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PAG ALABIN | Philippine Madrigal Singers

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Reflection Questions for Session 1: Clouds that Cover the World

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Reflection Questions for Session 1: Clouds that Cover the World

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Under this column, create a new post and share about your reflection points on the ff questions:

1. What "dark clouds" have I identified in my community?

2. How do I feel about the existence of these challenges in my community?

3. Upon discovering these dark clouds, what is God's invitation to me?

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Welcome to AVEP Session 1. For this session, we will be learning about the realities of our society as well as the developments that help us address these challenges.

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“Fratelli tutti”_ short summary of Pope Francis's Social Encyclical - Vatican News

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Welcome to the Pre-AVEP Session. Kindly go through all the videos/text that we will be posting for this session.

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Let us begin your Pre-AVEP with an opening prayer.

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LET ME BE THE BEARER OF YOUR LOVE | Bukas Palad

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WATCH | Clouds that Cover the World by Jhana Lynne Ligue

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WATCH | Clouds that Cover the World by Jhana Lynne Ligue

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This is the first discussion for AVEP 2022. Kindly view/review this in your own time.

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1. I have observed....

2. I feel like...

3. I am invited to...

Once you've answered, feel free to like and comment on the responses of your fellow volunteers :) You can also add photos, gifs, or videos on your own post!

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1. I have observed that the Philippines is experiencing a massive INFODEMIC where the spread of fake news and disinformation is so rampant that it's crippling our country to its core. This problem is blocking the flow of accurate and truthful information that people should hear, especially at this election time.

2. I feel like aside from combatting the spread of fake news, we should also make the big companies such as Facebook and youtube accountable for removing these types of wrongful information. Because this problem is so rampant, it is high time for the people, the government, and big companies to collaborate and stop its spread.

3. I am invited to continue my advocacy which is Media and Information Literacy, because it is needed now more than ever. I am invited to speak up more and encourage marginalized communities to be more informed, but this process should not be condescending.

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1. I have observed that the historical distortion/revisionism, mainly through the silencing of literary works, is looming in Philippine society. The red-tagging of individuals, universities and organizations has been happening under the outgoing administration, but with a Marcos as the presumptive president-elect, publishing houses such as Adarna, who created a children’s book series featuring themes related to the Martial Law, are now red-tagged and accused of radicalizing children against the government.

2. I fear what is about to happen in the coming months and years, but I try to remain hopeful.

3. I am invited to stay alert to the happenings in our country. I will try my best to help preserve our history by joining information drives, speaking up more and being more active.

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1. I have observed that we are gearing toward massive environmental destruction in Mindanao, especially with the recent amendments of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of South Cotabato on its environmental code which lifts the ban on open-pit mining. This could mean the displacement of several indigenous people on their ancestral lands and ultimately cause severe effects on local biodiversity, even in our waters in Sarangani Bay as everything in the uplands trickles to us.

2. I fear for my home. It frustrates me how the welfare of things at stake is being put behind. Not even thousands of pesos can compensate for its possible damage, and even at best, the likelihood of its benefits to the people is extremely low. I fear for our future.

3. I am invited to speak, question, and challenge. When too much has been lost, urgency is vital and we need all hands on deck. I will do my part in the hopes of preventing the worst things from happening.

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1. I have observed that since the pandemic happened, suicide cases in the Philippines have escalated. Also, spreading fake news is a severe problem in our country, especially since almost everyone is already on social media and believes news or gossip without fact-checking.

2. In terms of the suicide cases, it breaks my heart to think that the victims, at that point in their life, no one gave them enough reason to stay.
For the rampant fake news in our country, I feel that people should be more responsible for their actions and don't believe gossip easily without supporting facts so that lies would not blind us from the truth.

3. Upon discovering these dark clouds, I am invited to continue spreading mental health awareness and worthy factual content through the platforms that are very accessible to me. I am invited not to ignore these issues because they have been going on for too long, and they have to be stopped.

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1. As a South Cotabateño, I observed that our local leaders make decisions regarding significant matters in just a snap of a finger without thinking about their downside. I am talking about lifting the ban on open-pit mining in one of our neighboring municipalities here in our province. Despite the advantage of improving the economy, environmental destruction and hazard await at the end of this endeavor, compromising people's safety. Furthermore, its benefits will never outweigh the amount of damage it will cause.

2. It pains me to hear the news about this matter. It saddens me to think about my fellow South Cotabateños who will suffer from this decision. Aside from that, I also feel disappointed in our leaders, who neglected the people's voice. I feel that they should have done better. I am starting to worry about future generations.

