2022 Bar topnotchers share secrets to topping the law licensure exam
Taking the bar exams has always been an uphill climb for aspiring lawyers. But with hard work, determination, and a bit of luck, many have proven that getting to the top is doable.
On April 14, the Supreme Court of the Philippines announced the list of last year's Bar takers who passed the exam known to be notoriously hard, similar to studying law.
In the 2022 Bar exam held last November, 3,992 out of 9,183 takers, or 43.47%, passed and are now set to take their oath on May 2.
The top 5—Czar Dayday, Erickson Mariñas, Christiane Cregencia, Andrea Yu, and Kim Gatapia—all came from the University of the Philippines.
Ranking sixth is Gabril Baes of the University of Carlos, while in the seventh spot is Luigi Reyes of San Beda College Alabang. Completing the top 10 are Rio Uy, Mark Vergara, and Jaime Orencia, all from Ateneo de Manila University.
In a Zoom conference with the press and on their respective social media accounts, some of the top soon-to-be lawyers in the country shared how they aced the recent Bar exam. While intelligence and skills are common among these achievers, the right attitude proves to be their key to reaching the top.
Here are some of the topnotchers' stories that could shed some light not only on this year's Bar takers but also on those going through the ups and downs of life.
Czar Matthew Dayday
Intelligence is something that Carlo Matthew Dayday need not prove to anyone after being named the 2022 Bar exam's top 1 with a grade of 88,8083.
But if there's anything that makes him stand out besides his grades, it is his natural ability to combine his unparalleled wits with humility.
In an interview with ANC on Friday, the University of the Philippines - College of Law graduate said that he wasn't expecting to be named top 1 as he wasn't aiming anywhere near it.
"When he said that the top placer, he said 'Dayday,' I was like 'Oh, may iba palang Dayday who took the Bar," Dayday said. "But I realized, 'Oh, that's my name.'"
"It was just me crying, my family's screaming... and shocked that I topped the Bar," he said.
Asked if he was set on becoming number 1, Dayday told ANC, "No, really not."
"After the Bar, there were some items that I knew for sure that I was wrong... I really was just hoping that I would pass the Bar on this take," Dayday shared. "Finishing first was really just a really, really good bonus on top of that."
He then advised law students who are yet to take the Bar that they should not focus on the result, but rather, on the process.
He explained, "It's a product of the small things that you do every day, be it reading one more page or studying one more case and so on. It's really a matter of not aiming for a particular result but just focusing on your process on what works for you, so that the results will just fall naturally," he said.
Dayday added that passing the exam would only be possible with the help of the right people.
He continued, "And also I think it's a matter of surrounding yourself with people who will help you achieve your goals."
Erickson Mariñas
For 2022 Bar exam second placer Erickson Mariñas, setting your sights high would help you land a spot in the list of passers.
Mariñas, who finished the test with an 88.7666 rating, told ANC that he didn't expect to be a topnotcher, but revealed aiming for the no. 1 spot, as advised by one of his professors at UP College of Law.
"I was praying that I would top the Bar or pass the Bar," Mariñas told ANC. "Para at least kahit nag-fail daw kami, 'yung babagsakan pa rin namin is a passing grade, 'di ba."
As for his advice for Bar takers, Mariñas said it would be best to make use of one's time wisely.
"Make their own calendars, I also schedule mine—how many days would I devote for this particular subject, for this particular topic, that I try to hit the marks every day," he said. "I think that helps to make sure na all Bar topics you hit and hindi ka nagka-cram towards finish line."
Ar-rashid Taradji
Ar-rashid Taradji, meanwhile, took the 14th spot with a rating of 86.6833. While the Ateneo de Zamboanga graduate knew he gave his all for the exam, the long wait for the results gave him anxiety about the future.
Taradji recalled the experience in a Facebook post on the day the Supreme Court released the results. He said, "After finishing my Remedial Law II exam last November 20, my heart was full of contentment. I told myself, whatever the results will be, I am proud to have finished the 2022 Bar Exams. I know I did my best."
"With the many 'chismis' about the passing rate since the last 4 months of waiting, people, including myself, have been anxious. Was my performance enough?" he continued. "There’s nothing I can do about my answers. All I can do is to pray for the mercy of the examiners, and to let everything in God’s will."
Looking back, Taradji realized that he passed not only by going all out in the exams and his prayers but more so, in manifesting his heart's desire.
"I will not deny that I have prayed to be part of the topnotchers. Review days pa lang, I already manifested to be one of the Tough 10," he continued.
"And I think there’s nothing wrong about that. Sabi nga, dream big! Sometimes, it does come true."
Jennefer Estabillo
Good things come to those who wait, they say. This holds true, especially for Jennefer Estabillo who aced the 2022 Bar Exam as the top 22.
Estabillo, who had a rating of 86.3083, was initially scheduled to take the 2021 Bar exam held on Feb. 4 of last year. But fate has its way of testing the persistent. Two days before the exam, the Manuel L. Quezon University graduate tested positive for COVID-19.
"I was disqualified to take the Bar exam due to strict covid protocol," she wrote on Twitter, noting how she felt "so devastated at that time."
Determined to become a lawyer, Estabillo mustered the courage to "overcome the pain and success" with the help of her family, friends, and her "faith in the Lord."
"I always believe that everything happens for a reason. I know God has a reason why He made me wait back then," she continued. "Fast forward, I started to review again and successfully hurdled the grueling November 2022 Bar exam (#CaguiWowBar)."
After seeing all her hard work and patience pay off—and with the bonus of being top 22—Estabillo wants her experience to be a testimony of the "power of prayers and manifesting."
