the culmination of
Prayer Work & Hard The Graduates of 2019
MESSAGE TO THE GRADUATES RECTOR Gerardo Ma. De villa, OSB A poet of deep spiritual insight rises from heaps of despair; a student of Law struggles to keep the pace, however slow, to reach the bar. We all have our fair share of difficulties and burdens to carry in life. This is a natural assumption of the human condition upon which there is no escape. One way or another, these burdens and difficulties define our humanity by the actions our wills dictate upon us. We are, after all, judged by our actions as our actions bear our thoughts and ethic. If we but pursue, therefore, faith, knowledge, and virtue, and the principles of Christianity guided by the Holy Spirit who breathes both Word and Sacrament upon those of the willing and faithful lot, our human condition borne of difficulties and burdens would find in them a cause to carry on, to fight the good fight, to run the race to its glorious end. Does this not sound true of your journey through Law School at San Beda? To the School of Law’s Batch 2019 graduates, you’ve faced them all, your fair share of the course of Law, forbidding, yet fulfilling in the end to those who have allowed themselves to be guided accordingly. Congratulations!
Dean ulpiano p. sarmiento III From the sincerest part of my heart, I greet you dearest graduates, with huge CONGRATULATIONS. Finally, you are at the victorious end of a most significant chapter in your academic life. These proud greetings are accompanied with a sincere prayer for each of you. I fervently pray that you view your education in grateful humility. Your degree should not let you think you’re better than the rest; instead, it should motivate you to embrace and reach out to so many others. Far more than the honors you are given, the professions you will soon land, and the salaries you will earn, I hope your education expands your mind, deepens your sympathy, broadens your perspective in order to free and empower somebody else. You were so brilliantly trained to be where you are to not just be independent, more so, to be dependable at all times- by our nation and the rest of the world who so desperately is in need of fresh new energy and talent from youth like you. Dedicate yourself, your time, your capabilities, your ambition to the service of others. For the people who persevere in service, who learn to see their fellow humans as equals, discover that they receive far more than they give. In responding to the challenges you would have to face, let hope and love reign in you. And let it not be forgotten that there is a loftier ambition than merely to stand high in the world. It is to stoop down and lift mankind a little higher. As long as you do not on your own free will stray away from Him, the good and great and sacred Lord shall always be with you.
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vice dean anna marie "melanie" b. Trinidad Congratulations to the SBCA-SOL Graduates of 2019! Today, you have made your parents proud. And us, your professors, equally proud and gratified. For while your parents have watched you fall asleep amidst those piles of books, albeit that coffee in hand, we saw the outcome of those long dreary nights. At times, they were worth it, so long as you gave the best recitations of your life. But often times, you might have regretted them, after enduring humiliation one class after another. Today, however, you finally get your answer. Indeed, every second of grinding, every minute of lost sleep and every hour of expected humiliation – has brought you to this day. Thereafter, you shall leave law school only to enter another – the school of law life. And by now, you have all been deemed ready for it. So, Good luck… God speed…. Go, be Bedan proud!!!
prefect carlo D. busmente Congratulations! It has been a tough road for all of you, my
dear graduates. I know that your batch had to go through the eye of a needle to graduate from law school. You are indeed, the “crème de la crème” of this year’s batch. But the war is not yet over, there will be tougher roads ahead. You must be ready and arm yourselves with steadfast faith in our Lord Jesus who strengthens us to achieve our goals. As you begin a new chapter in your life, allow me to leave you an inspiring message from St. Paul through his letter to the Philippians, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”.■
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The Graduates B AT C H 2 0 1 9
Valedictorian
Jerekko A. Cadorna In all honesty, I am the kind of student who is least likely to be source of inspiration. I am not the type who aims to make a mark in this world. I do not even desire to be on top of my class. I never dreamed of entering law school as a child. All I ever wanted was to land a wellpaying, morally and legally acceptable job, so I can give back to my parents and all others who have supported me, and for me to properly enjoy life. In my scholastic life, I never had a concrete plan on where I wanted to be. I mostly allowed tailwinds to carry me. If there is an opportunity which comes my way and if it is within my means, I take it on. Even if do not have a specific goal in mind, I always strive to bring my best in everything I do. Though students like me may simply go with the flow in our academic life, we can still habitually exemplify excellence. They are not mutually exclusive. From the summation of all the choices I have made, I found myself in law school. I tackled my first year the same way almost every freshman tackles theirs: thinking what have I gotten myself into, and then exhausting myself day-in and day-out hoping for a good recitation grade. The freshman year is always the most difficult, and in my opinion, the most crucial. It is the year when we must find our groove, and the perfect time for us to build that momentum needed to propel ourselves for the upcoming academic years. True enough, I was able to discover what works for me. For the next semesters, I have developed my habits and I no longer needed to drive myself to the point of 6 | The Red Chronicles
