123rd HS Day: 1 School, 2gether, 3fold Legacy (THEMATIC)

    The most awaited event in high school—High School Day—has come again! This year marks the 123rd High School Day of Ilocos Sur National High School, a celebration that brings together teachers, students, and staff to honor the pride and history of our beloved school. To make the event memorable, everyone worked hard—each grade level practiced their field demonstration, made their colorful props, and every club prepared exciting booths to make the day more enjoyable for all ISNHSians.

As always, the celebration began with a foot parade, where students, along with their advisers, marched through Vigan. Though I wasn’t able to join the parade due to some preparations, I know that every step taken by ISNHSians carried pride and school spirit. I am especially proud of my section, Maxwell, for earning the "Most Disciplined Section" award during the parade. 

After that, the most anticipated part of the event took place—the field demonstration. From Grade 7 to 11, boys and girls performed their well-practiced dance routines, along with their creative props. Though we didn’t win, the true goal was to enjoy the moment, showcase teamwork, and gain experience together.

In the afternoon, the energy continued with the "Concert for a Cause" or the "Battle of the Bands" at the SPTVE building. Students sang their hearts out, swayed to the rhythm, and cheered for their fellow ISNHSians, who showcased their incredible musical talents.

Another year, another milestone—this High School Day was a reminder that ISNHS is not just a school but a family that celebrates together, grows together, and makes memories that will last a lifetime.

Final Shift Gear (REFLECTION)

    Just like in a race, my journey through Junior High School has been filled with twists, turns, and moments of acceleration. Now, as I write my final reflection, I realized that I’m shifting into my last gear, approaching the finish line of this incredible ride. It makes me sad to think that my JHS days are coming to an end, but I also feel grateful for everything I have learned along the way.

    Throughout this quarter, one lesson stood out the most—MS FrontPage. Learning how to design and create my own website felt like gaining a new driving skill, a skill that allowed me to navigate the digital world with confidence. Learning how to design and create my own website was an exciting experience. I had so much fun experimenting with different tools and bringing my ideas to life.

    Of course, no race is without its challenges. At first, designing my webpage felt like struggling with a tricky turn—I wasn’t familiar with the tools, and I didn’t know how to use them properly. To make things worse, our computer kept experiencing erros, forcing us to restart it again and again which was delaying our progress. But just like in racing, setbacks don’t mean stopping, they mean finding a way to push forward.

    So, I reached out for help. Ma'am Charleen, our practice teacher, guided me through the tools. I also turned to my groupmates for help. And when technical issues slowed us down, Ma'am Evelyn stepped in to assist us, ensuring we had enough time to finish our project.

    Now, as I prepare to cross the finish line of Grade 10, I know that this is not the end of the road—it’s just a gear shift toward bigger and greater things. I will continue learning, exploring, and improving. I will also remind myself that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, but a way to keep moving forward.

    Before the race ends, I want to express my deepest gratitude. Thank you, Ma’am Evelyn, for the lessons, the laughter, and for being like a second mother to us. Thank you, Ma’am Charleen, for your patience and dedication. And to my beloved section, Maxwell—thank you for the support, the fun, and the countless memories we’ve made. This journey will always have a special place in my heart.

    As I shift into the next chapter of my life, I will carry these experiences with me, knowing that every challenge is just another turn in the race, and every lesson is fuel for the road ahead.

My Dream, My Future

    Fifteen years from now, I see myself in a place I’ve always dreamed of—a modern laboratory in the USA or Canada, wearing a scrub, carefully studying samples under a microscope. I am a medical technologist, working hard to help doctors diagnose diseases and save lives. It’s a career I’ve always wanted, not just because it interests me, but also because I know it can give me a better future.

    Getting here wasn’t easy. There were nights when I stayed up late studying, days when I doubted myself, and moments when I felt like giving up. Financial struggles, personal problems, and emotional battles tried to hold me back, but I didn’t let them. I pushed through because I knew that every hardship was just another step toward my goal.

    Looking back, I see the younger version of myself—just a high school student with big dreams. I remember promising to study hard, to get a scholarship, and to enter my dream university. I remember wanting to graduate with Latin honors, not just for myself but also for my family, who always believed in me. And now, I have made that promise come true.

    Fifteen years from now, I am living a successful and happy life. I have a stable job, I can support my family, and I am proud of the person I have become. But I know this is just the beginning. There are still more goals to reach, more dreams to achieve. Aside from my career, I dream of traveling the world—exploring new places, learning about different cultures, and seeing the beauty of diversity. I want to visit famous landmarks, try different foods, and meet people from all over the world. Through these experiences, I will grow as a person and gain a deeper understanding of life. And just like before, I will keep moving forward—one step at a time.

