'Fourth Dimension'

     Whether we like it or not, the mixed scent of graduation can already smell within the campus; it seems like it is again dripping its existence. But before we totally jump to a conclusion, let's rewind a bit...let's flashback on what had happened on my fourth grading period...

     Fourth grading period, the last on the roll yet the most productive of them all. Why? Based on my keen observation, everytime we had our daily class in ICT, it was like, we always have something to do --something pain-staking, something fun and something that requires a constant patience. Obviously, I'm talking about the world of Sir Photoshop. As it gradually enters our innocent minds in terms of photo-editing, we were just like this first-timers eager to know what is that and that. If an example image turned into a high resolution one, we tend to utter the word "wow" ,"aah" and "ooh" because we deeply appreciated how it turned into a beautiful picturesque with the used of the variety of editing tools.

     But as days passed by, I was now gradually in used in editing pictures. From black to white or from old to new, I can surely say that I can do that one by just doing the step-by-step procedures presented to us. Following the steps thoroughly will lead someone to a beautiful and magical result.

     In the contrary, even if I was now in touch of the world of Photoshop, I think...I still considered my digital creativeness an amateur. No wonder, I didn't yet exceeded BJ's photo-editing prowess. Nevertheless, It's quite alright for me.

     And now that I'll about to leave the hollowed walls of Ilocos Sur National High School, I just want to exemplify my heart- felt gratitude and sincerest thanks to our teacher, Mrs. Evelyn Vera Cruz and to our beautiful practice teacher, Ms. Daisy Pantaleon for sharpening my mind about computer ideas and for being one of the teachers whom I considered as one of the protagonist in my own novel entitled "High School Life".       :)

Change, It starts with me

      "There is nothing permanent except change." Sounds so cliché right? But it is so true. It does exist anywhere under the sun because change is in the very nature of being.  It maybe a change in one's physical and emotional plane or a change in one's outer horizon -- in the environment we used to live, in the society we usually called as the training ground and also in the humanity we tend to get along with. Whether we like it or not, all of them undergo changes. It's just, it takes a long time for one to notice.  Moreover, change had also its consequences.  It is either be for the good or for the worst. Whatever might be the aftershocks it bring,  there always be a point in the universe wherein we can surpass it.

  Now the call for change is again bragging our hearts. I have been wondering if change is still possible.  Right now, we are in need of good leaders who are always known to be the models and will lead us through the right way. I say this because, with my keen observation,  I can already sense that our leaders aren't  what the word "leader" ought to be--it is now beyond what it meant. I think it is enoughhh! Enough for using the nation's government, in particular, the billions of Pesos stocked in the vaults of our land to a curve direction.  Enough in using other persons to outdone your actions or to do your unfavorable will.  Enough in giving false vows in your speeches because others who are depending on it will be disappointed so much.  Please enough...

Half-heartedly, maybe after a some point in the passage of time, they will be terminated in their positions but the dirty traces they left behind will be forever marked in the history --"Like a scar, it is hard to conceal. "

So dear future leaders--us, the young leaders of the new generation, must make an action, make a move and make a change. We must be the epitome of what Rizal had said about two centuries from now,  "Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan".And we are here to prove the he did not make a mistake when he said that. Everyone of us can do something. Even though change for the betterment will never be easy, remember, there are no small steps, only big differences. Together, let us change for the betterment and we should start it from ourselves.

'Kannawidan Festival: Iloco Treasures'

   

     In spite of the direct booming of technology amidst the fast changing world, it is perceived that the traditions and cultures are maybe not familiar anymore to the younger ones--the so-called 3rd generation humanity.

     As feedback to this, the provincial government of Ilocos Sur as well as the dweller of the place has its ways to preserve or to restore the olden times--the time when we are more paying attention to the heritage instead of the gizmos we are currently holding on. It's the anticipated and renowned Kannawidan YLocos Festival. It is a province-wide celebration depicting on the cultures and in the promotion of tourism in the province and this is also the time wherein it showcase what the place got or what the hidden treasures it obscures.

