By Herman M. Lagon The taxi smelled faintly of gasoline and menthol candy, the kind drivers chew to stay awake past lunch. It was a Sunday, quiet enough for conversation, and I asked the driver how things were. He did not hesitate. “Sir, net ko na lang mga trescientos singkwenta sa dose ka oras.” Around …
OPINION
Let’s be the good ground for God’s word
By Fr. Roy Cimagala In that parable of the sower and the seed, (cfr. Matthew 13:8-23) it’s made quite clear that we are encouraged to be the good ground for God’s word which actually represents his great love for us and our salvation. We should avoid being the wayside, the rocky ground, and the thorns …
The mystical sounds of T’boli bells to ward off evil spirits
By Dennis Gorecho As T’boli bells are believed to turn away misfortune, negative energy and malevolent entities, every Filipino should perhaps have at least one piece in their possession — to protect them from the evil effects of corruption. The sounds of T’boli bells or tungkaling consistently reverberate during the annual Pasinaya Open House Festival …
Why medals are not enough
By Herman M. Lagon Every graduation has its rituals. Mothers adjust collars with nervous hands. Fathers clear their throats more than usual. Students grin for photos while quietly wondering what comes after the applause. Then come the honors — medals, ribbons and Latin words that sound grand during graduation. In many of our homes, they …
Planet Earth trapped record heat in 2025: UN
The amount of heat trapped by the Earth reached record levels in 2025, with the consequences of such warming feared to last for thousands of years, the United Nations (UN) warned. The 11 hottest years ever recorded were all between 2015 and 2025, the UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) confirmed in its flagship State of …
Teaching is hard work (Ang magturo ay ‘di biro)
By Sonny Angara I was raised in a household that put a premium on learning and education. My siblings and I were not given free rein when it came to toy stores. But come a visit to the bookstore, and my parents willingly got us whatever book we desired. That kind of support definitely allowed …
Cheerful and confident availability
By Fr. Roy Cimagala That gospel episode where Christ shocked his disciples when he told them that they themselves had to feed the big crowd that followed Christ (cfr. John 6:1-15) reminds us that we should just have confidence in the ways of God even if what we are asked to do is considered by …
Early screening for colorectal cancer can save lives, experts say
For years, Rita Campino ignored the warning signs. It began with something she deliberately ignored: blood in her stool. Later came the stomach pain and difficulties with going to the bathroom. Fearing what doctors might find, she chose to endure the discomfort instead of seeking medical help. By the time she finally decided to get …
Kalayaan issue in the Senate
By Ade S. Fajardo Last February 4, the Commission on Appointments (CA) had a hearing on the ad-interim appointment of 35 senior officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. In that hearing, Senator Rodante Marcoleta proposed to give up the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) because its features are outside the Philippine exclusive economic zone. …
The trap of illusory authority
By Herman M. Lagon There is a strange moment that happens when you step down from a position of authority. It is not dramatic. No orchestra plays. No one announces, “You are now ordinary.” Instead, it is quieter and more dangerous. People still greet you the same way. They still ask for your opinion, online …