Throw Back: Vocation Week Reflection 10 Years After

I recently stumbled upon a Vocation Week Reflection which I gave 10 years ago at the Ateneo School of Law. Whether it was purely by accident, but most likely by God's plan, I look back at my thoughts when I was still a law student, and at how I viewed the profession which I am in. Looking back too, I know that the past 10 years have all been part of God's beautiful design, both ups and downs, highs and lows.

As graduation comes for many law students (and also for those in the thick of studying law), I hope this reflection helps you step back, take some quiet time and reflect on the profession you are in. Take time too to offer everything up to God, to surrender to His will, and to allow Him to chart the path that is best for you. And in the words of St. Paul - fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith!

________________________________________________

"Vocation Week
February 16-20, 2009
Ateneo Professional Schools
Rockwell, Makati

Reflection for the 5th day
(February 20 - shared during the Homily period at 12:15pm Mass)

A law student's life can get very monotonous: wake up early in the
morning, have breakfast, read for school, prepare for school, read
some more, have coffee, read again, go to class, read in  between
class, go home, read for the nth time and finally go to sleep having
dreams about next day's lessons. With this kind of lifestyle and the
high standards expected of any student, one will not be surprised at
the thought of law students suddenly being disconnected from the
world. So it's not surprising to find only a few law school students
actually joining orgs, volunteering or even finding time to pray, to
go to mass or engage in other meaningful and worthwhile activities
outside of law school.

I found myself entering this world 3 years ago. Studying law was one
of my options after college and I told the Lord that whatever
opportunities are given to me I'll take it just so long as I feel that
I'm doing His will and His work. While on a vacation I got a call that
I passed Ateneo Law and I realized that this is where God wants me to
go, because He found a way to give me the good news just when I was
trying to find some quiet time after graduation. I prayed before
enrolling, asking for His guidance and blessing and I took the leap of
faith, entered law school and began the journey I'm on now.

The past 3 years had been quite a ride, with ups and downs, triumphs
and defeats, literally like being on a roller coaster. I found myself
preparing for a profession with high demands and standards but
unfortunately, a profession which can also challenge your morality,
values and faith at times. It was a scary prospect to hear that a lot
of lawyers choose to do what is convenient rather than what is right,
or choose to do anything to win rather than doing what is fair and
just. With this dilemma at hand, I prayed to the Lord and asked Him
that if I should lose my way in the future and end up becoming the
kind of lawyer I feared, then He should let me fail law school now,
not become a lawyer and lead me to another vocation. Well with 3 years
down the line, by the grace of God I?m still here in Ateneo Law and
I'm thinking this is still the place where He wants me to be right
now, so I might as well make the best out of the opportunity by
studying and working hard.

The most important role that my faith plays in my life as a student,
as a member of an organization, or as a volunteer in the Ateneo Law
School community is that it keeps me grounded and rooted in good
values, which help me get through whatever challenges I face. It gives
me a firm place to stand on when faced with a dilemma on what to do or
on what path to take. It gives me comfort when things get too hard,
not just with school, but with life in general. Most important of all,
my faith keeps me on the right path - to study law not to be rich nor
powerful or famous, not to be admired nor praised or feared, but
rather to toil and work for 4 years knowing that in the end this noble
profession is indeed the noblest of its kind because at its core is
the desire to serve others, to do justice to every person we meet and
to try to make the world a better place to be in for those who are
most in need.

In the Gospel, we hear the story of Jesus asking his disciples "Who do
people say that I am?" Today, I believe we are being asked the same
question: "who Jesus is to us?" and as I ask this question to myself,
I reflect on my sharing today. Jesus to me is not simply my God and
creator but rather He is my friend, my companion and my source of
guidance and strength as I trod along and continue on the roller
coaster ride that is law school. In everything that we do, may we
always find the compassionate God that Noah knew and the friend and
companion that we always need as we go through this great journey
called life.


GREGORIO "Grip" BUETA
3rd Year Student
Ateneo Law School"

Source: https://lists.ateneo.edu/pipermail/blueboard/2009-February/012093.html

A Different Kind of Fast for Lent - Do It For Climate Change!

Last 6 March, Catholics around the world began the observance of the Lenten Season with Ash Wednesday. During this season, most people usually (or traditionally) give up eating meat, chocolates, or other food considered as "treats". The goal is to experience, at least for a few days during lent, sharing in the simple lifestyle, and suffering of those who have less in life. This is done along with prayers and alms-giving.

