University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi
The Premier Dominican University of Bicol
The Premier Dominican University of Bicol
For many law students, the bar exams represent the final threshold, the culmination of years of rigorous study and dedication. As the UST-Legazpi College of Law ushers in another wave of aspiring lawyers, this year’s BAR Operations have taken on a theme that resonates deeply with every barrister’s journey—TALUBO. A Bikolnon word meaning “to nurture” or “to grow,” it was chosen to represent the collective growth of law students as they step into their final law school challenge, the bar exams.
#BarNiJLo
This year’s BAR exams have also taken on a unique note, as they are tagged the Bar ni JLo, after Justice Mario V. Lopez, the chairperson of the 2024 Bar exams, which was held last September 8, 11, and 15. Using his initials, MVL, with pop culture references, hashtags like #MostValuableLaban, #MarVeLousBar, and #BarNiJLo was used. Amid the hashtags and festive spirit, UST-Legazpi’s BAROps team has brought its own flair to the support and nurturing of its Barristers, who took the exam in Naga City, one of the local testing sites appointed by the Supreme Court of the Philippines. 95 Legazpi Thomasian Barristers were among this year’s 10,483 bar hopefuls. It was also noted that 155 of this year’s examinees are senior citizens, 313 have special needs, and the youngest is 23 years old, while the eldest is 78.
Among those taking the exam were Paolo Magnaye and Shienna Mae Toledo Baccay, both graduates of UST-Legazpi’s College of Law. Each carried their own approach to staying calm as they prepared for the final stretch of the exams.
Paolo Magnaye, when asked about his strategy for the last day, replied with a smile, “Actually, magrelax lang eh, to keep my composure po. Kasi, for ilang years nag-aral ka sa College of Law, and ilang months after graduation, nagreview ka for the BAR. So you are deemed na prepared na and ready for the BAR exam so ang ginawa ko na lang is magrelax na lang.” For him, after enduring the intense preparation and anticipation, relaxation was the key to maintaining his focus.
Shienna Mae Toledo Baccay echoed a similar sentiment but highlighted the importance of sleep. “Siguro yung ano, 8 hours of sleep. Yung pahinga talaga after exam. For example nag-exam kami ng Sunday and Wednesday, so, the next day, pahinga yun, whole day rest yun. After nun, aral ulit,” she said. Managing stress through adequate rest and the support of her family and friends played a crucial role in her journey. “Yung support ng family and friends. Malaking tulong yun.”
And what was the first thing both planned to do once the exams were over? “Matulog po!” exclaimed Paolo, while Shienna eagerly shared the same thought: “Matulog! Gusto ko ng matulog!” After the rigors of law school and bar preparation, sleep seemed to be the most fitting reward.
TALUBO
“The theme for this year is all about growth,” shared BAROps Committee Chairman, Jan Orbeta. After a series of surveys and discussions, the team unanimously agreed that TALUBO perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this year’s batch. “We believe this is the final hurdle for the law students of UST-Legazpi. After everything, one thing left is for them to grow into Thomasian lawyers, rooted in legal excellence.”
The metaphor of growth reflects not only the personal development of each examinee but also the nurturing community that has surrounded them—classmates, mentors, and especially the BAROps volunteers who have been steadfast in their support. This nurturing is evident in every aspect of the BAROps—from the early preparations that began months before the examinations to the overwhelming support that has poured in from the administration, fellow students alike, and even from alumni.
This year’s operations were bolstered by a surge of volunteers, eager to lend their time and effort. “From the start, we felt the strong sense of collaboration,” Orbeta explained. “Everyone gave support in every form: time, effort, and resources. It was truly a team effort. And I am proud to say that this year’s BAR Operations Team is one, a dream team that I never envisioned na magkakaroon.”
The theme TALUBO has become the anchor of this year’s operations, embodying the journey of each barrister as they rise from law students to future legal practitioners. Yet, the journey isn’t just theirs—it is shared by the community, a collective growth that celebrates the power of nurturing the next generation of Thomasian lawyers.
Behind the Scenes: The BAROps Committee in Action
This year’s BAROps wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of its volunteers, whom are law students themselves.
For Alyssandra Puya, a BAROps Committee member, joining the operations team was a personal investment in her future. “By next year, we’re graduating, and two years from now, it’s also our turn to take the BAR exam,” Puya shares, “We want to level the playing field, so when our time comes, we know what to expect.” Beyond this practical goal, Puya and her fellow committee members are motivated by a deep desire to support their fellow Legazpi Thomasians as they take on the toughest challenge of their law school careers.
