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 …
Impulses
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 …
‘Idiocracy’s’ grim warning
By Herman M. Lagon Due to a cautious distributor and a lackluster reaction, “Idiocracy’s” 2006 release was welcomed with minimal fanfare. Eighteen years later, the film — with a 71 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, 66 percent on Metacritic, and a 4.6/5-star rating that is higher than the all-time highest-grossing ($1.2 billion) R-rated movie “Deadpool …
Live like ‘saints in sneakers’
By Herman M. Lagon Imagine a single mother who goes to church or parish and says to the secretary: “I want to baptize my son,” and the attendant says: “No, you can’t because you’re not married.” This poignant anecdote conveys a crucial message about church inclusivity and accessibility. It challenges pastoral rigidity and emphasizes the …
Finding one’s ikigai
By Herman M. Lagon In today’s career landscape, the Japanese concept of ikigai — finding one’s “reason for being” — has become more than just a trend; it’s a refreshing guide to building a fulfilling life and career. Finding a job that combines your passion and skills with what the world needs, and what pays …
My journey in international affairs
By Herman M. Lagon When my former secretary at the office I formerly managed in our university approached me to share my reflection on my experiences as a school administrator spearheading internationalization initiatives, I recognized an opportunity to revisit a pivotal chapter in my professional journey. What began as a response to fulfill his academic …