By Herman M. Lagon The most expensive thing to wear today is not a Rolex or Hermès scarf — it is a peaceful face. It comes from a full night’s sleep, the warmth of morning sun through soft curtains, and the freedom of not needing to rush. We often think of luxury as something bought, …
OPINION
Remain child-like even as we age
By Fr. Roy Cimagala That’s essentially the point of our celebration of the Feast of Santo Niño that, thankfully, enjoys a very popular devotion in our country. Let’s hope that the message not only sticks in our minds but also is effectively lived out in our daily affairs. Christ himself said it very clearly. “Amen, …
WHO says sugary drinks, alcohol getting cheaper, should be taxed more
Sugary drinks and alcohol are getting relatively cheaper, the World Health Organization (WHO) said, urging countries to hike taxes to reduce consumption levels and boost health funding. The WHO said consistently low taxes on the products in most countries were fueling obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancers. “Weak tax systems are allowing harmful products to …
The Black Nazarene: Why millions walk every January 9
By Ignacio R. Bunye Every January 9, Manila becomes a city transformed. Streets that usually echo with jeepneys, vendors and office workers are swallowed by a sea of humanity. Barefoot men push forward, women clutch rosaries, children ride on their fathers’ shoulders, and elderly devotees lean on companions. All surge toward one image: the Black …
Santo Niño, revisited
By Herman M. Lagon January has a peculiar way of turning our streets into moving sanctuaries. Drums replace bells, barefoot dancers claim asphalt, and traffic gives way to prayer — sometimes clumsy, sometimes loud, often beautiful. From Kalibo to Iloilo City to Cebu City, the calendar thickens with devotion. Ati-Atihan, Dinagyang, Sinulog, Halad, Sakay Sakay, …
Can dogs really sense danger?
Countless clips of heroic dogs rescuing humans are circulating on social media. But do dogs really have a magical sixth sense, or are their “superpowers” simply biology that’s being given outsized significance by their human owners? Spectacularly staged rescue videos get millions of clicks on social media, whether they are real scenes, cleverly edited clips …
75 years of research excellence
By Dr. Joseph D. Lim For 75 years now, the International Dental Journal (IDJ) has shared significant dental research and clinical practice to oral health practitioners worldwide. Since 1951, it published public health, community dentistry and epidemiology and beyond. In 2022, a subsection on Science and Technology in Dentistry was added and the section on …
The need to unite our will with God’s will
By Fr. Roy Cimagala That need is clearly seen when Christ himself said: “Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:35) If we always abide by our Christian faith that we have been created in God’s image and likeness, meant to share in his divine life and nature, …
Forthwith, finally, forthwith
By Herman M. Lagon A funny thing happens in Philippine politics when English gets involved: One word can suddenly acquire the flexibility of a rubber band and the stamina of a seasoned senator. Take “forthwith.” It is a term that sounds like it was borrowed from a British courtroom drama, dusted off, then dropped on …
Corruption in their hearts
By Dennis Gorecho “Greed is in their hearts” are words that transformed the classic Jose Mari Chan yuletide song “Christmas In Our Hearts” into an anti-corruption piece by the University of the Philippines Symphony Orchestra (UPSO). UPSO, along with UPSO Symphonic Chorus and the UP College of Music Chorus Class, serenaded the UP community on …