The 2024 BAROps Committee has seen an increase in volunteers, an effort led by Committee Chairman Mr. Jan Orbeta. This year, there were UST-Legazpi College of Law alumni, now lawyers joining the team on the third day of operations and the “Salubong”, living the long-running tradition and reinforcing the idea of giving back to the College of Law community.
The day also saw the presence of the supportive College of Law Dean Atty. Leandro M. Millano, Assistant Dean Atty. Ma. Edelyn A. Zaragoza-Ventura, Judge Michael Balmaceda, and Rector and President’s Executive Secretary Sr. Ma. Angie Rose A. Panganiban, O.P., who is also a UST-Legazpi law student. The rainy weather on that day did little to dampen the spirits of the volunteers and the Barristers alike, as they celebrated the end of another grueling exam day with loud cheers and warm embraces.
Undeniably, the journey toward becoming a lawyer is demanding. Yet, the presence of a supportive network—whether family, friends, or an entire BAROps team—can make all the difference.
As the 2024 Bar Exams wrap up, the spirit of TALUBO—growth, nurturing, and community—continues to shine through the experiences of UST-Legazpi’s Barristers and the BAROps team. Whether it’s the shared aspirations, the dedication of volunteers, or the hard work of barristers like Paolo and Shienna, each story reflects the power of perseverance and collective support, which will guide them as they take the next steps in their legal careers.
A Tale of Two Dreams: The Mirabuena Father-Daughter Law School Journey
For the Mirabuena family, the dream of becoming a lawyer became a shared journey—one that bridged generations and broke the mold of tradition. Gilberto Mirabuena, father to now-lawyer Kim Colleen, never imagined that he would find himself in the same academic institution as his daughter, let alone taking the bar exams just a year apart.
“For me, the experience is surreal,” Gilberto reflects, still in awe of the twists of fate. “I never thought I’d be graduating from the same learning institution as Kim, and then following her in taking the bar. The conventional path is for children to follow in the footsteps of their parents, but in our case, I was the one being mentored and pampered. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
The role reversal added a special dynamic to their time at UST-Legazpi. While Gilberto initially encouraged Kim to enroll at the institution, it was she, with her mother, Lilibeth, who urged her father to pursue his long-held dream of becoming a lawyer. Kim became her father’s biggest cheerleader, as well as his occasional taskmaster, prodding him to stay on track with his studies.
“One of my favorite traditions was playfully scolding Papa whenever I caught him slacking,” Kim recalls, laughing. “Whenever he was watching Netflix instead of studying, I’d take the chance to nag him a little. It was amusing to switch roles and act like the parent for a change.”
But the journey was more than just lighthearted moments. Their shared experiences forged a deep bond that transcended the typical parent-child relationship. Together, they walked the often grueling path of law school life—sharing the same challenges, navigating similar struggles, and offering mutual support.
Atty. Kim, who passed the BAR at the age of 24, found immense pride not only in her own success but in the fulfillment of her father’s dream. “The most rewarding part is seeing each other fulfill our dreams,” she shares. “Taking the same path, experiencing the same ups and downs, and always having each other’s back no matter what.”
For Gilberto, the journey was not just about personal achievement but about witnessing his daughter flourish. “Whatever happens next, my greatest reward is seeing Kim earn her DOT—‘ATTY.’ She’s in a place she loves, and that’s all a father could ask for,” he says, beaming with pride.
As they reflect on the road they’ve traveled, family has remained a central pillar. Their family rallied around both father and daughter, supporting them during critical moments like exam weeks. They traveled together to pray at the Simala Shrine in Cebu before the exams, and for both Gilberto and Kim, the “hatid” and “salubong” rituals were made all the more special by the presence of their family at every step.
For the future, the Mirabuenas see themselves continuing to support each other in new ways—as law partners, and possibly as co-pranksters. “Our synergy is unique,” Gilberto jokes. “We can prank a relative or friend with just one signal and know exactly what to do.” While Kim anticipates “chaotic bickering” as a potential feature of their practice together, the love and bond they’ve built will no doubt guide them through every challenge.
Gilberto’s message to parents and children is simple: “If you have a common passion, go for it. Doing something you love with the ones you love is already a priceless reward.”
Kim echoes that sentiment with a heartfelt note: “To all the parents out there who have set aside their own dreams for their children—it’s never too late. You’ve been selfless long enough; now is the time to dream for yourself.”
Their journey has a power of shared dreams—where personal aspirations give way to a greater narrative of family, growth, and love.