     By the way, "Kannawidan is an Iloco term which means "a feast of heritages, practices and products" in Ilocos Sur. The feast is in commemoration of the separation of the province of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte by the virtue of royal decree on February 2, 1818. Prior to this date, the stretch of Bangui in Ilocos Norte down to Luna, La Union is called Ylocos which is a term to refer to the coastal inhabitants. It literally meant “from the lowlands”." The celebration buttoned up from January 29- February 3, 2014 that will executes various activities as a way of tourism promotion through the display of talents, indigenous costumes, traditions, cultures and products that is distinctly be seen in Ilocos Sur and nothing else...it is a shower of bliss in the mid-air!

     Here are some fun-filled activities that will hook you up on your seat: first on the roll is the presentation of the well-known dancing fountain blended with fireworks diplay, a total ooh and ahh if you capture the actual panorama. Next on the line is the endless trade and food fair, the stunning "Pinaka-" Contest, the captivating  "Saniata ti Ylocos" depicting the dazzling beauty of the true-blooded Ilocana and most improved OTOP(One Town One Product). Not yet mention, there will also be a guest artist show from different stations and a public concert from the band...Bamboo.

     If I were you, I will get up now. Shake off all those jitters co'z the time that was laid upon was given to you free! Grab your cam'ras and capture every single moments in the Kannawidan festivity.!

   

 
   
   

'After X Years'

 

     It is an irrefutable fact that all of us wanted to be a successful person in the future, specifically after X years. Indeed, success sounds good to the ear - an achievement we can be proud of, something that everyone wanted to earn but only few obtains. It is the ultimate goal of everyone even though what life status they are in as long as they have the drive to do it, the race for success will surely come in their way...

     ...Accountant, Engineer, Doctor, Teacher, Architect are only some of the so many professions we wanted to be. But for me, I went on with my strength, I chose an accounting profession. I studied harder, I worked overnight, I brought out the best in myself to a steeper uphill hike towards my dream. And after the pain-staking journey, I finally reaped the fruit of success - being an accountant. Later, out of the blue, I just woke up one sunday morning, a somewhat idea just rushed on my psyche: What if I add another title on my name? It's like I'm not yet contented on what I am now. Then right after that, I decided to take...Engineering. Like the tasks and schedule I usually do in my accounting-course years, I also used this kind of style in studying to cope up with my Engineering class. Before we jump to conclusions, I also found in this years, my love - my life. So here I am now, proud to say: I am Acct.,Engr. Edrian M. Alonzo.

     Honestly, it's not really coincidence or luck that brought me here. It's just I didn't stopped believing, it's just pure hardwork. So lucky am I, I was now savoring this happy and successful life because I really exerted much effort on. I have a strong determination, understanding, proper guidance, always carrying the quote from Paulo Coelho," If You Want Something All The Universe Conspires In Helping You To Achieve It." and to topped them all, I still centered my vision to God.

     "Life is like a race and you are racing against time - to achieve everything you wanted to before your time runs out..."

'Status Upgrade'

     The shadow of 2013 was finally out of sight. Against its back looms  another new year - 2014:the wooden horse. It is therefore, most of us had already started relentlessly seek and build better lives or what they called "New Year's resolution". Diving in this globally competitive and fast changing world needs an attitude that seems to carry the weights of all challenges that we will be facing. So as early as now, think of it.

     By the way, If we talk about new year, what will your mind give off? Is it the idea of changing or improving your life into betterment? Or just staying still with your old character complexion? Or beautify your outer image and be in with the 3rd world fashion? Whatever might be your response to this question depends now on your hands. The time that was laid upon us was recently reset thus, signifies a start of new chapter of our life...

     For me, as my new 365-paged book was again published, I believed and hoped I had nothing to change...I will just go on with my old me. All I can do now for sure is to IMPROVE and IMPROVE them one-by-one. Basically, I will start from the very effortless actions to the deeds that needed a high patience and superfluous effort.

     Strength Upgrade: Hoping this year, I will gain extra, extra weight. I will try my very best to eat a lot even though the platter of foods that will be serve on me is quite distasteful and unsavory. Nevertheless, I have a trust that this food is healthy means it will give nutrients that essential to my body that will lead to a good body physique. And lastly, I will not escape anymore any fixed time meals because I heard on the lifestyle news before that eating on the right time proves a greater and beneficial effects.

