New Year, Better Me!

The start of a new year is a very potent symbol of renewal. It's a time for reflection on what has happened in the past and looking forward into the future with hope and intention. Many of us embrace the mantra "New Year, New Me" to signal our desire for growth and change. But turning those words into action requires more than just good intentions—it takes clarity, commitment, and consistency.

Set intentional goals. Forget the vague resolutions and instead, set specific, achievable steps aligned with your values. For example, if you want to be healthier, you commit to something clear like "30 minutes of exercise three times a week" or "meal prepping every Sunday." It is through these small, actionable steps that create momentum, and celebrating each step along the way keeps you motivated.

This year, embrace the journey of becoming your best self, one step at a time. Whether you’re looking to improve your habits, nurture relationships, or pursue a long-held dream, the possibilities are endless. As 2025 unfolds, let “New Year, New Me” serve not just as a resolution but as a commitment to growth, resilience, and self-discovery.

References:

Serafim, J. (2022). New Year New Me Better Me Stock Illustration 1878754303 | Shutterstock. Shutterstock. https://www.shutterstock.com/image-illustration/new-year-me-better-motivational-inspirational-1878754303

Team, P. E. (2024, September 11). 75 New Year Quotes for Bold New Beginnings in 2025. Pensador. https://www.pensador.com/en/new_year_quotes/

Liles, M. (2020, January 15). Turn Your Bad Day Around! These 100 Stay Positive Quotes Will Lift Your Spirits in No Time. Parade. https://parade.com/980089/marynliles/stay-positive-quotes/

Cherished Memories

     The Christmas holidays are kind of a mix and match of happiness, nostalgia, and bonding this year. The festive season started as soon as the actual decorating of the house happened. From twisting on a twinkling light to putting ornaments up on the Christmas tree, one could feel the warmth of the season with each ornament and garland placed.

     My Christmas holidays began with a daily attendance in the Simbang Gabi and completed the 9 days. Christmas Eve was very special that evening. The family gathered together for dinner after attending the mass. Dishes of meat, fresh salads, and traditional holiday desserts were spread across the table, with laughter and stories flowing freely.

      In the following days, there were times for reflection and unwinding . Cozy afternoons, getting along with friends had filled the rhythm to the season's beat. Except for spending quite a lot of time at home, I met my friends whenever I could spend some time off. On the very last day to New Year eve, December 30, Me and my elementary school friends went out and the warmth of reliving old and making new friends was unforgettable in my life as well.

           

           In such silence, we say goodbye to 2024 with calm resolutions and a renewed spirit. We welcomed the New Year by scrumptious food and traditional practices that brought the family closer. It was family as if bonding through a meal together, lighting up sparklers, and going about customs like jumping for good luck and preparation of the prosperity bowl. The Christmas holidays carried with them much festivity but also reflection and moments of connection-thus, great warmth was the afterglow of these times.

Reference:

https://www.bloger.com/

Reflection on Growth and Learning

 During the second quarter, I learned various HTML codes and how to structure web pages using different tags. This includes creating hyperlinks, adding images, and designing forms. I also learned how semantic HTML can improve accessibility and search engine optimization. I then realized how important HTML is as a foundation for web development.

However, I faced several setbacks during the process. It was hard to understand and put into practice complex HTML elements, especially nested forms and table structures. Debugging errors caused by missing or incorrect tags took a lot of time and got frustrating at times. Equally challenging was balancing how much time I spent to complete assignments and master the new concepts.

In an attempt to solve these problems, I constantly practiced coding and followed tutorials and forums online for deep knowledge. I also looked to my teacher and classmate for clarification on what was going wrong. I utilized the browser developer tools that could help me locate bugs and correct them to produce the correct code.

I will further improve my HTML skills through more projects and add in CSS to enhance the visual designs of my web pages. I will also look into JavaScript to make my designs interactive. With good time management and constant self-improvement, I will set up a solid foundation of web development and prepare myself for even more complex topics.

