Celebration the the Christmas Season in its essence, in the new normal

Celebrating the Christmas Season in the New Normal

The Christmas season is a time of joy, love, and togetherness, but in the new normal brought
about by the COVID-19 pandemic, celebrations may need to be adapted to ensure safety and compliance with public health guidelines. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, there are various ways to celebrate the Christmas season while embracing the new normal.

Virtual Celebrations

One of the most prominent ways to celebrate Christmas in the new normal is through virtual gatherings. With video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet, families and friends can come together virtually to share in the festive spirit. Virtual celebrations can include activities such as exchanging gifts, singing carols, and enjoying a holiday meal together while being physically apart.

Outdoor Activities

Another approach to celebrating Christmas in the new normal is by engaging in outdoor activities that allow for social distancing. This can include decorating outdoor spaces with festive lights and decorations, organizing outdoor movie nights with holiday-themed films, or even participating in socially distanced caroling within neighborhoods.

New Year, New Me

 The phrase “new year, new me” is often used as a declaration of intent to make positive changes in one’s life at the beginning of a new year. This concept reflects the human desire for self-improvement and personal growth. It signifies a fresh start and an opportunity to set new goals, adopt healthier habits, and work towards becoming the best version of oneself. The idea behind “new year, new me” is to embrace change, leave behind negative patterns or behaviors, and strive for self-improvement in various aspects of life.

Implementing “New Year, New Me”

1. Setting Clear Goals: To embrace the “new year, new me” mindset effectively, it’s essential to set clear and achievable goals. These goals can encompass various areas such as health, career, relationships, personal development, and more.

2. Embracing Change: Embracing change is a fundamental aspect of implementing the “new year, new me” concept. This involves being open to new experiences, learning from past mistakes, and being willing to step out of one’s comfort zone.

3. Self-Reflection and Evaluation: Engaging in self-reflection allows individuals to assess their strengths and weaknesses. This introspective process can help in identifying areas for improvement and charting a path towards personal growth.

4. Taking Action: The concept of “new year, new me” is not just about setting intentions but also about taking concrete actions towards achieving one’s goals. This may involve adopting healthier habits, seeking new opportunities, or making positive changes in various aspects of life.

5. Staying Committed: Implementing lasting change requires commitment and perseverance. It’s important to stay focused on the desired outcomes and remain dedicated to the journey of self-improvement throughout the year.

Jose Rizal, the face of The Philippines

 Jose Rizal, a Filipino nationalist and polymath, made significant contributions to the Philippines and the world. His works and actions have left a lasting impact on various aspects of society, including literature, education, and national identity. Among his many contributions, one stands out as particularly significant.

Rizal’s Greatest Contribution: Promotion of Nationalism Rizal’s greatest contribution lies in his relentless promotion of nationalism and the awakening of Filipino national consciousness. Through his writings, such as “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo,” Rizal exposed the injustices and abuses suffered by Filipinos under Spanish colonial rule. These novels served as a catalyst for social awakening and inspired Filipinos to strive for independence and self-determination.

Rizal’s advocacy for reforms and his call for unity among Filipinos transcended geographical boundaries. He believed in the potential of the Filipino people to rise above oppression and build a nation based on freedom, justice, and equality. His unwavering commitment to the Filipino cause galvanized a sense of pride and identity among his compatriots, laying the groundwork for the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule.

 Rizal's most notable contributions include his writings, which advocated for political reforms and social change in the Philippines. His novels, "Noli Me Tangere" (Touch Me Not) and "El Filibusterismo" (The Reign of Greed), exposed the abuses and injustices committed by the Spanish colonial government and the clergy.

Exploring The Charming Calle Crisologo

History and Background of Calle Crisologo

With its rich history and fascinating background, Calle Crisologo is a street in Vigan, Philippines that takes you back in time. Dating back to the Spanish colonial era, the street preserves the architectural and cultural heritage of the past. Its cobblestone pavement and beautiful old houses showcase the grandeur of Spanish colonial architecture. Calle Crisologo has witnessed the rise and fall of different empires throughout history, providing a unique glimpse into the city's storied past.

