ThePalladium AUGUST 2013 Vol. XVII Issue 1
The Official Student Publication of the Ateneo Law School
http://thepalladiumonline.com
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IN this ISSUE
Editorial Board
Day Off
Patricia Janelli A. Davide Editor in Chief Iris M. Pozon Associate Editor Arik Aaron C. Abu Managing Editor
Joseph Giancarlo C. Agdamag Junior Associate Editor
On the cover 3-peat Bar Topnotchers Photo taken by Iya Regalario
Erlaine Vanessa D. Lumanog News Editor Nellaine Annabelle L. Soliman Legal Editor
By Rita Odessa A. Villaruel
Darcee Lois B. Galleon Features Editor Rita Odessa A. Villaruel Arts and Culture Editor Ana Flor M. Lacanlalay Layout and Graphics Editor Yul C. Araya Photo Editor Ma. Lourdes N. Colinares Marketing Manager Dan Abraham G. Guinigundo Office and Circulations Manager
Staff
Amidst the monotony brought about by the daily routine in law school, it would not hurt to loosen up every now and then to head for a short out-of-town trip— even for just a day. The following are some vacation spots, situated only a couple of hours away from the city that are perfect for one-day getaways:
Hidden Valley Springs Resort (Laguna)
Corregidor Island (Day Tour)
CALIRAYA RESORT CLUB (LAGUNA)
NEWS
Frances Pabilane Mika Sollano Kaye Baldonado Alexis Aquino Aika Beltran Cara Maglaya Gay Gamad
Arts & Culture 03 Day Off! 04 Cupcake Wars 08 Hala Bira!
LEGAL
18 Of All the Things 20 Lawschool: A whole new box 22 Bucket List + Calendar
Features
Regina Martinez Paula Rivera Carlo Narvasa
LAYOUT & GRAPHICS
Jean Ramirez Kamae Livelo Karen Baquiran
Pierre Salva Erwin Bautista Joanne Ala
PHOTOS
10 Destiny, Supremacy, Dynasty
For high school friends and now Atenean lawyers Ari Singzon, Anj Atadero, and Mickey Ingles, finishing law school with flying colors and topping the bar back-toback-to-back were the combination of hard work, prayer, and a little luck.
12 Breaking the Stereotype
Mickey Ingles not only managed to break through the barrier of the jock stereo type, he also dominated the arguably most difficult exam in the country.
17 Of Speakers and Papers
FEATURES
ARTS & CULTURE
Atty. Raoul Angelo Atadero, in this interview with The Palladium, shares helpful advice and insights as to the way he studied during his bar review days to help both barristers and law students prepare for the bar exam.
A chronicle of a barrister’s thoughts a day after the results of the 2012 Bar Examinations was released.
Mao Santos
Lara Tuazon Korin Aldecoa Anna Bueno Jason Certeza Kim Rances Laurice Peñamante Alyssa Nuqui
KT Ramos Jami Chan Ivy Enguio
05 A Cut Above the Rest
07 Jar of Clay
Gerard Contreras
Liwayway Bacani and Rogelio Madamba joined the ALS Staff just last 2012. But since then, they have introduced noticeable adjustments and made some welcome changes to the school.
Aika Beltran Denise Sales Joan Estremadura Ann Guillian Tero
Jo Godino Raymond Cusipag Maki Falgui Quito Nitura
MARKETING Francis Panganiban Raymond Sanchez
The Palladium has its editorial office at the Palladium Room, 3/F Ateneo Professional Schools Building, 20 Rockwell Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City 1200. For comments and suggestions, please drop a line at thepalladiumonline.com. © Copyright The Palladium 2013. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any manner whatsoever without the prior express written permission of the Editorial Board, except in cases of brief quotations for academic research purposes.
Twitter: @ThePalladiumALS Facebook: facebook.com/palladiumALS
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Located in the town of Calauan, Laguna and about a two-hour drive away from Manila, Hidden Valley Springs Resort is the ultimate nirvana for nature lovers. It is known for its natural pools (cold, hot and soda springs) and skillfully landscaped rainforest. The soda pool is also referred to as the “massage spring” because of the strong flow of the water lavishing a free, natural massage on the bathers. Connecting the pools are wooden bridges and stoned pathways, which lead to the middle of the forest where a waterfall lies.
Corregidor Island is both a historical place and a major tourist attraction. It is one of the most visited places in the country and is increasingly catching the interest of foreigners and locals alike. Corregidor Island prides itself on being the quarters of the remnants of World War II. The 1940s vibe that the island gives and the roundtrip yacht transfers are the selling points of various agencies’ day tours in Corregidor. The tour includes ferry transfers, guided island tour and buffet lunch. Upon arrival at the Corregidor port, pre-Japanese occupation cable cars known as “Tranvias” The resort offers a day tour package inclusive pick the visitors up for the guided island of buffet lunch, merienda and use of all tour. The Tranvias would make stopovers at facilities. historical landmarks and scenic attractions such as the Old Spanish Light House, Pacific War Memorial, Parade Ground, Mile-Long Barracks, Malinta Tunnel, Gen. MacArthur Hidden Valley Photo ©Pao Zapatero (pi- Park, Eternal Flame, and a lot more. noyphotography.org), Corregidor island photo - http://commons.wikimedia.org, Caliraya Resort photo - http://calirayaresortclub.calirayalake.com
Seated on top of the mountains along the Caliraya Lake shoreline, Caliraya Resort Club flaunts its wide variety of extreme sports, and waterfront and outdoor activities. For locals craving a sportive kind of day off, Caliraya Resort Club is the perfect venue. Ski, knee and weight boarding, canoeing, kayaking and skiing are just some of the waterfront activities furnished by the resort. Those into non-extreme sports may indulge themselves on the spacious courts and forested fields designed for tennis, basketball, volleyball, soccer, earth ball, and horseback riding, among others. Wall climbing facilities and Zipline also await guests fancying high altitude fun. A day tour package is inclusive of the use of all facilities.