fatigue. I read almost every day. I dislike cramming, so I do every homework given as early as I can. Because I know that those will surely pile-up if delayed. It is also important to enjoy our student life, so with proper time management, I was able to often go out with friends. Whatever the circumstances, and whatever we may encounter in our academic life, it does not change what we must do. Prayer and work. That is all there is to be done. No matter how long the reading assignment is, nor how many cases are required of us to read, nor how different are the teaching methods of our professors, it never changes the fact that the only solution to all of them is to work and be prepared. It also does not change the reality that we need help from the Lord, so we must pray. If there is one more thing which I want to impart, it is to always to have faith in ourselves. In law school, we often come across a metaphorical brick wall, which, given the time constraints or lack of resources, we cannot surmount. May it be a very long assignment which seems impossible to finish, or an ungodly amount of cases which are difficult to master, let us always do our absolute best to surpass those walls. However, in times that we cannot, let us have that faith in ourselves that we can survive the day with the knowledge that we have. We must accept our shortcomings, but we must keep the faith that we will pull through. So do your best, keep on praying, and have fun in law school. It was the most enjoyable and thrilling years of my life so far. â–
Salutatorian
Christian adrianne m. arbiol My journey towards graduation remained unconventional--even up to now. My childhood dream was to become an astronaut, or an action star as influenced by John Travolta in his famous movie “Face Off ”. Becoming a lawyer never entered into the picture; and yet I remained playful even in my high school years. I usually spent my time on meeting people, playing DotA and Counter-strike with my friends and enjoyed the other side of life than studying. The only time I finally decided to enter law school was during my 3rd year in college; as during that time, I fell in love with the study of Constitutional law. It is in this moment that I finally decided the career that I will choose. I transferred from Business Administration to Legal Management—a move that was bold or surprising to my parents and my peers. My parents never believed me at first because, “how could someone like me, who is never into studying, transfer to a course that required a lot of time reading and
studying?” Simple. I believed in myself, I’ve learned to know myself more, to determine what my weaknesses are and how to utilize them to my advantage as I venture into the study of law. Change is a way of life. It can be used to your advantage or disadvantage. Change may hurt you or inspire you to do things that seem impossible at first. But if you’ll learn how to embrace your own flaws, and use it for your own good, you can do things that seem unimaginable at first. One cannot say that it is “too late”. The only time that it becomes “too late” is when you refused to grab the opportunity or to seize it. It is never too late in time to know yourself or to change the way you live your life. Although difficulties may lie ahead, surrender everything to the Lord; for He is the ultimate source of knowledge and wisdom. No matter how complicated or confusing the law or your book is, He will direct and guide you to the correct path. ■ The Red Chronicles | 7
Vox Populi
Learnings and Musings in Law School By KARA LIM and NIÑO AREVALO
Begin with the end in mind. That was what stuck with me when I was about to enter law school. But it was different in law school. I started getting information on how to go about law school, what are the ins and outs and the easiest way to pass the subjects. I learned that there is no easy way here and you have to go through the daily grind of reading and reading and reading times 3000. There are no shortcuts. Reviewing for the bar does not start in your review but it starts during your first day in law school. The end goal is that you will take the bar, pass it, and begin thinking about it when you first step into law school… whatever it takes. A lot of these students have done whatever is needed to be done to reach their end goal. As they enter the final stretch, these are some of the learnings that our graduates have realized in their stay in the School of Law. John Kevin Hernandez: “Grace under pressure.” Law school will intentionally break you inside and out. For me, you just have to accept failure, learn from it, and do better next time.