3. I am invited to be aware, open, and informed about the issues in our community. I need to burst my perfect bubble where everything is all right because the truth is, it is not. Many things are happening. I am drawn to putting light upon these dark clouds so I can participate in fighting for what is right.

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1. As the world, with its brilliant minds and boundless machinery, continues to spin towards its peak, bringing everything and everyone to the highest realm and manner of life, one thing is left unnoticed or, should I say, CHOSE to ignore - and that is our climate justice. I have observed that as the impacts of climate change intensify, people's attitudes become more pessimistic. We are getting complacent with our current predicament, making us more indifferent to the state of our surroundings.

2. I am concerned about the government's lack of environmental action and protection, particularly in the current campaign to keep the prohibition on open-pit mining in South Cotabato. Yes, it will make a significant contribution to the country's economy, but will it be fair compensation for our fertile land, the home of our indigenous people, and the lives of our future generations? I don't think so. And this has made me afraid about our home, our lives, and our future.

3. With this tragic reality, I think God is calling me to be more vocal in my cause, take a stand and influence others to take action for environmental preservation. This issue needs a unified front, sound and systematic action, and a significant transformation in our way of life. I hope that instead of exploiting the planet, we use our bright minds and limitless abilities to safeguard it.

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1. I have observed massive and blatant media manipulation lately. This was a campaign strategy for some running in position, and how the manipulation seemingly worked, I am afraid that this method will continue to gain control and power over the people. It is especially alarming how manipulators use broadcast or news media stations to perpetuate their intentions.

2. I am disappointed how those who promise leadership front this and how institutions let it happen. The manipulation of media creates a distortion of reality, and many fail to assess and identify this. For broadcast stations, reporting biased and controlled news on national television disrespects not only the dignity and ethics of journalism, but also the people who expect honest coverage. I fear for what it will do to our country if this goes on.

3. I am invited to be vigilant about the different information I receive and to inform others of what is happening and may happen if we let ourselves be controlled by what we consume. I am also invited to find better and more effective ways to make others understand and aware of the current situation.

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1. I have observed that ever since the elections have started, people in my community have turned towards each other especially when they have different political interests and opinions. I have seen personally how their arguments change to personal attacks to each other. And I can also observe that most of the time these arguments are fueled with disinformation.

2. I feel that we all could have done better in communicating our political opinions. Personally attacking one another damages relationships for a long time. Disinformation goes way back, and I feel that our best shield on this is to fact-check everything we read, no matter how tedious the process will be.

3. I am invited to be more open-minded to opposing views to have a fruitful discussion. And to double-check information read online and make sure the sources are factual.

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For AVEP Session 2, we will dwell on the how faith brings upon solidarity, despite the differences in beliefs, and how all of these manifest justice. 

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WATCH | Faith that Does Justice by Precious Kyrie Undag

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WATCH | Faith that Does Justice by Precious Kyrie Undag

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This is the second discussion for AVEP 2022. Please view/review this in your own time.

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Reflection Questions for Session 2: Faith that Does Justice

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Reflection Questions for Session 2: Faith that Does Justice

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Under this column, create a new post and share about your reflection points on the ff questions:

1. Share some striking points from the talk and breakout room conversation last Friday. What ideas struck you?

2. What was your own understanding of Faith that Does Justice? How did the talk help you understand it more?

2. As Arrupe Volunteers, in what ways can you actualize Faith that Does Justice?

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1. What struck me about last session is the idea of working for justice in the name of love and through love. She explained that sometimes when the injustices around us rage us, we tend to forget about incorporating love to fight it. And this is very true in my experience working in communities that have been affected by typhoons. There was a time when I was just so mad about the corruption and lack of response from the local government to the point that I had forgotten why I was volunteering in the first place. Thankfully, the discussion reminded me that we must continue to strive for justice despite the harsh realities and never cease to love everyone. I am also happy that my fellow Arrupe volunteers share the same sentiments after our breakout session. It reassured me that I was not alone in this fight.

2. I believe this phrase implies utilizing your faith and love to serve the marginalized to attain the common good. The talk helped me understand this deeper by explaining how we can all be united through faith to help as many communities as possible.

3. Being in this network of like-minded volunteers is already actualizing faith that does justice. With my peers and mentors, I am able to find the strength to continue in this fight, and I also have friends who will be with me in volunteering in whatever ways we can to uplift communities.

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A Need for a Radical Shift away from Capitalism

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1. What dark clouds have I identified in my community?

