Golden Experience

It is finally the end of the 2nd quarter of my last junior year. The stressful moments, uncontrolled laughter, never-ending activities, and quizzes that made me contemplate my grades have paid off. Indeed, I have discovered many with 10 subjects. More importantly, my knowledge in science, math, and engineering has increased thanks to the helpful teachers I've had. Their explanations were concise, clear, and engaging. Academically, this quarter has been worthwhile. However, this school does not only focus on the academic aspect of preparing the youth. Another adventure of mine that began this quarter is being a student leader. Sometime in September, we were invited to camp. Unknowingly, the camp was not a simple activity; it was a full event that raised me even more as a leader. The seminars and workshops made me realize that it is more than just organizing events, representing the school, and attending activities to lead. It is about discipline, intelligence, and resilience. Having these three traits, mastering them will forge anyone into their best versions.

  However, the amount of work that needs to be done in such a short time requires immense hard work and initiative. A significant challenge I faced was being consistent. I had not thought of creating a study schedule because I would always go with the flow. Consequently, some days were productive while some were wasted. Looking back, the time that I unfortunately wasted makes me wonder if I could have done better. In addition, being a high-achieving student and a young leader requires balance. My academics do not wait; punctuality is important if I want to excel at them. However, some days require my presence at extracurricular activities, therefore causing me to miss some of my requirements. I had no prior experience in managing both.

    One advice I have for myself and for you is to set priorities. The human brain can only do so much. Therefore, one thing that is to be avoided is multitasking. Multitasking, especially in excess, can increase quantity but reduce the quality exponentially. As a solution, I focused on what needed my immediate attention and what I could address later. Prioritizing helped improve the quality of my work while keeping the quantity. In addition, I have also learned from my best friend that time management is the key. Yes, time cannot be rewound nor stopped. Therefore, you should know how to better manage it. Scheduling my day and allocating specific time for activities ensures that each one can be started and finished.

 

    Moving on, I will keep practicing better time management along with setting priorities intelligently. These two things are not only useful in academics, or inside the campus. These are fundamentals in having an organized and stress-free lifestyle. In addition, I will keep on excelling in my academics and leadership not only for me, but also to inspire younger generations to become their best versions. This adventure has truly been a golden experience.

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A Tapestry of Stone, Flavor, and Craft in Vigan City

To step into Vigan City is to step through a portal in time. It is not merely a visit; it is an experience that feels like a living, breathing dream of the Spanish colonial era. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vigan is often celebrated for its impeccable preservation, but to label it merely as "old" is a profound understatement. I firmly believe that Vigan's true magic lies not just in its architecture, but in the vibrant, enduring spirit of its people, which is palpable in its storied streets, its unique culinary offerings, and its tenacious local industries. It is a city where history is not confined to museums but is lived daily in the clatter of kalesa wheels and the aroma of empanadas wafting through the air.

The undeniable heart of this historical tapestry is Calle Crisologo. More than just a street, it is the postcard-perfect soul of Vigan. Walking down its cobblestone path, flanked by centuries-old houses with their distinctive capiz shell windows and massive, weathered doors, is an assertion of timeless beauty. The absence of modern vehicular traffic allows the imagination to roam freely, and one can almost hear the whispers of Ilustrado elites and the rustle of Maria Clara gowns from a bygone era. I would argue that Calle Crisologo is at its most transcendent during the golden hour, as the sun sets and the antique lanterns (faroles) begin to glow, casting a soft, romantic light that bathes the street in an almost ethereal aura. This is not just a tourist spot; it is a masterfully preserved stage where the drama of Philippine history continues to unfold before our eyes.

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However, to only feast one's eyes in Vigan is to miss half the story. The city’s soul is equally expressed through its distinctive and bold flavors. Vigan cuisine is a testament to the Ilocano people's reputation for resilience and resourcefulness. The iconic Vigan Longganisa, for instance, is a powerful statement of taste. Unlike its sweeter counterparts, it is assertively garlicky and slightly sour, a flavor profile that jolts the palate awake and refuses to be forgotten. Similarly, the Vigan Empanada is more than a snack; it is a culinary event. The vibrant orange crust, colored by annatto and filled with a savory mixture of longganisa, egg, and vegetables, offers a perfect crunch that gives way to a complex and satisfying interior. To eat these foods is to understand the Ilocano character: straightforward, robust, and unapologetically flavorful.

This spirit of resourcefulness and identity is the very engine that drives Vigan's local industries. The city and the wider Ilocos region are renowned for their masterful weaving, particularly the production of Inabel cloth. Each piece of Inabel is not merely fabric; it is a narrative woven on a loom, with intricate geometric patterns that often tell stories of the weaver's life, heritage, and environment. The survival and thriving of this craft in the face of mass production is a powerful assertion of cultural pride.

Equally vital to the city's identity is the ancient craft of burnay pottery. I maintain that these distinctively dark, unglazed earthenware jars are among the most authentic expressions of Ilocano ingenuity. Made from clay processed with sand and fired in massive, wood-burning kilns, the Burnay jar is a testament to functional art. It is my strong opinion that their true value is revealed not on a display shelf, but in their intended use. Locals assert that vinegar, bagoong (fermented fish paste), and basi (sugarcane wine) stored in burnay jars develop a depth and purity of flavor unattainable in plastic or glass containers. The porous nature of the clay allows the contents to breathe, a slow, natural alchemy that modern materials cannot replicate. Watching the pagburnayan (pottery workshops), where skilled artisans shape the clay with nothing but their hands and a simple kick-wheel, is to witness a direct link to a prehistoric past. This is not a craft revived for tourists; it is a living industry, essential to the local palate and a powerful symbol of earthy, unpretentious strength.

In conclusion, Vigan City is a multi-sensory masterpiece where the past is not a relic but a vibrant present. The silent, stoic beauty of Calle Crisologo provides the stage, but it is the assertive flavors of its food and the resilient creativity of its local industries—from the woven stories of Inabel to the elemental utility of the burnay—that give the city its beating heart. It stands as a powerful argument for the importance of cultural preservation, demonstrating that heritage can be a dynamic force that feeds the body, inspires the artist, and captivates the traveler. Vigan does not ask to be admired from a distance; it invites you to walk its streets, savor its dishes, and touch its crafts, leaving you with the indelible conviction that you have connected with something truly and authentically Filipino.

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The Hero We Needed

If I were to ask you to define a hero, what would your answer be? My heroes do not always wear costumes or fight villains. Sometimes, they stand before me in their ironed uniforms, having discussions about their topic. Their sacrifices, determination, courage, and patience are the qualities that make them my heroes.

Time is invaluable, yet teachers devote years of their lives to educating future generations. Some remain in service for decades, far longer than I have been alive. I cannot imagine spending my entire adulthood in a school, working with hundreds of students, and managing countless documents. I commend teachers for dedicating both their time and effort to ensure that we learn.

Managing more than a hundred students demands significant patience. The ability to maintain order in even the most challenging classes is remarkable. Mathematics teachers, in particular, demonstrate exceptional patience. They remain composed even when the classroom is chaotic. I am continually impressed by teachers who can maintain control in such situations.

Throughout my life, I struggled with public speaking. However, observing my teachers present their lessons each day taught me valuable communication skills. Because of their example, I now feel more comfortable presenting, communicating, and interacting in public. What once seemed daunting has become an opportunity to express myself freely.

In conclusion, teachers are true heroes who shape our lives through their dedication, patience, and guidance. Their influence extends far beyond the classroom, inspiring us to learn, grow, and overcome our own challenges. I am grateful for the invaluable lessons they have taught me and will always admire their unwavering commitment to their students.

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