Maris Cay Gabornes: I learned to gracefully embrace failure and intently listen to its lessons: 1. Failure does not reduce our worth as a human being; if anything it expands it. 2. Overcoming failure develops our character. 3. Grit amid adversity reveals our exquisite authentic self. Frederick Abella Jr.: Lesson 101: Do not make permanent decisions if you are just temporarily upset. Never doubt yourself. Laban lang! Mark Ebenezer Bernardo: I learned so much about “perseverance” because striving to do things, albeit a series of failures and difficulties, is rewarding. Sometimes, law school made us cry but we evolved to overcome its challenges provided that we did our part. Philip Ebersole: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Use them as an opportunity to learn. Emmanuel Medina: The love for the law will never be enough. You still have to put in the time and effort; shed a few tears; gain a little (or a lot) of weight to earn that A-T-T-Y. This is especially true when you 8 | The Red Chronicles
are after the coveted “. (dot)” Yuji Mediavillo: As per Dean Ulan, the most important virtue is humility; for indeed we are nothing without Him and this fact makes us humble knowing that there is always Someone who is in all ways superior to us, and that is God. That in all things, God may be glorified. Allen Sopoco: “A pint of desperation is a necessary ingredient to create results beyond human effort.” Leandro Nadal: “Formulate a schedule, then commit to it.” Maida del mundo Mendros-Abrenilla: “BELIEVE YOU CAN; if you feel like giving up, look back how far you have come.” Albert Pereña: Hindi araw-araw, pasko. Tamsin Prado: I learned the value of setting goals, working hard on them everyday, remembering the people you’re doing it for, and praying non-stop. Gary Rentillo: Ora et Labora. The two always go together, you can’t do one and not the other. Hayde Talorong: I learned that no matter how self-sufficient you are, be humble enough to ask help from others & to never underestimate the power of prayer Anonymous: You need not compare your study habits with those who are around you because what may work for them might not work for you. Franklin Sabili: You are defined not by what you have, but what you’re willing to sacrifice. Mariz Patanao: Less and less of me, more and more of You, Lord. Law school is made up of a million moments — of fear, laughter, anxiety, triumph, failure, and of course, joy. Now that you have made it, you can finally remember it all -- the good and the less-than-stellarwith a smile on your face; ngiting tagumpay. ■
In
Hindsight By MARZ RAGPALA
On May 3, the Supreme Court officially announced the results of the 2018 Bar examination with an overall national passing rate of 22.07% —welcoming 1,800 new lawyers out of 8,158 aspirants from all over the country. Our very own San Beda College Alabang School of Law (SBCA-SOL) posted a 30% overall passing rate.1 As our soon to be bar exam takers embark in the next step towards their goal, the passers of the 2018 Bar exam willingly shared their words of encouragement to the 2019 SOL graduates. Atty. Dana Beatrice G. Lopez, currently an associate at Panelo Law Office, expressed that the bar was the most difficult hurdle she had to overcome. She said, “I was in constant battle with myself. I had to train myself to wake up early and to study for hours on end. The constant thought of not wanting to repeat the Bar gave me panic attacks. Looking back though, bar review was not such a nightmare after all. I never felt like I had to face it all alone.” Her outpour of support from friends, loved ones, and family, helped her to overcome her greatest hurdle. Her message to the 2019 barristers: “The bar will be difficult, but you will have all the support you need from your friends, family, and loved ones. My advice is this: learn to enjoy the little things and most importantly, learn to relax. Being burnt out is the number one enemy of every barrister. Good luck and know that you are meant to be a Bedan Lawyer!” Atty. Christine Erica P. Banzon, who plans to help the needy and distraught by joining Public Attorneys Office (PAO) has this to say about her own bar experience: “Tunnel vision becomes stronger when you
graduate and take that six month hiatus from the world. Passing the bar was all I was thinking about during my first run at the exams. By being constantly ‘pressured’ since day one, always reiterating incessantly that this was THE exam, the pressure and anxiety got the best of me. I was a handout-addict, thinking I might miss an important insider tip so it was a must to read them all. Boy, was I wrong. I decided to switch my strategy the year after, not focusing on anyone else’s tips but my own. It was not about knowing everything or that I would brush off other’s advice, but more on knowing myself more, what works for me - personally. I took it at my own pace. I realized that The Bar is a holistic exam. It will bring out everything that you’ve got physically, mentally, spiritually, psychologically, and emotionally. A true test of endurance during the review and the Bar month. Don’t just keep feeding your brain. You already know those laws in the four years or so which you’ve been constantly replaying them in your mind. Feed your soul, your spirit, your emotions. Cry, laugh, be angry. Feel something. You’re not a robot. My second take didn’t feel as taxing and as draining as the first one. I could say I worked smarter, not harder. I took care of myself first and foremost. The pressure of taking THE exam was gone when I failed. My holistic self was happy and I found peace. So don’t be pressured. Don’t think about the what ifs, the “sana”-s, the “sayang kasi”-s. Enjoy it. Don’t fear the exams. You’ll surprise yourself with how much you already know when it’s just you and your multi-colored booklets. ■
Check the official Facebook page of The Red Chronicles for the full list of the Bar passers of 2018
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Excellence in Service
Hayde
A TRIBUTE
By ANNELYSE ANDAL Photos by JANNA SANTOTOME
As the school year ends, The Red Chronicles (TRC) would like to express our heartwarming congratulations to our graduating members. We are beyond grateful for their service to the publication and for dedicating their time and talent to the Bedan law students. We extend our sincere gratitude for freely devoting their passion in writing and for the valuable contributions that they have made to serve the student body. Edrese O. Aguirre Edrese is admired for her competitiveness, for being hardworking and articulate. Workwise, however, she is known for being focused, determined, and she can finish her tasks with utmost diligence. We appreciate her for using TRC as an avenue to showcase her writing skills as she was able to share it to the rest of the students. Indeed, her literary submissions are a testament to her remarkable talent.
