By Herman M. Lagon Humanity has always been fascinated and in awe of the vastness of the universe. It addresses some of our deepest existential concerns and is the area where philosophy, science and spirituality frequently meet. The age-old query at the center of all of this is: Are we alone in the universe? When …
Impulses
Whips for flogging as symbols of suffering
By Dennis Gorecho Whips symbolize suffering — Christ in the hands of the Roman soldiers, and the cruelties to Filipinos under Spanish colonial rule. Filipino Catholics are known for having sincere, enormous and extreme expressions of piety considering that the country has the third-largest Catholic population in the world. The fervent devotion and faith shown by devotees became …
Valor beyond Bataan
By Herman M. Lagon As we commemorate the Fall of Bataan this April 9, I invite you to review with me the complex web of the history and heroism of our people. This pivotal day reminds us to pause, contemplate and act in the midst of the present issues on sovereignty disputes, economic uncertainties, …
26 years of undeserved grace
By Herman M. Lagon As my daughter Parvane Mae Lagon approaches her 26th year this Friday, April 26, a reflection wave washes over me. Watching her grow, transform and mature into the remarkable person she is today has been nothing short of witnessing grace undeserved and the embodiment of Magis in its concrete form. Her relentless pursuit …
Quest for ‘Magis’
By Herman M. Lagon In Jesuit education and spirituality, the term “Magis” (Latin for “more”) resonates with a profound and personal significance. It is a way of life, more than just a concept. As someone who has experienced a 21-year Ignatian formation, I have defined my Magis as an endless desire to do greater things …
Early birds and empty promises
By Herman M. Lagon In Philippine traditional politics, the early bird does not just catch the worm; it builds a nest on every street corner, billboard space and social media newsfeed available. Yes, it is election season again — or rather, the pre-pre-election season, where politicians start their subtle yet blatant courtship of voters …
Pause, reflect, renew
By Herman M. Lagon On this Huwebes Santo, also known as Maundy Thursday, March 28, the dawn will bring a sense of renewal to all as it marks the beginning of the Paschal Triduum, the most solemn portion of Holy Week. This is more than only a chance to observe church rituals; it is …
The ‘gender equality’ spectrum
By Herman M. Lagon Gender and development is a complicated and multidimensional topic of discussion. A shocking reality is revealed in a 2023 research by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): Most Filipinos, particularly women, have prejudices against their gender. Women’s rights specialist Nathalie Africa-Verceles notes that internalized sexism and ingrained cultural standards are …
Oxymoronic blues
By Herman M. Lagon The oxymoron, a figure of speech with contradictory terms fused for rhetorical paradox, mirrors the complexities and nuances of daily life, offering a lens through which we can explore and appreciate the beauty in the seemingly discordant. In the vibrant streets of Iloilo, where tradition and modernity — the past and …
The enduring spirit of Ilongga women
By Herman M. Lagon We honor the incredible achievements of Ilongga women — some “unwritten, unsung” — from different periods of Philippine history this March in observance of International Women’s Day. These wonder women exemplify multifaceted kinds of gravitas in all their endeavors. We highlight the tenacity of Ilongga women, drawing on the extensive research of the …