Life and Legacy of Elpidio Quirino

 Elpidio Quirino was the sixth President of the Philippines who is remembered as a vision leader who advocated national reconstruction and economic progress following the devastation of World War II. His story is that of perseverance and commitment shaped by very humble beginnings and unwavering dedication to public service.

Elpidio Quirino was born on November 16, 1890, in Vigan, Ilocos Sur to a very modest family. His father, Don Mariano Quirino, was a jail warden, and his mother, Gregoria Rivera, a homemaker. Quirino excelled in his studies despite financial hardships and earned his high school diploma from Manila High School. Determined to rise above his circumstances, he pursued law at the University of the Philippines, graduating in 1915 and passing the bar examination the same year.

Quirino's childhood years instilled a robust sense of nationalism in him and the perception that through education and honest toil, he could set a much better future course for himself. His passion to learn and commitment to excellence formed the bedrock of his political career.

Quirino started serving the public as a member of the Philippine Legislature from 1919, after having been elected as one of the representatives of Ilocos Sur. His outstanding services to improve the lives of the Filipinos led to his election as senator in 1925. In his legislative service, he has been an advocate for reforms on the economy, infrastructural developments, and education.

During the World War II Japanese occupation of the Philippines, Quirino was devastated by personal tragedy with the death of his wife and three children. He remained one of the central figures in the new government set up after the war. During the presidency of Manuel Roxas, he became the vice president and secretary of foreign affairs. When President Manuel Roxas died in 1948, Quirino succeeded him.

Quirino focused on national recovery and modernization as president. One of the significant economic programs that his administration implemented included the establishment of the Central Bank of the Philippines in 1949 to stabilize the financial system of the country. He also pushed industrialization and land reform to service the rural sector.

Quirino's foreign policy underscored the strengthening of ties with the United States and sought international aid to reconstruct. His administration also set up the Philippines to participate in international organizations, reflective of his vision of a globally involved and independent nation.

Despite the criticisms and political storms, Quirino's legacy remains as a testament to his resilience and unwavering commitment to public service. His leadership during a crucial time in Philippine history paved the way for the recovery and progress of the country.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Philippines/comments/sg5194/dyk_president_elpidio_quirinos_wife_and_three/?rdt=63197

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-president-elpidio-quirino-lost-his-wife-3-children-quirino

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/06/27/22/inaugural-address-of-president-elpidio-quirino

Guardians of Tradition

 October 2024 proves to be a significant mark for the Philippines as this country celebrates National Indigenous Peoples (IP) Month in addition to the 27th anniversary of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) with the theme: "Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan, at Parangalan" or Valuing, Nurturing and Honoring Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Knowledge. This annual commemoration is a reminder to the government and society at large of the protection to be accorded to the culture, heritage, and rights of the more than 110 ethno-linguistic groups that constitute the country's Indigenous people.

 The observance brings the important contributions of Indigenous Peoples to the nation's identity to the fore. This is because the observance promotes their culture, language, and traditions, therefore deepening the understanding of the tapestry of cultural diversity in the Philippines. This month hosts educational campaigns, cultural exhibits, and community dialogues that ensure that the wisdom of the Indigenous communities is preserved and passed down to future generations. These activities underpin the value of Indigenous knowledge in areas such as environmental conservation, sustainable development, and climate resilience—areas where their practices have been invaluable.

 It also reiterates the provisions of the IPRA enacted in 1997. This landmark law affirms the rights of Indigenous Peoples to ancestral domains, self-governance, social justice, and cultural integrity. The month-long commemoration gives the occasion to review the progress made in the implementation of these rights and address continuing challenges. It helps to raise awareness of land disputes, cultural discrimination, and economic marginalization among the Indigenous communities, ensuring that the stakeholders, including government agencies, private sectors, and civil society, work in tandem to advance the welfare of the Indigenous communities.

