Almost 50 percent of young adults in six major economies think AI romantic companionship will improve human happiness through emotional support in the next decade, the results of a large survey suggested. The percentage dropped progressively across older age categories to just a quarter of people aged 55 and over, according to the research shared …
OPINION
Senate pushed into uncharted waters
By Ignacio R. Bunye The Philippine Senate has always been a stage for political maneuvering, but the recent takeover by the Gatchalian group has pushed the chamber into uncharted waters. What was once a bastion of deliberation is now fractured, with two blocs claiming legitimacy, holding parallel hearings and trading accusations of coups and circus …
The anthem we half-sing
By Herman M. Lagon A public school Monday morning is easy to picture. The courtyard fills with uneven lines of students, some sleepy, some still eating pandesal. A teacher fiddles with the speaker. The flag rises and “Lupang Hinirang” begins. For a minute and a half, the courtyard echoes with the anthem — some voices …
Killing the mood: Smartphones reduce birth rate, studies say
As governments around the world struggle with ways to reverse plunging birth rates, new US studies suggest they have ignored a key culprit — the smartphone. “Is the iPhone Birth Control?” a paper published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, delved into why US fertility rates have fallen by 22 percent since 2007. For …
Challenges to healthy smiles
By Dr. Joseph D. Lim Oral health is an essential component of overall well-being, yet it often receives less attention than other aspects of healthcare. In the Philippines, maintaining good oral health remains a significant public health challenge. Despite growing awareness, many Filipinos continue to face barriers to proper dental care due to economic, cultural …
Marriage and divorce
By Fr. Roy Cimagala “Some Pharisees approached Jesus, and tested him, saying, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause whatever?’” (Matthew 19:3) This is the opening passage of the gospel in the 19th week in Ordinary Time. It brings out the question of marriage and divorce that now is …
Dynasties bill loophole
By Herman M. Lagon A few days ago, while having coffee with friends, somebody cracked a joke that drew more laughter than it probably deserved. “If political dynasties are the ones writing the anti-dynasty law, that is like asking mosquitoes to draft anti-dengue measures.” Everyone laughed. Then everyone paused. Because some jokes are funny for …
Creation of SOLAS due to Titanic tragedy
By Dennis Gorecho BELFAST, Northern Ireland — I saw several murals on the Titanic during my recent street art hunting in this city. Ireland is deeply interconnected with the RMS Titanic as both its birthplace where it was constructed, and its tragic final port of call before heading into the Atlantic Ocean. RMS Titanic was …
The work-life dilemma
By Herman M. Lagon Ask many Filipino workers about work-life balance and you will receive a weary smile. With heavy hours, family duties and the continual strain to make ends meet, there’s frequently little time left for themselves. Our country is second to last among 60 countries on the Global Life-Work Balance Index 2024, behind …
Health experts shed light on connection between mental health, cardiovascular problems
The connection between mental health and heart health was brought to light during the Advocacy Hour Usapang Puso sa Puso at the recently-concluded 56th Philippine Heart Association (PHA) and the Philippine College of Cardiology (PCC) Annual Convention and Scientific Meeting in Mandaluyong City. The “Mental Health and The Heart” session brought together cardiologists, psychiatrists, faith …