ISNHS DAY 2025

📸 The Grand Foot Parade

To kick off the 2025 Foundation Day of Ilocos Sur National High School, all students proudly participated in a foot parade around Vigan City last March 22. As we marched through the streets, excitement and school spirit filled the air. Alongside the parade, the annual contest for the most disciplined section per grade level was held. With teamwork and discipline, our section, 10-Maxwell, was honored as the Most Disciplined Section among all 

Grade 10 classes.

What a moment of great pride for us!

📸 Field Demonstration

No ISNHS Day is complete without the much-awaited Field Demonstration, where students from Grades 7 to 11 perform in separate male and female categories. This year, the Grade 10 girls delivered a dynamic and well-rounded Lady Gaga-inspired performance, bringing energy and creativity to the stage. Though the competition was tough, 

we were thrilled to secure 4th place: a testament to our hard work and dedication.

📸 Club Booths

After the morning festivities, my club and I made our way to our booth area to continue with the second day of our activities. This was one of the most exciting parts of the celebration, as each club set up its own booth, showcasing unique products, games, or activities. Our club had been preparing for weeks, carefully crafting handmade items and brainstorming ways to attract more students to our booth.

As the day went on, we welcomed visitors: both familiar faces and new ones, eager to check out what we had to offer. We sold our crafts, engaged in friendly conversations, and even exchanged ideas with other clubs. There was a strong sense of community as students moved from one booth to another, appreciating each other’s efforts and creativity. It wasn’t just about selling; it was about bonding, teamwork, and making connections with people who shared similar interests.

The celebration of ISNHS Foundation Day is more than just an annual event—it is a time to honor the school’s rich history, foster camaraderie among students, and showcase talents and achievements. It reminds us of the values and traditions that shape our school community, strengthening our pride as ISNHS students. Every year, we come together to celebrate, compete, and create lasting memories, making this event one of the most anticipated highlights of our school life.

4TH QUARTER ADIEU

 

If you had told me at the start of this quarter that I’d be building BETTER websites EASIER than in the previous quarter, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. But here I am, after weeks of trial and error, finally understanding how Microsoft FrontPage works. Learning how to create and manage websites was both exciting and a bit overwhelming at first. There were so many tools to explore, and I never realized how much detail goes into designing a simple webpage.

Of course, it wasn’t all easy. One of the biggest challenges I faced was figuring out which button did what. The layout looked somewhat familiar, like Microsoft Word, but it definitely didn’t function the same way. The formatting tools were in different places, and I found myself clicking the wrong things over and over again. It was frustrating, and at times, I felt completely lost.

Thankfully, I wasn’t alone. With the help of my classmates and our pre-service teacher, Ma’am Charleen, I slowly started to figure things out. They patiently guided me whenever I got stuck, and after some practice, I finally got comfortable using the software. Looking back, I realize that struggling with something new isn’t a bad thing; it just means I’m learning.

Moving forward, I want to continue improving my web design skills and explore other tools beyond Microsoft FrontPage. I know there will be more challenges ahead, but this experience has taught me that with patience, effort, and the right support, I can figure things out one step at a time.

 We all have dreams....

       Visions of who we want to be and the kind of life we hope to live. Some people dream of wealth and fame, while others long for a simple yet fulfilling life. As for me, 15 years from now, I see myself living a life of purpose, growth, and happiness, shaped by the choices I make today. 

       By that time, I imagine myself thriving in my career as an educator in the field of social sciences. Teaching has always been more than just a profession to me; rather, it’s a passion, a way to inspire and guide young minds in understanding society, history, and human behavior. 

       I see myself earning my master’s degree, maybe even a doctorate, constantly learning so I can be the best teacher I can be. I want to create a classroom where students feel heard, challenged, and inspired to think critically about the world around them.

       But beyond work and family, I also want to cultivate a life outside my responsibilities. I hope to have hobbies that keep me grounded and joyful......maybe playing the piano or learning a new sport like tennis. Life isn’t just about achievements; it’s also about enjoying the journey, making time for what brings me happiness and peace.

       Of course, I know the road ahead won’t always be smooth. There will be challenges, setbacks, and unexpected detours. But I believe that with perseverance, an open heart, and a strong sense of purpose, I will find my way. Fifteen years from now, I see myself not just as someone who has achieved her goals, but as someone who continues to grow, inspire, and make a meaningful impact in the world.

