Impulses

By Herman M. Lagon The demand to revisit this sinister period in our history becomes more pressing as we commemorate martial law’s 52nd anniversary. “Never again, never forget” echoes loudly, reminding us not only of the terrible persecution of the past but also of the terrifying reality that history may repeat itself should we be negligent. …

By Herman M. Lagon Given the chance to inherit a fortune, what would you do? “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” is a Thai drama that has gained popularity throughout Southeast Asia and is currently the highest-rated film on Netflix in the Philippines. The question remains throughout the film. The masterpiece, co-written by Thodsapon …

By Herman M. Lagon Beyond just a Netflix series, Ricky Gervais’ “After Life” (2019) is an honest, poignant and profoundly philosophical reflection on what it means to live, grieve and find one’s place in the world after losing a loved one. Thanks to a gentle prod from my ISUFST colleague, Professor Edmer Bernardo, I was reminded, …

By Herman M. Lagon The adage “Teachers are the unsung heroes” seems more relevant than ever as we celebrate World Teachers’ Month and National Wellness Month this September. Although teachers have long been responsible for forming the next generation’s minds, hearts and hands, their difficulties have only become more pronounced given the present dispensation. Their …

By Herman M. Lagon The debate on the legalization of marijuana or cannabis sativa for both medical and recreational use changes as time moves forward. This issue is becoming increasingly important in the country and is in line with global transformations because of the clear advantages this could bring to our country. This argument spans …

By Herman M. Lagon Within the maze of human belief, where faith often acts as a lighthouse, a darker phenomenon is manipulating the core of trust: the cult. At first look, cults could seem to be close-knit religious communities or fervent groups bound by a shared cause. Underneath this outward look, though, is a complicated …

By Herman M. Lagon Divorce is sometimes mistakenly viewed as a sign of failure, but this mindset ignores the courage and tenacity required to make such a decision. Divorce is about making a brave decision to make the necessary changes in your life, not giving up. It is about discovering your actual self again, finding …

By Herman M. Lagon In a time when public image frequently takes precedence over public service, the latest incident involving Alice Guo, a highly concerning missing person, exposes a concerning pattern in the Philippine government. We saw a show that can only be called an embarrassing farce, not a serious reflection of justice and accountability. …

By Herman M. Lagon My childhood was filled with all sorts of off-the-wall adventures, but amidst all the chaos, there was one constant: My father and his rituals. At the tender age of four, I learned the art of “pikyaw” with my neighbors, earning a two-inch scar on my knee in the process. I was …

By Herman M. Lagon Complicated and deeply ingrained with historical grievances, cultural tensions and geopolitical complexity is the Israel-Hamas war. With each side firmly rooted in its own stories of justice, survival and resistance, the present circumstances mark decades of conflict. The difficulty is seeing an end to this war that respects Israel’s security needs …