Mightier Than A Canon

The flow of blood, with marching guns. In the wave of cannons, I'm filled with artillery and awe...

I dream to be awake, in a green uniform. Camouflaged against the canopy, with my soul ready to defend; protect the land where the blood of my heroes fell. Where I would stand proud if ever I die, atleast I did it not in vain, I did it for my beloved motherland.

In her soil, I lay comfortably, as I dream against her blue sky. I will fight for the shores that cradled me, with memories of footprints in the sand. In her my memories bare abode. And I will fight to keep her safe.

When I dream at night, I wonder in my sleep; will all these dreams, turn to reality?- but that is why I awake, to fulfill my wishes, for my dream to come true. I strive harder everyday, and God knows that is true.

I will march on, keep this dream alive. Mightier than the cannons, is my will to fight. I will be proud, once I wear that badge in my name: PISALBO, PY, reporting for duty!

Hail my country's crown, the shining sun. I salute in your honor, and it will be my honor to serve you.

A breath of celebration 116 years in its creation...

It is a feast marvelled by the sight of colours, an outburst of excitement, and a steady flow of happiness. In its discourse and premise, is a promise of valued success. Adequating the purpose of a monument that stands: Ilocos Sur National High School.

It's foundation celebrated by his students, both present and past. An exciting mix of inspiration and hope. Fueled by one institution, that catered their love for learning. 

This 116 years have truly created a feet of excellence. It is not a wonder, why many choose Ilocos Sur National High School. The celebration shows off, the many talents tgat are nurtured by the institution, both intellectually and artistically. Students are proud to raise the school banner, and alumna's of different paths converge to hail their alma matter.- to thank him, for the invaluable knowledge it has imparted, because high school is truly the most unforgettable experience you'll ever have.

Through the ages, working with only the best. The students are proud to sing, "we are all very proud of Ilocos Sur National High School!"

KANNAWIDAN, 201 Years In The Making...

A festival of colours, a fusion of passion, and a celebration of culture- this is KANNAWIDAN, a solidarity, 201 years in the making...

Ilocos Sur, abode of many great and artistic minds. Realistically speaking, it is a break-up celebration. Yet not a moving on affair, it signifies the separation of the North and the South. It's a wonder why there exists two extremely identical cultures, while still having different identities.

The ethno-linguistic relations are quite the same, or better yet similar in many aspects. However, let us not be hypocrites, we know that the two have evolved differently from each other, although starting from one tongue and soul, it is now a true case of twins seperated from birth. 

We recognize this individuality of culture, as we celebrate yearly our KANNAWIDAN in the south, and PAMULINAWEN in the north. It is a clash and a fusion of talents for the southerners, as there is a situation where they are separated by a mountain in the east, and plains and shorelines to the west. Ilocos Sur is unique that it upholds oneness and solidarity amidst the terrain.

In KANNAWIDAN, it showcases a mix of spices and flavours, while providing a haven where the past meets the new. What makes it so special is not the cultures, arts, or even the talents; rather it is the people.

The people make the celebration, and the celebration is the people. It is a crowd of Ilokanos, proud of themselves. It is their pride, their joy, the smiles that make KANNAWIDAN. 

For the past 201 years, KANNAWIDAN is built by the people, to be for the people.

Change

"Someday I won't be afraid of my head, someday I will not be chained to my bed."- Alessia Cara

There are things hidden within us, unavoidable, mysterious, and nameless. They shape our identities, they make us, but it's hard to find them- they're called the "wild things".

It's not an undeniable fact, that as humans, we lack the idea of something undiscovered, brushing it off as unimportant; a neglect in our side, as a way to hide our imperfections. Truly, change is an incomprehensible fact, that we are all afraid of. "We fear nothing, other than the unkown", H.P. Lovecraft, truly knew what he was talking about when he said that the unkown is to be wary of.

Lying deep in us, is an existing entity, called "wild things". Formless, indescribable feelings, emotions, desires, and happiness, that we are yet to comprehend. Their main purpose is to begin an inner reconstruction, a recconection of the past, while connecting it with the future. It seeks to understand our past actions, yet understanding what lessons are to be brought in the Morrow's to come.

It changes our perspectives, because sometimes the yellow sunshine, could turn into a dark blue sky, but still if we view in in another light, it's not so bad at all. Honestly, we are caged in our own opinions, failing to act in our selfless accords. We deny ourselves the liberty of doing good in the world, hoping other people has thought of the same, and did what they have envisioned.

The wild side of life makes us discover a new hue, a different view in the looking glass. A truthful glance on the sad reality, that we all need help; and we need to help. A filthy hand can still help a man in his knees. No matter what the situation, it's arguable, that we suppress our wild things, we suppress our advocacies. We hide what we want to see, conforming to the reality of today.

Yes, change is an unkown, and helping can change the unkown. So what's to fear, is not discovering the undiscovered. The road not taken, is not always the right path, sometimes you have just got to stop and ask: is this my wild thing?, And change the world, as you say yes, one adventure at a time.

"We will carve our place, into time and space, we will find our way, or we'll make a way"- Alessia Cara

We are NOW

How beautiful is the sway of time in this finite space. Time is a person; a beautiful woman dancing in the cosmos...

