UP Law Graduation 2005

I was on my way to the UP Film Center for the UP Law Class 2005 Graduation when I took this picture of the oblation partially clothed with a sablay. Officially, it’s a recognition ceremony because the University graduation (held last Sunday) is the one that confers the degree.  But noone ever attends the University graduation (at least, I’ve never been to one and I have 2 degrees from UP and have been in the faculty for the last 5 years).  It’s held outdoors in the ampitheater behind Quezon Hall under the searing heat of the Diliman sun.  The trees that line the Academic Oval provide no respite; this area is devoid of trees.

Anyway,  the College of Law recognition ceremonies was a little different this year.  First, only the faculty marched from the rear of the Film Center — the graduates entered from backstage.  Second, the faculty was placed on-stage looking much like a jury on Survivor.  We were introduced individually and the announcer made it a point to tell the audience what subjects we taught.  I was a bit embarrassing when I heard the word “cyberlaw”  — it’s a term that’s past its prime.  Third,  as mentioned, the graduates appeared on-stage from behind and instead of the usual music, they opted to use a rock song — the title of which I don’t know.  Electric guitars wailing and drums pounding as these lawyers-to-be marched to their seats with the audience. Finally, the Class of 2005 took to the stage and posed with the faculty for a large group picture.  It couldn’t possible fit into one shot and I suspect some digital stitching will be done.

I was so looking forward to catching up with my to-do list during the graduation but since we were installed on stage, I couldn’t even reach for my cellphone except to turn it off.  A colleague of mine, to my amazement, took a call in the middle of the ceremonies and appeared to be arguing with a client about a case.  I guess I should learn to expect the unexpected when it comes to the College. 

The ceremonies went on as exptect.  There was the tribute to the parents and the less-than-exciting speech from the guest speaker.  The funny thing is that I was actually more attentive this time than in my own graduation — we slept through a Supreme Court justice’s lecture on globalization.  I mean — get serious — like, I couldn’t care less.  I had more important things on my mind — like, how many barongs will I need when I start working?  Or should I buy more than one pair of black shoes?  Well, the faces of Class 2005 were strikingly similar to my class.  It’s too bad because the speech wasn’t half-bad. 

The valedictory speech started by lashing out at “grave abuses of discretion” at the College and some people as being “without discretion.”  I hate it when that happens.  Valedictory speeches should be about higher things –  aspirations, dreams coming true and inspiring the graduates to reach for more than what’s expected of them.   After all, the UP College of Law has a long history of broken promises, promise unfulfilled and shattered lives left in the wake of our graduates.   Still, we should never lose hope that this batch will be different.  In the end and as expected, the valedictorian thanked everyone  — it was like an extended Oscar acceptance speech.  I guess those excluded should be hurt since this was a prepared speech.

But as usual, the high point of this event always involve the parents.  One in particular was in tears when she marched on-stage with her son.  I have no idea what it took for her to get there — what resources and strength of will it took for her to see her twenty-something boy through the rigors of law school.  The tears in her eyes were pure joy and for me, embodied the true spirit of these recognition ceremonies.   It’s not just for the graduates whom as faculty members, have tried to give them as much hell as they can take. It’s also for their families who have to go through some part of that hell with them.  They deserve as much of the credit and when their kids rise to the highest levels of society, government, politics, and business, they will be there too.  Good luck, Class of 2005.  It was privilege to have known you.