Words by Aira Julie F. Gianan
Photo by Erickson dela Cruz | AP
“Buhay, kalayaan, at pag-asa ang nakataya sa bawat batas at bawat artikulong binabasa ninyo o hindi ninyo binabasa,” Justice Hernandez captures this harsh reality with her powerful line in the remarkable Bar Boys: A New Musical. The weight of these words reminded me that every choice, every reading, and every effort could define not only my future but the lives I aim to serve once I get that dot.
As a theater enthusiast, I did not hesitate to volunteer to write an article and interview Pat Valera, the director of Bar Boys: A New Musical. How could I resist? As a law student and a theater actor back in my college days, this was the first time I witnessed a seamless blend of law and art in one production. This play resonated with me, as it brought together two of my greatest passions, art and law…in a meaningful, powerful, and captivating way.
Bar Boys: A New Musical captures the reality of law school through the eyes of four students. Erik, Chris, Josh, and Torran as they prepare to cross the gates of law school for the first time. Each character represents a different persona of a law student, each with a unique life, circumstances, motivations, and purposes. Their diversity reflects the many faces of those who pursue the law, yet they all share a common thread: the uncertainty and unrelenting challenges that lie ahead. Tears, bokya recitations, bagsak grades, setbacks, and the ongoing cycle of suffering are all part of this journey, showing that while law school opens its doors to many, it is not a path everyone can endure.
When I had the incredible opportunity to interview Pat Valera, he shared insights that deeply resonated with me. He explained that adapting the original film that was written, co-produced, and directed by Kip Oebanda for the stage was about URGENCY. “There is urgency more often than not,” he said, “things that are urgent and fit, reflecting what is current, what is now.” At first glance, many might view this play as merely a law school student’s journey, but it is not. It goes much deeper than that. This story is not limited to law students but is a representation of the struggle of every Filipino. Magpa Doktor man, Police, Guwardiya, Teacher, Jeepney Drivers, Magsasaka, and countless others. The experience of law students in this play only serves as a mirror for every Filipino who dreams of being good, of becoming excellent, and of making a meaningful impact in the world.
May singil nga ba ang pangarap? Oo, baka, siguro–
The dream of becoming a lawyer is often accompanied by a heavy price. Time with your friends, time with your family, time with your loved ones, and especially, time for yourself. It’s a sacrifice–but in those sacrifices, growth happens. Back in 2017, I was just a dreamer, looking up at the gates of law school with nothing but hope. I watched Bar Boys, a film that inspired me deeply. At that time, I was not a law student yet, but it fueled my belief that if I worked hard enough, I could achieve anything. Fast forward to 2020, when I finally took the leap and entered law school. It was then that I realized my journey had begun: 1,580 days or more until the bar exam. I still remember one of my favorite professors, Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang, saying that bar exam preparation starts on day one. Those words stuck with me.
Now, as a fourth-year student with no guarantee that I only have 339 days left before the bar exam, revisiting Bar Boys on stage feels different. It is no longer just a story; it is my reality. Watching it now as a law student, I felt every struggle, every moment of doubt, and every triumph depicted. It opened my eyes to the true essence of why I am here: to live with purpose, to uphold the values of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace for the greater good of society. These are not just abstract ideals; they are enshrined in the Preamble of our 1987 Philippine Constitution, and they will always guide me in my journey to become a lawyer who serves with integrity.
Bagamat sabi nga ng tatay ni Erik, “Sarili mo lang ang kalaban mo.” But sometimes, we can relate to Erik; na habang papalapit ka na sa finish line, it feels like the enemy is too strong, an insurmountable force that is impossible to defeat. Pero ika nga ni Justice Hernandez, “the purpose of life is to be defeated by greater and greater things. Kung hindi ka natatalo, hindi ka na gumagalaw.’ So, what’s it going to be? Do you fight or quit?”
In law school, we always say ora et labora dahil saan man tayo dalhin ng tadhana, we keep in mind that in all things, God may be glorified ika nga sa isang kanta sa Bar Boys: A New Musical, UT IN OMNIBUS GLORIFICETUR DEUS.
Am I ready? Am I prepared?
I am never ready. Only prepared. Laban? Game!
“Bar Boys: A New Musical” is presented by San Beda College Alabang School of Law Government for the benefit of Bayang Bedista.