The Last Lap (REFLECTION)

    At the start of the fourth quarter, I thought it would just be another stretch of lessons and deadlines. But now, looking back, I realize it was so much more. It was a test of patience, a lesson in perseverance, and a reminder that learning goes beyond textbooks. Every challenge I faced, every late-night study session, and every small victory added to my growth in ways I did not expect.

    Throughout this quarter, I learned the importance of time management. With projects, exams, and extracurricular activities piling up, I had to find a way to balance everything without burning out. I also discovered that struggling with lessons does not mean failure, it just means I need to find better ways to understand them. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed, but I learned that taking things one step at a time makes even the hardest tasks manageable. Collaboration was another key lesson. Whether it was working on group projects or simply asking for help from classmates, I saw that learning is not something I have to do alone. Maybe trying to handle everything by myself is not always the best idea, right?

    Of course, this quarter was not without its challenges. There were days when motivation was low, and stress felt impossible to handle. But instead of letting these struggles bring me down, I found ways to push through. I took breaks when I needed them, sought advice when I felt stuck, and reminded myself that progress is still progress, no matter how slow. Moving forward, I will take these lessons with me. This may be the last reflection for this school year, but the experiences, struggles, and achievements will stay with me. The fourth quarter may be over, but learning never really stops.

References:

Blogger. (n.d.). Blogger. Retrieved March 30, 2025, https://www.blogger.com/

EdNC. (2020). Students working together in a classroom [Image]. EdNC. https://www.ednc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/shutterstock_1560307448-e1578332650679-1200x857.jpg

Studyportals. (2023). How to get your study motivation ignited [Image]. Studyportals. https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6763a77a64cba1af04cf2867/67a1d9bd07a0c9905d50066f_64e6da8edda885b595a42c30_how-to-get-your-study-motivation-ignited.png

Campbellsville University. (2019). Engaging classroom activities [Image]. Campbellsville University. https://online.campbellsville.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Engaging-Classroom-Activities-header-CU.png

The Beat of 123 Years (THEMATIC)

    What makes High School Day a celebration that students look forward to every year? For 123 years, Ilocos Sur National High School has kept this tradition alive, bringing students, teachers, and staff together for a day filled with excitement and pride. The celebration started days before, with a school-wide mass followed by general rehearsals that built up the anticipation. Booths from different clubs and organizations also opened, offering snacks, souvenirs, and local Vigan products. As a member of the Science and YES-O club, I took part in selling some of these items, making the experience even more meaningful.

    The main event on March 22 was a day to remember. It started with a parade, where each section gave their best effort to impress the evaluators and earn the title of Most Disciplined Section. Our class made sure to stay focused, and it paid off when we were announced as the most disciplined in our grade level. Then came the highlight of the day, the much-awaited performances. Each grade level delivered their dance presentations with passion and energy, filling the field with cheers and excitement. Winning was not the goal for most of us. It was the experience, the teamwork, and the joy of being part of something bigger that truly mattered.

                        

    As the sun started to set, the energy on campus only grew stronger. The Battle of the Bands brought students together one last time, with performers rocking the stage and the audience singing along. It was the perfect way to end a celebration that reminded us why this tradition continues year after year. High School Day is not just an event but a reflection of the unity and pride that define ISNHS. Even after 123 years, the beat of our school continues, carried on by every student who walks through its halls.

References:

Blogger. (n.d.). Blogger. Retrieved March 30, 2025, https://www.blogger.com/

EstudyaNTEPRENEUR: TLE Booth Experience

Day 1

    I wasn’t able to attend Day 1, so I had to rely on my classmates' stories and the documentation to get an idea of what happened. From what they told me, the venue was packed with booths showcasing different TLE specializations—ICT, Agriculture, Beauty Care, Cookery, Electricity, and Dressmaking.

    Before anything else, everyone had to register (Roman covered the fee for the whole class). The Confession Board seemed to be a fun stop, filled with all sorts of anonymous messages. The Photo Booth was another must-visit, with students striking poses and capturing memories.

    One of the trickiest booths was the Electricity Booth, where participants had to trace a metal wire without touching the edges. One slip, and they were out. The Color Game had students testing their luck, while the Nail Art Booth let Beauty Care students show off their skills, giving participants fresh nail designs. At the Cookery Booth, students got to watch live cooking demos.

    The day wrapped up with a film viewing at PAGCOR, featuring short films made by Grade 8 SSC students. My classmates said it was fun and nostalgic.

