My 4th Quarter

This quarter is the last. ICT 10 wrap up.

I have enhanced my photoshop skills once again. I have learned to express my creativity because I wanted to make a good souvenir program cover. It may be my last opportunity to learn, but it is certainly important and unforgettable.

I had problems on my work area because at times my photoshop crashed. I had to reset my work a couple of times but I eventually got the job done.

As I move further and discover more ICT itself, I assure you that I will apply my knowledge and skills. This fourth quarter has taught me a lot and I will bring my knowledge to higher levels of my education. Thank you Ma'am! I won't ever forget everything that you have taught me. This is Ken, (boy number two who is sometimes noisy but it definitely listening) saying his goodbyes to ICT 10.

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Goodbye MaxConi 20'

The Future. I am about to walk out of the family that I have been growing in for 4 years.

One ARMSTOTLE. One LEEUWENNAEUS. One BECQUEROYLE. One MAXCONI.

As I venture outside the box, I don't think I expect that much. The people that I have been close with in this family have challenged me and molded me into who I am today. I hope that in the future, we will still be friends and may we never forget the memories that we have shared together.

I wish for the success of my colleagues. The future is very bright for us, so let us claim and fulfill our dreams. I see some future CPAs, MDs, ATTYs, COLs, and ENGRs among us. May we face the future with upmost confidence as we show the greatness we posses.

For my future, I'm planning to take on STEM for my senior high school strand and MEDTECH for my college course. If I may be able to, I wish to study in SLU, a prestigious Luzon school with high Medical board exam passing rates. I wish to be able to go to New Zealand where my brother is currently working.

I will strive hard for my goal is to repay the debt of gratitude I have for my parents for their unending love and countless sacrifices. Of course having a family of my own is a no-brainer, but my parents are my number one priority.

Whatever may lie ahead of us, let us face it with outmost pride. We can survive any hurdle, any obstacle, any challenge. We are strong and we have thrived in the harsh environment call SPECIAL SCIENCE CLASS where research papers and examinations haunt us til the end of time.

To my long time rivals who have become my close friends. Gio, Jai, Liam, Shang, thank you for the conversations during recognition. Thank you for pushing me to strive and work harder. You are definitely part of my success (hopefully). I think highly of you and know that you guys will achieve your dreams.

To my friends who I have ventured with along the way, thank you for helping me and I hope I have helped you as well.

To my brothers, we may not be related by blood but I'm sure that we're related by heart. Thank you for making my high school adventure the best! You are part of my life and will always be. May our brotherhood never fade, as the problem of separation challenge us.

This is technically my last blog of S.Y. 2019-2020. Ken C. Artajos, signing off.



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Foundation of Greatness

FOUNDATION, an underlying basis or principle. The action of establishing an institution or organization on a permanent basis, especially with an endowment.

Ilocos Sur National High School, established 1902. This year, Ilocos Sur National Highschool celebrates its 118^th Foundation Day. Students and teachers have been waiting for this occasion. Everyone was busy practicing and preparing for this HS Day. Students from the Junior and Senior Highschool had been busy practicing with their MAPEH teachers for weeks in preparation for the field demo. 

I know that this is now my last high school day as a Junior High School student. Ilocos Sur National High has really enhanced me and pushed me to become a better version of myself. The Faoundation of the School is the Foundation of Greatness. So thank you for giving me the courage to be bold and take those opportunities when they arose. Thank you for not letting me hold myself back for the fear of failure. Believe me, I have experienced my fair share of failure in my time with you. Now I understand that failure is not something to be ashamed of, but should be celebrated because that means I tried, and I know how to improve for next time.

photo by: Ken Artajos

CAN NOW - WE DONE

Ilocos Sur is a beautiful province located in the northern part of Luzon. It is a province rich in culture that represents the ancient Spanish and Filipino heritage. To show and share their treasures to the whole world, the locals conceived a festival that highlights these cultural traditions and they called it the “Kannadiwan Festival”.

It is a celebration that lasts from the last week of January up to the first week of February. Included in the course of events is the commemoration of the foundation day of the province.

On the opening day, there is usually a mass held at the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral. It is followed by a procession of the Patron Saints of the 40 parishes and images of Jesus Christ and Virgin Mary around the city. It is the Ilocanos' way of giving thanks to the Almighty not only for the bountiful blessings but also for the rich heritage of the city, including the close family ties among the Ilocanos. This event showcases the deep-rooted religiosity of the townsfolk.

