ISNHS 124th Birthday

March 7 marked the 124th founding anniversary of Ilocos Sur National High School. It was a huge celebration that every student and teacher worked hard to prepare for. Everyone participated in the activities to make sure the whole celebration was a major success. The entire school felt alive with excitement as we honored our long history together.

​In the morning, the celebration started with the parade and after it ended, the real excitement started with the much-awaited field demo. The boys started the performances, starting from Grade 7 all the way up to Grade 11. Once they finished, the girls took over the field and kept the exciting energies going with their performance. Every single performance was full of high energy and pure happiness from the dancers of each grade level.

This 124th anniversary was truly an unforgettable day full of fun. From the colorful parade to the loud and beautiful field demo. It was definitely one of the most exciting and memorable school events I have witnessed this school year. Happy 124th anniversary ISNHS! <3

Maxwell’s Bittersweet Goodbye

It feels like just yesterday we were counting down the long years until graduation, but now we are suddenly down to our final few days together as Maxwell. While we are all exhausted from the endless schoolwork and academic stress, there is a bittersweet feeling in knowing this chapter is closing. We’ve spent four years together, and we’ve grown so attached to each other’s presence that it’s hard to imagine not seeing these familiar faces every day. We are definitely ready for a break, but we aren't ready to say goodbye to the bond we’ve built especially with my closest friends.

The countless nights spent worrying about deadlines and finishing activities have finally led us to this moment. We’ve survived every difficult exam and long lecture by leaning on each other, turning our shared stress into inside jokes. Even though we’re tired of the many schoolworks, those moments of laughter are what we’ll actually remember. It’s strange to think that the people who saw us at our most stressed are the same ones who made these four years worth it.

Now, we are moving closer toward our own dreams, but a part of us will always stay connected to each other. Though we are excited to finally escape the academic pressure and enjoy our vacation, leaving the main building feels harder than we expected. We may be graduating as individuals, but we will always carry the memories of being Maxwell students together. All was well, Maxwell.

National Women's Month

March is a special time dedicated to celebrating the strength and beauty of women all around the world. We celebrate this month because women worked incredibly hard to achieve the freedom and rights they have today. It is a time to remember their history and the long journey they took to be heard. Their courage has shaped our world into a better place for everyone.  

However, we should appreciate the women in our lives every single day rather than just during this one month. Whether they are our mothers, sisters, teachers, or friends, their impact never stops. A simple thank you or a small gesture of kindness can mean so much throughout the year. True respect is shown through consistent support and love, not just a calendar date.

Every woman is a masterpiece of strength who deserves to be recognized for her daily efforts. We must continue to uplift them and acknowledge the hard work they do in every role they play. Let’s make it a habit to value their voices and celebrate their achievements all the time. After all, the world is much brighter when we honor the women who help build it.

The Art of the Mind

Whenever someone asks what I want to become, my mind immediately floods with a mix of excitement and uncertainty because my heart has always been drawn to the world of art. However, the reality of today's economy makes me hesitate to follow that path as I am determined to build a future that is both successful and meaningful. If I cannot make a living through my own creations, I will simply switch to studying God’s first and greatest masterpiece, the people around me and the way our minds work.

Now that I am in 10th grade, my goals should finally be clear. My main focus is to become a successful psychologist so I can help people understand themselves better. I am determined to reach all my dreams while keeping my family right by my side throughout this journey. Every effort I put into my studies will hopefully be worth it in the end. I want to build a career where I can make a real difference in the lives of those struggling with their mental health. It won't be an easy path, but knowing I have the support of my loved ones gives me the strength to keep going. I imagine a future where I am a licensed professional who can provide for my family and make them proud of my achievements. Success to me means fulfilling my passion while sharing every milestone with the people I love the most.

Reaching these big dreams will take a lot of hard work and many years of study. I am determined to face every challenge as long as I have my family supporting me. Most importantly, I trust that all of these plans will happen in the right time with God's guidance. My future may be uncertain now, but I am excited to see how I can turn my love for art into a successful career in psychology.

Photo from: https://pin.it/1U6qa40oP

Love everyone, Love for everyone

Valentine's Day is a special time of year and it is when we celebrate love, affection, friendship and family. While many people think February is the only month for romance, its true essence is about something much larger. This day reminds us that showing care to those around us is an important gesture to humanity. By sharing our love without boundaries, we create a place in our hearts for every person along our journey.

Caring and loving each other is essential because it makes us feel better inside. Every single day not just on valentines is another chance to show a smile or to be a helping hand to a stranger or a friend. By choosing to be loving every day, we build a world where everyone feels safe and valued.  

Love should be for everyone regardless of who they are or where they come from. True love is genderless and knows no boundaries because it is a gift that every soul deserves. It does not matter what a person looks like or their social status. When we love everyone, we can make the world be more peaceful and be a happy place for all. ❦

Kannawidan unites us all

​Last January, we celebrated Vigan City’s fiesta and the Longganisa Festival, but this February, we are honoring the historic 1818 separation of Ilocos Sur from Ilocos Norte. This was the pivotal moment when Ilocos Sur officially became an independent province. To us, this isn't just a date on a calendar but it also marks the birth of our own identity as the people of Ilocos Sur.

The Ilocos Sur Festival, or Kannawidan, is a grand "festival of festivals." It felt like a massive reunion for all 32 municipalities and two cities in our province. Throughout the celebration many performances happened that entertained many people but for me, the true highlight was the Kannawidan trade and food fair, where every town showcased its local products and promoted its unique heritage. It served as a powerful reminder that while we are composed of many different towns, we are uniquely united as one.

Celebrating this historic separation has taught me about the strength of the Ilocano spirit and our ability to thrive on our own. Standing among the crowds and watching the fireworks light up the sky, I felt a deep sense of joy for our province and its people. This Kannawidan celebration makes me even prouder to call Ilocos Sur my home. ONE ILOCOS SUR!

All photos belong to The Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur FB Page

Enero for Bigueños: Celebrating the Vigan City Fiesta

January is one of the most awaited months for every Bigueño. This month focuses on celebrating the city fiesta and the Longganisa Festival. It is a week-long celebration in honor of St. Paul the Apostle, a time when the streets of Vigan come alive with colorful decorations and visitors from all over who come to celebrate with us.

​Every fiesta is dedicated to honoring our history and culture. The celebration consists of many events, such as the Agri-Float Parade, marching band competitions for elementary and secondary schools, pet shows, and concerts by well-known artists. For me, the main highlight is the Longganisa Festival but not just because our school won first place, but because it also reminds us to be proud of our local products. I think that it is more than just a show but it is a show our unity and Ilocano identity.

This fiesta taught me that being part of this city is a special feeling. Seeing everyone cooperate to make the festival successful made me feel even prouder to be a Bigueño. I realized that our local traditions are gifts from our ancestors that we should always protect. I am already looking forward to next year's celebration!