Day 2

    By Day 2, I was finally able to join in. The film viewing session continued. After that, we made our way to the Crop Museum. The place was peaceful, with different plants and crops displayed. But the highlight? The dart game, anyone who wanted to play got a chance to throw darts at balloons and pictures, and if they popped one, they won prizes like candies and ballpens. Some people had crazy good aim, while others… let’s just say it was fun to watch them try.

     

    Even though I missed the first day, hearing about it (and seeing the pictures) made me wish I had been there. EstudyaNTEPRENEUR wasn’t just an exhibit, it was an interactive and hands-on experience that gave us a glimpse into different skills and career paths. It was a reminder that learning isn’t just about books and lectures; sometimes, the best lessons come from experiencing things firsthand.

References:

Blogger. (n.d.). Blogger. Retrieved March 30, 2025, https://www.blogger.com/

Chasing What Matters

    

    How do you know when you’ve truly made it in life? Is it when you have a steady job, when you can stand on your own, or when you finally feel at peace with where you are? Fifteen years from now, I don’t just want to be existing, I want to be living with purpose. I see myself working hard at something I love, not just for the sake of having a job but because it fulfills me. More than anything, I want to be in a place where I can take care of myself and my family, where I know that all the effort I put in is for something bigger than me.

    But life isn’t just about work. I want to see the world beyond, to explore new places, meet different people, and experience the world in ways I’ve only imagined. Traveling isn’t just about seeing new places, it’s about the people I’ll meet, the lessons I’ll learn, and the memories I’ll carry with me. Still, no matter how far I go, I know that my heart will always find its way back home. Family will always be my anchor, my greatest reason to keep going. Their happiness, their comfort, that’s what success looks like to me.

    I know the path ahead won’t always be smooth. Plans change, paths shift, and life has a way of surprising us. But I won’t be walking alone. God has always been my guide, and I trust that He will lead me exactly where I am meant to be. My journey won’t just be shaped by my own choices, but by the love and support of the people who have stood by me, my family, who have always believed in me, and my friends, who have been there through every high and low. No matter how much I achieve, I will never forget the people who helped me get there. One day, when I look back, I want to see a life that wasn’t just spent chasing dreams but one that was lived fully, surrounded by love, guided by faith, and filled with moments that truly mattered.

References:

Blogger. (n.d.). Blogger. Retrieved March 30, 2025, https://www.blogger.com/

Dreamstime. (n.d.). Religion silhouette of Jesus with Christian family on a hill [Vector illustration]. Dreamstime. https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/b/religion-silhouette-jesus-welcome-christian-family-hill-vector-illustration-series-christian-family-stands-bottom-339505018.jpg?w=992

IDEI Club. (2023). Architectural design construction [Photograph]. IDEI Club. https://en.idei.club/uploads/posts/2023-04/thumbs/1682438030_en-idei-club-p-architectural-design-construction-design-2.jpg

Shotkit. (n.d.). Famous travel landscape [Photograph]. Shotkit. https://shotkit.com/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/famous-travel-landscape-cf54b2850d3fc0faf37c786c5f3e6ae9-zybravgx2q47.jpg

Beta Testing Equality

   

    Why does it still feel like gender equality is a feature society is hesitant to fully install? Every year, we celebrate Women’s Month, chanting the same promises of inclusivity and fairness. This year’s theme, “WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society,” is another reminder of what we’re striving for, but how much longer do we have to keep striving? Equality shouldn’t be something we’re testing out; it should have been built into the system from the very start. And yet, women and marginalized genders are still fighting for rights that should never have been in question.

Yet, here we are, still waiting. Women hold only 27.3% of parliamentary seats, and their labor force participation lags behind men’s, 50.4% compared to 72.7%. But numbers don’t tell the full story. It’s in the way women are applauded for being strong but expected to stay quiet. It’s in the way their achievements are celebrated, yet their ambitions are questioned. Inclusion isn’t just about opening doors, it’s about breaking the locks that kept them shut in the first place.

So, when do we stop treating equality like a goal we might reach someday? The idea that change takes time? That we’re "getting there"? We can’t keep waiting for equality to arrive like a delayed update. Progress doesn’t happen by accident, it happens because people demand it. If equality is still in "beta," then it’s time to take control and launch it ourselves.