One mission of the festival is paying more attention to the children. It is because of the observation that many traditions, songs, dances, and other Ilocano culture are not recognized by the younger generations of the province. Instead, children are paying more attention to the modern and novelty dances they see television than the traditional ones. It is one of the reasons why the Kannadiwan Festival is conducted.

Here, children may appreciate their rich culture and tradition. Also on the opening day of the festival, a traditional ritual is performed by the students of the Ilocos Sur, especially high school students. There are different contests that focus to the ability and skills of the students. These include traditional tribal rituals, choir and glee club competition, marching band contest, traditional music ensemble, dance drama, traditional and folk dances, contemporary dance competition, and street dancing showdown.

source: Vigattin Tourism

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Change is Constant

Everybody faces changes, we cannot deny that some circumstances and experiences change personality.

At New Year, they see it as a start and opportunity to change something. A factor is how people see themselves, some may try to gain or lose weight because it has been bothering them for years. People try to work out and go to the gym, they also look for weight gain.

New Year has always seemed to me a beginning of a new cycle, or a new path of self-development, but I never write detailed resolutions, having only abstractive understanding of my plans for future. So I think I do not need to change something from me.

Sometimes the thing we need to change is our self-esteem. YOU DO NOT NEED TO CHANGE EVERYTHING. You are who you are. You cannot please everyone, you have to accept you. Change starts from acceptance, and become the best version of yourself.

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Chapter 26: The Eve of the Fiesta

The title I have put is based on Kabanata 26 of the notorious Noli Me Tangere written by the Philippine National Hero, Jose Rizal, during the Spanish Revolution. This book has had such a major influence in the freedom of Filipinos and a big eye opener to the world.

In this chapter, Rizal described the fiesta as overly grande. There was too much unnecessary stuff. Too much food, too much decoration. Rizal teaches us that gatherings are not about how extravagant they are, FIESTA is about family and friends sharing time together.

I related this chapter on how we must celebrate the Vigan Fiesta. We don't need to go out our way and present overly lavish food for our guests. Sure it is an act of hospitality, but we must not give the things that we cannot afford to have. We must learn to always save some for ourselves.

Being hospitable is a Filipino trait, but being too superb is the toxic side. Let us always be tactical in making our decisions so that we can choose the right one.

The Vigan City Fiesta is held every January 25. It is celebrated during the feast day of the conversion of St. Paul the Apostle. St. Paul is Vigan City’s patron saint. Before his conversion, St. Paul was known as Saul, a zealous persecutor of Christians. After he was touched by a personal encounter with Jesus Christ on his way to Damascus, his name was changed to Paul and he endured a lot of hardships and danger to spread the word of God to far places.

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New Year's Resolution not Spasmodic Solutions

New Year’s resolutions are as much a part of our life as the New Year celebration. My New Year’s resolution is to achieve something that I can be proud of and to share my blessings to others. There's a big reason behind it, why I picked it. To achieve something that I can be proud of.

However, it is known that resolutions are hard to fulfill. We are sometimes "spasmodic" or as Filipinos call it, "ningas kogon". We start things that we cannot finish. People go to the gym on the first week of January, I bet you won't be able to find them the next week. Trying is not wrong, but for me DOING IS BETTER THAN TRYING.

Whatever it is you're scared of doing, Do it. For a change, don't add new things in your life as a new year's resolution. Instead, do more of what's already working for you and stop doing things that are time-waste.The beginning of every New Year is always the best time to give another chance to your neglected talents! You can never make this New Year as your best year because your best year is always the year you were born! When the fireworks start, be thankful for your existence and for everything which made this possible!



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My 3rd Quarter

This quarter has been tremendous. ICT 10 does exceeded my expectations once again.

I have learned a lot especially in the field of web pages and sites. I have learned to express my creativity once again in ways like choosing a background colors, pictures, font styles and font sizes. It has taught me to seek help from my classmates in order to complete the tasks I did not understand. Remember, "Matalino ang nagtatanong".

I had problems on my work area because at times my pc would refuse to cooperate. It had problems with its IP Address and I had to call sir Froilan a lot this quarter.

As I move further and discover more about html, I assure you that I will apply my knowledge and skills. This third quarter has taught me a lot and I will bring my knowledge to the next grading periods and to higher levels of my education.

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Christmas in our Hearts

Christmas should always be MERRY.

