Closing a Chapter, Embracing the Journey Ahead

     With each passing day, the final chapter of this school year unfolds, bringing a mix of nostalgia, fulfillment, and anticipation. As I turn the page on this journey, I find myself reflecting on the moments that shaped me, the lessons that challenged me, and the experiences that pushed me to grow. The fourth quarter brought challenges, valuable lessons, and defining moments that contributed to my growth. As I navigated through new lessons and experiences, I found myself learning not only technical skills but also resilience and adaptability. This period has tested my patience, but it has also strengthened my ability to overcome obstacles. Looking back, I realize how much I have gained, not just in knowledge but in personal development as well.

     During this final quarter, I learned how to use Microsoft FrontPage, a tool that allowed me to create and edit web pages in a user-friendly environment. I also explored different types of networks which are the Local Area Network (LAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), and Wide Area Network (WAN) and understood how LAN cables play a crucial role in establishing wired connections. These lessons provided me with a deeper understanding of website creation and network systems, which are essential in today's digital world.

   Despite these valuable learnings, I faced several challenges. One of the biggest obstacles was dealing with technical difficulties, such as a malfunctioning computer, which forced me to transfer all my files to another device. Additionally, working on my FrontPage project proved to be frustrating, as the final output often did not match my expectations. Network signal issues also complicated file transfers, making the process even more difficult. However, I chose to practice patience and adaptability. Instead of waiting for my assigned computer to be fixed, I decided to start over on another device. Though it required extra effort, this approach helped me complete my tasks efficiently rather than wasting time. I also carefully reviewed and adjusted my FrontPage project multiple times until I achieved the desired results.

     As this school year comes to an end, I carry with me the lessons I have learned—lessons of resilience, problem-solving, and perseverance. These experiences will not only guide me in my next academic journey but will also serve as valuable life skills that I will hold onto wherever the future takes me. This quarter has not only enhanced my technical knowledge but also strengthened my perseverance. With every challenge overcome, I am one step closer to becoming a more capable and determined student.

Reference:

Tecnoalimeninfo. (2021, February 10). [Image accompanying the article "The Fundamental Methodology of Software Development Services"]. Tecnoalimeninfo. https://tecnoalimeninfo.com/the-fundamental-methodology-of-software-development-services/

A Legacy That We Continue to Build

      

     Every year, our school comes alive with excitement as we celebrate High School Day, a tradition that brings students together in a showcase of talent, teamwork, and school spirit. This year’s 123rd celebration was no exception. Months of preparation led to a day filled with energy, dedication, and unforgettable moments.

   The day began with a grand parade, marching with determination, representing our section with discipline and enthusiasm. The parade was long and exhausting, but the sight of students, teachers, and alumni gathered to celebrate our school’s legacy made it all worthwhile.

      The highlight of the event was the field demonstration, where each grade level performed choreographed dances. Our performance was special as we danced to the songs of Lady Gaga, incorporating props like colored bangs, shades, and an LGBT flag stick. Most of our lead dancers were from the LGBT community, making the performance not just entertaining but also a meaningful statement of inclusivity and self-expression. Though handling the props was challenging, our teachers helped us adjust them, making it easier to execute our routine.

      Practicing for the field demo was tough. Hours of rehearsals under the scorching sun drained our energy, but we pushed through, knowing that all our hard work would pay off. When it was finally time to perform, we gave it our all. Even though we placed fourth, the experience of dancing together, feeling the crowd’s energy, and showcasing our unity made everything worth it.

      Beyond the performances, High School Day serves as a reminder of our school’s history and the strong bonds within our community. It is not just a competition; it is a celebration of growth, resilience, and the legacy we continue to build. As this school year comes to an end, the memories of this event remain, carrying with us the lessons of teamwork, perseverance, and school pride that will stay with us in the years to come.

