Back-to-School Newsletter AY 2011 - 2012

TRC’s Top 10 Numbers That Matter

BEDAN PRIDE: Five of the 32 total Bedan Lawyers.

Clockwise from top left: Sarah Abraham, Hazel Minoza, Eliza Yamomoto, Gerald Sergio, Ken Pineda”

–Average number of minutes you need to be able to find a parking slot within the school grounds – Number of issues published by the red chronicles since its establishment in 2008 – Approximate number of codals that you will “eat” before you take the bar exam –Number of days you will spend reading your law books and cases (in school or elsewhere) – Average number of days you will spend in school – Average number of minutes of study break you need, per hour of studying – The number of the most important Sundays in a law student’s life AFTER graduation – Average cups of coffee an ordinary law student consumes per day – The average number of bottles (or buckets) of beer to be consumed after a “bokya” or “dale” – Number of times you should take the bar exam because you are from San Beda-Alabang

And like us, YOU also made the right choice! Welcome to the happiest law school in the world!

D ecision-making will always be part of our dayto-day lives. It could go from as simple as “what

should I wear to school?” to the more complex “what do I want to do with my life?” Either way, our decisions mold our destiny. And with these decisions, life, indeed, becomes a product of our choices.

To this day, I still remember how cinched my decision of taking up law was. I was fresh out of college and, being a Philosophy graduate, I did not know what to do or where to work. So, being the obedient daughter that I am, I found myself taking the admission test in this institution, fulfilling my father’s dream of having one of his children follow his footsteps.

I must admit that law school life has not been all butterflies for me. For the most part, it was grueling and made me feel like I wanted to quit. But I would always go back to looking at the bigger picture: the desire of becoming a Bedan lawyer. I would always remind myself of how much I want to achieve my goals, no matter what it takes. And at the end of the day, I find myself reading and making sure I ace my next recitation.

So to the freshmen, let me be the first one to tell you, that although life in the school of law can be fun, it is no walk in the park. There will be trying times and you will be faced with, not only big, but also difficult decisions. However, with enough hard work and determination, you are bound to succeed. You just have to constantly remind yourself of your dream. You need to have faith in yourself. And you have to believe that you are capable of making good decisions.

After all, you decided to become not just any kind of lawyer. You decided you would become a Bedan lawyer.

OFFICIAL EDITORIAL BOARD Aretha Eugenio Editor-in-Chief Ma. Katerina Santiago Associate Editor Laisa Mae Aguila Managing Editor Josefina Alfonso News Editor Rio Dizon Features Editor Dugie Dela Cruz Literary Editor Exequiel Valerio Senior Photographer Mary Sayeh Hassani EIC Emeritus Atty. Rita Linda Jimeno Faculty Adviser Staff: Carisa Barcena Rose Ann Reyes Photographers: Maureen Betita Philip Cariaga Miguel Llave Jeamie Salvatierra Layout: Luvimindo Balinang Jr. Samantha Santos Carlo June Tibayan Cartoonists: Bradly Listones Jonathan Vitug

To the newcomers: congratulations on making it into SBCA – SOL, and welcome to the pride! To the not-so-newcomers: your courage and persistence are admirable; welcome back.

Law school is many things to different people. It’s a dream, an investment, a challenge, a drain of resource, or even a waste of time. These ideas are interesting, but not necessarily accurate. How your stay at law school turns out is up to you.

Life as a law student is about choices. It means choosing what you could give up for what you can gain. Entering law school makes it difficult to pursue other careers, but it puts you on a path that promises prestige, influence and the opportunity to make a difference. Time denied to work, friends or family is time spent training for your future in Law. Voluntarily subjecting yourself to being constantly outsmarted or shamed may earn you a tougher disposition, a wider perspective and a clearer sense of humility. The resources you could allot to pleasurable activities may go to more useful matter like tuition or study materials. A relaxing vacation could be traded for valuable experience at an internship.

In the end, life in law school is what you make of it; the choice is yours.

