WITH tarpaulins, posters, flowers, balloons, and smiles, the entrance of Alabang Hills was flooded by supporters, friends, and families wishing and praying for the bar takers to acquire the “Atty.” title finally. 10,490 aspiring lawyers concluded their #MostValuableLaban last Sept. 15, finishing their examinations on Criminal Law, Remedial Law, and Judicial Ethics with Practical Exercises. 

     The Bar Salubong, a celebration of the end of the examinations, was felt as early as 2:30 p.m. when the family, friends, and schoolmates of the Bar takers await at the entrance of the Alabang Hills for the Baristas to finish at 4:30 p.m. SBCA has been chosen as the national headquarters and local testing center for the second time, catering to many aspiring lawyers from around the country. 

     In a press briefing at SBCA, Associate Justice Mario V. Lopez, Chairperson of the 2024 Bar Examinations, said that out of 12,246 registrants, only 10,483 examinees showed up for the first day. Associate Justice Lopez also explained that the examinees' incomplete attendance was due to failure to graduate or unforeseen circumstances that led to withdrawals.

     The bar chair also shared that this year’s bar examination consists of 6,108 female examinees, 4,375 male examinees, 155 senior citizen examinees, and 313 examinees with special needs. The youngest bartaker is 23 years old, and the oldest is 78. 

Beginning of #BarNiJLo2024

     In an interview with THE BEDAN HERALD, Sheridan Anareta, Student Council President of the Laguna State Polytechnic University-Santa Cruz College of Law, affirms his confidence that their examinees are well-prepared and ready because of their incredible faculty. “Andito kami para support [na] din at mahanap din namin ‘yung mga mag[tatake] ng bar sa LSPU,” Anareta added. He and the rest of the student council accompanied their bar takers to SBCA.

     While, Dan Garcia along with other friends, came to support Natalie Mendoza. "Kaya n’ya kasi mapag-isa, pero in times [like] this bar kasi, parang kailangan n’ya talaga ng support system from the barkada, tropa, katrabaho," Garcia stated. He also mentioned that right after graduating from law school, Mendoza was already focused and eagerly preparing for the bar examination.

The morning of the Final Day

     Sam Cruz, overall chairperson of SBCA Centralized Bar Operations (CBO), a student organization responsible for providing bar takers with academic and practical support for the bar tests, was present along with the other members throughout the journey of the baristas. “From our different academic materials syllabus, up to our last-minute tips, ngayon. Lectures, partnerships with other law schools, all their academic materials.” He mentioned how they have been there with the candidates with all the support they can give and provide. 

     Cruz, along with other members of the SBCA-CBO, was seen handing out last-minute tips to the examinees and wishing them good luck regardless of whether they were from SBCA or not. 

Bar Salubong Continues

     Bar Examiner Pauline Turiano, from SBCA, shared insights with regards to her preparations before taking the examinations, “Dapat ‘yung preparation kasi ano talaga, law school palang ginagawa na.” As a recent graduate, she only had two months to review, but she used that to her advantage and treated law school as her in-depth review. 

     Also from SBCA School of Law, Joshua Abadejos praised the venue where they were assigned for this year’s Bar Examinations. He thought that they would be subjected to harsh classrooms with uncomfortable tables. “There’s no problem in San Beda being a venue. I think it’s an excellent venue,” he said.

     The Baristas collectively felt happy, relieved, and proud by the end of the Bar examinations. “Very life-changing experience to be able to take the Bar examination. Applying everything you have learned for years is no joke,” Miguel Yamamoto from SBCA remarked. 

     Most of the Baristas have planned to rest and spend more time with their families while waiting for the results, which are expected to be released before the end of the year. Liz Manalansan from SBCA also shared, “My plans are to rest first and then maybe look for a job while waiting for the results.”

     The 2024 Bar Salubong ended at around 7:00 p.m. on Sept. 15, celebrating the culmination of years of hard work and dedication for all aspiring lawyers and the beginning of a new chapter of their journey.