References:

Llagas, R.A. (2025, March 22). Celebrating the 123rd ISNHS FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY. https://www.facebook.com/100005008366571/posts/pfbid02HZVRh9XetUqhdyyzyWFyTys82Vpwq55MKPjVAePXGtYYji2PTgCMwqsFtHE85P4bl/?app=fbfbl

Frio, D.D. (2025, March 23). 123rd ISNHS Foundation Day Field Demo Part I.https://www.facebook.com/100001339710636/posts/pfbid02wqjTYcvvUz51AAYp2v3WWfV9mLzqM61p1e5HT1c1tzqxGQUaMKspBGPMZk5hkn44l/?app=fbl

Empowered Minds, Entrepreneurial Hearts

     Our school came alive with creativity and business ideas during the EstudyaNTREPRENEUR event. With the theme "Harnessing Young Minds: Turning Passion into Profit, Education into Innovation," students showcased their skills and entrepreneurial spirit through various activities and booths.

   The event was filled with exciting attractions. In the SPTVE area, students enjoyed a photo booth and a freedom wall where they could share their thoughts. A student-led movie premiere at the PAGCOR building was one of the highlights, proving that young minds have the power to turn ideas into reality.

        Near the Araling Panlipunan Department, Home Economics students set up their own small businesses. They sold food, drinks, bracelets, and keychains—simple yet creative products that showed their business potential. It was inspiring to see students applying their knowledge in real-life situations, turning classroom lessons into hands-on experiences.

     The MAPEH area added a fun twist to the event with interactive games. Students played a dart-throwing game where they matched pictures to win prizes, combining entertainment with an entrepreneurial mindset.

    EstudyaNTREPRENEUR was an event where students had the chance to explore their talents, learn the basics of business, and gain confidence in their abilities. It reminded us that with passion and knowledge, anyone can create something meaningful for the future. 

Reference:

https://www.blogger.com

A Blank Page That Awaits to Be Written

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." – Eleanor Roosevelt

     Have you ever stared at the night sky and wondered what lies ahead? The future is like a vast, uncharted ocean—deep, mysterious, and sometimes terrifying. It stretches out endlessly, full of possibilities, yet clouded by uncertainty. And if I’m being honest, that uncertainty scares me.

     The idea of not knowing exactly where I’ll be or what I’ll become 15 years from now is both thrilling and exciting. It feels like standing at the edge of a dark forest, knowing I have to step forward but not quite sure where the path will lead. Will I be successful? Will I be happy? Will I have achieved everything I dream of?

     But despite that fear, I know one thing for sure, I want to be free. Free to live life on my own terms, to chase my passions without hesitation, and to wake up every morning with a sense of purpose, excitement, and gratitude.

   Fifteen years from now, I want to see a version of myself who is thriving, not just surviving. I imagine waking up in a place I love, surrounded by things and people that bring me happiness. I want to feel the warmth of the sun on my skin, breathe in the air of a life well-lived, and know deep in my heart that I have built something meaningful.

   I don’t want to just exist; I want to truly live. I want to explore the world and collect experiences like treasures in a chest. Whether it’s through a career that fuels my soul, a passion that sets my heart on fire, or simple, everyday joys, I want my future to be a masterpiece, painted with bold strokes of adventure, love, and success.

   I know the road won’t always be smooth. There will be storms, detours, and days when doubt creeps in like an unwelcome shadow. But I refuse to let fear dictate my future. I want to be the captain of my own ship, navigating through the highs and lows with resilience and determination.

   The future may be uncertain, but that’s what makes it exciting. It’s a blank page waiting to be filled, a story that I get to write, a journey that only I can take.

Reference:

https://www.blogger.com

Rising as One

“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” – Michelle Obama

     For centuries, women have been breaking chains, shattering ceilings, and rewriting the rules of history. They have led revolutions, built nations, and soared to unimaginable heights. Yet, despite these triumphs, invisible walls still stand—walls built by outdated norms, silent biases, and systemic inequalities. If there are truly no limits to what women can achieve, why are so many still fighting against the currents of discrimination?