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” - John F. Kennedy

Tabula Rasa. A blank slate. Sometimes, the promise of the new school year

makes you wish you can start anew and undo the mistakes of your past— in the study of law, that is.

For most of us who are ready as ever to face the new challenges of AY 20112012, it feels as though the summer break was a great way to celebrate our triumphs and/or lick the scars that we endured from the previous school year. It seems like the next step forward to mentally cross out the subjects we have thankfully passed with or without flying colors; or the chance to make good our shortcomings. The way I see it, we, the upperclassmen, can choose to do either of two things. Wallow in last year’s blows, or soldier on with a braver attitude and a firmer resolve to inch our way towards the prestigious ‘Atty.’

For our younger brethren, the freshmen. Oh, what a blank slate indeed!

Do not be haunted by the dictates of your college life—law school is a different ball game altogether. Do not be discouraged by the amount and thickness of those hardbound books—believe it or not, you CAN and you WILL read through all of them. Do not be fazed by the fact that there are only 24 hours in a day. Your ora et labora is more than enough. The fact that your name is in glaring letters in the SBCA-SOL List of Enrolees should instil in you a sense of pride. Because for all intents and purposes, you are now a Bedan law student and eventually an esteemed Bedan member of the legal profession.

For ALL of us, congratulations. God willing, we will all become Bedan lawyers.

SBCA-SOL In A Nutshell

BY JOEY ALFONSO and RIO DIZON Early History

T

later when academics have started and warmed up. But for now, it is more crucial to know the key figures in SBCA-SOL. • Rector President Dom Clement Ma. Roque, OSB He is more commonly known as Dom Clement or simply just, “Dom.” He teaches seminar classes for freshmen, so it would be very hard to miss him.

he San Beda College Alabang-School of Law started its operations during the school year 2005-2006. As a former annex of the Mendiola campus, it boasts of the same faculty and quality education that has already been the mark of San Beda. The first batch of enrollees consisted of only one hundred and twelve (112) students. However, with each school year, the student population has impressively grown to • Dean Ulpiano Sarmiento III more than five hundred students. Furthermore, the SBCA-SOL has Called Dean Ulan by students, he is esteemed gained recognition from the Commission on Higher Education and as the school’s doting father. More than being a has already produced two successful batches of Bedan lawyers. dean, he treats the students as his children.

The SBCA-SOL may be a young institution, but with the achieveAnd so being enrolled in the “happiest law ments that it has garnered within such a short span of time, it will con- school in the world”, do not be surprised if he tinue to soar and reach heights that other schools can only dream of. tells you to “come to papa”.

The Bedan Culture It is difficult to imagine a law school that is competitive but also has a good sense of camarederie among its community. But that is exactly what SBCA-SOL is. Unlike any other law school, SBCA-SOL carries a feeling of family. The small student body, the dedicated professors and the helpful staff afford an intimate and supportive learning environment.

• Vice Dean Marciano Delson Together with the Dean, both of them are regarded as persons with significant authority over the school. Prepare to be amazed as he flips over the pages of his invisible book during class, as he is known to have a “photographic memory”.

SBCA-SOL also recognizes the need of its students to be well-rounded individuals. Aside from the day-to-day rigorous academics, the school provides for extra-curricular activities. SBCA-SOL hosts annual social events (e.g. sportsfest, christmas party, etc.) to help students unwind and explore other areas for development. These activities also foster and strengthen the community’s sense of family.

• Atty. Bruce V. Rivera, Prefect of Student Affairs The student body is basically diverse. This goes the same for the Sir Bruce is the omnipresent figure in daily and faculty. Together, the small yet diverse student body and faculty make special school activities. He is known for his imup SBCA-SOL’s social and intellectual climate which is rigorous and pressive grasp of the law, that is peppered with demanding yet supportive and inspiring, and forged by the Bedan funny anecdotes and one-liners – making him principle of ora et labora -- work and prayer. one of the most-loved professors in SBCA-SOL. Important Places in San Beda San Beda College Alabang- School of Law is situated at the heart of the South and is nestled in the quiet and cozy Alabang Hills Village in Muntinlupa City. The School of Law used to be housed in the St. Bede Hall but has been transferred to the newly built St. Maur Building in the school year 2010-2011.