References:

Ulshoots. (2016, March 30). Late night studying. ULShoots. https://ulshoots.wordpress.com/2012/11/17/late-studying/

Respall, J. (2021, April 8). Opportunity For Filipino MedTechs To Work & Migrate To Australia. Migrate to Australia. https://respall.com/2020/11/10/opportunity-for-filipino-medtechs-to-work-migrate-to-australia/

Reporters, L., & Reporters, L. (2021, February 25). How to be successful, happy and achieve your goals in life. Luxury Lifestyle Magazine - Luxury Lifestyle Magazine. https://www.luxurylifestylemag.co.uk/health-wellbeing/how-to-be-successful-happy-and-achieve-your-goals-in-life/

"Babae Ka, Hindi Babae Lang"

 

    “Babae ka, hindi babae lang.” This quote is a strong reminder that being a woman is not a limitation. It challenges the idea that women are defined by what society expects of them. Instead, it emphasizes that women are capable, strong, and deserving of the same respect and opportunities as anyone else.

    This connects deeply to this year’s Women’s Month theme: “WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society.” For many years, women have faced discrimination, unequal opportunities, and gender stereotypes. But today, we are reminded that women are more than just their roles at home, in school, or in the workplace—they can lead, create, and make a difference.

    Celebrating Women's Month is not just about recognizing their achievements but also about breaking barriers that limit women. It’s about building a society where gender does not decide what a person can or cannot do. True equality happens when everyone—regardless of gender—can pursue their dreams, express themselves freely, and be treated with respect.

    By imparting this message, we take a step closer to a world where being a woman is never seen as a limitation, but as a source of strength and endless possibilities. 

References:

Abigan, A. (2018, March 7). National Youth Commission celebrates women’s month with march, forum. RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/moveph/197536-national-youth-commission-women-month/

“Misogyny keeping more women out of government.” (2020, March 11). Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/03/08/1999098/misogyny-keeping-more-women-out-government

Ayat

    Valentine’s Day is a special time when people show love and appreciation to those who matter most. It is not just about couples; it is also for family, friends, and even ourselves. Love comes in many forms—romantic love (Eros), the deep bond of friendship (Philia), unconditional love (Agape), and the love we have for family (Storge). No matter who we celebrate with, the day reminds us to express love in simple but meaningful ways.

    We celebrate Valentine’s Day because love is what connects us all. It is a chance to remind people how much they mean to us, whether through kind words, small gifts, or quality time. In a world that can feel busy and distant, this day brings people closer together. More than chocolates and flowers, it is about making someone feel valued and appreciated.

     Beyond tradition, Valentine’s Day teaches us to love not just on February 14 but every day. Love is not just about grand gestures—it is in the little things, like checking in on a friend or helping at home. When we spread kindness, we make the world a warmer place for everyone. So whether single or taken, young or old, this day is for anyone with love to give.

References:

https://images.app.goo.gl/coP1tfv6TxgeUS8f9

One Celebration, One Heart

    Imagine people from different towns and cities coming together, sharing food, music, and stories. That’s the magic of Kannawidan Festival! It’s not just about fun and celebration—it’s about unity.  

    The Kannawidan Festival is important because it helps people remember and celebrate the rich culture of Ilocos Sur. It shows the traditions, food, and crafts that have been passed down through generations. This festival also brings people together to enjoy music, dances, and other local activities. It is a way to honor the past while sharing it with the younger generation.

    Aside from preserving culture, the festival also helps the local economy. Many small businesses and local farmers get a chance to sell their products to visitors. It attracts tourists, which brings more income to the community. This support helps the people of Ilocos Sur continue their way of life and keep their traditions alive.

    The Kannawidan Festival is also a time for unity and pride. It allows people to take part in activities that strengthen their connection to their roots. Families and friends come together to celebrate and enjoy the event. Through this festival, the people of Ilocos Sur show their love and respect for their culture and heritage.

    Kannawidan reminds us that we are one—one province, one culture, one people. It’s not just a festival; it’s a homecoming for every Ilocano.

References:

CBR: Capturing Beyond Research

     This photoblog is about our journey in doing Community-Based Research. It’s not just about the work but also the experiences, challenges, and memories we made along the way.

  

Planning our Research Topic

           When we were given our research category, we immediately brainstormed ideas on where to focus our study. We discussed which community to explore and where to gather data. In the end, we chose the whole of Vigan, as the Longganisa Festival isn’t tied to a specific barangay but represents the entire city.

         

Doing and Finalizing our CBR Paper

            After deciding on our topic, our leader, Demie, fairly assigned each of us a part to work on. We then gathered the necessary information and planned the flow of our paper. Finalizing it wasn’t easy—we faced challenges along the way—but with teamwork, we managed to complete it, get it ready for printing, and prepare it for submission.

      

Interviewing Our Respondents

         Here, we interviewed the locals of Vigan about their experiences during the Longganisa Festival. We asked about their opinions on the festival and how it impacts them as Bigueños. It was great to hear their stories and see how much they value our arts and culture.

                      

Creating and Finalizing our Webpage Design

            After finishing our CBR paper, we moved on to designing our webpage. None of us had any background in coding, so it was our first time tackling this. It was a challenge, but with teamwork and watching tutorials, we pushed through and finally completed it.

(All photos were taken by Vigan Group 1)