By Herman M. Lagon In a world full of titles and roles, “mother” stands out as the most impactful of them all. This Mother’s Day, as we celebrate the incredible women who play this role in its myriad forms — from moms to grandmoms and from sister-moms to mom-teachers — it’s important to remember …
Impulses
Pageantry beyond crowns
By Herman M. Lagon In a world often dazzled by surface beauty, Jade Lyn Buenavides stands as a living symbol of profound growth and resilience. She weaves together her academic pursuits with the sparkle of pageantry. Her journey transcends the traditional path of a beauty queen, showcasing a compelling blend of intellectual rigor and poised …
My life’s epigram: ‘Stay driven yet grounded’
By Herman M. Lagon “Stay driven yet grounded.” Such is a simple phrase, but it has given me direction and comfort amid life’s chaos, when dreams fly and reality bites. This personally crafted epigram has been my compass for the past decades; it is the product of my years spent reflecting as a lay collaborator …
Yano’s unapologetic ‘Banal na Aso’
By Herman M. Lagon “Banal na Aso, Santong Kabayo” by Yano is among the most profound and controversial songs in Philippine music history. This folk-punk masterpiece, which paints a vivid picture of social critique, will reverberate through the ages because its relevance has not faded, no matter how much politics and culture change. More …
Labor Day in the digital age
By Herman M. Lagon As we celebrate Labor Day, it is time to think about the progress made by workers’ movements. Looking at this day through Karl Marx’s perspective during this period of tremendous technological advancement makes it even more intriguing. Even in this tech-driven modern world, the long-dead Marx and Engels bring up …
Gary Granada’s arresting ‘Holdap’
By Herman M. Lagon Deep inside Philippine music is a timeless tune that captures the essence of the country’s social and political climate even after all these years. Gary Granada’s 3:12-minute “Holdap” is a brilliant piece of music that reflects the enduring ills plaguing our society, culture, identity, and destiny. Delving into the depths …
The art of ‘white lying’
By Herman M. Lagon The art of euphemisms — like how Winston Churchill called a British parliament a liar by saying that he has just committed “terminological inexactitudeness” — is a flourishing tool in our everyday conversation. It is an unspoken skill, a dance around the truths of everyday life, where the gentle touch …
Between populist and principled politics
By Herman M. Lagon When Rodrigo Duterte stepped down from Malacañang and Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. took over, a profound paradox emerged and shaped the country’s political narrative. The global tendency towards strongman leadership, which frequently muddies the lines between populism, authoritarianism and democratic values, is reflected in this transition, which is representative of the country’s …
Ode of defiance in ‘Dog Eaters’
By Herman M. Lagon As the lights dimmed at Cinema Exmundo in UP Visayas Cinematheque this Friday, April 19, anticipation coursed through the audience at the Leoncio P. Deriada Conference on Literature and Cultural Work. The spotlight was on Kevin Piamonte’s “Dog Eaters,” a film that transcends mere adaptation to powerfully reimagine Leoncio Deriada’s …
Wanted, real senators!
By Herman M. Lagon We stand at a crossroads in the 2025 senatorial elections, influenced by the appeal of celebrities and the pressing need for efficient leadership. The names that have been popular in recent polls are more easily recognized in the entertainment industry than in legislative discussions and policymaking. This tendency highlights a …