REFERENCES:

https://www.virtuesforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/4-ways-to-jumpstart-your-dream-1.jpg

https://s35691.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/day-picture-id1163588010.jpg

Jo March’s Words Still Ring True

 I remember the first time I watched the film adaptation of Little Women. Jo March, a bold, ambitious, and unapologetically herself, became an instant hero to me. She wasn’t like the other girls in the books I had read and watched before. She didn’t dream of ball gowns, love letters, or prince charming; she dreamed of writing stories, of making something of herself. And when she said, 

"Women, they have minds, and they have souls, as well as just hearts. And they've got ambition, and they've got talent, as well as just beauty. I'm so sick of people saying that love is just all a woman is fit for." 

It felt like she was speaking for every girl who had ever been told to shrink herself.

Even in a world that has made great strides toward gender equality, there are still echoes of the past. Girls are still told to be “ladylike,” as if their worth is measured by their softness. Women in leadership are still questioned for being "too bossy." Mothers who choose careers are judged, while fathers who help at home are praised. The message is clear: society still expects women to fit into a mold. But we are more than that. Women are thinkers, creators, and leaders. They are dreamers and doers. And just like Jo, many are tired of being told what they can and cannot be.

The theme for this year's Women’s Month, “WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society,” 

Gender equality isn’t just a “women’s issue.” It’s a societal issue. An inclusive world is one where no one is put into a box, where little girls are encouraged to be astronauts and little boys are taught that kindness isn’t a weakness. It’s a world where ambition is celebrated, no matter who it belongs to.

So, this Women’s Month, let’s remember Jo’s words. Let’s be bold in our ambitions, relentless in our fight for fairness, and unafraid to take up space. Let’s build a world where no one has to prove that they are more than just their beauty or their ability to love, because we already are. And to anyone who still thinks otherwise? Well, Jo would have something to say about that.

REFERENCE:

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/30/f7/60/30f7602c32567bf23f4a01b81cd46dfc.jpg

INTAYON, ILOCOS SUR

A cultural festival celebrated in Ilocos Sur, Philippines, to showcase the province's rich heritage, traditions, and local products. The festival typically takes place in late January to early February, marking the province's foundation anniversary.

In Ilocano, kannawidan means “tradition” or “inheritance", something passed down from our kakabsat and kaapuhan. It’s not just about remembering the past but embracing it in the present, keeping the culture alive through music, food, dance, and art. Ilocos Sur’s Kannawidan Ylocos Festival is our way of saying,

                                                  "Saan tayo nga lipaten ti napasamak idi" 

The moment you step into the festival, you're greeted by a colorful showcase of Ilocano pride. The One Town One Product Exhibit is filled with delicious food prepared by small business owners, each stall offering a taste of home. The crispy bagnet crunch, Vigan longganisa's rich flavors, and freshly cooked empanada's bright orange glow tempt every passerby. The aroma of grilled seafood, native rice cakes, and sweet treats fill the air, making it impossible to resist.

Beyond the food stalls, an impressive exhibit highlights the best of every town in Ilocos Sur. Each municipality proudly displays its finest products, telling the story of its people and their way of life. In Sta. Catalina, a bounty of fresh vegetables represents their rich farmlands, where generations of farmers have harvested crops that nourish families. Meanwhile, Sinait stands out with its garlic display,  the large, fragrant bulbs of bawang stacked in beautiful arrangements, a testament to why Sinait is known as the "Garlic Capital of Ilocos Sur." Every town brings something special, from handwoven abel Iloko fabrics to finely crafted burnay jars, creating a living museum of Ilocano heritage.

A true highlight of Kannawidan is the performances that bring our history to life. Dancers in colorful costumes move gracefully to the beat of gansa, performing tadek, a dance of unity and celebration. The sound of Ilocano folk songs fills the air, and the energy of the crowd makes it impossible not to clap along.

As modern times continue to shape the way we live, Kannawidan reminds us that our roots are just as important as our future. Our ancestors worked hard to build a strong ili, and it’s up to us to honor and preserve what they started.

