Maxim Maiev

        As this quarter came to a close, I had the scary realization that the next quarter was my last. The last chance for me to improve. For me to change.     I’ve never been one for change. My old habits still go strong, even with how many times I say “bawi nalang ako sa next quarter”. But now that I know the next quarter is my last, I know that I shouldn’t make another empty promise to myself.      Despite my never ending anxiety about the future, the third quarter was an amazing experience to have. Some topics got harder, some got easier, some stayed the same. I enjoyed the in-classroom activities, and the long term projects a bit less. But it was, overall, fun to be a part of.      When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. But when life gives you a never ending string of projects, activities, and deadlines? Well, you can probably just drink your lemonade and say “I have one more chance,” but this time, you have to ma...

     José Rizal’s contributions to the Philippines go beyond his role as a writer. He became the voice of a people longing for dignity and change. Through his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, Rizal portrayed the everyday struggles of Filipinos under Spanish rule, exposing corruption, abuse, and inequality. These stories were not just works of fiction but reflections of real experiences that opened the eyes of many Filipinos. By using literature to speak the truth, Rizal helped awaken a sense of national identity and encouraged people to believe that change was possible through awareness and education.      Rizal also believed deeply in peaceful reform and the power of learning. While studying and working abroad, he pushed for equal rights and fair treatment of Filipinos by the Spanish government. When he returned to the Philippines, he lived out his beliefs by establishing a small school in Dapitan, teaching children and adults alike. Through t...

   Christmas. A word, a time, a holiday that many— both young and old— look forward to. This Christmas was spent with family and friends, with relatives coming home for the holiday to spend time together. For me, Christmas is always a time where I’m surrounded by people I’ve grown up with, who’ve seen me grow up, and those who help me grow.    While a multitude of things happened in thr days leading up to the joyful day, the one I’m most fond about was on the day of the class christmas party. Despite a few setbacks, I was happy to see the whole class enjoying themselves as we played games, exhanged gifts, and ate food. It was a pleasure to spend the day with friends right after the celebration, spending time and money to do the things we loved.     And on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, I was in the kitchen, helping family prepare for our family compounds tradition of celebrating together. This year, since there were fewer people, my family was the on...

    Every October, the Philippines observes National Indigenous Peoples (IP) Month, a time to recognize and honor the country’s Indigenous Cultural Communities and their vital role in shaping Filipino identity. This celebration serves as a reminder that indigenous people are not just part of history but are living communities whose traditions, knowledge, and values continue to enrich the nation. Through cultural events, educational activities, and community programs, IP Month helps raise awareness about the importance of respecting indigenous rights, preserving their heritage, and addressing the challenges they continue to face in modern society.     The theme “Weaving Culture, Enriching Future: Empowering Indigenous Communities as Bedrock of Sustainable Development” highlights how indigenous culture is deeply connected to the country’s future. Just like weaving, indigenous traditions bring together stories, skills, and values passed down through generations. These p...

    Elpidio Quirino was born on November 16, 1890, in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. He grew up in a modest household, where education and discipline were highly valued. Quirino pursued higher education at the University of the Philippines, earning a law degree in 1915. His early experiences, including personal hardships and exposure to public service, shaped his strong sense of duty and commitment to nation-building. These formative years laid the foundation for his future career in government and leadership in postwar Philippines.     Quirino began his political career as a member of the House of Representatives and later served as a senator. He held several important government positions, including Secretary of Finance and Secretary of the Interior. During World War II, he suffered immense personal loss when his wife and children were killed by Japanese forces, yet he continued serving the country. In 1948, following the death of President Manuel Roxas, Quirino assumed the pr...

          The Philippine government has taken significant legal steps to end the production, distribution and possession of child sexual abuse or exploitation materials or CSAEM. Republic Act No. 11930, also known as the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act, declares that regardless of the child’s consent, it is unlawful to produce, distribute or possess CSAEM formats. This law says that internet service providers block or remove access to CSAEM sites within 24 hours of notice, and that any person who violates its core prohibitions faces life imprisonment and heavy fines.           Besides this legislation, the government is implementing measures to ensure enforcement and whole-of-society participation. For instance, the Department of Social Welfare and Development or DSWD has urged public vigilance during National Children’s Month to st...