Marching Through Memories: Celebrating 123rd ISNHS Highchool Day

The 123rd High School Day Celebration at ISNHS turned out to be much more than just another event—it was a powerful reminder of the values that truly shape us: discipline, unity, and school spirit. As I reflect on the day, I realize just how much these celebrations influence us, not only as students but as individuals who proudly carry the legacy of our school. It’s moments like these that help us appreciate the deeper meaning behind every tradition, and why they’re so important in forming the community and character we share at ISNHS. One of the most memorable moments was the parade. At first, it felt like just another school activity, but as we marched together, I understood its deeper significance. It wasn’t just about walking in formation; it was about representing our section with pride and striving to be the most disciplined. The sense of teamwork and shared purpose made the experience truly special.

The field demonstration was another highlight of the day. Weeks of practice, coordination, and effort came together in a performance that reflected dedication and perseverance. Performing in front of everyone was both nerve-wracking and exciting, but it was a proud moment to see how our hard work paid off. More than just a performance, it was a reminder that success comes from teamwork and commitment.

By the end of the day, fatigue was mixed with satisfaction. The celebration was not only about the activities but also about what had been learned, discipline, teamwork, and the value of respecting traditions. High School Day is an annual reminder of how far we have grown as a school and of the bond between us as students. It's a time to look back on the past, enjoy the present, and gaze forward into the future with pride.

This taught me that even simple traditions carry a lot of significance and meaning. They remind us who we are, what we hold important, and to which people belong. I will take this with me as I move ahead, remembering that the memories of this celebration will last me for a long time.

From Blueprints to Bedside: My Journey to Nursing, How I See Myself 15 Years From Now

 Fifteen years ago, I found myself at a pivotal crossroads, torn between pursuing civil or electrical engineering. While mathematics was a strength of mine, and the idea of designing infrastructures or working with electrical systems held promise, I couldn’t ignore a lingering sense of unfulfillment. Delving deeper into these fields, I realized that, despite my aptitude, my heart wasn’t truly invested. This realization sparked a journey of self-discovery, leading me to embrace my true passion: nursing, a profession where I could directly impact and heal others, aligning my career with my core values and aspirations. 

In this time of looking inward, I realized I had a strong desire to have a personal, real impact in people’s lives. The thought of healing and helping people is something that I felt deeply aligned with and I realized I wanted to pursue nursing. When I made that decision, I committed myself to the demanding academic study and clinical practice in the world of medicine. Being raised in a broken family had its challenges. The lack of a family unit allowed me to learn about pain, strength, and needing other people to care and help at a young age. Seeing the struggles in my family motivated me to help others and be a healer and comforter that I wished I had growing up.

This understanding prompted my shift from management to nursing, which relies heavily on empathy, compassion, and care for the patient—along with their whole family. The emotional intelligence I developed as a result of my family circumstances actually allowed me to connect with patients and families in their most vulnerable moments. Today, as a dedicated nurse, I find immense fulfillment in providing care that goes beyond medical treatment. My personal experiences have equipped me with a unique perspective, allowing me to offer not just clinical expertise but also genuine understanding and empathy. Reflecting on my path, I am grateful for the trials that shaped me. My broken family, once a source of pain, became the catalyst for my purpose. It taught me that from adversity can arise a profound capacity to heal, serve, and make a lasting impact in the lives of others.

Stronger Together: Building an Inclusive Society Through Gender Justice

Women's Month, observed in March, honors the resilience, accomplishments, and strength of women worldwide. The theme for this year, "WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society," conveys a strong message: gender equality is a shared responsibility, not just a problem for women.

Why “WE” Matters

               The word "WE" in the theme is important. It gives an understanding of collective efforts. It reminds that real change occurs when everyone-women and men-together works to break physical and attitudinal barriers and builds a society that uplifts all individuals. Gender equality is not a competition between the two groups for supremacy; it is a fair chance for all. 

