Impulses

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 — …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

By Herman M. Lagon As the final whistle of RSCUAA 2024 fades, the spotlight turns to those who quietly made it all possible. The Public Relations Committee — composed of 50 campus journalists, student volunteers, faculty (me, included), and staff — worked diligently behind the scenes, embodying teamwork and service beyond the challenges to ensure …

By Herman M. Lagon Imagine if beauty was not about being flawless but about celebrating life’s inevitable cracks and quirks. This is not just a fleeting Instagram trend or idealistic notion; it is the heart of Japan’s wabi-sabi philosophy. Rooted in accepting impermanence and imperfection, wabi-sabi shows us that beauty is found in the worn, …

By Herman M. Lagon Collaboration among state universities and colleges (SUCs) has become the cornerstone of an evolving educational landscape in the country. With a vision transcending institutional boundaries, SUCs today are forging partnerships prioritizing shared knowledge, resources and best practices. These collaborations strengthen education’s reach and depth, especially for communities that depend on SUCs …