XU honors 24 Bar passers

THE College of Law of Xavier University (XU) held a testimonial dinner for those who passed the 2011 Bar exam.

In a Greek-inspired atmosphere, law students from different year levels, clad in their Greek costumes, and well known personalities in the field of law joined in giving honor to 24 new passers.

The Bar passers are Attorneys Zerah Marie B. Absin, Amor Condeo T. Bajarla, Ma. Vergel C. Bersabe, Mia Gretchen J. Cain, Eddie C. Cuaresma, Leah Renna B. Dal, Abdul Halim P. Diron, Michael Carl L. Eclevia, Melanie Enopia-Quismundo, Lorala B. Escobedo, Gerlyn V. Gamolo, Craig Shaun Benette E. Garces, Jeanily Grace D. Generalao, Marie Rose P. Gumahad, Lizzamae Grace A. La Viña, Buddy Rey L. Losande, Lionel M. Maandig Jr., Christian C. Pelina, Mary Camille S. Perez-Quililan, Marie Antonette U. Quinito, Marites F. Sangual, Sittie Aisa Azisaida L. Tawagon, Roselle G. Uy, Gerberto B. Virtudazo Jr., Maynard Eugenio C. Ylagan and Farah L. Yongco.

Arbie Llessis, Ateneo Law School President, said after months of preparation and pressures, the new lawyers’ hard work has really paid off and that they deserved to be honored.

The prestigious annual dinner was attended by Prosecutor General Claro Arellano as the main speaker, representing invited guest Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila de Lima.

Arellano expressed his congratulations to the new passers as he urged them to be part of their team of prosecutors who would defend the country.

“The door is wide open in the prosecutor team. Once you became a member, you will have a fair and competitive package,” he said.

Arellano also reminded the new lawyers that peace is the word of justice and they must bear in mind the mission of the DOJ, which is to take the initiative in response to the rule of justice.

Attorney Virtudazo, one of the Bar passers, simplified his testimonial message into three aspects -- as a law student, a Bar reviewee and a Bar examinee.

Also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), he narrated that as a first year law student, he had hesitations at the beginning and had fear of taking examinations.

“After taking the CPA exam in 2000 and looking back, I can still remember the sacrifices I made. Studying for 14 hours a day was my daily routine. Despite my hesitations, I took up Law. And true enough, when I started studying law, I immediately fell in love with it. The language of the law is like music to my ears. Like the notes in a song from A to Z although a few of its combinations are infinite to make a melody. The Supreme Court decisions are written so scholarly, very refine, always courteous and absolutely divine. I am fascinated with how well the SC justices organize their thoughts. How intricate thoughts can be weaved in to a tapestry of grand design,” Virtudazo said.

He said there are times when he felt like giving up. But his love for the law keeps him going.

Virtudazo advised future Bar exam takers to find their own motivation or driving force.

“If a person studies Law just because their parents say so, they will be able to survive but may be up to third year only,” he said.

As a reviewee, Virtudazo said his secret was prayer as he asked for protection and good physical condition during his review in Manila.

“I also prayed for guidance and enlightenment and for the safety of my loved ones who were left behind,” he added.

As an examinee, Virtudazo admitted that it is his second time of taking the Bar exam -- one in 2010 under the essay type exam and in 2011 that featured the Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ).

“During the 2011 exam, my strategy was to make sure that I understand the law so that no matter how the examiner will form the questions, you will not be at a lost,” he said.

Virtudazo ended up his speech thanking the people behind his success.