I have observed even though we haven’t successfully elected the leaders we believed in and fought for, the Philippines is a democratic country after all.

2. How do I feel about the existence of these challenges in my community?

I feel like if we lose control and we lose meaning in our service, we will experience a thin and flawed democracy. This is rooted in a failed leadership and abuse of power. In return, we experience the brutal effects of capitalism - environmental degradation. Right now, I am scared of how much time humanity has left and the habitability of earth in the next few years.

3. Upon discovering these dark clouds, what is God’s invitation to me?

I am invited to advance social justice in my community. As a youth contributing to a just society means doing it in our context or greater. I am a strong believer that small ways can ripple concrete impact. With fraternity and social friendship we can build a better, more just, and peaceful world where people, communities, leaders, and institutions can commit to this shared vision.

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1. I have observed that the widespread grasp of disinformation has taken hold of the masses. The teachers I've looked up to in my previous schools have become hypocrites - neglecting the foundations of education which is critical thinking.

2. I feel saddened and frustrated by the thought that my education threatens people, instead of enlightening them. The mere act of respectfully laying out facts makes others think that I'm on a moral high ground. The very same individuals clamor for respect but hurl baseless accusations just to prove their point.

3. I am invited to ground myself daily. Often times I forget to remind myself that I am not in control of external events, making me spiral into self-pity and hopelessness for the future. What I can do, however, is to look for safe spaces to surround myself in, while also taking advantage of the possibilities within my reach. I am aware that the power I yield can only do so much to help our country, but I am comforted that this yearning for a better and progressive Philippines will overpower any entities who oppose such - no matter how long it takes.

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sunrise: for me, it symbolizes love, hope, bravery, and new beginnings ☀️

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1. Share some striking points from the talk and breakout room conversation last Friday. What ideas struck you?

Last Friday's session made me realize three things:

First, seek and be magis.

Lately, I've been thinking and making plans for myself and focusing too much on accomplishing something for my wants and needs, so I just realized that if I'd live my life just thinking about myself, I'd miss the whole meaning of life itself. I want to connect with others and do something for them, especially those in need.

Second, Don't forget to be kinder to others.

I am not the only one having a hard time with our situation, so it wouldn't hurt if we get to be kinder to others.

Third, the common motivation of all religions is LOVE.

It is just so beautiful how one word could break all barriers and diversities. I felt like when love is there, everything is possible, always in all ways.

2. What was your own understanding of Faith that Does Justice? How did the talk help you understand it more?

"When we work for justice, do it through love." Maybe that was the line that I could think of when it comes to my own understanding of faith that does justice.

I know that seeking justice is very tiring and draining. Plus, the world is becoming harsher with all the killings, the natural disasters, our planet is dying, chaos everywhere, and many more problems arising each day that sometimes it gets so overwhelming even to breathe. But when we do something about it and take action for it through love, then that love would be our fuel to keep going. We could take a rest but never give up on something that we started with. We'd get that motivation: our love for the people, the passion for volunteerism, and the love for making this world a better place. Through that, we'd never lose the hope that someday, all of our aspirations of having better things for our community will come true.

3. As Arrupe Volunteers, in what ways can you actualize Faith that Does Justice?

As an Arrupe Volunteer, I can actualize faith that does justice by giving actions to the aspirations or advocacy that I have in mind. I know that leading advocacy can be very scary, but if I'd forever be scared to start it, those aspirations would remain a dream and would never become a reality.

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I have observed the continuous proliferation of fake news in the social media especially during the election. People just share information without checking if it is real or fake. It creates an environment in the digital space that we can’t trust easily the information or news.

2. I feel like this issue could worsen if this trend will continue. Where in a society that taught us to believe on the informations in the news is now subject to to hoax.

3. I am invited to be an avenue to the people around to always check information before believing in it. I should let them be aware that this issue is real and existing and we need to combat it by knowing what is real or fake.

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1. Two words that stuck with me from the talk and breakout room conversation are love and rest. The speaker explained that we must do all things through love and with love. Only by doing this can we always remember the whys of volunteering despite the struggles. The speaker also mentioned the importance of resting to take care of ourselves. As someone who had to take a break and felt quite guilty for doing so, the talk on this felt like a warm hug. “You cannot do everything, but you can do something” -- This line from the talk really struck me.

2. I’ve always understood the phrase as a call for action. It tells us that we can do so much more with our faith and that it can serve as a motivation for us to lend a hand in reaching the common good. During the talk, the speaker said, “Without seeking justice, our faith is hollow; Without faith, seeking justice is meaningless.” This line helped me understand the phrase deeper by realizing that the connection between faith and justice is two-way. It’s not just about faith influencing our actions in seeking justice, but it’s also about justice giving depth to our faith.