Breaking Stereotypes and Barriers

            

       While progress has been made, challenges continue to exist, as women still experience wage discrepancies, a lack of women in leadership positions, and gender stereotypes that constrain their opportunities for choice, while men are pressured to conform to the rigid gender roles of masculinity. An inclusive society values these struggles and affirms that everyone, regardless of their gender identity, has the right to pursue their goals and aspirations without fear of discrimination or bias.

Inclusion Benefits Everyone

When society embraces equality and inclusivity, we all thrive. Businesses perform better when they value diverse perspectives. Communities become stronger when all voices are heard. Families flourish when responsibilities and opportunities are shared fairly. Inclusion is not just about policies, it’s about creating a culture where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

The theme of “WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society” is more than a theme - it is a movement. Change begins the moment we realize that we all benefit from gender equality, and we all benefit from an inclusive world. This Women’s Month - let us decide to build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, no matter their gender. Because when we put our efforts together, we can achieve a more equitable, inclusive society.

ONE SOUND ONE VOICE, ONE ILOCOS SUR

 

Kannawidan Ylocos is a yearly festival that celebrates the founding anniversary of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. The festival takes place every February 2nd and is celebrated for a week. The main activities of the festival are held in Vigan, the capital of the province. The festival was first launched in 2008 by Deogracias Victor Savellano. The word "Kannawidan" comes from the word  "tawid" which means tradition, legacy, and/or heritage. Kannawidan, or the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival, is a vital celebration in Ilocos Sur as it showcases and keeps alive the rich cultural heritage of the Ilocano people. It provides a venue for the promotion of traditional practices of the province, from dance and music to crafts and foods. Through the promotion of local products like abel textiles, pottery, and furniture, the festival promotes local artisans and enterprises. It is also tourist-attracting, and it encourages people to come and support the local economy. The activity supports community solidarity since it unites people from all towns for its celebration, infusing pride in their cultural heritage. Furthermore, Kannawidak provides learning through the education of the younger generation about their origin, hence, the sustainability of these practices in the future.

The Kannawidan Festival is intended to commemorate, maintain, and enhance the rich cultural heritage of the Ilocanos. It seeks to promote traditional Ilocano customs, such as music, dance, cuisine, crafts, and local products, so that they can be transmitted from generation to generation. The festival also hopes to enhance local tourism and stimulate the local economy by advertising regional enterprises and artisans. In addition, it is also a time of communal solidarity that reunites the population to celebrate their cultural heritage as well as teaching the youth their traditions.

To encourage heritage-only tourism in ''Intayon Ilocos Sur'', the area must project its cultural and historical icons. Vigan City, which has intact Spanish colonial architecture, should be showcased, along with Syquia Mansion and Crisologo Museum, which depict the history of the place. Cultural events, like Kannawidan, can be advertised to feature indigenous dances, handicrafts, and native customs. The conservation and promotion of Ilocos Sur's historical churches, including the St. Paul's Cathedral and Santa Maria Church, will appeal to history buffs. Furthermore, the promotion of heritage walking tours in Vigan and highlighting traditional crafts such as abel weaving and pottery can also enhance visitors' affinity with the cultural heritage of the area.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FPhilippineSTAR%2Fposts%2Flook-as-part-of-kannawidan-ylocos-festival-students-representing-the-different-b%2F1643842212436120%2F&psig=AOvVaw0-XhN79AK-vU7MeiBxrwFH&ust=1740109590032000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCPCHydKr0YsDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAZ

Redirect notice. (n.d.-c). https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fnboi.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fkannawidan-festival-of-ilocos-sur.html&psig=AOvVaw0-XhN79AK-vU7MeiBxrwFH&ust=1740109590032000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCPCHydKr0YsDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAh

Redirect notice. (n.d.-d). https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FPhilippineSTAR%2Fposts%2Flook-as-part-of-kannawidan-ylocos-festival-students-representing-the-different-b%2F1643842212436120%2F&psig=AOvVaw0-XhN79AK-vU7MeiBxrwFH&ust=1740109590032000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCPCHydKr0YsDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAp

I thought Valentine’s Day was supposed to be about love, but instead, I found myself wiping away tears, feeling like the villain in a story I didn’t even write.