During his sermon, a bishop in England called on Catholics to do a different kind of fast -  one for the environment and climate change - instead of giving up sweets and treats. He said people can use less heating (since it's still winter there), take public transport, reduce waste and recycle. He recalled Pope Francis' encyclical, Laudato Si, released in 2015, which decried the consumerist and wasteful lifestyle of people today, to the detriment of Creation, the natural environment and other creatures on Earth.

This is indeed a unique way of fasting and sacrificing for Lent. What better way of giving glory to the Lord than by glorifying and protecting His creation?

Here's a short list of fasting options which I think all of us can easily do everyday, without much sacrifice but with great benefit:

• Ditch that plastic and paper bag - bring your own reusable bag (preferably made of natural materials and not plastic too), it can easily fit your bag or pocket even. Refuse those tiny bags where they put small items which fit your pocket! 
• Skip the straw, plastic cover, and stirrers - when you buy your favorite coffee drink, milk tea, or any beverage, refuse the cover and the straw too, and simply use your God-given body parts. If staying in-store, request for it to be served in a mug (and if they don't have one, demand for it!). Bamboo and metal straws are also available now in the market. Forget those plastic stirrers as well. Usually your drink doesn't need them. If you have to use one, ask for a metal spoon instead. 
• Bring your own set of utensils - single use spoons, forks, and knives - those we use at fast foods and for take-away - also constitute a bulk of the plastic waste out there. Even though these are already biodegradable options out there, its still better to skip these and reduce waste. It wouldn't be too hard to bring a set and tuck it away in your bag. 
• Use a jug or tumbler for water - many people say that water is a basic necessity which should be free, and it shouldn't come from a bottle (this can be the subject of a whole different discussion). Plastic bottles and their caps are another major source of waste. Bring a jug or tumbler along - refill it at the restaurant or coffee shop before you go, or head to the mall's food court for a quick refill. Keep one in the office and in the car, so you'll always have the choice to bring it along. 
• Go for your handkerchief or the dryer to wash your hands - people get into the habit of pulling to many sheets of paper towels to dry their hands. Maybe because its free; maybe because one can find joy in pulling something and magically another one appears in its place. Use your handkerchief, or the hand dryer instead of the paper. If you do have to use one, shake your hands well first to get the excess water off, before you gently pull that one piece of paper out.

The list can go on and on - but will stop here. Feel free to add to this "Lenten fasting list"and share your own little ways of helping the environment. After all, its the small things that each of us does that can have the biggest impact. As one Australian song says - "From small things, little things grow!" 

Have a blessed, and green, Lenten season! 

See: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-47468761

BE HONEST! A Call for Filipino citizens and leaders

Collapse of Civilizations Because of Climate Change: Is It Time To Worry?

I recently came across this article from the BBC which looked at whether or not we (the current humans living on earth and our civilization) are on the road to collapse. The author looked at and surveyed ancient civilizations from as early as 3000BC to see what led to their demise. There were a mix of factors (some with unique events which led to their sudden demise like a major defeat in battle, coups, etc. ). But what's striking are the common reasons why civilizations collapse. Of the six factors, three relate to how we are continuously destroying and misusing the natural earth: CLIMATIC CHANGE, ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION, and indirectly INEQUALITY AND OLIGARCHY. Let's briefly have a look at each and see if these are happening now.

No doubt (and I must say THE SCIENCE IS SETTLED) that climate change is happening. We have more severe (and unexpected) weather happening year after year in different parts of the world. Floods, droughts, snow storms, heat waves, cold spells, hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones - you name it and we've all experienced the worst of it. Just a few days ago, weather in London was reported to be at its highest during winters at 20 degrees Celsius. Sure people there had a good time basking in the sun and enjoying the warmer than usual weather - but it got scientists and climate activists worried at whats to come. In the Philippines, weather authorities are asking people to brace themselves for a stronger than usual El Nino year -  which means a drier summer and a wetter rainy season!

Let's now talk about environmental degradation - another no brainer in my opinion. Despite the positive results we are seeing nowadays - more people are now aware and doing the bit that they can to save the environment that's left - it is all still not enough. Forests continue to be cut, species are still becoming extinct by the day (by some estimates), and our rivers, lakes, and oceans have yet to be freed from our plastic and rubbish. Our consumerism and wasteful lifestyle have pushed our natural resources and nature's carrying capacity to alarming levels. Last year, plastic was the enemy. This year, UN Environment is targeting fast fashion - a little-know massive waste producer by shoppers!