References:

Blogger. (n.d.). Blogger. Retrieved March 30, 2025, https://www.blogger.com/

World Bank. (n.d.). Philippines - Gender data portal. Gender Data Portal. Retrieved March 30, 2025, from https://genderdata.worldbank.org/en/economies/philippines

The Scapegoat. (2024, May). Untitled image. Retrieved March 30, 2025, from https://thescapegoat.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/unnamed-1024x1024.jpg

Udemy. (n.d.). Course image. Retrieved March 30, 2025, from https://img-c.udemycdn.com/course/750x422/4393944_5648_2.jpg

One Province, One Celebration

    

    Kannawidan Festival is more than just a yearly event, it’s a grand celebration of Ilocos Sur’s rich culture, history, and traditions. Held every first week of February, it marks the province’s founding anniversary and brings people together to honor their roots. From colorful dances to delicious food, Kannawidan is a way for the Ilocano people to share their heritage with the world.  

Kannawidan is a way of remembering where it all began. One of the highlights of Kannawidan is the showcase of traditional crafts. Ilocos Sur is known for its weaving, pottery, and embroidery, which have been passed down through generations. The festival also features exciting competitions like street dancing. These activities keep old traditions alive while making them exciting for younger generations.  

    Food is at the heart of the celebration. No Kannawidan Festival is complete without a feast of Ilocano favorites, Vigan longganisa, empanada, bagnet, and countless other dishes that remind people of home. Farmers bring their best harvests, showing off the fresh produce that has sustained their families for years. It’s a time to be proud of the land, the hard work, and the flavors that make Ilocos Sur unique.  

    But Kannawidan is not just about looking back, it’s also about moving forward. The festival helps boost local businesses by giving them a chance to showcase their products, from handmade crafts to delicious delicacies. It brings the community closer, reminding everyone that their culture is something to be proud of and preserved for future generations.  

    More than anything, Kannawidan is about belonging. Whether you were born in Ilocos or just visiting, the festival welcomes you like family. It’s a reminder that culture is not just something to be remembered, it’s something to be lived, shared, and celebrated, year after year

References:

Blogger. (n.d.). Blogger. Retrieved February 17, 2025, https://www.blogger.com/

Festivalscape. (n.d.). Kannawidan Ylocos Festival. Festivalscape. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://www.festivalscape.com/philippines/ilocos-sur/kannawidan-ylocos/

Ilocos Sur Provincial Government. (2023, March). Kannawidan Festival event image. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://mis.ilocossur.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/330143978_495049709493798_6572739701374294557_n.jpg

Around Ilocandia Channel. (2011, February 9). [Image of Kannawidan Ylocos Festival]. WordPress.com. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://aichannel.wordpress.com/2011/02/09/kannawidan-ylocos-festival-uppat-a-tawenen-a-mangitantandudo-kadagiti-kultura-ken-tradision-ti-ilocos-sur/

If Hearts Could Speak

    

    Valentine's Day is more than just a day of chocolates, flowers, and love letters. It is a celebration of affection and appreciation for the people who mean the most to us. Every February 14, people around the world express love in different ways, whether through grand gestures or simple words of kindness. But why do we celebrate it, and how do we truly show our affection?

    

    The history of Valentine’s Day dates back to ancient Rome. It is believed that a priest named Valentine disobeyed an order that banned soldiers from getting married. Believing in love, he secretly performed wedding ceremonies and was eventually punished with death. Over time, his story became a symbol of love, sacrifice, and devotion. February 14 was set aside to honor him. Though the holiday has changed over the years, its meaning remains the same. It is a day to celebrate love in all its forms.

    Love is not just about romance. Valentine’s Day is also a reminder to appreciate friends, family, and even ourselves. It is easy to think that the day is only meant for couples, but love exists in many relationships. A thoughtful message to a friend, a sincere thank you to parents, or a simple act of kindness toward someone in need can all reflect the true meaning of Valentine’s Day. 

    There are many ways to express affection. It does not always have to be through gifts or expensive surprises. Sometimes, the best way to show love is through small gestures. A warm hug, a handwritten note, or simply spending quality time with someone can mean more than any material gift. Words of appreciation, acts of service, or being there when someone needs support can be just as meaningful.

    At its heart, Valentine’s Day is a reminder to value and cherish the people around us. Love is not measured by how much we spend but by how much we care. Whether through a small gesture or a big celebration, what truly matters is making others feel valued and loved.

References:

Blogger. (n.d.). Blogger. Retrieved February 15, 2025, https://www.blogger.com/

History.com Editors. (2023, January 10). History of Valentine’s Day. History. https://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2

Getty Images. (n.d.). Saint Valentine illustration [Photograph]. History. https://assets.editorial.aetnd.com/uploads/2009/12/st-valentine_getty-695888681.jpg

Pinterest. (n.d.). Pinterest. https://pin.it/4vjH9yl6Y

Pinterest. (n.d.). Pinterest. https://pin.it/7Gd0RDzo4

Pinterest. (n.d.). Pinterest. https://pin.it/5ox7PowNP