So next time you visit Ilocos Sur during Kannawidan, don’t just watch, but be part of it. Taste, dance, listen, and feel the Ilocano spirit in every corner. After all, tradition isn’t just something we remember it’s something we live. Agyaman kami for our heritage, and through Kannawidan, 

we make sure it lives on. 

REFERENCE:

https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yh604wc-GAk/VM4j9Kw9gPI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/2760IY-c6uo/s1600/kannawidan.jpg 

Mahal Kita from the Bottom of my Hypothalamus: 

 How People Express Love on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day traces its roots back to ancient Rome, where a priest named Saint Valentine secretly officiated marriages despite an emperor’s decree against it. Eventually, his story became a symbol of love and sacrifice, and over time, February 14 was marked as a day to celebrate love. The tradition spread worldwide, evolving into the modern Valentine’s Day we know today, filled with flowers, chocolates, and heartfelt letters.

In the Philippines, love is a huge part of our culture. We are naturally affectionate, expressive, and family-oriented. Valentine’s Day is not just for romantic couples, rather, it’s a time when people show appreciation for their loved ones, whether through small gestures or grand surprises. It’s common to see students giving love letters, office workers exchanging sweets, and even families dining out together. Filipino parents may give chocolates to their children, and barkadas (friend groups) often celebrate “Galentine’s” or “Broentine’s” Day as a fun twist on the occasion.

Beyond personal relationships, businesses also join the celebration. Restaurants offer romantic dinner promos, florists are flooded with bouquet orders, and malls host events like mass weddings—proving that love, in all forms, is a big deal for Filipinos.

At its core, Valentine’s Day reminds us that love comes in many forms. Whether it’s between couples, families, friends, or even self-love, we must take this opportunity to appreciate the people who matter most.

So, whether you’re celebrating with your special someone, your family, or your barkada, 

what matters most is showing love in a way that’s meaningful to you.

“I love you. I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I've ever had, and no matter what happens to us in the future, everyday we are together is the greatest day of my life. I will always be yours. ”
― Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

REFERENCES:

https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/1498135-the-notebook

https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/best-valentines-day-movies-1608658567.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.731xh;0,0.0584xh&resize=1200:

http://thegraphicsfairy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Victorian-Valentine-Image-GraphicsFairy.jpg

TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK: CBR JOURNEY

 Throughout our Community-Based Research (CBR) journey, we faced challenges, discovered new insights, and strengthened our teamwork. From initial research to the final webpage, every step was a learning experience that helped us grow. Through this series of photos, we share our process, highlighting the dedication and effort that brought our project to life.

LAYING THE GROUNDWORK

Our journey began with a group discussion and online research to understand the scope of our project. We explored reliable sources, gathered preliminary data, and brainstormed how we could best present our research. This phase helped us set our goals and create a clear action plan moving forward.

Virtual Collaboration
Amid the Holidays

Despite the Christmas break, our team remained committed. Through Messenger, we guided each other step by step, planning how the website’s structure would be organized. We discussed how each chapter would be presented and made sure everyone was aligned with the vision for our final output.

Gathering Expert Insights

One of the most important aspects of our research was conducting interviews with local authorities. We asked them about the initiatives and protocols they implement during emergencies and calamities. Their valuable insights gave us a deeper understanding of real-world disaster response efforts in our community. And for a clearer understanding, we took notes during the interview.

Bringing It All Together in Writing

 After collecting our research data, we worked together on Google Docs to draft our final report for submission. Everyone contributed to writing, refining, and ensuring that our research findings were well-organized and insightful. This stage required patience, teamwork, and careful attention to detail.

Turning Research into a Digital Platform

With our research finalized, we moved on to web development, using our knowledge of HTML and CSS to create an engaging, informative webpage. This phase combined our technical skills with creativity, ensuring our research was presented in an accessible and visually appealing way. After weeks of designing, coding, and refining, we proudly launched our final website, showcasing the culmination of our hard work and dedication. Seeing our research come to life in a functional website was a rewarding experience, reinforcing the value of teamwork and perseverance.

Our Community-Based Research project was more than just an academic requirement, rather, it was a journey of discovery, collaboration, and growth. Through teamwork and dedication, we turned our research into something meaningful, showcasing the power of knowledge and digital storytelling.