By Dennis Gorecho “May asim pa” is an appreciative Tagalog phrase often heard in storytelling involving middle-aged women that acquired its double meaning — sourness and sweet. Literally translated in English it means “sourness retained” or “sour still.” Paradoxically, the free translation is the exact opposite, as it describes a person, despite her age, still …
OPINION
Valedictorians with no filter
By Herman M. Lagon Not all graduation speeches shout. Some speak in quiet truths. And this year, those truths echoed all over the country — of hardship, survival and questions that do not end with a diploma. Valedictorians gave us a picture of success with cracks in it, asking, “What does winning mean if …
Additional funding for the Philippine Children’s Medical Center
By Sonny Angara The heart of Philippine culture is the family, and children are often the most cherished and protected. Hence, when a child is born with a congenital health condition, or suddenly develops a serious disease, it is an extremely difficult situation for parents and relatives. It is even more tragic when the family …
Develop the instinct to quickly go to Christ
By Fr. Roy Cimagala When we find ourselves in some trouble, let’s be quick to cut the drama and with faith-filled dispatch, let’s just go to Christ asking for his help which he will always give, though in ways that may not be in accordance to our expectations. This is the lesson we can learn from …
What will the bank accounts show?
By Ade S. Fajardo Can the impeachment case against the Vice President sustain the public’s curiosity before the Senate tries it in August? News feeds are now swamped with Atong Ang and a purported whistleblower’s narration that can lead to a fishing expedition in Taal Lake. Or is this the hope of some defenders all …
When tangerines taste like home
By Herman M. Lagon Ask any Pinoy why we love K-dramas, and you will likely hear about family, sacrifice and the bittersweet struggles of real life. Netflix’s “When Life Gives You Tangerines” captures all that and more. Though set in Korea, its story feels right at home with us, echoing the same heartbeats and hopes …
K to 12 still works — if we let it
By Herman Lagon You know something is working when the people who quietly fix things every day are the ones speaking up to keep it alive. In the case of the K to 12 reform, it is not only education experts but business leaders, school administrators, religious groups, and community workers who are calling on …
The pursuit for holiness
By Fr. Roy Cimagala This business of seeking holiness is something that is commanded of us by God. That is what we can clearly see in first reading of the Mass from the Book of Leviticus. “Be ye holy, because I the Lord your God am holy.” (Leviticus 19:2) That is why God proceeded to …
Konektadong Pinoy Act is the disruption the Philippines needs
By Ignacio R. Bunye In a country where over 45 percent of barangays remain disconnected from reliable internet, the Konektadong Pinoy Act offers a rare — and necessary — break from the status quo. Despite loud opposition from legacy telcos, this bill is a bold step toward fixing a telecom landscape that has long been monopolistic, …
Not about AI, but us
By Herman M. Lagon Some speakers deliver data. Others stir something deeper. Professor Naqi Azam, President of Mylynx International Cambodia, did not bring slides to the 2025 Augustinian International Research Conference. What he brought instead was quiet clarity. Known across Asia for his work in digital transformation and cross-cultural leadership, Azam did not dramatize the …