The architecture of Calle Crisologo reflects the strong colonial influence during the Spanish era. The houses lining the street feature traditional Spanish design elements such as thick walls, red-tiled roofs, and massive wooden doors with intricate carvings. The structures are made of locally sourced materials like adobe and bricks. The architectural style blends European aesthetics with local craftsmanship, creating a distinct and charming ambiance.

Visiting Calle Crisologo offers a unique atmosphere that immerses visitors in the ambiance of a bygone era. The absence of modern structures and vehicles contributes to the authenticity of the experience, allowing visitors to imagine life during the Spanish colonial period. Horse-drawn carriages known as “kalesa” further enhance the old-world charm of the street, providing leisurely rides for tourists.

Exploring Calle Crisologo provides an opportunity to appreciate the cultural heritage of Vigan and gain insight into the way of life during the Spanish colonial period. The street’s ambiance, historical significance, and architectural beauty combine to create an unforgettable experience for those who visit.

Calle Crisologo remains as the main tourist destination of Ilocos Sur. It is gradually recovering from the negative impact of COVID-19 as the Ilocos region opens its doors to domestic tourists and visitors are now flocking to the place once again. It's always a pleasure to walk along its cobblestone covered street, admire the old ancestral houses along the way, and look for souvenirs at the shops at almost every corner of the street. Learn how to haggle, though.

The best time to visit this place is either early in the morning or in late afternoon when it's not that hot anymore. However, expect to see more people at this time. if you are after old ancestral houses, you'll find them also along the streets parallel to Calle Crisologo. 

Reflection

 

I learned a lot of things about the history of the internet, pioneers of the internet, World Wide Web,  the difference between World Wide Web Server and Web Server, the different apps, and the men behind all these things. 

But it was not easy, there were so many challenges. I had trouble understanding some few things like the history of the internet, it was so hard for me to memorise the timeline because there were so many numbers/years. To address with these challenges, i listened more attentively, ask my teacher or classmate if don't understand it.

References:

https://i.guim.co.uk/img/static/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2015/5/18/1431942870271/53dd01f8-e5ea-4687-9f92-053443290f6e-620x372.jpeg?width=620&dpr=2&s=none

https://i.guim.co.uk/img/static/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2013/6/25/1372186437660/Roger-Scantlebury-Derek-B-008.jpg?width=620&dpr=2&s=none

A letter to The President

  
 

In your leadership, thousand's of Bridges, Dikes, Classrooms, Evacuation Centres, and Roads were build in a flurry of development. The  DPWH said that in the first four yesrs of Duterte’s term, the government was able to accomplish 2.5 trillion pesos worth of public infrastructure projects. You solved so many problems like the drug issue going on back then. 

 

All the efforts and decisions that you've made for our country are appreciated. We know being in your spot is not easy. Wanting the best for our country is hard, specially if some does not agree in your plan. But still, you managed. 

Thank you Mr. President, thank you for serving our country and making our country better.

References:

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/06/28/22/inaugural-address-of-president-rodrigo-duterte

https://www.philstar.com/

Towards a Resilient Philippines

The Philippines is one of the top countries in the world at risk of climate-related disasters. For populations subsisting at the poverty line in particular, but also the nation as a whole, daily lives and wellbeing are routinely challenged. An archipelago of over 7,100 islands, the Philippines is the fourth most at-risk country in the world in terms of climate-related natural disasters, such as typhoons, sea level rise, flooding and extreme temperature. It is one of the top three countries in the world for population. 

The last months of the year spur preparations for the year end holiday festivities, but they also come with a premonition of devastating tropical cyclones that frequent the region. The Philippines has made significant progress in the areas of disaster risk reduction and climate action, and now looks to strengthen resilience in response and outcome. Risk informed planning and development leverages the use of real time data and fast evolving digital, mobile, and satellite technologies that mush link to provide accurate information, early warning, and risk informed protocols and regulations.

References:

https://www.connectingbusiness.org/news-events/blog/five-things-you-need-know-about-response-typhoon-rai-philippines

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5061578/

https://scholar.google.com.ph/scholar?q=towards+a+resilience+philippines&hl=en&as_sdt=0&as_vis=1&oi=scholart