Saulogon ta! Simballay Festival!

"Simba! Simballay! Simballay!", the chant of every Nabunturanon as they celebrate the annual Simballay Festival held every December showcasing the culture of the Municipality of Nabunturan in Compostela Valley. Being a resident of the place, I have witnessed how this festival presented the togetherness and thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest of each barangay; it has never dissapointed and ceased to amaze me. Every year, the festival evolves together with the technology and modern art. 

The festivity higlights the booth (bahay-kubo) making of the 28 barangays. The booths were made of indigenous (nipa hut and bamboos) and recyclable materials. Other activities were  conducted to add spice and flavor. With the modern art, this festival integrated installation art through the arrays of umbrellas placed between the competing booths of competing barangays. I was amazed that the Simballay had really improved; the number of visitors and spectators proved it. 

My experience during the festival was an unforgettable one. Everyday, I go home early so I can finish the household chores early and be able to go with my friends at night. It was such a wonderful experience seeing how the municipality displayed its foundations of becoming a progressive place. One of the activities was Recyclo model, a competition where the participants created dresses out of bottles and other recyclable materials. It's overwhelming that this festival enchances the creativity and initiative of the people, and discovers and develops innate talents. Choral competitions were conducted and I was happy hearing voices singing Christmas songs. One of the awaited activities of the event was the Garbo ng Nabunturan. It showcased the singing talent of Nabunturanon and gave the winner an opportunity to represent the municipality in the Grabo ng Compostela Valley. The venue was filled with melodic voices and cheers from supporters. I encountered some of the participants and knew that they are among the best singers and performers. I had my own bet on who should win the contest, and fortunately, ate Ferry, my choice, won the Garbo. The activity went well. On the last day of the celebration was the "Iwag sa Kadalanan". The road was covered with lights for delight, dances of grace and sounds of lively music. Nabunturan National Comprehensive High School slayed everyone in its performance and was proclaimed again as champion plus two minor awards. 

Simballay Festival must be visited so watch out for the Simballay Festival 2018. I can assure you that you will experience one of the best feelings ever.

Mama! Papa! Thank you!

We can do Hugs and Kisses, Flowers and Cards but the sweetest thing we can offer to our parents is our sincere thoughts of Thank You and I Love You.

Parents' Day, held last December 1, 2017, is an annual celebration of Nabunturan National Comprehensive High School to honor all the parents for their undying love and support not only to their children but also to the school. The event really showed that the school have always appreciated and given importance the parents' contribution of improving the school as a place of learning. 

On the other side, the instituition's facilities and classrooms were ready for turn-over so the school decided to integrate the blessing and turning over of buildings with the parents' day celebration. 

The NNCHS' gym was filled with colors and excitement. Almost 1000 parents attended the event with their children. Students were ready and prepared for their tokens and gifts to their loving parents. 

Guest speakers and political officials were also invited to witness the celebration. Guest speakers really inspired everyone about the hardships of each parent just to send their children to school. They really emphasized the sacrifices a parent can do and that we, students must not take education as a simple thing. Also a raffle promo and free snacks for everyone were sponsored by our ever supportive congressman Hon. Ruwel Peter Gonzaga. At exactly 11:30 am the atmosphere turned into a sweet and emotional state. The students started to give their tokens of gratitude to their parents. Tears were present and words of 'thank you' and 'I love you' covered the whole gymnasium. Everyone felt the LOVE. The celebration went successful with the help of all working staff. Everybody went home with smiles on their faces.

Unfortunately, my parents couldn't attend the celebration because of work. However, I did not let the moment - to show how grateful I am that they're my parents - escape. Saying a simple thank you made a smile on my mother's face and that's the most sweetest response that I have recieved. 

Being a parent or a legal guardian is not a simple role as you think. Parents will do and sacrifice everything just to give what you want and need so we must not forget and ignore them. A kiss, hug, card, flower and a good son/daughter are the simple ways we can offer to them as to show our gratitude and appreciation. 

FIGHT Human Trafficking Song Writing

        Human Trafficking is a serious immoral treatment to someone. A person is used for the pleasure of another being. This act of slavery is one of the major problems our society and government face. To lessen the statistical rate of human trafficking, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) have created a song writing contest which promotes and intensifies the awareness of everyone on human exploitation. Sadly, reports have showed that  most victims of the slavery are women and children of the century.
Click here to watch the video🎥
    INAKALA, Nabunturan National Comprehensive High School's music video, is part of the top five competing entries in the IACAT song writing and music video contest. The story is about the life of a woman who was abused and used for personal pleasure. The story of the woman presents how human trafficking subsists in the country. Sense of curiosity, poverty, and lack of education are contributing factors which strengthens the foundation of such trafficking. Lack of education is a factor of the crime because many people were blind about their rights. Article 4 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that "There shall be no Slavery", is greatly violated. Researchers reveal that human trafficking is a hidden crime. Poverty; the most common reason why they engage in transactions like these is because of their need for money. Now, the question of eradicating the problem is finding for its answer. We need to help ourselves and let us end its existence.
      As a student and a member of a diverse community where human trafficking is one of the world's pollutant, I will use my knowledge through sharing and educating my peers about simple solution that will make a macro effect of ending the said burden of the country and the world. Lastly, the best contribution I can do is to not get myself involved in human trafficking.