     Women have time and again proven their strength, resilience, and brilliance, yet the world still places weights on their wings. Wage gaps persist, leadership opportunities remain unevenly distributed, and culltural expectations continue to dictate who can dream and how far they can go. A world without limits must not just be envisioned—it must be built.

     Breaking these chains requires more than just belief; it demands action. It means implementing laws that don’t just promise equality but enforce it. It means ensuring that education is not a privilege for some but a right for all. It means breaking biases that have been passed down through generations, whispering that some dreams are too big for women to chase. Achieving gender equality is about opening doors and making sure no one is left standing outside, knocking.

   An inclusive society is like a symphony where every voice, every instrument, plays in harmony. It is a place where talent, not gender—determines success. Schools must teach young minds to challenge stereotypes, to see strength in diversity, and to believe that leadership is not bound by gender. Workplaces must become places of fairness, where ambition is rewarded equally, where parenthood is not a penalty, and where every person can stand tall without fear of discrimination. Governments must wield their power not as gatekeepers but as bridges, ensuring that policies reflect progress, not prejudice.

    True equality cannot be won by women alone; it must be championed by all. Men, women must stand shoulder to shoulder, breaking old barriers and building new pathways. The fight for gender equality is not about division, it is about unity. It is about rewriting the narrative so that future generations inherit a world where no one’s potential is capped by their gender.

     This Women’s Month, let us not just reflect on the victories of the past but ignite a force for the future. If there is truly no limit to what women can accomplish, then society must stop placing obstacles in their way. By embracing the spirit of “WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society,” we take a step closer to a world where every individual is free to rise, to lead, and to thrive. 

The future is not a locked door, it is ours to open, together.

References:

Mazumder, A. (2023, July 14). Empowering Women Globally. LinkedIn. https://images.app.goo.gl/9nNE

Huang, B. (2021, March 8). How to get involved with female empowerment initiatives on campus. Columbia Spectator. https://images.app.goo.gl/8y9UHow

Md Nordin, M. F. (2024, March 8). Celebrating Women's Day in Malaysia: Empowering women in the workplace. LinkedIn. https://images.app.goo.gl/cBC8

One Province, One Spirit: The Timeless Legacy of Kannawidan Festival

     “To know where you’re going, you must first understand where you come from.” This testament perfectly captures the essence of the Kannawidan Festival in Ilocos Sur, a celebration that breathes life into the province’s rich history, culture, and deep sense of community. The festival is a showcase of tradition and a heartfelt tribute to the identity of the Ilocano people, echoing stories of resilience and pride across generations.

  Throughout the entire province of Ilocos Sur, Kannawidan brings towns together in a lively and colorful celebration. The One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) trade fair turns into a vibrant marketplace, where each municipality proudly displays their own products. These products represents their municipality’s tradition and history where it carries the heart and soul of the locals who pour their skill and dedication into keeping Ilocano traditions alive. The streets come alive with music and movement, as street dancers, floats, and people of Ilocos Sur fill the air with excitement. Every performance is a living expression of the province’s rich culture and tradition.

     Kannawidan Festival is a time to strengthen the ties that bind the community. Local talents shine on stage through different competitions, and the iconic Mr. and Ms. Ilocos Sur pageant, where contestants embody both beauty and the wisdom of their heritage. These events gives opportunities for people to reconnect with their talents and celebrate what makes their culture unique. Both locals and tourists gather to watch and be part of the experience, creating shared memories that stretch beyond the duration of the festival.

     Kannawidan keeps Ilocano culture alive, acting as a bridge that connects the past with the future. It inspires younger generations to rediscover the beauty of their traditions, to learn the dances, taste the dishes, and hear the songs that have been passed down through time. Each performance, every local delicacy, and every handmade craft serves as a reminder that the province’s rich history is something to be remembered, cherished and nurtured. As the festival grows year after year, it stands as a living testament to the enduring pride and unity of the Ilocano people.

