By Aaron Gabriel R. Gomez
The journey of the aspiring lawyer is one filled with perseverance and endless sacrifice, yet its most pivotal moment is the day where the Supreme Court announces the results of the annual Bar Examinations. Nationwide, juris doctorates await a long list of names that show up on a screen — one where they unceasingly hope and pray that theirs appears too. The trials of aspiring lawyers are never easy. For years, law students and professionals read countless pages, jurisprudence, and never-ending provisions laid within codals that form the very bedrock of our legal systems. With each statute, doctrine, or latin maxim read, these tenets are the very building blocks that any bar examiner will utilize as they reach their dreams of appearing on the Roll of Attorneys.
But for Anthony John “AJ” Rodriguez, collectively known by his peers as Kuya AJ, chasing the dot is no longer a dream, but a manifested reality. A graduate of San Beda College Alabang School of Law (SBCA-SOL) Batch 2025, he recently took the Bar Examinations last year, and had successfully appeared on the list of examinees who had passed. A beloved member of the SOL community, Kuya AJ was a proactive and well-received personality during his stay at San Beda. Consistent appearances on the Dean’s List, a member of multiple organizations such as the School of Law Government (SLG), The Red Chronicles (TRC), SBCA Centralized Bar Operations (CBO), the Bedan Law Review (BLR), and had served as the President for the Chorale.
On the night before the results, Kuya AJ’s thoughts were riddled with a mixture of uncertainty and a mild sense of questioning. “The nights leading up to the results were restless, filled with a mix of excitement, anxiety, and uncertainty. [Since] I already have a stable professional life where I provide for my family and contribute to nation-building, I found myself questioning if the immense sacrifice was worth it,” he discussed.
Although that sense of restraint quickly changed into a whirlpool of emotions, the moment that he had heard the results from a friend. “It started with pure disbelief, which quickly transformed into excitement, then a deep sense of relief, and finally, profound gratitude. All the “whys” were finally answered,” he exclaimed. Thoughts of the exam had ruminated in Kuya AJ’s mind regarding the exams: the endless nights of reviewing, the immense patience and time management he needed to balance his duties as a husband, father, and an examiner.
When asked about his preparation process, he had highlighted his rigid routine. “My day started at 4:00 to 5:00 AM to read before bringing my sons to school. [Then I would] head to a nearby cafe or the San Beda library for 3 to 4 hours of [studying]. I’d squeeze in another session from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. [And once the kids] were asleep around 9:00 PM, I’d dive back in for 2 or 3 more hours to do drills and plan the next day,” he displayed in full detail.
With such a taut routine, Kuya AJ had placed a strict emphasis on keeping one’s health as a priority. After suffering from an illness during the early years of his law school journey, he had shared that for a point in time, he had to stop law school.
“Health has been a constant battle for me. In 2011, severe dengue forced me to stop law school entirely. When I returned in 2021, I did so with a pact to prioritize my health without letting it become a barrier. I’m blessed with an incredible support system in my family and colleagues. I made regular medical check-ups non-negotiable and used prayer to keep my perspective clear,” he had remarked endearingly.
During days where things had become difficult, Kuya AJ had never doubted the strength of his faith in God, his family, and his community, and had urged everyone to remain the same. “I deliberately shifted my mindset from one of scarcity — feeling like I didn’t have enough time to one of abundance. I began seeing each day not as a chore, but as an opportunity to recall, learn, and grow,” he posited.
Reflecting on his journey, he took pride in knowing that it was his determination and perseverance which had led him to the end of his law journey. “I [am] proud of the fact that I am still here. I am living proof that no matter the obstacles, health, age, or responsibilities, it can be done. I kept the faith, and I kept going,” he expressed vividly. With a bold reverence to God, Kuya AJ conveyed that despite several moments of distress, he had never wavered.
“I believe God gave me my life, my health, and this new title for a specific purpose. To be “healed” is to be at peace and to find profound meaning in the path I am walking,” he professed.
Leaving a few words of wisdom for students and aspirants alike, Kuya AJ highlighted the ideals of persistence and hard work. “Keep on going. Do not be afraid to stop and ask for help when you need it. Fix your priorities — family and health must always come first — and never lose sight of your vision. Most importantly: Pray,” he articulated gently.
To some, Kuya AJ’s story serves as another tale in the long registry of individuals that had defied the odds, and chased after their dreams. To others, it serves as a living sign of an unceasing resolve to prove one’s ambition.
However, his story reflects the peak of the Bedan lawyer’s experience; an embodiment of his grit and tenacity to see things to the end, with a smile on his face throughout the process. In his own words, he did not just survive law school — he had lived it fully.