Impulses

By Herman M. Lagon In our culture, humor often breaks the tension, creates bonds and smooths conflicts. Yet there is a boundary between witty banter and blatant disrespect — especially when people, rather than ideas, become the punchline in a campaign sortie. Pasig City congressional candidate Ian Sia’s viral joke about single mothers is a …

By Herman M. Lagon In our noisy, fast-paced world, we all follow unwritten rules, consciously or unconsciously. Non-taught social norms help us interact smoothly and respectfully. They maintain order and peace in our daily lives, especially in public spaces. A simple example: No talking during a movie. It may seem obvious, but how often have …

By Herman M. Lagon If parenting came with a manual, I would have fumbled through it, folded its pages and spilled coffee on its instructions. If fatherhood had a grading system, I would have submitted incomplete assignments, filed multiple late submissions and barely passed some subjects. But if there is one thing I have learned after nearly …

By Herman M. Lagon  Over time, smart-shaming has infiltrated our educational system, transforming classrooms that ought to foster intellectual curiosity into places that stifle it. Making fun of students’ intelligence or sarcastically calling them “too smart” has become a common form of bullying in classrooms, hallways and even faculty lounges. It’s not merely a fad …

By Herman M. Lagon Philippine elections are a spectacle of catchy jingles, celebrity endorsements and grand campaign rallies. But beyond the confetti and slogans lies a complex voter behavior that shapes the country’s future. If democracy is to work, voters must think critically, weigh their choices beyond popularity, and see elections as a long-term investment …

By Herman M. Lagon Imagine a day when no one’s talking about Rodrigo Duterte. No Sara Duterte headlines. No drama, no soundbites. No big personalities hogging the political limelight. The cameras turn off; the noise dies down. What is left in the silence should have been front and center — how this country is quietly …

By Herman M. Lagon Few sights are as fascinating and baffling as watching people defend their political idols with the zeal of a devout follower. Whether on social media, at rallies or even during tense family gatherings, these loyalists or “tards” present a curious case of almost religious fervor. To them, their leader is not …

Yano’s “Trapo” is not just a song, it is a scathing indictment of Philippine politics, and as the 2025 midterm elections draw near, its message stings even more. The title alone is a double punch — “trapo” as in traditional politicians and “trapo” as in a dirty, worn-out rag. The song remains disturbingly relevant over …

By Herman M. Lagon In educational institutions, titles are worn as badges of honor, signaling expertise, dedication and — at least ideally — rigor in pursuing knowledge. But what happens when these titles begin to overshadow the genuine quest for learning? In some cases, the heavy emphasis on academic credentials has created a system where …

By Herman M. Lagon Freely given is often barely appreciated. It is a hard truth to swallow, but it is one we see repeatedly, especially in a society grappling with the long-term effects of unearned benefits. Take the government’s ayuda program, which, though necessary during the height of the pandemic, continues in some forms today. …