 Valentine’s Day is often romanticized as a day of love, grand gestures, and perfect moments, but in reality, it can be anything but. The pressure to make it special can lead to high expectations, and when things don’t go as planned, it can feel incredibly disappointing. Whether it’s an awkward date, an unappreciated effort, or an unexpected embarrassment, the day can sometimes leave a lasting sting instead of a warm memory. Social media only adds to this, making it seem like everyone else is having a perfect day while you’re left dealing with something frustrating or painful.

Embarrassment on a day like Valentine’s can be especially tough because emotions are heightened. When things go wrong, whether it’s a misunderstanding, rejection, or just bad luck, it can feel like all eyes are on you. But the truth is, moments of embarrassment pass, and most people are too caught up in their own lives to dwell on what happened to someone else. What feels huge now will eventually become a story to look back on, even if it doesn’t seem that way yet.

At the end of the day, love isn’t about one particular date on the calendar, it’s about the connections we build over time. True affection isn’t measured by Valentine’s gifts or public displays of romance, but by kindness, consistency, and care throughout the year. A single bad experience doesn’t define your worth or the love you deserve. No matter how painful or embarrassing Valentine’s Day was, it’s just one day, and better moments are still ahead.

“I gave my heart, and in return, I was left alone with my tears—watched, judged, and made to feel like I was never enough.”

IPA 2015 Winner / Roses in decay / Gregoris Mentzas. (n.d.). https://www.photoawards.com/winner/zoom.php?eid=8-90343-15

My journey!

 A CBR project is an effort of both privilege and responsibility. It enables us to learn about and bring forth the special identity, challenges, and potential of a community while fostering enhanced understanding of its dynamics. We, therefore, realize, through this research, the value that accrues from collaboration, extending from the very core and founded on partnership with members of the community, whose insight and participation are of the highest value.

There are a few important lessons: every community has a great story to tell, be it in their culture, traditions, livelihood, and struggles. That also means we, as researchers, not only document the stories but also contribute to solutions for the local concerns. For example, research in such aspects of disaster preparedness, health problems, or economic challenges may give rise to very concrete recommendations actionable solutions for empowering communities to succeed.

This journey is also a lesson in learning to respect divergent viewpoints. The exposure to different people, their stories, and experiences really helps in developing empathy and a wider perspective of the world. Moreover, the process of gathering data, organizing findings, and presenting them creatively through photographs, videos, or written conclusions enhances our critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Most of all, this project shows us that we are connected. Problems that one community faces are felt by others, and together we can make ripples of change for the better. Community-based research is not just an academic exercise; it's a meaningful contribution to building stronger, resilient, and inclusive communities.

This project reinforced the significance of listening and understanding. Engaging with the community and hearing their stories reminded me of the importance of empathy and respect. Their willingness to share their knowledge, struggles, and dreams inspired me to work harder to ensure that our research would truly benefit them.

As a leader, I have grown not only in skills but also in character. I am proud of what our team has accomplished, and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this meaningful initiative. I am confident that the lessons what’ve learned from this experience will guide us in future endeavors and will leave a lasting impact on both the community and ourselves.

The ordered and unordered list lesson in HTML was very challenging yet fulfilling. First, it was really hard to type in the syntax correctly concerning how to order and format the <ol>, <ul>, and <li> tags properly. This took a lot of attention and patience, for one had to see how each tag worked with the others to create these structured lists, be they numbered, bulleted, or even custom-styled with Roman numerals or letters. Foreign to me was this idea of starting ordered lists at a specific number or customizing them with attributes like start. It took extra effort on my part to understand.