Lastly, you have inequality and oligarchy. These I think are the results of both climate change and environmental degradation. As natural resources become more scarce, those who are already impoverished will have more difficulty accessing their basic needs - while the 1% (the oligarchs in society) do everything that they can to ensure they keep their 1% status (but note that not all are like this, and there are philanthropists who are using their wealth to make a difference).

I'm sure all these seem familiar and many are not surprised. So back to my question - is it time to worry? My answer is yes. If you care about what's ahead in a few years time, then yes it is time to worry. If you want a world which can sustain life for your children and grandchildren, and their children, then yes it is time to worry. If you are disturbed at the path which society and civilization is taking now, then it's time to worry. If you are bothered because your own family member, your spouse, child, office mate, or friend simply doesn't care about climate change and the whole host of environmental issues, then it's time to worry.

But my message is this - translate that worry into action, channel your worry to inspire you and those closest to you to act. Use that inner voice telling you to worry to move to a more positive tone. Taking cue from Atty. Tony Oposa, now is not the time to worry, the time for action is now! 

See: 
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20190218-are-we-on-the-road-to-civilisation-collapse

The Green Thumb Coalition: Are Clean and Green Philippine Elections in 2019 Possible?

Last month environmental groups and frontline organizations from the Philippines launched the Green Thumb Coalition - with the goal of urging candidates to veer away from waste and embrace a green platform. They also want candidates to to commit to advance policies in promoting the environment, sustainable development, and people's welfare. The GTC is composed of over 40 national and local organizations which tackle various environmental and social issues.

The GTC also encouraged candidates to align their platform with solutions to issues concerning dirty and costly energy, waste management, comprehensive land use, mining, climate justice, biodiversity, human rights, and sustainable development, collectively known as the Green Electoral Platform.

Each elections green groups and environmental advocates have called upon candidates and politicians to adopt a green agenda, to openly commit to supporting legislative proposals that benefit nature and the environment. However and sadly, many politicians only pay lip service and their promises remain just that - promises. As the Filipino saying goes - mga pangakong napapako! (promises that hit a nail and burst a tire). Ask them their stand on a critical environmental issue, and most likely you'll get the same motherhood statements you usually hear. Details are missing, and commitment is often lacking.

Then there is the issue of electoral waste - tarpaulins, flyers, souvenirs, pocket calendars, baller IDs, and the the list goes on! Sure elections do drive up the Philippine economy with all the campaign spending and extra work for people as watchers and paid volunteers. But all these happens at the cost of the environment. Worse is the fact that environment and climate change are not really prioritized by the candidates. Who gives nature a voice during elections?

This makes the Green Electoral Platform of GTC all the more important during an election. Candidates should commit to the most pressing environmental issues, so if they get elected the people can hold them accountable for failing to fulfill their promises. It's a given that environmental degradation and climate change are most pressing challenges of our time. It's a crisis, and action is needed, now and urgently. Voters should also demand that candidates have a greener campiagn - go for environmentally friendly and recycled materials, use non-print media more to save on paper, and reduce waste in all aspects of the campaign operation. If voters start demanding, then candidates will start answering.

More later on the what the agenda can include, and some specific issues to watch out for.

For now, let's support the Green Thumb Coalition, and start giving mother nature a voice in our elections.

For more information and sources: 
https://www.facebook.com/notes/green-thumb-coalition/green-advocates-call-for-clean-green-elections/2249392255376077/
https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections/2019/221260-what-candidates-should-avoid-from-tarpaulins-funds-from-mining

And We’re Back!!!

Almost 10 years since I started my blog, and almost 9 years since my last post, I have decided to once again share my ideas, thoughts, and ramblings to those interested out there. I began my blog to share my views on current events and life in general – a way to share stories, start conversations, stir emotions, provoke action, build support, and many more. This space can be a place where people from all walks of life can hopefully pick something useful for what’s important for them – be it their family, their work or career, the country, religion, or simply life itself. I also saw this blog as a place where I can share things I am passionate about, and hopefully awaken your senses into sharing and fighting for the what is good, right, and just.

10 years on and I by God’s grace I have become a lawyer and legal practitioner. But not your usual type – I have specialized in environment and climate change law, a bit on sustainable development, natural resources, and governance and human rights in general. I’ve worked in government, with NGOs, the private sector, and with international organizations, both in the Philippines and around Asia. Hence the re-focus of the blog to include the environment. You’ll hear more on this from me as we all grapple with environmental degradation and the impacts of climate change (just before writing this the BBC reported that due to climate change there will be a loss of insects like bees and beetles, but more pests like cockroaches and flies! Globalization and development indeed!!!).

So watch this space – there’s more to come!