The Maroon Ink

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | UM Ilang High School Celebrates UMian festival on April 6, 2026
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‎With the theme, "Diamonds in The Rough: Uniting Student Organizations, Igniting Brilliance", the event aimed to strengthen unity and showcase the unique talents of students across different organizations.
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‎The program began in the morning with the IP Month presentation, featuring an introduction and a cultural dance performance. This was followed by the opening remarks, formally welcoming participants to the celebration.

Club recognition took place next, highlighted by the houses roll call—Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff—and the recognition of club advisers.

The awarding of Gawad UMiano honored outstanding individuals, while an energetic intermission number by the Indagalak Pep Squad brought excitement to the program.
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‎In the afternoon session, the event continued with a soulful kundiman intermission performance. Students then participated in fun and engaging games such as paper dance and Chinese garter, followed by a lively zumba session that energized the crowd.

The celebration concluded with a vibrant water party, leaving students with memorable experiences of camaraderie and joy.

𝙄𝙣𝙠𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝘿𝙪𝙩𝙮:
Gabisan, John Stephen
Gumubao, Khezhea
Gumubao, Hillary
Laurente, Eesha
De Dios, Dorothy
Cañete, Andrea



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𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙

On October 7, the 𝗨𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗦 extended their hands to the community of Piapi Boulevard, where a fire left many families displaced and in need of support. Carrying with them the generosity of those who donated, the club successfully distributed essential goods collected through their donation drive.

More than just providing relief, this initiative embodied the true essence of bayanihan—a reminder that in moments of hardship, unity, compassion, and collective action can bring light to even the darkest situations. Every contribution, no matter how small, became a source of comfort and hope for those affected.

The success of this outreach would not have been possible without the generosity of the students who wholeheartedly shared what they could, the unwavering support of the parents who made these contributions possible, and the dedication of the 𝗨𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗦 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 together with the student volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes in organizing, arranging, and distributing the donations.

Through this meaningful effort, the 𝗨𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗦 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 continues to inspire others to take part in acts of kindness and community service, proving that together, we can rebuild, uplift, and make a lasting difference.

“𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣.”

— Oscar Wilde

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Layout:
Erabon (SHS PIO)
Sahisan (JHS PIO)
Neri
Caption:
Erabon (SHS PIO)
Sahisan (JHS PIO)
Photography:
Lao (President)
Tigbao (Peace Officer)
Neri

Late Night Thoughts | Did you like her in the morning?

Before the sun creeps beyond the curtains, do you think of her?

Before the morning breeze glides through your skin; before the soft pain of breathing in the dewy air; the sunlight burning away all your sins—do your eyes still look for her?

You hate coffee. Feeling the strong aroma burning your lungs—the thick, hot, putrid smell that squeezes all the air out of your body, and the strong taste of pure cacao beans—you hated coffee.

I watched you laugh with her, cold coffee in hand. I watched you smell the aroma that you once hated—watching your body go stiff once it starts burning your lungs. You hated it, but she was worth burning for.

Funny.

How something you hated became something you could hold,

if it meant holding her.

For so long, I carried this ache.
For so long, I’ve waited.
Soft words that died out in my mouth, turning sour and sharp—I swallowed them like pills, letting them slowly pierce my heart.

It would be easier this way. It would be easier to watch you be happy, be in love.
However, it would be much easier if she wasn’t your last.

She smells like coffee, and I smell like citrus.

Her scent lingers—it's light and stifling. You breathe it in whilst looking at me with heavy eyes.
Your hands would find her hair, kissing and inhaling her scent that you hate. The moonlit sky weeps solemnly—its tears forming the glowing dots that you admire with her.

You said she's your everything, your first and your last.

I hoped that you looked at me with the same lenses—the same eyes that you used to look at me.

Love is a ritual that I cannot perform. I suffered the ache that gnaws in my bones, the churning of my heart, and the rewiring of my veins. I swallowed my confessions—watching helplessly as you bask in her presence, knowing that I cannot compete.
The ache, I can no longer bear. My chest tightens, lungs gasping for air, my bones ready to collapse.

You worshiped her; I loved you.
The moonlight spills harshly across the floor, barely illuminating the truth—asking once again:
“Did you ever like her in the morning?”

Do you prefer holding her cold hands while mine are warm?
As the saying goes, “The man who yearns earns the most,” but we both lost what we were trying to earn.

Inkers on Duty:
Balaba, Rogie
Sahisan, Rania

EVENTS | THROUGHOUT APRIL

As the academic year approaches its conclusion, the month of April is set to be filled with important activities, celebrations, and significant milestones for the school community.

From APRIL 1 TO 3, classes will be suspended in observance of the HOLY WEEK CELEBRATION, providing students and faculty time for reflection and rest.

School activities will resume on APRIL 6 (MONDAY) with the RECOGNITION PRACTICE scheduled in the morning, followed by the celebration of STUDENTS’ DAY in the afternoon.

On APRIL 7 (TUESDAY), GRADUATION PRACTICE will be conducted in the morning for all graduating students as part of the preparations for the upcoming commencement exercises.

The following day, APRIL 8 (WEDNESDAY), the school will hold its RECOGNITION DAY in the morning to honor the academic achievements and outstanding performance of students.

Classes will once again be suspended on APRIL 9 (THURSDAY) in observance of the DAY OF VALOR, a national holiday.

Preparations for graduation will continue on APRIL 10 (FRIDAY) with another scheduled GRADUATION PRACTICE.

On APRIL 13 (MONDAY), the BACCALAUREATE MASS will be held in the morning, followed by the FINAL PRACTICE FOR THE GRADUATION AND COMPLETION CEREMONY TOGETHER WITH ESCORTS.