Located on the first floor of St. Maur Building are the chapel, the clinic, a bookstore, the Rector’s Office and the School of Law Dean’s Office. The second floor houses the School of Law Library, the primary place of study and research for students.

• Administrative Assistants Jun Cadugo and Francis Rodriguez Both Kuya Jun and Kuya Francis are in charge of many of the school’s daily affairs. They handle responsibilities such as enrollment, transferring of classes, release of grades, distribution of exam booklets, scheduling of special classes, and assignment of rooms.

On the third floor are the office of The Red Chronicles and the SLG, and the new Guidance Office. The fourth and topmost floor has a 500-seater multi-purpose hall that serves as a venue for important school events.

School Organizations The School of Law Government – The SLG is the student governJust behind the St. Maur Building is the vast school cafeteria which ment of the SBCA-SOL. The elected officers and the staff directly cater is also another place where some students may study. to the student body, serving as the student’s voice at all times.

Students who bring their own cars can park outside the school, near The Red Chronicles – The Red Chronicles is the prestigious official the Registrar’s Office, in front of the St. Maur Building or in the Col- student publication of the SBCA-SOL. From writing fearless news to lege of Arts and Sciences area. However, one problem that students relevant issues, the Red Chronicles is a no-nonsense organization. We face is the scarcity of parking space. And so students must discover the deliver news that matters, as it happens. secrets of when and where to park.

The Bar Operations - The BarOps consists of two groups, namely, People That You Should Know the Academic Bar Operations and the Hotel Operations. The AcademEntering law school is not just a matter of studying. Students must ic BarOps makes sure that the barristers are provided with all the necalso know the people around them in order to engage in school dy- essary tips and materials for the Bar examinations. While the Hotel namics (a staple for law school survival). While knowing the person- Operations sees to it that the barristers are given all the necessities that

alities and quirks of professors are important, such will come in handy Continued on Page 4

Continued from Page 3 they need for a hassle-free stay in the hotel.

The Election Commission – The ELECOM is the electoral group that handles, facilitates, and oversees the Student Council elections every year.

summary of the case with three important parts: the facts, issue, held / ruling) of all the cases assigned to you. Next, all of the students within the case-pool will give each other a copy of the case digest that he or she made. This will help you cover all the cases easily, and more efficiently. Although, of course, reading the full text of the entire The Debate Society – The Debate Society consists of eloquent caseload is the more ideal approach. students who participate in debate competitions against other law schools.

7. Do not cram. Law school is NOT an extension of college so prepare to spend more time with law books, than with your boyfriend The SBCA-SOL Chorale – This organization is the official choir or girlfriend. of the SBCA-SOL. They usually perform during masses and events sponsored by the School of Law. 8. In relation to number 6, make sure to have a support group inside and outside school. It would be hard being involved with someone Survival Tips who doesn’t understand the academic hardships that you’re going Entering law school is hard because of all the adjustments, such as through, let alone having to go through the ordeal all by yourself. the new system, new people, new school, and the list goes on. However, enduring law school is much harder than entering it, so to be 9. As early as possible, adjust to the system of the school. Find out at able to survive, here are some random, but very important tips that once what is the most comfortable way of studying for you because you should always remember: it normally varies for each person. This includes deciding when to study, where to study, and who to study with (if you prefer being with others).

1. Always be ready for a recitation or a surprise quiz. Law professors can be quite unpredictable so it wouldn’t hurt to be ready at all times. 10. A bad recitation is not the end of the world. Law school will give you a lot of heartaches, so just be strong and never give up on your 2. Always have a pen (preferably a black fountain pen or a sign pen) dream of one day becoming a Bedan lawyer. and a pad of yellow paper, just in case a quiz is given.

