Bar Exam 2025 stories in IloIlo

The Bar exam is often called the hardest test in the country. But for many, it’s not just the questions that make it difficult— it’s everything that comes before and after.

Long nights. Quiet breakdowns. Dreams carried for years.

And yet, like what transpired outside the Central Philippine University here in Iloilo, the bar takers were welcomed with something stronger than fear.

There were people supporting them.

In her friend’s shoes
From examinee to supporter, Maan— a Bar passer from the University of San Agustin— stood once more outside the testing site, this time for her friend.

She admitted that the same chill and nervousness still traveled down her spine, just like it did during her own exam. She was earnestly praying that her friend and all the other takers would finish strong and complete.

Her friend, Nathalie, stepped out hours later, met with open arms and a small gift like a quiet but heartfelt celebration. “Day one is over,” Maan smiled.

Also from San Agustin, Nathalie shared how some questions slipped past her memory. “Nabasahan ko pero hindi ko madumduman. [I’ve read it but I couldn’t remember.]”

Law school wasn’t her choice at first, it was a path chosen for her. But in time, she learned to love it.

Now, with one day done, and two more ahead, she walks the same road Maan once did— not alone, but with someone waiting at the end of each day.

Patience, perseverance, and prayers
For Devine Grace Capindo of Central Philippine University, day one of the Bar left her overwhelmed— but hopeful.

“Overwhelming, pero kanami kay nag-stick si Justice Amy sa iya ginhambal [Overwhelming, but it is nice since Justice Amy sticked to what she said,],” she shared, referring to the examiner. “And need na mag-move on from first day kay may chance pa kami to retrieve ourselves sa next two days. [And we need to move on from first day because we still have the chance to retrieve ourselves in the next two days.]”

Her school expressed immense support to cheer them on, and for that, she’s deeply grateful.

No family members waited for her outside. But she carried something just as strong— purpose.

“Para sa Diyos. Para sa bayan. Kay gusto ko gid makabulig [because I really want to help]… to be the first lawyer in the family.”

Also from the same university is Jayson Tacuel Macabuhay. And for him, day one of the Bar went well.

“Okay man [It was okay],” he said simply.

Becoming a lawyer has been his childhood dream. Now, with only two days left, that dream feels closer than ever. “Happy ko kay syempre, duwa na lang ka days bilin para matapos gid. [I am happy because of course, two days are left to finally finish this.]”

His review took four to five months, with his anticipation that Remedial Law will be the hardest especially since it carries the biggest weight at 25%. But for Jayson, every subject matters. “Dapat tanan nga subjects kilanlan hatagan atensyon — every point is very important. [All subjects must be given attention.]

His reminder to himself is simple: Stay positive and believe in yourself.

Lessons from the dean
For the current Dean of the College of Law at the University of St. La Salle (USLS), Dean Ralph Sarmiento, the Bar season brings a familiar kind of tension — one that never really fades, even if you’re no longer the one taking the test.

“Lain man gid ang kulba kung imo, [The nervousness is different if you’re really the one taking the test,]” he admitted. “Pero subong kulbaan man— manageable, pero multiplied… kay damo ko ginakulbaan. [But I am still nervous now— manageable, but multiplied since I am nervous for many of them.]”

Serving as Dean from 2010 to 2016, took a rest then reappointed in August 2023, he has guided hundreds of students through this moment. And this year is no different.

Every day, he posts reminders and tips— many practical, others deeply personal. But a few, he says, stand out as the most important:

First, go back to basics. “The questions this year are answerable with what they learned in law school,” he noted. “No special tricks, just stock knowledge.”

Second, don’t overthink. “Sometimes, the questions are simple. But the more you overthink, the more you confuse yourself.”

Third, use natural logic. “We teach them to give the conclusion first then follow with your legal basis (major premise) and reasoning (minor premise). The reasoning is the most important part.”

Day one, done
They did not just write the answers.
They wrote the beginning of the lives they’ve fought for.
They walked in as examinees— and walked out a little closer to becoming who they were meant and have strived to be.