allocations for each project and assignment. I will continue improving my ICT skills and take steps to enhance the learning process by taking proactive measures. This includes attempting to solve problems independently before asking for help as this will enhance my problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.

REFERENCE:

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From Shadows to Strength: Women's Rights and Safety (Thematic)

 "Empowered women empower society—ending violence begins with protecting their rights."

"How can we create a society where no woman lives in fear of violence or abuse?"

     The Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 Republic Act No. 9262 is one of the most significant pieces of law enacted in the Philippines on violence against women and children. It comes into focus with the annual 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, which runs from November 25 to December 12, with awareness-raising and action on gender-based violence.

    While victims of violence can apply for protection orders, the law grants immediate enforcement responses and various support systems (including counseling and legal aid). The campaign is intended to inform the public about violence against women, with statistics that show almost 1 out of 5 women suffers from it.

    This year's campaign, "VAW Bigyang Wakas, ngayon na ang Oras," is significant in that it symbolizes the 20th anniversary of the Act and furthers the government stand of agencies, such as the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in safeguarding women's rights.

     The VAWC Act has the value of influencing responses to gender-based violence and serves as a motivating force for social change-the catalyst of community dialogues to break norms and foster support for survivors. The advocacy continues for stakeholders to create a safer environment for women and children throughout the Philippines.

"A Step Toward Equality: The Spirit of RA 8353 and RA 11313"

Picture a world where every woman walks fearlessly, her rights protected, her opportunities boundless, and her dignity upheld. Let’s explore how this law transforms lives and builds a better, safer future for all.

RA 8353

   In a world striving for justice, there comes a moment when society decides to rewrite its rules—not for convenience, but for dignity and respect. The Anti-Rape Law of 1997 (Republic Act No. 8353) is one such moment, a turning point that challenged old definitions and gave voice to a long-silenced truth: consent matters.

   Republic Act No. 8353: "Anti-Rape Law of 1997" defined rape in the Philippines as "Crime Against Persons" instead of a crime merely against chastity. This law redefined rape as an act of penetration (or not) and act of sexual assault applicable to both women and men and established that statutory rape occurs when the victim is less than twelve years of age, irrespective of other factors.

   Under RA 8353, it can be legally pursued by anyone with the right knowledge of the incident of rape, thus bringing the charge within the publicity scope and bringing even the community into the search for justice. The penalty meted out to offenders includes reclusion Perpetua (i.e. imprisonment from 20 to 40 years) for rape accomplished through penetration. All in all, RA 8353 strengthens legal protections against sexual violence and promotes the accountability of perpetrators' actions in the Philippines.

RA 11313

For too long, the subtle, insidious forms of violence that women endure daily went unchallenged, buried under the weight of cultural norms and silence. Republic Act No. 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act, is more than legislation—it’s a movement that dares to say, “Enough.”

This statute, the Republic Act No. 11313, coined as Safe Spaces Act is all about defining and penalizing gender-based sexual harassment taking place in several places such as streets and public places, in workplaces, and virtually. The law was enacted into effect in April 2019 to ensure not just the safety but even the dignity of an individual against any unwelcome sexual advance or unwelcome comments touching someone sexually or any similar act of harassment.

The Safe Spaces Act is heralded as "not only placing the definition per se of sexual harassment outside the four walls of the general boundaries of the workplace but extends to all public areas and cyberspaces." It also enumerates what behaviors constitute sexual harassment, such as catcalling, indecent remarks, or unwanted touching. Moreover, the law obliges employers to ensure that within the organization, policies are ensured to create a harassment-free condition for all employees.

There are administrative sanctions and fines amounting to a penalty for the punishment of violations. It also provides for victim access to reporting incidents of such kind without the privilege to retaliate. Thus, there is a more established culture of accountability and respect. Overall, RA 11313 is a plus step towards reducing the problem of gender-based violence in communities and thus only therein does it create safer communities in the Philippines.

"Ending violence against women is not just a fight for women—it's a fight for humanity."

REFERENCES:

RepubRepublic Act 11313: Safe Spaces Act | Bangsamoro Women Commission. (n.d.).

  https://bwc.bangsamoro.gov.ph/republic-act-11313-safe-spaces-act/

Law, R. (2022,March 29). What Is The Purpose Of RA 8353 | What Is The Purpose Of RA 8505 | RALB Law. RALB Law. https://ralblaw.com/what-is-the-purpose-of-ra-8353/

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