The essence of Christmas is to spread happiness. Through family gatherings and thanksgivings, Christmas reminds us of unity and love. It is a season of excitement and fun, where we spend time with our love ones. 

Winston Churchill says that "Christmas is a season not only for rejoicing but of reflection". Christmas is the perfect time to celebrate the love of God and family and to create memories that will last forever. Jesus is God's perfect, indescribable gift. The amazing thing is that not only are we able to receive this gift, but we are able to share it with others on Christmas and every other day of the year.

Moving between the legs of tables and of chairs, rising or falling, grasping at kisses and toys, advancing boldly, sudden to take alarm, retreating to the corner of arm and knee, eager to be reassured, taking pleasure in the fragrant brilliance of the Christmas tree.

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The Fallen Treasure

Equality is not a privilege, it is a right. Don't deprive yourself, speak up and fight. You have the right to fight. 

“Violence against women is a key element in this new global war, not only because of the horror it evokes or the messages it sends but because of what women represent in their capacity to keep their communities together and, equally important, to defend noncommercial conceptions of security and wealth.” says Silvia Federici on her book: Witches, Witch-Hunting, and Women 

We now live in a world of modernity. Have established new platforms to express every souls identity. For bearded faces to give a hand, and a lovely manicured hand to stand. Gender equality should arise in reality. People with equality supports this advocacy. Have sense, or face the consequence,

“We’ve begun to raise daughters more like sons… but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.” ― Gloria Steinem



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Save What's Ours

“I only feel angry when I see waste. When I see people throwing away things we could use.” Mother Teresa said.

Environment Awareness Month is the best thing for the country and for the world today. The environment is slowly getting destroyed and it is up to us to prevent it.

A student like me can do wonders in society. Even the little things I do can protect our environment. Planting trees and proper waste disposal. Conserving electricity and spreading awareness about the environmental issues we experience today.

“The Earth is what we all have in common.”
—Wendell Berry

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Empower and to be Empowered

Stephen King said "you can, you should, and if you’re brave enough to start, you will."

Improvement and development stars within us. Student empowerment is not new in this generation. Nowadays, letting students acknowledge their own responsibilities and obligations pushes them to be independent is a key to their improvement and to the improvement of the community.

The National Children's Month emphasizes the capabilities and strengths of a student who is empowered, and can empower. The change of the country lies on the youth, and that is why we develop their skills at an early age so that the future of the country can be brighter.

Jose Rizal was and certainly will always be true, "Kabataan ang Pag-asa ng Bayan". So what are we waiting for? Let the youth of the country take action in this modern world, in order to shape future generations.

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Kindness Starts With You

"Pamilyang Pilipino Patatagin: Susi sa Paghubog ng Kabataang Maka-Diyos, Makatao, Makakalikasan, at Makabansa"

This is the theme for the National Values Month Celebration. A theme that is true and taken to heart. 

The good values of a person comes from the family he/she belongs to. Our homes are the foundation of the good moral we present to society. 

If a person belongs to a home wherein there is chaos, a disoriented home full of problems and toxicity. He/she will certainly develop bad traits that has affected his personality.

Meanwhile, if you grow up in a home or environment where you are comfortable and safe. A place of peace and love. You become a person with a strong foundation of moral values.

In order to develop our core values; Maka-Diyos, Makatao, Makakalikasan, at Makabansa. We must start in our families and create a healthy environment for ourselves to morally grow.

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UNITED We Stand

2019 has been dedicated to raising awareness about languages of indigenous people all over the world.


According to timeanddate.com, "The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages.

Many countries take part in the global and local events to promote the UN years."

Ethnologue states that a little over 7000 languages are spoken in the world today. Around a third of these are endangered, with less than 1000 remaining speakers. More than half of the world's population speak only 23 languages.

To be united as one, we need to accept the differences of others. We come from different cultures and have unique beliefs. We speak different languages and stick to different superstitions. But in the end of the day, we are all humans. Humans with the same heart of unity. 

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My 2nd Quarter

This quarter has been great and continues to be great. ICT 10 has truly exceeded my expectations and has fueled my passion to learn.

I have learned a lot especially html codes and how to apply them. I have learned to express my creativity in ways like choosing a background colors, pictures, font styles and font sizes. It has also taught me to help others who are having a hard time in finishing their exercises.

