Joseph the Dreamer

Thomasian psychologist, poet, artist, music lover, firebender :P

[Dean Mel Sta. Maria @deanmelofficial]

UNSOLICITED ADVICE TO TYRO-FILIPINO-LAWYERS INTENDING TO APPEAR BEFORE INTERNATIONAL PROCEEDINGS. I have been appearing before international arbitrators in a number of commercial arbitrations abroad since the late 1990s and I can say that what we saw last night at the Hague is not far from what is being done in international arbitrations. And so, my unsolicited advice to Filipino lawyers without experience appearing in international tribunals are the following:

1.) There is a decorum of formality in the room. Unlike in local courts where, before the hearing, opposing counsel can talk, joke and even appear to be happy with each other, in international litigation/arbitration, once you enter the court/arbitration room, the impression that you are professional adversaries even before the start of the hearing becomes clear. No talking to each other, no casual or cavalier greetings. There was a time when my opposition was a retired Philippine magistrate who was a novice in international arbitration. Because we know each other, he attempted to approach me before the hearing in the litigation room. I just smiled and gestured to stop approaching me. After the hearings, I had to talk to him and just explained that what I did was part of the unwritten decorum required. He understood. He learned.

2.) International Judges/Arbitratrors are very strict on schedules. This is very important and , unless there is truly a very compelling reason, there will be no postponements or reschedulings. That is why , in this Duterte Case, should the charges be confirmed and trial proceed, whoever will be the Filipino counsel of Duterte will most likely experience continuous trials for an average of two-weeks per setting. That is half a month per scheduled setting. So be prepared.

3.) Unlike in local courts where you can make manifestations after manifestations, nothing of that sort in international arbitration/litigation. The reason is that all concerns must already be ventilated prior to the hearings. These concerns will be resolved posthaste so that the schedule will not be disrupted.

4.) You always have to be respectful. If you do not like the forum or you wish to inhibit an arbitrator, you should do it prior to any hearing. They will stick to the schedule.

5.) Study your case very very very well. I have seen a situation when an opposing counsel asked the arbitrators that he wanted a little bit of time to go over his files, the counsel was told that it was just a waste of the arbitration's time and so , the arbitrators moved to another point.

6.) The standard is very high. In oral presentations or summations , you may even be asked about the footnotes in your submission. When I appeared in international hearings, I had all the summaries of cases ( including the footnotes) in my index cards and then in my laptop. And I had to review all of them, together with copies of the exhibits, the night before the hearing.

I have retired from active practice except in international arbitration. I learned to like the discipline involved and , yes, the scheduling.

[Joseph the Dreamer @alvin_0328]

Besides 4 times ako binagsakan ng call ng customer service reps ninyo. Anong klaseng serbisyo yan??

[Joseph the Dreamer @alvin_0328]

@ConvergeSupport your service is ABSOLUTELY terrible. 4 days no internet. Thrice you gave us estimated date and time of restoration and thrice hindi nasunod. Hindi na nga kayo open sa issue sa area namin, niloloko at inuuto nyo pa customers na humihingi ng update Do better!!

[Joseph the Dreamer @alvin_0328]

Sometimes the job of an artist is to see how much music can we make with what we have left. - Itzhak Perlman

[Joseph the Dreamer @alvin_0328]

@tobymac Prayers for Truett and your family, Toby. ❤️

[Joseph the Dreamer @alvin_0328]

You’ll find that life is still wothwhile if you just smile. 😊 #StairwayOfKindness

[Joseph the Dreamer @alvin_0328]

Don’t focus on the “WHAT IFs”, focus on the “WHAT IS”.

[Joseph the Dreamer @alvin_0328]

We thank God for the long day. We rest. And we do it again tomorrow. ☺️

What a way to end the day. Praise God! 💚💚💚

[Joseph the Dreamer @alvin_0328]

I received this text message while I was on my way home after a particularly long and tiring day. 💚

[Joseph the Dreamer @alvin_0328]

It’s nice to be reminded that despite the long hours, the missed meals, and the pile of things that need to be done everyday... at the end of the day, it is for victories and miracles like this that we do the thing that we do. 💚💚

[Issa Villaverde 💗💜💙 @issaberds]

Share ko lang. Our company president was hit with a Bong Go ad on FB. She immediately said "Sino prod team nito? I-blacklist n'yo na. Kahit yung VO talent. Don't wanna work with them."

I'VE NEVER STANNED SOMEONE SO MUCH IN MY LYF 💖✨

[Joseph the Dreamer @alvin_0328]

Uploaded "Episode 2 - A Culture of Compassion feat. Ruka Azuma (iRADIO+)" to @mixcloud https://t.co/MNmrQjqnXK listen now!

[Marty @martytengco]

Happening now! @kookytuason with @anothersabstory @cheryl_ip @alvin_0328 on Bigkas Pilipinas on @Jam883 ! #SpokenWord #Poetry

[Joseph the Dreamer @alvin_0328]

Tune in to Biglas Pilipinas at Jam 88.3 https://t.co/kfICDbKbzN

[Joseph the Dreamer @alvin_0328]

Bearnard: Hmmmn... Tagal naman ng counselee ko. 🐻

[Joseph the Dreamer @alvin_0328]

Saw a girl, soaking wet from walking under a heavy downpour, rescue a drenched kitten from the middle of the road. Faith in humanity restored. 💙😸

[Joseph the Dreamer @alvin_0328]

@shish_keBOBBY Hugs, Bobby. ❤️

[Joseph the Dreamer @alvin_0328]

Kendrick Lamar > Kanye West

[Leni Robredo @lenirobredo]

I recently called out a fake news purveyor for lies about my Germany trip. Instead of admitting fault, he emailed my office threatening to print more fake news. I’ve held my peace before, trusting that truth will prevail. We can no longer let lies go unchallenged. So bring it on.

[Joseph the Dreamer @alvin_0328]

@andretanana Zombie Apocalypse < Flying Ipis