3. As an Arrupe volunteer, I can actualize Faith that Does Justice by volunteering where my heart and passions are. I can continue helping my fellow volunteers, organizations, and communities who share the same goals and aspirations that I do.

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1. I have observed that corruption is systemic in our country, especially in government operations. Each transactions seems to come at a price and everyone takes their "cut". This is especially true in construction projects in the Philippines. Quality of projects suffer due to money being funneled out of the project to line the pockets of those corrupt.

2. I feel like I want to stand up and solve this issue, but I know that it is close to impossible on my own. There's a reason why they call it "systemic corruption." However, I still want to make a difference in any way I can.

3. I am invited to maintain my integrity in my future career, whether it is in construction or another path. At the very least, if I am not actively stopping corruption I will do my best to become a great example to my peers. I want to show my field that you do not need to steal to make it in this industry.

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1. "Work for justice in the name of love and through love." The common motivation is love. This really struck me because of how true it is. All our acts are motivated by love one way or another, and it covers many aspects of our lives too. God, family, work, education, etc.

2. Faith that does justice is not just a saying, it is also a code of conduct. It is a way of living that we hope to abide by. From this session I learned that it is not just about keeping your faith strong or continuously seeking out justice, it is also about translating your love into action.

2. As an Arrupe Volunteer I can actualize Faith that Does Justice by living it out in my life. That way, I touch the lives of everyone around me and hopefully inspire others (and myself) to do the same.

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1. I have observed the carelessness and greediness of some people to our environment that they chose to destroy natural resources to gain profit.

2. I feel sad knowing that there are people who chose to destroy our environment that is already damaged. We have to wake up now and start defending our home by helping through small ways.

3. After discovering these 'dark clouds', God invited me to lay my hopes on Him through prayer. As what God told the Israelites, the battle is not ours but God's. So we must fight through prayer and worship. We must seek His presence and trust His plans for all things work together for good.

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For AVEP Session 3, we will here the stories of inspiration, struggles, and challenges of two Arrupe Volunteer Alumni as they journey through volunteering.

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Session 3: The Light of Transformative Love

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Session 3: The Light of Transformative Love

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WATCH | The Light of Transformative Love with Amiel Lopez and Zacara Lastimado 

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WATCH | The Light of Transformative Love with Amiel Lopez and Zacara Lastimado 

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This is the third discussion for AVEP 2022. Please view/review this in your own time.

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For our last AVEP Session, we will meet our community partners as a start of our community engagement as Arrupe Volunteers. 

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Session 4: Brothers and Sisters All, Conversation with our Community Partners

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Session 4: Brothers and Sisters All, Conversation with our Community Partners

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WATCH | Brothers and Sisters All, Conversation with our Community Partners

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WATCH | Brothers and Sisters All, Conversation with our Community Partners

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1. I have  observed that our country is facing many issues that are undiscussed and aren't considered as urgent. I have observed the actions and response of the government in every problems that our country is facing is not enough to fully support its people. Also, this previous election showed people's views and stand regarding the issues of our country. Most of us showed support to each candidates through our personal truth.

2. I feel frustrated seeing many unsolved issues in our country. Many care less to these issues because some are unaffected or uninformed, but we must open our eyes to the realities that some are experiencing unfair treatment.

3. I am invited to spread awareness to the status of our country and community. I want to share my knowledge and insights regarding fake news since it is really evident in our society. I want to stand up against injustice in my littles ways and seek more information to share it with others.

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1. Session 2 talks about "Faith that does Justice". The idea that struck me the most is that our faith reflects our action. Faith will always be in the way we treat people because faith is from within us. Also, "Seek and be MAGIS" highlighted "experience" in relevance to faith. Our experience will give us realizations and would enlighten as that we need to seek for God in times of arising situations in our life.

2. Our faith expresses how we live our lives. If our faith represents our need to seek for justice for everyone, then it reflects the way we live and how we act on every circumstance in our life. Faith would give us the chance to open our eyes and resonate with the people around us.

3. As an Arrupe Volunteer, I can put my learnings in real life and express my faith to help and give justice to people. To actualize Faith that Does Justice, I would put my plans into actions. There are things that I wanna do while volunteering. I want to be a guide to those children who are lost and who seeks for help. I would participate in volunteer stuffs and community engagements. I want my actions to be remembered by those people I helped throughout my volunteer journey