Finally, on APRIL 14 (TUESDAY), the school community will celebrate GRADUATION DAY, marking the culmination of the students’ hard work, dedication, and achievements throughout the academic year.

Students are advised to take note of these dates and prepare accordingly for the scheduled activities throughout the month.

𝙄𝙣𝙠𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝘿𝙪𝙩𝙮:
Erabon, Isaiah Joshua
Sahisan, Rania

𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐨, 𝐔𝐌𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬!

The owls have arrived, and your letters are finally here… 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵’𝘴 𝘋𝘢𝘺 𝘥𝘢𝘸𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵!

On April 6 at 8:00 AM, UM Ilang High School will transform into a magical realm where four mighty houses rise, colors shine, and every student brings their own spell of magic.

Before you arrive, take heed:
In the morning, you must come dressed in your assigned house color. Wear it with pride, for it represents your house.

As the day unfolds, you will be required to change into your Zumba attire. Following Zumba, a Water Party awaits. You may bring your water guns, and prepare for a splash of fun.

This is your invitation to step beyond the ordinary.

Will you answer the call?

By owl and wand, we await your arrival.

𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐨.

𝙄𝙣𝙠𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝘿𝙪𝙩𝙮:
Galanga, Jasmine
Soliza, Krizia

𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨, 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥! 🌸🎭 ‎
𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘮𝘴.

So long, March. We bid farewell to your steady steps. Now we step into April, where nothing is certain but the promise of laughter, blossoms, and the gentle rhythm of rain.

May we welcome your dual spirit—both the prankster and the poet, who reminds us not to take life too seriously. As you carry the fragrance of renewal, the courage of beginnings, and the quiet assurance—that brighter days are near.

Inkers on Duty:
Mabaso, Gian Paulo
Manco, Mira Angelou Isabel

Beyond the Roles Written for Them

Every new generation of women is finding new ways to resist the roles that have been set for them. They are challenging traditions, pursuing knowledge, and striving to prove that their potential is far greater than the roles that have been set for them.

In the movie Mona Lisa Smile, the pursuit of truth and self-discovery sometimes requires courage—the courage to venture out into the unknown and reach for something greater than the status quo.

‎In Mona Lisa Smile, a teacher named Katherine Watson encourages her students to think about the roles that have been set for them and to consider what will be thought of them by future generations of scholars: “𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘺 𝘶𝘴? 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘺. 𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘺 𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘭. 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘪𝘮𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘬 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘣𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘣𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘣𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘦.” Through her influence, her students begin to realize that their potential is not confined to marriage alone, but extends to the pursuit of knowledge, independence, and self-definition.
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‎ These words reminds us that women who question, explore, and dream are not lost; they are pioneers of change. Their journeys may challenge tradition, society's point of view, but through their determination, they will redefine what it means to leaf through, to learn and to live with purpose.
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‎This Women's Month, their story stand as a testament of resilience and progress. By stepping beyond the boundaries written for them, women continue to shape a future where possibilities are no longer limited by expectations, but expanded by courage and ambition.
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‎Across classrooms, workplaces, and communities women are quietly rewriting narratives that once confined them. They are no longer defined solely by prescribed roles but by the impact they choose to make. Whether as leaders, innovators, artists, or advocates, their presence is a declaration that identity is self-determined, not assigned.
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‎Education, in particular, becomes a powerful tool in this transformation.
‎Like women portrayed in Mona Lisa Smile, many continue to challenge not only what they are taught but how they are expected to live. Knowledge becomes more than information—it becomes liberation, a means to question norms and reshape futures.
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The road ahead is not always smooth, however. Social norms, cultural norms, and traditional stereotypes still try to place boundaries on how far women can go in their aspirations. Yet, it is in these moments of resistance, in these acts of defiance, no matter how big or small, that true strength is found, as they help push a larger movement toward equality and recognition.

Today, there is no longer a singular definition of what a “modern woman” is. She is many things at once: a woman who is capable of pursuing dreams and responsibilities, tradition and change, individuality and community, etc. She will not be defined by a single story, but will instead be free to write her own, boldly, authentically, and unapologetically.

‎And so, as Women’s Month ends, it is no longer just a celebration, but a reminder, a call to action, a continued push to break barriers, and a chance for every woman to find her voice, make her choice, and follow her path. Beyond tradition, beyond definition, and beyond the image, women are not just shaping history—they are defining it.

Inkers on Duty:
Baguhin, Maureen Pearl
Alatraca, JM

‎Happy World Down Syndrome Day!
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Different, not less. Today reminds us that having an extra chromosome 21 doesn’t limit a person—it adds uniqueness, strength, and a beautiful perspective on life.
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‎The date 3/21 represent Trisomy 21, the extra chromosome that makes them who they are—an extra chromosome that represents not limitation, but 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹, 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝗷𝗼𝘆, and 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲.
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‎Let's break the myths and celebrate their strengths : People with Down Syndrome can 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲, 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻, and 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 in their own unique ways. Every Individual is unique, talented, and full of potentials.
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‎Today is not just about awareness—it’s about 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. Let’s stand “𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀” by creating safe spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and included. Because at the end of the day, we all share the same hearts and the same hopes. Wear your 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘀, share their stories, and join us in honoring their journey and achievements.
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‎Let's make a world where a place where everyone is 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴, is 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱, and is 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 for who they are. 💙💛

Inkers on Duty:
Alatraca, JM
Jaca, Kristine Claire

As the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end, may this celebration bring renewed hope, gratitude, and unity to our Muslim brothers and sisters. Wishing you all a day full of joy and blessings.

Eid Mubarak!