The hardest one to beat

I WROTE this article on May 3, 2022, as a celebratory article. This is not only for me but also for those who took their oath on Monday, May 2.

Exactly five years ago that day I was restless, helpless, and clueless. Despite such circumstances, I was very hopeful. I was hopeful to see my name appear as one of the successful Bar examinees. 

My story may be a rehash of what I always share with those who are close to me. But I guess I wouldn’t be tired of sharing it because it is one of the best moments of my life.

It is something the hardest one to beat. 

On May 3, 2017 the 2016 Bar examinations results came out. I thought the results were out at one o’clock in the afternoon. Little did I know that it came out earlier – 11 o’clock in the morning. 

Earlier that day a lot of things happened. Mama and Papa were off to work at around 5:30 a.m. when they met an accident. They were fine though they had bruises. Well, as they say, the show must go on; thus, they still went off to work. It was business as usual. 

I can still recall when Papa shared with me his conversation with a friend. He told his friend about the accident and the latter said that when something bad happens he should expect something good thereafter. Before his friend left, he told Papa that maybe “today is (was) a good day” and that “may abogada ka na dugay-dugay.”

My parents came home at around 10 a.m. A few minutes later, some of our friends came to our house to check on how my parents were doing. I didn’t come out to say hello to them. I went back to my room and cried so hard because I felt like I was in a very awkward and stressful situation. 

“What if I don’t make it?” I asked.

“I don’t know how to break the news with a lot of people in our place.”

“I just want to be alone.”

“I don’t want to share my failure with others.”

While I was crying so hard my phone rang that I felt annoyed. It was a call from an unknown number (actually, it wasn’t unknown per se because I just forgot to save my lawyer friend’s number). 

“Hello?”

“Aaayyyiiin! Congratulations! Congrats, Atty. Aplasca!”

“Huh? Sin-o ni? Ala-una pa results.”

I didn’t check my name online. I was 100% sure I passed the Bar examinations. During the waiting period, I felt I am going to make it, but I just kept it to me myself because there was uncertainty.

I trusted my lawyer friend that she will never joke and make fun of it. Of course, I checked my name online but only after almost an hour when I’m done with my big announcement at home.

I was crying while making my way out and approached Papa telling him “Pa, kapasar ko sa Bar.” And the rest of the day was history.

Each of us has a story to tell about how we overcame law school and the Bar examinations. And this is my story of the day I knew I made it.

To those who took and passed the Bar, I think all of you are amazing. Congratulations!!! The grit was extraordinary, especially since you did it in the middle of a pandemic.

To those who didn’t make it, do not lose faith in your own intelligence and willpower. Cross the finish line confidently.

There is no mystery in passing the Bar examinations. It requires study and practice time and focusing on the things that suit you best. You will conquer it!/PN