Pageantry beyond crowns

Posted by watchmen
April 18, 2024
Posted in Impulses, OPINION

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 elegance …

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Father’s tale of virtually letting go

Posted by watchmen
April 16, 2024
Posted in Impulses, OPINION

By Dr. Herman M. Lagon Writing this piece has sent tingling feelings through my bones, including pride, nostalgia and melancholy. My daughter, Psyche Mae, will enter a new, crucial chapter of her life this Friday, April 12, and it will be more than just another day on the calendar. The lively and adventurous girl who clutched …

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Bytes of campus news

Posted by watchmen
April 13, 2024
Posted in Impulses, OPINION

By Herman M. Lagon Campus journalism has evolved into a powerful force in school communities in the digital age, giving students a forum to express their ideas, disseminate news and encourage activism and responsibility. The days of waiting weeks, even months, for the publication of the school newspaper are long gone. With the speed of …

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In between aspirations and empirical evidence

Posted by watchmen
April 11, 2024
Posted in Impulses, OPINION

  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 …

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Whips for flogging as symbols of suffering

Posted by watchmen
April 10, 2024
Posted in Impulses, OPINION

  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 …

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Valor beyond Bataan

Posted by watchmen
April 9, 2024
Posted in Impulses, OPINION

  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, …

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26 years of undeserved grace

Posted by watchmen
April 6, 2024
Posted in Impulses, OPINION

  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 …

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Quest for ‘Magis’

Posted by watchmen
April 4, 2024
Posted in Impulses, OPINION

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 …

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Early birds and empty promises

Posted by watchmen
April 2, 2024
Posted in Impulses, OPINION

  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 …

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Pause, reflect, renew

Posted by watchmen
March 28, 2024
Posted in Impulses, OPINION

  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 …

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