This also included exploring nested lists, which added another layer of complexity in which I had to handle the hierarchy very carefully to ensure the visual output matched the structure I was aiming for. These difficulties notwithstanding, this experience deepened my understanding of how HTML can be used to organize and present information effectively. It taught me accuracy, since even the tiniest mistake in the syntax might turn into something different or broken entirely. Such activities have further intensified my technical potential while underlining important life and developmental values persistent diligence so very central in web development. I now feel confident to work on creating and troubleshooting lists in HTML and look forward to putting into practice what has been presented.

My Community-Based-Research Journey! Thematic Output ( 3rd quarter )

📍Bulala, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. Brgy. Captains house.

 📆 January 13, 2025

 ⏱️ 11:03 AM

Insights from the Barangay Captain

In this photo, I am seen interviewing the Barangay Captain of Bulala. We discussed various aspects of the community, including its challenges and strengths. We had a great time discussing the rich history of Barangay Bulala, which provided us with a deeper appreciation of its heritage. He also shared why Bulala is one of the most visited places in the area it boasts scenic spots, a vibrant community, and a strong cultural identity that draws people from far and wide. The conversation was enlightening and gave us a clearer perspective on how to align our research.

📍Ilocos Sur National High School, Vigan City

📆 January 8, 2025

 ⏱️ 12:36 NOON

Strategizing in the Computer Room

In this picture, our group gathered in the computer lab to brainstorm and plan for our community-based research project. The room was filled with energy as we exchanged ideas and worked together to map out our strategies. It was such an incredible experience to collaborate with my groupmates. Everyone contributed their thoughts and worked towards a shared goal. The atmosphere was a perfect balance of productivity and fun, laughter, discussions, and a few snapshots like this one captured the moment. This session showed me how powerful teamwork can be, and i’m genuinely excited for the next steps in our project. Here’s to more learning and success ahead!

📍Hidden Garden, Vigan City

📆 January 12, 2025

 ⏱️ 2:12 PM

Navigating Local Spaces to Connect with Residents

Here, my groupmates and I gathered at the serene and beautiful Hidden Garden in Vigan City. Surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful vibes, we discussed our strategy for distributing survey forms to the locals in the area as part of our community-based research project. The natural setting provided the perfect environment to focus and share ideas. It was a meaningful moment of collaboration, and being here reminded us of the importance of connecting with the community while working toward our goals.

📍Hidden Garden, Vigan City

📆 January 12, 2025

⏱️ 2:12 PM

Connecting Through Questionnaires

In this particular moment, my groupmate Chloe took the lead in distributing our carefully prepared survey forms to the locals. This step was a key part of our community-based research, as it allowed us to gather valuable insights from the community. The interaction was smooth and well-organized, thanks to everyone’s dedication and effort. Seeing our project come to life through direct engagement with people was both rewarding and inspiring. This experience reinforced the importance of collaboration, communication, and respect for the community we aim to serve. Onward to more milestones in our research journey.

📍Hidden Garden, Vigan City

📆 January 12, 2025

⏱️ 2:12 PM

A Glimpse Into Greenery and Community

While conducting our community-based research, my groupmate Precious captured this serene shot. The image showcases a lush green environment with towering tropical plants and vibrant foliage, radiating life and tranquility. Amidst the natural splendor, we were deeply engaged in interviewing residents, listening to their stories, and understanding their community’s dynamics. The dense greenery reflects the symbiotic relationship between people and their environment, a reminder of how nature and humanity coexist. In the background, a faint glimpse of a resident can be seen, symbolizing the heart of our mission, connecting with people and their experiences. This photo beautifully encapsulates the harmony of nature and the essence of our research journey.

A Journey of Learning and Connection

-Our community-based research was more than just a project. It was an eye-opening experience filled with meaningful interactions, discoveries, and lessons. From engaging with residents to understanding the community’s challenges and strengths, every step brought us closer to the people we aimed to serve. This journey taught us the value of teamwork, empathy, and active listening. It showed us that research isn’t just about data, it’s about stories, relationships, and making a positive impact. It’s an experience we’ll carry with us, shaping how we approach the world and the communities around us.