   What makes Kannawidan truly special is its ability to unite people from all walks of life. Whether you’re a local revisiting childhood memories, an artist showcasing your craft, or a tourist discovering the beauty of Ilocano culture for the first time, the festival welcomes everyone with open arms. It’s a time to share stories, savor local delicacies, and dance to the rhythm of Ilocos Sur’s history. This sense of belonging makes Kannawidan more than just a festival, it becomes a shared experience that lingers in the hearts of everyone who takes part.

     As night falls and the festivities wind down, the spirit of Kannawidan remains. The festival may end, but its impact ripples through time, inspiring Ilocanos to carry their heritage with pride. “Culture is not a thing of the past, it’s a flame we carry into the future.” And as long as Ilocos Sur continues to celebrate Kannawidan, that flame will burn brightly, lighting the way for generations to come.

References:

Esponela, J. (2017, November 11). Fall in love with Ilocos Sur!. Medium. https://medium.com/@jonalynesponela25/falling-in-love-with-ilocos-sur-aa4ddc704c76

MIS Office. (2023, February 12). The Ilocos Sur Kannawidan Festival 2023 Street Dance Competition. https://mis.ilocossur.gov.ph/2023/02/12/the-ilocos-sur-kannawidan-festival-2023-street-dance-competition/

CGV The Explorer. (2025). Ilocos Sur Festival Grand Parade 2025. Facebook. https://images.app.goo.gl/rCjGVGMGzm9VpYzT6

Politiko North Luzon. (2024, February 7). Mayor Henry S. Gallardo joins Ilocos Sur Festival Tawid and Kultura Trade Fair 2024. Politiko North Luzon. https://northluzon.politiko.com.ph/2024/02/07/mayor-henry-s-gallardo-joins-ilocos-sur-festival-tawid-and-kultura-trade-fair-2024/daily-feed/

A Love That Endures

"Love will find a way through paths where wolves fear to prey." — Lord Byron

     

    Love has always been a force that defies the odds. It pushes through barriers, withstands storms, and finds a way to exist even in the most difficult circumstances. That’s what makes Valentine’s Day so special, it’s not just a celebration of love when it’s easy, but also when it’s tested. True love, in any form, is about perseverance. It’s about choosing each other even when things are hard, about standing strong in the face of doubt, and about walking paths that others might fear to tread.

    Love finds a way, even when the world says it cannot. Not all love stories are easy, and that’s what makes them meaningful. Some people express love through grand gestures, but more often than not, love is proven in the quiet and unseen moments, the sacrifices made, the patience shown, and the forgiveness given. It’s about commitment, about holding on when things get tough, about understanding instead of walking away, and about finding light even in the darkest of times. 

    For me, the best way to express love is through time and presence. In a world where people are always rushing, simply choosing to stay, to listen, and to be there is one of the most powerful acts of love. It’s easy to tell someone you love them during good times, but love shows its true strength in difficult times. It’s in the deep conversations that mend wounds, in the laughter that pushes away fear, in the simple, steady reassurance that says, "I'm here, no matter what." That’s the kind of love that endures.

    While Valentine’s Day is usually for couples, it’s also for anyone who has ever fought for love, in any form. The connections that have survived misunderstandings, for the family members who have stood by each other through thick and thin, and for those who have learned to love themselves despite the world telling them otherwise. Love isn’t always easy, but the most meaningful kinds never are. They require strength, faith, and the courage to walk a path that others might fear.

    Valentine’s Day is a reminder that love isn’t about always about ease and happy moments, it’s about endurance. It’s about believing that love is worth the fight, even when the road is uncertain. Because true love, the kind that lasts, is the one that braves the wolves, walks through the dark, and still finds its way home.

References:

Angel [@lisoovaa]. (n.d.). Flowers store. Pinterest. Retrieved February 15, 2025, from https://pin.it/2D3Md2F7n

Kyra [@kyra3156]. (n.d.). [Image of flowers] [Pinterest post]. Pinterest. Retrieved February 15, 2025, from https://pin.it/1iFP5sIuC