By Herman M. Lagon Everyone has a crush story, that little blush-worthy narrative of unspoken admiration. Having a crush is as natural as it is timeless, transcending age and proving that attraction is not a young person’s exclusive territory. Crushes are refreshing reminders that, despite our adult lives crammed with responsibilities, we are still capable …
Impulses
Dunning-Kruger’s cognitive bias
By Herman M. Lagon In educational settings, the Dunning-Kruger effect manifests with particular intensity and consequence, impacting not only the relationship between teachers and students but also among faculty and administrators. This cognitive bias, where individuals with limited knowledge overestimate their competence, can significantly disrupt learning environments and collaborative efforts among educators. Consider a typical …
Teaching that transforms
By Herman M. Lagon Asking about one’s educational philosophy is more than a homework — it is a chance to consider education’s value, possibilities and influence in a changing world. For me, education goes beyond teaching skills and knowledge. I have spent over 20 years in the Atenean system and two years in the state …
SHS immersion magic
By Herman M. Lagon When SHS work immersion launched in 2017, it was a leap into uncharted territory — students leaving the classroom to face real-world challenges. Daunting yet exhilarating, it promised transformation like never before. I vividly recall my pre-pandemic days at Ateneo de Iloilo, coordinating the deployment of hundreds of students across Iloilo, …
Where did the NBA fans go?
By Herman M. Lagon The GOAT debate is not going anywhere, but here’s the truth: NBA viewership has dropped since Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant left, and even with social media’s reach, the league has not recaptured the magic of its golden years. So, if today’s stars are GOAT materials, why aren’t more fans tuning …
My 15-minute PRC experience
By Herman M. Lagon The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has long been a staple of bureaucracy in the Philippines — a stopover for professionals renewing licenses, applying for certifications or addressing inquiries. Yet, stepping into their office in Gaisano Iloilo City Center in Mandurriao, Iloilo, recently felt less like navigating a labyrinth and more like …
Brain rot in the AI age
By Herman M. Lagon Scrolling through your feed, you see it — quirky cat videos, snappy memes and nonsensical dance trends. Harmless fun, right? But hours pass, and you’re left wondering: Is my brain still in gear? Enter “brain rot,” Oxford’s 2024 Word of the Year, perfectly capturing the creeping fear that our digital habits …
Common man’s cry
By Herman M. Lagon Joey Ayala’s “Karaniwang Tao” is a rare and moving reminder of the hardships, resiliency and inherent dignity of the ordinary Filipino in a society too dominated by noise and distraction. Written with a simplicity that belies its complexity, this song captures the life of Juan or Juana de la Cruz — …
Budget games exposed
By Herman M. Lagon The Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) has stirred up a storm of debates about its transparency, efficiency and intentions. What started as an initiative to aid struggling Filipinos has become a lightning rod for questions about governance and accountability. Beyond the numbers and headlines, AKAP reveals deeper truths about …
History lost in bills
By Herman M. Lagon Filipino banknotes have always been more than just currency — they tell our story. For decades, they have carried the faces of heroes who shaped our history, taught us values and gave us a shared identity. But now, as the new designs trade these icons for images of plants and animals, we are left …