     Dexterity Upgrade: Amidst the full blast schedule I entered in, all I need is fast and instant action. In order for me to follow and not be  left and drown on the raging stream of tasks, I will be more productive and used the time properly to the point that not a single hour will be wasted. I will try to shook off the ma?ana habit I was doing before and I wished it will never come back again.

     Stamina Upgrade: It is ordinary that everyone of us notified anytime. Thus, did you encountered in your point of life wherein you cannot withstand anymore the challenges that was thrown on you? If yes, we are in the same condition. So, for now and then, I will exert to endure more time in the different activities I am working such as I will do advance studying and reviewing of notes with long duration and I will be alert on my time so that I will be getting an eight-to-ten hour long sleep.

     Control Upgrade: It is obvious that some of us cannot control in spending our money if we were given. We always tend to spend a fraction of our it even though it is not necessary and worth it. This was the overall concern that I want to change. The consequences rather of changing so is that, if in times of financial crisis, I had my means of survival. Also, it is a great way or precautionary capital in facing what the future holds.

     If this happens then, I will consider it as pinnacle of success. But if not, better luck next year. As the quote sa's "Try And Try Until You Succeed", if not today "Seek and Ye Shall Find" tomorrow. That's all I want to say...I'm out of wo.r..d...s.

Reminiscence 3.exe

    

     3rd grading so far so good. Even though this period was considered to be the most pain-staking period so far, hopefully, I can still managed to surpassed it with the aid of the bunch of ideas that still remained in my storage or the so called "empathy of the past." Lets turn tables, if these interlinking neurons quarantined in my brain happen to be impaired, it would rather be the most epic grading for me.
     By the way, I considered this period as the most arduous because it happened to be the stream of outside-the-school activities and inter-campus as well such as the RYLA, DSPC, RSPC and others. The consequences of joining the aforementioned was that I was stocked up with mountains of requirements in different subjects. Like a stiff puppet and as if I can divide myself to hasten in garnering the outputs, I forced my body to continuously work on it. I have no choice but to do the activities thrown on me. I just abiding the laws of being in the Special Classes and one of the candidates in honor roll.
     Next opponent: Periodical Test. Frankly speaking, I don't have the notes - the only thing I considered to be my weapons on the test. So, without anymore hesitations, I just photocopied all the notes of my friendly friends. Two days later of prolonging the agony, the results of the tests finally came along the way and it ended on an nice way.
     With the recently concluded grading period, luckily, I absorbed some golden lessons and here are they: I learned to be patient always, be alert and industrious enough in taking down notes and regularly reminisce the famous quote from Anonymous, "Time is Gold." You know, not using time to its fullest causes great troubles that is so hard to dwell.

Quintessence

  Christmas is an all-out-fun season thus, it is considered the most wonderful time of the year. Certainly, Christmas is fast approaching. We are already almost two weeks away from the most awaited and beautiful time of the year.

408 hours before we put those mouthful graham cakes that we are usually craving for.

24480 minutes before we summon in the single table of bliss and glee that we are usually dreaming for.

1468800 seconds before we worship the birth of our dear Jesus Christ that we are usually devoting for.

There is very minuscule time left on the clock before we again see the famous Santa Claus. 

     As we all know, it is an annual commemoration of the birth of our dear creator, Jesus Christ. It is generally celebrated by Christians around the globe. In accordance to Christmas, people tend to observe "exchange gift" as a sign of gratitude for each individual’s help or love to another person, some also do church services such as "Simbang Gabi" as we call it, as praise for our dear Jesus Christ. Some families, even though they are away, convene in a single vicinity for gatherings. In school and in working place, we had a habit to make a Christmas Parties but the most common of all traditions, people place ornamented and bright decorations around their houses like Christmas lights, Christmas trees, lanterns, etc.

     We also thought of Christmas as the best day to forgive all the people who have sinned you and also the best day to stop thinking about all the things that must be forgotten. It is a time to for us to be in our happiest mode and we should not think of the problems in the past. If you do, this will ruin your Christmas time so get rid of it. 

     Even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, take Christmas as the best day ever...fun, grandeur, laughter, sparkling, bright, glee. Ryzza Dizon once said,  "Bawal ang sad dapat happy" Merry Christmas everyone! Spread the love coz this is the quintessence of Christmas.