 The observance inspires collective action to uphold their dignity and heritage by nurturing public consciousness about the struggles and contributions of Indigenous Peoples. As we honor their legacy this October, we not only celebrate the richness of their cultures but also reaffirm our shared responsibility to protect their rights and ensure their voices are heard.

https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/indigenous-peoples/

https://aippnet.org/network-asia-niwa-indigenous-peoples-pact-aipp-condemns-coercion-threats-against-relatives-women-leader-bai-bibyaon/

https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/from-us/briefings/protector-not-prisoner-exploring-the-rights-violations-criminalization-of-indigenous-peoples-in-climate-actions/

Vow to end VAW

 The Philippines implemented laws that aims in addressing violence against women (VAW) and creating safe, equitable environment. One significant law made is the Republic Act No. 10364, known as the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2013. This law intensifies measures against human trafficking by expanding the law to include forced labor, online sexual exploitation, and various other forms of exploitation. It penalizes offenderss and provides support for victims including legal aid and medical support, as well as rehabilitation services. This law improves the government's effort in reducing violence to vulnerable groups. 

 Another VAW-related law is the Republic Act No. 11313, also known as the "Safe Spaces Act" or "Bawal Bastos Law," offers a structure in preventing and addressing gender-based sexual harassment in different places, including public setting, workplaces, schools, and other online platforms. It discourages different acts susch as catcalling, stalking, unwanted sexual and cyber harassment, and defines different penalities to hold offenders accountable. The law encompasses the different responsibilities of the government and private sector in ensuring safe environment for all individuals. It also explains different ways in reporting compliants, protecting victims, and promoting awareness in creating a culture of respect and gender equality.

https://www.ajalaw.ph/actsofvawc/

https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1006308

Resilience Amidst Crisis

 

           Climate has dramatically changed the environment in the Philippines and exposed millions of Filipinos to its impacts. The country is situated in the Pacific Typhoon Belt, where it is exposed to approximately 20 storms every year, some of which become destructive typhoons, such as Yolanda, the super typhoon that occurred in 2013. Rising global temperatures fuel storms and disrupt weather patterns, making these storms stronger and more destructive. These disasters result in loss of lives, property destruction, and displacement of communities. And of course, there are more Filipinos caught in a vicious cycle of rebuilding and recovery. This is not only an existential threat to coastal communities due to flooding but also causes saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources and agricultural lands, threatening food security and livelihoods.

 

         Another critical issue is environmental degradation due to deforestation and urbanization. Forests, which serve as natural barriers against flooding and landslides, have been depleted by illegal logging, land conversion, and infrastructure development. Once such critical ecosystems are depleted, communities become much more vulnerable to disasters, such as flash floods and soil erosion. The problem worsens with poor urban planning and insufficient waste management in cities, which causes a clogging of waterways and exacerbates the flood during heavy rains. Environmental degradation due to human activities therefore amplifies the effects of natural calamities, making the country one of the most disaster-ridden in the world.

 

         Despite these challenges, Filipinos are amazingly resilient in trying to live and adapt to the effects of global warming. From community-driven mangrove reforestation projects and disaster preparedness programs, collective efforts exemplify the mitigation of risks and building up of resilience. But in order to effectively address the root causes of climate change, these grass-roots movements have to be buttressed by strong government policies and foreign assistance. By prioritizing sustainable development, investing in renewable energy, and enforcing environment laws, the Philippines can chart its way toward having a more resilient and climate-adaptive future.



References:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.worldbank.org%2Fen%2Fnews%2Ffeature%2F2011%2F11%2F07%2Fmaking-the-philippines-more-resilient-to-natural-disasters&psig=AOvVaw07KaG_r-6qEL8frHitrbtO&ust=1732320909744000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBQQjRxqFwoTCPDDgb3U7okDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE

 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.netsolwater.com%2Fsolution-to-environmental-issues.php%3Fblog%3D1681&psig=AOvVaw1ORmTgQe0EsDiqZ-4Ck9wa&ust=1732321079275000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBQQjRxqFwoTCLiZ0IbV7okDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE

 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdattmedi.com%2Fblog%2Fwhat-is-climate-change-and-what-are-its-causes%2F&psig=AOvVaw3eUuHWBjGW4I37MaL8okk7&ust=1732321310075000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBQQjRxqFwoTCJDnlvjV7okDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE