Special Bar exam blast issue

9/26 after 365

A SPECIAL BAR EXAM BLAST ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

The Victims of the Bar Exam

By ARETHA EUGENIO and MARIA JOSEFINA ALFONSO

What happened in the afternoon of the 26th of September 2010

is not something that could easily be forgotten by many. The trauma and fear that were instilled in the beating heart of each and every individual who witnessed the tragic explosion on that day, will forever haunt them. It was one blast that put an end to what could have been a festive activity. Everyone, excluding those who caused the tragedy, wished that it was just a terrible dream that they could wake up from. However, it was no nightmare, it was reality. And it left a physical and emotional scar in the minds and bodies of the bar blast victims.

Raissa Laurel and Jokat Ledda are among those who were injured during the blast that happened exactly a year ago. Raissa lost both of her feet, while Jokat had to have her left foot amputated. The incident could have easily left these women with shattered dreams, but with the never-ending support from their families and friends, and prayers from the students and practitioners of the legal community, they can now stand, literally, with their heads held high, battle-scarred, but spiritually and emotionally stronger than they were, before the dreadful tragedy happened.

In this interview, Jokat and Raissa personally shared their experiences and thoughts on life before and after the Bar Blast.

:What is a typical day like for you, a year after the incident? What, if any, are the difficult adjustments that you had to incorporate into your daily schedule now?

Jokat Ledda: Every morning, my routine begins by wearing the prosthesis so that I can do my morning activities. Before the accident, life was slow-paced since schedules didn’t matter much, as long as I was able to do what was needed. Now, most of my activities, such as rehabilitation therapy, medicine intake, and meals, are based on a schedule which I have to follow. All these activities are done on a daily basis. I guess a typical day for me now is doing everything that is needed for me to get back into my normal routine, while still having some daily dose of fun in my system.

During the past year, my whole schedule didn’t need any incorporation. On the contrary, it needed a major overhaul, especially during the first few months after the accident. My days then revolved around therapy and physical strengthening. It was hard to adjust during the first few months, but it became easier as time passed. I got the hang of things. Everything is about perspective so I chose to look at it on the bright side.

Raissa Laurel: I usually visit my physical therapist every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, to monitor my progress on walking properly. Of course, I had a hard time adjusting at first, but God enabled me to stand and walk again.

Every Friday, I sing during the youth service of our church in Victory Ortigas.

I go to school after therapy. I study at the law library then attend classes from 5-9pm. I chose not to take a leave of absence despite

my situation. I continued to pursue law. I had a hard time, but I survived. : Are there any substantial or significant changes in your life right now, a year after the incident?

Jokat: I lost my left leg, my right foot got severely fractured, my left hand was mangled, my left eardrum was perforated, and my left eye was wounded, but all the same, these physical changes can never outweigh the emotional ordeal of not being able to do the activities that I love and enjoy the most. However, I have adapted to these changes, and I now treat them as my source of strength and hope that one day, I can go beyond my comfort zone and experience new things that life has to offer. The fact that I was able to go through all of these difficulties would testify to the stronger and more will-driven person that I have become.

Raissa: People look up to me and find me as their source of inspiration. I was just a simple law student who wanted to make a difference in this world. After the accident, everything fell into place. I believe that this is part of God’s greater plan for me. : What is your current academic status in law school (year level, academic distinctions/ citations, extra-curricular activities, etc.)

Jokat: I entered San Beda College of Law in 2008. I was a 3rd year student prior to the unfortunate incident. However, due to the extent of my injuries that needed medical attention and various operations, I had to take a forced leave of absence during the 2nd semester of last school year. I am currently sitting in classes to prepare for the final examinations which I was not able to take during the last academic year. Barring any obstacles, I hope to finish by 2013 and take the bar on the same year.

Raissa: I am now a 3rd year irregular student in San Sebastian College – Recoletos and a Rufus Rodriguez Scholarship Grantee. I am also a member of the academic organization, Sui Generis and of the SSCR College of Law Debate Team.

Salubong Blast: A Year After :In the aftermath of the incident, is there any advocacy that you are currently supporting, or wish to support in the future? How are you involved or how do you plan to be involved in this venture?

Jokat: I am still looking for NGOs who are catering to Persons with Disability (PWD) since I plan to concentrate on that advocacy. After finishing my degree, I plan to devote my first few years to helping spread awareness on the PWD’s rights and privileges under the law by conducting seminars, not only to PWDs, but more importantly, to the rest of the community. For now, the most that I can do is to promote awareness about our rights and privileges to the people that I meet in therapy, at the gym, or in various places that I go to. I believe that in my own simple way, I am helping in the advocacy and promotion of respect and acceptance of persons with disability in our society.

Raissa: A Differently-abled-friendly Philippines People in our country have to be informed of the current situation of the differently-abled in our country. It is not easy.

My dream for our country is that one day, when people see someone who is differently-abled, they would help him/her or perhaps give way on the elevator. : What inspired you or kept you strong during the whole ordeal?

Jokat: The moment I saw the extent of my injuries and the seeping blood from my legs, I told myself that I cannot die because I know that my parents will never get over my death and that they will suffer more if that happens. My family has always been my backbone during the whole ordeal. I draw my strength from them. I don’t want them to be hurt just because I am hurting.

Hence, as an effect, I always give my best effort to survive and surpass every challenge that come my way, with a smile and a happy heart. I just want them to feel at ease and secure about my condition.

Raissa: My faith in God and the never-ending love and support from my family, relatives, friends and my San Sebastian College of Law family. : What are your thoughts on the current progress of the investigation that was launched in the past year?

Jokat: I am still hopeful that the case would be resolved as soon as possible.

Raissa: I believe in the justice system of our country; and I know that God will give us justice. It is a long process but I will be waiting patiently. : What is your advice to people who are going through seemingly insurmountable challenges and obstacles in life?

Jokat: Challenges will always come our way. We have the option to either let it bury us in misery, or to face it head on and take chances. The important thing is to never lose faith in God and in yourself.

Experience life one step at a time and be thankful for every blessing that you get, no matter how small and insignificant it may be.

Raissa: Never give up. Life is beautiful. God allows us to experience trials and hardships in life for us to depend on Him. Let us keep our faith in Him and always keep in mind, that God has a greater purpose for each and every one of us. He has plans to prosper us and not to harm us. : On a final note, what is the most important thing that you realized after this experience?

Jokat: Life is short so make the most out of it, and make it a point to tell the people that matter to you how much you love them.

Raissa: Even though I lost both my feet, I realized that nothing can stop me from fulfilling God’s purpose in my life. I will still go on with my journey and I know that God is with me every step of the way.

I lost too much blood and only had 20% chance of survival. Yet, I am still here and I believe that God is the reason. I will continue to study and pursue my dream of becoming a lawyer, glorifying His name in everything that I do.

A year after the incident, everything is still fresh in the minds and hearts of many - the loud bang, the commotion, the pool of blood, and the lives that will never be the same again. September 26 has left a mark in the lives of not only the victims, but of the entire legal community as well. Time may have healed all wounds, but there will always be an imprint in the memory of many.

Revisiting 9/26: The untold story of a former Editor-in-Chief

by Mary Sayeh Hassani

It is in moments of great need when we see

greet the barristers. The students, families, and alumni of the schools, were all in high spirits.

And then the blast.

Ten seconds of silence and then everything was in chaos.

While everybody was running away from the incident, I was working my way against the crowd, hoping that the blast was not on our designated area. The first thing that came into my mind was the safety of the TRC team who was spread throughout the vicinity. It was at this same moment when the courage of the Lion was put to the test.

Heroes in different forms were created in an instant. At that precise moment, everything had stopped. Cheers of joy and excitement were replaced with fears of uncertainty. TRC photographer Jeamie Salvatierra, rather than taking pictures, voluntarily held the flashes, as she saw three students fall on the ground. The image of fellow TRC writer, Ron Esquivel, is forever etched in my mind, as he assisted the seriously injured Jokat Ledda. As everyone was running for their own safety, a few stayed to help despite the chaos. Fellow Bedans, Atty.

Jek Casipit, Jay Gernale, Hero Colorado, Erwin Hocson, Margaret Mangunay, and Lexter Lonzame, helped carry the injured to safety and bring them to the nearest vehicle bound for the hospital. Prefect of Student Affairs, Atty. Bruce V. Rivera, despite the massive commotion, stayed in the venue, as he assisted the injured and secured the students from both Alabang and Mendiola, to safe locations.

