By: Kim V. Naparan
As part of the Bedan tradition and community, the San Beda College Alabang-School of Law Centralized Bar Operations (SBCA-SOL CBO), headed by its Overall Chairperson Sam Cruz, launched the new theme for this year’s bar examinations, ALAB: Laban ng Alabang on August 27 during the Send-off celebration at St. Benedict Chapel.
The event is just among the several projects and programs by the SBCA CBO in preparation for the upcoming bar exams, which will be held on September 8, 11, and 15, with Associate Justice and Bedan alumni Mario V. Lopez as the chairperson.
Alab: Laban ng Alabang: The dream is almost here, and so we fight. Not for one, but for all.
Last year, the SBCA Bar Ops’ theme was “Sigahum: Pursigadong Katapangan,” which means to desire, aspire to, and strive for an achievement or a goal in Ilonggo or Hiligaynon language. In 2022, it opted for Latin “Impavidus” which translates to being spirited, brave, courageous, and ardent.
This year, the organization proudly waves its nationalistic flair and chose no other than the Filipino language to be one with SBCA-SOL bar takers.
True to its vision, mission, and goal, the CBO shows its unwavering support to all Bedan bar candidates who fight for their dreams to come true—keeping their hearts “ablaze constantly, consistently, and continuously by prayer and work.”
“While it seems insurmountable, we remain steadfast in our commitment to giving all the support that they need as they become closer to the dream we all share. With prayer and work, we fear neither fire nor blood,” CBO Chairperson Cruz said during their meeting.
With the theme burning not on torches but in every heart of a Bedan-aspirant, three successful Bedan lawyers are witnesses to the never-ending support and trust of the CBO to the bar takers. Each story sparks a flame that surely never loses its flame and glory.
Atty. Luigi Nico Reyes: The Glowing Believer
In the 2022 bar exams, Atty. Reyes clinched the 7th spot with an average of 87.1917% out of the 3,992 successful bar examinees. He was among the 43.97% of law graduates who overcame the Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin #CaguiWOW Bar.
Although he graduated in 2021, he did not take the bar in the same year. Instead, he deferred taking it because he felt that “he was not yet ready.”
In a previous interview with The Red Chronicles, he shared a “secret recipe” for passing the bar. He believes that it is equally important to study the doctrinal cases of the bar chairperson and to listen to a motivational song to get through the hard days.
“Have faith in yourself. Trust in your efforts and foundation. Don’t be discouraged by the outside forces that are beyond your control. If you don’t believe in yourself, just believe in the people who [believe] in you. And lastly, put your faith in God, He will not let you down”, he added.
Atty. Dawna Fya Bandiola: The Radiating Fighter
In the 2019 bar exams, Atty. Bandiola claimed 4th place with a rating of 88.3360% out of the 2,103 passers. Chaired by former Associate Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe, the 2019 Bar posted a passing rate of 27.36%.
Such a result was beyond her expectations as she, unfortunately, fell short in the previous Bar exams. “I did not pass the bar on my first take, and then I promised to myself, maybe this is not my time,” she told The Red Chronicles in a previous article.
There is no denying that Professor Dawna’s story is a true testament of redemption—like a phoenix rising from the ashes. She is the epitome of a Bedan lawyer, a person molded by hard work and faith.
Her message is simple. “The goal is to be a lawyer and how to be a lawyer. You have to study for the exam. Studying hard is good, but studying smart is better.”
Atty. Rodolfo Aquino: The Illuminating Mentor
In the 2011 Bar exams, Atty. Aquino earned the 10th position out of 1,913 successful passers. At the age of 64, he is known for being the oldest examinee who made it to the Top 10.
In a previous article, Professor Aquino told The Red Chronicles, “The faculty felt responsible for our graduates and would like to do everything we can so that every SBCA law graduate passes the bar.”
He, together with the SOL faculty, undertakes the Bar mentoring program of the CBO to adequately prepare and train the Bar candidates. Atty. Aquino is one of the many Bedan law professors who are guiding them in these tough times and, in the end, to achieve their goal of succeeding.
“The goal is that all graduates pass the bar sooner or later,” Atty. Aquino said with conviction.
Message to our Bedan Bar takers
Heads up, hearts strong. We fear neither fire nor blood.
We rise to greatness.