Impulses

  By Herman M. Lagon   In the labyrinth of politics, where power often blinds and corrupts, the line between true friendship and opportunistic alliance can blur. Recent events surrounding the latest Senate hullabaloo have brought to the fore a phenomenon that is as old as politics itself: The pretending. Such a “kaibigan” might wrap …

  By Herman M. Lagon In a nation where memories might be as fleeting as the monsoon rains, August 21, 1983, still holds great emotional resonance for many Filipinos. This day saw the beginning of a movement aiming at recovering truth, justice and freedom from a dictatorship’s iron grip rather than only a man’s terrible end. …

  By Herman M. Lagon From its inception, the K-12 Philippine education has been hotly contested. Originally launched in 2013 to match national educational standards with international norms, the K-12 program — especially its Mathematics curriculum — has been hailed for its ambition and attacked for its execution. A conversation inspired this article with my …

  By Herman M. Lagon On August 17, 2024, I will turn 49, a milestone many fear. For many, the year before 50 is the last before societal expectations and personal reflections. This is a chance to face aging fears and embrace its wisdom and growth. You must balance staying relevant, mental health and new …

  By Herman M. Lagon   The recent rueful scandal involving double-gold-medalist Olympian Carlos Yulo and his mother has sparked a long-standing Filipino debate about “utang na loob” (debt of gratitude). In our culture, “utang na loob” has formed a bond and a burden, especially between parents and children. When taken to extremes, this obligation …

  By Herman M. Lagon Think of a world where access to education could significantly influence the course of individuals and communities. Imagine a global initiative that offers everyone, no matter their economic status, the opportunity to gain important skills and knowledge. What kind of program would bridge education and employment, especially in under-resourced areas? …

  By Herman M. Lagon Wolfgang’s electrifying 3:35-minute “Halik Ni Hudas” unveils political deceit with the opening line: “Mga asong naloloko, nagpapanggap na tao / Pangakong matamis, puro langaw at ipis.” While in college, “Halik Ni Hudas,” along with Wolfgang’s headbanging hits like “Arise” and “Natutulog Kong Mundo (My Sleeping World),” captured our generation’s angst and disillusionment. …

  impuBy Herman M. Lagon Filipinos will never forget “Bayan Ko.” Its moving melody and lyrics inspire patriotism across generations. This powerful protest anthem was written by Jose Corazon de Jesus and composed by Constancio de Guzman during the Marcos dictatorship. Though revolutionary, its enthusiasm has faded, raising questions about the evolution of protest art …

  By Herman M. Lagon The recent Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) findings found widespread bullying. One in three Filipino students is bullied at least once a week, a statistic that has remained alarming for years now. Bullying is more common among boys and public school students. The effects on these students’ academic performance …

  By Herman M. Lagon It is far too simple to point fingers in the complex debates over the country’s education condition. But if we pause and shift our gaze from the blame game to the beacons of hope within our schools, we find our dedicated, heroic and committed teachers. In addition to imparting knowledge, …