After all the chaos and in the dead of the night, writers Laisa Aguila and Joey Alfonso, headed straight to the emergency room of the Philippine General Hospital, to take all the information as it happened, and ensure that TRC Features Editor, Argel Cabatbat, who was reportedly injured, was safe and secure. In the hospital, Dean Ulpiano Sarmiento III and Vice Dean Mciano

natural born heroes. September 26, 2010 is a date that is forever sketched in the memory of every Bedan. It is the day when the Lion’s roar was once tamed.

The last day of the bar examinations is a very much awaited event in every law student’s life. It is a day of pride for our school, achievement for our barristers and anticipation for us, students. It provides for a festive mood wherein people from different law schools and organizations gather in one place to celebrate the hard work of each barrister.

We, at The Red Chronicles, were on a 36hour shift starting Saturday morning. The last Sunday of the bar examinations or what is traditionally known as the Salubong, is an event that we were expected to cover, as we were doing our presswork simultaneously.

With the last day of the exams happening on the last week of September, it is usually the last news that was left, prior to our final lay out. We decided to extend our stay in Manila until Sunday afternoon, believing that if the staff went home after the final send-off for the barristers, it would be hard to gather them all together again to finalize the issue. We were under extreme time pressure, so we decided to create our own TRC headquarters in the center of all the action, along Taft Avenue.

At about 5 PM, a lot of supporters and well-wishers were already hanging around Taft Avenue in their own headquarters and seating areas. It was technically my first time to be involved in the traditional Salubong, as my former last Sundays of the bar examinations were usually spent in the school paper’s office for final proof readings before printing. I was amazed at how every barrister’s family, friends and schoolmates patiently waited as they prepared to welcome them with enthusiasm. Colorful banners, limitless confetti, drum beats and the smell of flowers surrounded the area. Some had their water guns and bottles ready to

Delson, anxiously went on rounds to check the wounded. Managing Editor, Aretha Eugenio, pooled exclusive details of confidential information as reported to her from our staffers and the doctors in PGH, and manned the TRC’s official portal of information dissemination for the SBCASOL community; while Dugie Dela Cruz scoured the hospitals searching for friends and classmates who were injured. Editorin-Chief Emeritus, Grace Wilson, of the San Beda College Mendiola’s The Barrister, was also on hospital rounds preparing the official list of the injured.

It was the greatest challenge, not just for The Red Chronicles, but the whole Bedan community. The number of wounded rose to at least 44, with law students Raissa Laurel and Joanna Katrina Ledda, taking the hardest hit. It was a week that left the whole Bedan community in distress while we prayed and took care of our injured. Most were in shock, with almost everyone having known at least one of the numerous victims, at one point or another.

More modern heroes emerged thereafter with the courage and valor that Raissa, Jokat and all the other injured had exemplified. Their positive outlook despite such permanent injuries served as an inspiration not just to law students around the country but also to every person who has a dream.

They continue to work towards their own dreams of being a lawyer, without fear or prejudice from such traumatizing experience.

In the Lion’s den, our gladiators continue to work for such day of battle, in anticipation of the red and white confetti. Law students and barristers alike, continue their journey each day towards a common aspiration, the illustrious A-T-T-Y. Such unexpected attack will not and did not crush our spirits. And despite all the trials, we continue to thread towards our purpose in being one with the legal profession, our roars louder than ever – for San Beda, our country, and God.

OFFICIAL EDITORIAL BOARD Aretha Eugenio Editor-in-Chief Ma. Katerina Santiago Associate Editor Laisa Mae Aguila Managing Editor Mary Sayeh Hassani EIC Emeritus

Josefina Alfonso News Editor Rio Dizon Features Editor Dugie Dela Cruz Literary Editor Exequiel Valerio Senior Photographer Atty. Rita Linda Jimeno Faculty Adviser Staff: Angelo Murillo Rose Ann Reyes Tia Perfecto Ron Esquivel Carisa Barcena Alel Auxillos Laida Isidro Roselle Jimeno Bunny Banaria Raymond Santos Estrella Michael Lorico Mayan Saidamen Stephanie Dandal Magic Movido Arianne Pascual Layout: Luvimindo Balinang Jr. Samantha Santos Carlo June Tibayan Photographers: Maureen Betita Philip Cariaga Miguel Llave.

Cartoonists: Bradly Listones Jonathan Vitug.

Logistics: Mike Catbagan