11. Learn how to relax. If you want to keep your sanity, it is not ad3. Always update yourself about the latest “official” news in school. visable to study 24/7. Remember, the human brain can only take so There may be important announcements you need to be aware of. much.

4. Keep abreast of current events as well. Professors tend to use these 12. If all else fails, do not worry. Prayer is your best weapon in survivas bases for hypothetical questions in recitation. ing law school. Ora et Labora!

5. Kuya Jun and Kuya Francis are the go-to persons in school. They The road to becoming a full-fledged Bedan lawyer is not easy, but know when there is an additional homework or if the professor will with diligent studying, the support of family and friends, the asbe absent, among other announcements. Hence, make sure that you sistance that the SBCA-SOL community would more than willingly know them because the assistance that they offer is invaluable. give, and continued prayer, the journey to attaining the ATTY. before one’s own name would not be as hard as it ought to be.

6. If the professor gives an extraordinary amount of cases to read, you can make a case-pool among your friends and classmates. In a caseCongratulations to all the new faces of school year 2011-2012! Welpool, all the cases will be equally divided among the class or within a come to San Beda College Alabang- School of Law, the happiest law certain number of people. Afterwards, you will make a case digest (a school in the world.

They Chose Red And Lived To Tell The Tale

BY DUGIE DELA CRUZ

P erhaps, the question that we all need to find an answer to is “Why San Beda College Alabang-School of Law is a better choice over any other school?” Others may claim that we

are not yet prepared to be independent because SBCA-SOL is a newly established school.

It would be a partial response if we would say that such notion is a fallacy. Then again, WE BEG TO DISAGREE—for only after seven years of being a home to those who aim to be servants of justice, our school has proven and is still continuing to prove its name.

At present, SBCA-SOL has already produced 32 members of the bar. And these Bedan Lawyers have been excelling in their practice, even if it has only been a year or two since they have acquired their titles. For instance, Atty. KD Frias, salutatorian of class 2010 and a writer for The Red Chronicles, engaged in private practice with her father and is now the Managing Partner of Frias Frias and Associates. Atty. Frias now joins Atty. Rafael Padilla, valedictorian of class 2010, in the roster of SBCA-SOL’s brilliant professors, especially chosen by Dean Sarmiento and Vice-Dean Delson, and will be under the tutelage of Atty.

Rivera. Atty. Toni Verano, a neophite in the legal profession, has already led one of the most controversial cases in 2010 as one of the lead counsels for Willie Revillame in his cases against ABS-CBN. Currently, she appears before the Sandiganbayan, as counsel for one of the accused in the Fertilizer Scam. Another Bedan lawyer who shines in his field is Atty.

Jeckereen Joy Casipit, who has handled several labor cases and civil cases; and is now employed at the Public Attorney’s Office of Paranaque and is primarily tasked as defense lawyer at the specialized drugs court of RTC handling around 80% of the inmates at BJMP. Atty.

Jasmin Sedilla, is currently engaged in litigation as she was personally chosen by Atty. Raymond Fortun to be part of his legal team. These lawyers are just some of the products of an institution which was perceived as less than what it can truly offer. And so as law students Follow the Red Chronicles online: in this school, we are expected to prove more.

the-red-chronicles When these Bedan Lawyers were asked the same question that we all needed to answer, they only uttered the same thing—that they will not be what they are now if they did not choose San Beda Alabang. Ms. Nonie Gavino, who graduated as Salutatorian of Class 2011, briefly answered the question by stating that, “…(Because) San Beda redefines your limits, trcpluma because just when you think you’re about to break, you will find yourself beyond what you thought you could reach.” So why is SBCA-SOL the better choice? It is because San Beda The Red Chronicles is located at Room 301, 3rd Alabang does not only take us farther, it makes us believe that no matter how far we have floor of St. Maur Hall, San Beda College Alagone through, there will always be a place where we could go home to. bang, Don Manolo Ave., Alabang Hills Village, Muntinlupa City, Phillipines.