I had problems on attending the class because of the different school activities that I needed to attend, especially the Science Month Celebration. But with the help of my classmates, I understood the topics quickly and coped up with the lessons in a breeze.

As I move further and discover more about html, I assure you that I will apply my knowledge and skills. Second quarter has taught me a lot and I will bring my knowledge to the next grading periods and to higher levels of my education.

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More Than Just A Teacher

Teacher. One word but it carries millions of thoughts. An influence, a guardian, a parent. A bestfriend, a shoulder to cry on, a teacher.

To all the teachers out there! You have always been an excellent educator who knew exactly how to illuminate a soul with its own light. All the efforts and hard works your invested to bring out the best in us can never be repaid in mere words. We can only feel grateful for having a teacher. Our parents gave us life and it was you who taught us how to live it. You introduced honesty, integrity, and passion to our character. Happy teachers' month!

“Those who educate children well are more to be honored than parents, for these only gave life, those the art of living well.” – Aristotle 

We are never what we are today without our teachers. Let us be thankful and humble for the have built the foundation that we are standing on today. Nothing but love!

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Intramurals: Is it really that important?

It is a school event stretching to maximum four days. It is quite short for a long preparation. Tryouts and training, tired even before the event starts. But is it still worth it for the school?

I'll start with the pro or positive of this situation. It helps in student development, especially athletes. Exposing them to competitions where they enhance their skills and improve their discipline. It develops students in the world of sports and encourages them to seek athleticism and healthy lifestyle.

It seems so positive yet there are so many cons. First the event is limited to the athletes only. The normal students cannot enjoy the event since there are classes and they are not allowed to watch all the games and attend all the booths. The student development is restricted to the athletes.

Second, it causes chaos. This intramurals havoc from outside the school sparked from a brawl from two athletes. It garnered embarrassing media attention reaching ABS-CBN which is a national news coverage. The video of the fight quickly spread and became trending all throughout social media. It is definitely a shameful event for the students and Ilocos Sur National High School itself.

Despite the pros and cons, we still celebrate Intrams every year with a smile. More power to the athletes of ISNHS, giving pride to our school for their victories. And to those who have shamed the school, let us become disciplined students this time around. Nourish your skills further in the field of sports.

This one last question is for you to answer, is Intramurals really that important?

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Scientific is Terrific

September marks a very significant occasion for it is the launching of the National Science Month Celebration. With the theme, "Metabolize: Nourishing the Filipino Youth Towards National Well-being". 

                                                              

We all know the cliché quote from Dr. Jose Rizal, "Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan". It might be overused but it's certainly true. The youth's hand is where our country lies in, and nourishing them not just only through physical health but also their intellectual ability is the key to our country's well being. 

The science month celebration revolves around student development and their exposure to different activities. Activities that enhances the skills in science and its fields. It also encourage students socially and pushes them into interactions that are outside their comfort zones.
Science is fun! Science is terrific! So lets give it a try!

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A Happy School Starts With You

A school without bullying and fights. A school without depression and cries. A school filled with no sadness but only smiles. What a dream.

A happy school should be composed of happy students, obviously.  Depression is very common around students, their mental well-being is definitely at stake. A student wakes up early every day and sleeps late to study and pass requirements contributing to their unhealthy mental and physical lifestyle.


The Happy Schools Movement encourages students and schools to be mentally and physically health and happy. It reminds us that happiness starts with us, because it is a choice we make. Choosing to be happy amidst all the stress and sadness is the start of a happy school.

I also think that happiness is contagious. A happy student can influence its peers or friends creating a happier environment for the school. Teachers should also be full of joy for they are one of the biggest influence to students acting as their second parents.

For a better environment of schools, let us choose happiness! Let us choose the Happy Schools Movement!

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SOLIDarity

Sol·i·dar·i·ty or unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest; mutual support within a group. Vigan City, as the only heritage city in the Philippines, once again celebrates the World Heritage Cities Solidarity Cultural Festival for the whole month of September.

This month-long festivity, in solidarity with other World Heritage Cities around the world, aims to strengthen the pride in the city’s history and culture, promote friendship and diversity between countries and serves as a great venue for forging ties and understanding through community’s involvement in the city’s various activities that highlights love for culture, arts and entertainment. Courtesy of: vigancity.gov.ph

Vigan City is definitely a place of undeniably amazing culture. So let us preserve and take care of it! Be proud of what we have and what we are. Continue to nourish and improve the countries cultural richness! 

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