In a forbidden act of ballet, she moves and sways towards an irresistible change. The stars her crown, the earth her hips, the moon and sun, her beautiful eyes. She dances, moves the intricate balance of time, slightly, changing the pieces of her adorned jewelry, one step at a time.

We mark her dance, by the beat of her music, dividing it to 12 months, that make up a note. This note signifies her change, our change. In a channel so vast and wide, sometimes we ponder upon the question: what has changed in me.

Exactly as the beat strikes twelve, and time chimes to the rythm, we expect a change in her dance. A slight curve on her hips, or maybe a perfection of her act. What is to consider here is that we as mere humans, can't comprehend time, or change. We can't seem to value the paradox we live in, and the beauty of time's graceful presence. It is by the unwillingness to move forward, but the reluctance to stay behind that pushes us forward.

As a being of flesh and breath, we are all dumbfounded everytime the New Year's Ball drops, creating lists upon lists of reckless resolutions. Hundreds of unkept promises, yet still we desire to change, or at least know what changed in us.- "New Year, New Me", a saying that reverberates in the minds of many, but are you actually changing you? Or are you forgetting the you that once was.

Time dances in way that moves only forward, no second tries, no repeats. As stubborn as she is, it shows how complicated we are, that we have regrets, memories, and dreams.  We defy her will to move forward, by dwelling in an unset past, yet we learn. - We grow, we do not create change. Change is a built in system within us, an outward lying fact that we live in the NOW. That this now has no past, future, or even an actual present. We are products of who's, when's, and the how's. We are Now.

As time continues to impress us by her act, we perform at her will. Following through her brushed strokes, and living perfectly in her predestined choreography.

How much is a Merry Christmas?

Since being a young child, I have always wondered, if someone could ever give a price for an amazing Christmas.

After all, what could be the recipe for a happy and jolly Christmas. A pancit guisado costs no more than 500 pesos. A hamon is right around a thousand at most. A spaghetti is now almost too affordable, 200 pesos can go a long way. And add a cake, some chocolates and a macaroni salad for a surprise, then you have a wonderful time. However, there's still one question in my mind; "How much is a merry Christmas?"

Well first of all, how much is a complete family?- I understand that the concept a whole family is different in my perspective, than the eyes of others. Surely, it's not their fault that I am less fortunate than them. For me at least, it takes a father, a mother, me, and a few of my other relatives to make a complete family.

A father- the first ingredient. They say you need to be content in what you have, and what life gives you, afterall, I have my Lolo to stand as my father figure. Still, it is not enough, I want a dad, who can teach me sports, and teach me how to ride a bike, to be called a "daddy's girl". I want to become a daughter for once, sadly; I never met my father, he left mom, when she was pregnant. Until this day I resent him, but somehow, I still want a father. A father for a Merry Christmas.

My mother would be an easier problem, but this Christmas I asked if she would come home to see us. My mother works away from home, and she told me through messenger that she would not make it, she said she was busy; but I know the real problem, the truth is we need the money from her work.

Even though I know I couldn't afford a complete family, I still ask what is the cost for unconditional love. I know my family loves me, but sometimes I second guess, I remember last November, it was our recognition program, but sadly no one couldn't make it. I decided not to go, but reluctant, I went without a guardian. In those days, I feel like love has the greatest price, that it is a luxury I can never afford.

Lastly I would like to ask: How much is a smile for Christmas?- A lot of kids will say, it's easy to smile, but in this world full of bitterness, we couldn't see the difference between true and fake happiness. Merry Christmas, it's in the name actually, how can you be merry if you do not smile? Well, happiness has a higher tag than money itself, it needs genuine emotions, true love and care, happiness is hefty in price.

So how much would a merry Christmas be?- simple a merry Christmas is worth as much as a hug from a family, a love without regrets and a smile beyond boundaries.

How much is a Merry Christmas?- It depends on you!

We have equal rights

If men where to play Barbie dolls as boys, and if women where given guns and cars as girls. Imagine what difference does it make for both of the parties.

There is always a social stigma between effeminate and masculine. Even in the clothing isles, you still see products targeted at specific sexes at present. Mama is supposed to care for the baby, and papa, should work for the family. It's a historical, cultural, social, and ethical norm for many families. Women are for houses, and men are for the workforce.

In our community, we notice that women are not given proper opportunity and equal respect than men. It is crucial to have professions and sciences in a living environment, but it is highly dangerous to have gaps between the professionals and amateurs, scientists and sophomores. We are seeking a better life in the sense where skills are appreciated regardless of it's power and sex. A professor will never underestimate his student's ideas but respect it and help him develop it to benefit other. People will not look at a woman with high accomplishment, and undermine her capabilities as a person.

We should strive and begin to create an equal environment for both young and old, rich and poor, man or woman or any gender for that matter. In such in equal environment, people will not be treated based on their ethnicity, religion, or physical abilities. This will bring everybody to the same dinning table. Everyone has a spot in this world and by having equality we sustain our humanity.

The basic construct of the human institution is fascinating, bacause it is not based on conformity, but actually it strives for belongingness.