Leandro
Maris
Manager, an all around layout artist, and photographer. She is praised for her overflowing creative juices, for being free-spirited, and for her positive outlook in life which influenced us not only during pressworks, but outside of the office as well. Above all these, even if Meg is already shining in the different hats that she wears, she remains humble and has always shown willingness to learn.
Hayde L. Talorong As the only Editor-in-Chief who served twice, she is considered as a true-blooded alumni of TRC. She handles problems with grace and she is always able to remain grounded and calm despite adversities. She is kind, considerate, and hospitable. The TRC is grateful for her love and service to the publication, and for the continued guidance that she extended to the organization even after the end of her term.
Maris Cay E. Gabornes Maris has shown dedication through hard work for the sake of the publication amidst juggling her time in between both academics and work. She served as a Features Editor and Editor-in-Chief, wherein members who worked under her term describe her as passionate, idealistic and fair. As a leader, she successfully prioritized the publication’s quality of the work without compromising the individual growth of her staff. She had the ability to see the strength of each staff and reward according to merits, and she allowed her staff to do their work with minimal intervention.
Leandro Agustine P. Nadal Leandro is a ball of energy. He instantly lights up the room with his jokes and his humor, but at the same time, he is known for his commendable professionalism. The TRC is thankful for the impeccable and well-written articles that he has contributed in the previous years as a news writer and a features writer. He is funny, persevering, and responsible. Lastly, he is appreciated for his all-in-thistogether mentality, his optimism and that he is able to find something worth laughing about even during the toughest times.
Pauline Marie I. Ubaldo Pauline previously served as TRC’s News Editor. Her organizational skills and keen attention to detail are some of the best attributes that she has as a writer— along with her ability to stay committed to everything that she does. She is friendly, accommodating and quick to laughter. Most importantly, she believed in her writers, challenged them, and pushed them beyond their perceived limitations. For always being able to bring out the best in everyone she works with, the TRC is nothing but grateful to her and her leadership.
Maria Guadalupe T. Ariola Known as a woman of many trades, she has shown excellence in performing different roles as she served as TRC’s Literary Editor, Graphic Artist, Circulations
With pride and glee, we celebrate this milestone with all of you. And as a family, we are one with you in prayer as you continue your journey in becoming a Bedan Lawyer! ■
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THE RED CHRONICLES
The official student publication of San Beda College Alabang - School of Law
63A, St. Maur Building, San Beda College Alabang - School of Law 8 Don Manolo Blvd., Alabang Hills Village, Muntinlupa City, Philippines Ceasar Entila | Editor-in-Chief Kaiza Jay Abaincia | Associate Editor Maria Isabella Katrina Arevalo | Managing Editor Jenica E.S. Ti | Features Editor Kaitlin Keith Sierra | News Editor Meg Ariola | Literary Editor Reena Theresa Marquez | Layout Editor Paul Nikko Degollado | Photography Editor
Cover photo by Janna Santotome.
Gabriel Lacson | Social Media Officer Alvin Patrick Relox | Circulations Manager Features Writers
News Writers
Literary Writers
Layout Artist Photographers
Cartoonist Logistics
Annelyse Andal NiĂąo Arevalo Karl Michael Carvajal Chezka Celis Juan Miguel Lopez Katherine Lim Dick Martinez Leiron Martija Leandro Nadal
Robert Jian Melchor Tina Miranda Jolykha Toa Lopez Sanchez Edrese Aguirre Eunice Jumalon Marz Ragpala
Nikki Tuble
Lea Cerrudo Melissa Manansala Janna Santotome
EJ ClemeĂąa Hera Ydulzura
Joe Martin Cabaral Justin Heinrich Salazar
Maris Gabornes and Hayde Talorong | Editor-in-Chief Emeriti Katrina Belarmino | Managing Editor Emeritus Pauline Ubaldo | News Editor Emeritus
Stephanie Gener | Senior Layout Artist Emeritus Ace Amulong | Copy Editor
Atty. Rafael Angelo Padilla Faculty Adviser
The Red Chronicles accepts original articles from students and faculty members. We also solicit comments regarding the articles featured in our issues. You may contact us at trc@sanbeda-alabang.edu.ph Member: College Editors Guild of the Philippines
JUNE 2019