By Herman M. Lagon There’s a peculiar art in wielding words with intention — especially words that cut deep, provoke thought or expose hypocrisy. Lately, however, the steady rise of politically correct (PC) language in satire, academia and comedy seems to make even the sharpest critique feel as if it is wrapped in bubble wrap. …
OPINION
Black Nazarene’s ‘traslacion’ as ‘popular piety’
By Dennis Gorecho The “traslacion” of the Black Nazarene is oftentimes linked with “popular piety” or “people’s spirituality.” Held every 9th of January, this year is my second time to personally witness “traslacion” which is a symbolic gesture that emulates Christ’s suffering as he was carrying his cross en route to his crucifixion in Golgotha. …
Consultations with the MSME sector
By Sonny Angara In preparation for the 19th Congress, my office recently convened a consultative meeting focused on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in line with our Tatak Pinoy advocacy. The roundtable discussion was headlined by former Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion and attended by officials from various government agencies, MSME mentors and …
Marriage, divorce and the gender issue
By Fr. Roy Cimagala That part of the gospel where Christ was asked about marriage and divorce and that also talked a little about man being created man and woman (cfr. Matthew 19:3-12) gives us an occasion to clarify certain points that have become today’s hot button issues due to some ideological controversies. We cannot …
Hypocrisy in drug war
By Ade S. Fajardo The House of Representatives quadruple committees investigating the Duterte war on drugs will reportedly reconvene today. Congress will probe further into the drug smuggling activities that were allowed during the previous administration, and hopefully uncover the sheer hypocrisy beneath its law-and-order platform that resulted in tens of thousands of mindless …
The power of grounding
By Herman M. Lagon In a world where success often comes wrapped in medals and titles, we tend to assume we are somehow immune to frailty when things are going well. But if there is one truth that the humbler among us knows, no amount of success, intelligence or acclaim erases our faults. In fact, …
Rethinking the leveler
By Dr. Herman M. Lagon Dr. Liz Oligario, a dear colleague from my days with the TechFactors National TekGuru program, recently shared a study entitled “On the ‘income advantage’ in course choices and admissions: Evidence from the University of the Philippines,” which struck a nerve. Published in the International Journal of Educational Development, it lays …
Total self-giving needed to enter heaven
By Fr. Roy Cimagala Christ said it in so many words. “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Again, I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is …
Celebrating milestones and embracing the future of Philippine banking
By Ignacio R. Bunye The traditional Annual Reception for the Banking Community at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), recently held at the historic Fort Antonio Abad, was a night to remember. Before a crowd of 350, which included the who’s who of the banking industry, BSP Governor Eli Remolona proudly relived the milestone-filled 2024. …
Minds without chains
By Herman M. Lagon Critical thinking and academic freedom are vital to a thriving, open society — they’re not just perks but essentials for authentic learning and progress. True critical thinking means more than asking questions; it’s about digging deeper, questioning what we take for granted, weighing evidence and drawing thoughtful conclusions. At the same …