For people with heavy daily physical or mental workload like law students, it would Not only will a day trip to Corregidor be great to have short relaxing trips every unwind visitors; it will also yield cultural and now and then. Besides, everybody needs historical appreciation. All that relaxation some refreshment to recover strength and become more productive in their work. P and learning for a fraction of the price! AUGUST 2013 ThePalladium
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A new war is brewing and at the forefront are the unlikeliest contenders -- cupcakes. These pint-sized, sugar-loaded, frostingladen, second cousins of muffins have become as ubiquitous as your local Starbucks. By Catherine Rae Espinosa
Countless stores have popped up across the city, all coaxing anyone with a sweet tooth to drop their diets and give in to the confection temptation. Cupcakes shops come in every form imaginable—boutiques, mall stores, pop-up booths, bazaar stalls— and sweet-toothed patrons brave northbound and southbound traffic to indulge in these sweet treats.
Seemingly wanting to pay forward his good fortune, Atadero, in this interview with The Palladium shares the following helpful advice and insights as to the way he studied during his bar review days to help both barristers and law students prepare for the bar exam.
Gigi Cupcakes
As Atenean law students, we know Fridays mean two things: the close of a rough week and the baker’s fair at the Powerplant Mall. The weekend Baker’s Dozen Fair at the basement of Powerplant has turned into a ritual to cap off a week of recits (or trying to dodge them). Flour Girl’s decadent Salted Caramel cupcake is the perfect mix of sweet and salty. Tried, tested, and guaranteed to chase any bad recit blues away!
Location: Lobby, Felina Corporate Plaza, Eastwood City Best Seller: Red Velvet Must Try: Sea Salt Chocolate
Location: Valle Verde 2 & P1 Powerplant Mall, Rockwell (FridaySunday) Best Seller: Salted Caramel Must Try: Green Tea
Cupcake Lab
Many believe that this is the cupcake store that started it all. Feeding Manila’s cupcake-crazed citizenry since 2006, this shabby-chic cupcake bakery is home to over 32 flavors and the best Red Velvet cupcake in the city. Sonja’s has the cream cheese frosting down to an art, making its Red Velvet Vixen unparalleled. Location: Serendra, Bonifacio Global City & 2/F Glorietta 2, Ayala Center Best Seller: Red Velvet Vixen Must Try: Banana Monkey Cream Pie
Flour Girl
Eastwood just got sweeter thanks to Gigi’s cupcakes. Nestled between office buildings, the light and airy coffee shop brightens up the corporate cityscape with its adorable latte art and selection of cupcakes. Gigi’s moist, creamy Sea Salt Chocolate cupcake is every chocolate lover’s dream and worth every calorie. Oh, and this piece of perfection will only set you back P40!
This writer (along with an overly helpful crew of classmates) has taken on the oh-so-difficult task to see what all the fuss is about and checked out some of the finest the city has to offer.
Cupcakes by Sonja
BY Jose Antonio A. Certeza Photos courtesy of Atty. Raoul Atadero
Showing not only his sheer dedication to the Atenean philosophy of magis (Latin for “doing more”), Atty. Raoul Angelo Atadero — who not only graduated valedictorian of his batch but also topped the ever-rigid bar exam last 2011— has consistently proven that he belongs to the country’s cream of the crop.
C
upcakes today have transitioned from your #throwbackthursdays grade school baon to an artisan delicacy, boasting a prism of colors and unique flavor combinations (sometimes bordering on the absurd or the diabetes-inducing). And though cupcakes have been around for a couple of years, the trend is far from waning.
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cuttheabove REST
Cupcakes are not just art; they are also a science. Borne from countless experiments in the kitchen, Cupcake Lab’s offerings run the gamut, from the classic and to the more inventive. The final result? Rich, moist cupcakes, made with premium ingredients. Weaving through Ortigas rush hour traffic was worth every bite of the Ferrero cupcake. The marbled hazelnut based cake, slathered with hazelnut ganache and topped with a piece of Ferrero Rocher, is just the ticket to soothe road rage. Let it not be said that Cupcake Lab ever scrimped on the chocolate! Location: 2/F The Podium, Ortigas Center Best Seller: Ferrero Must Try: Peanut Butter S’mores
Vanilla Cupcake Bakery
Vanilla Cupcake Bakery is every Instagramer’s paradise. Decorated in every shade of pastel, the brightly lit shop will have you shuttering away on your viewfinder or tweaking your settings to #nofilter. Of course, the cupcakes are just as sublime as the store interiors. This bakery’s Strawberry Cupcake is subtly sweet, buttery, and light enough to fool yourself into believing calories do not exist. If that does not work out, you can always drown your dieter’s remorse with another of their twenty-three, equally mouth-watering flavors. Go big or go home! Location: 2/F Glorietta 4, Ayala Center & 2/F Trinoma Mall Best Seller: Strawberry Cupcake Must Try: Banana Cream Cheese P.
The Palladium (P): What was your daily regimen in studying for the bar? Atty. Atadero (A): My ideal study day (“ideal” because I tended to be pretty liberal with my regimen) was as follows: 1. Wake up at around 6:30AM to go to the gym. 2. Grab coffee, visit the APS Chapel, and be at the APS library at around 9-9:30. 3. Study until around 11:30, most likely dozing off somewhere in between. 4. Head to the mall with my friends for lunch, though as the exams approached, the mall was replaced with the school cafeteria to save on time. 5. After lunch, I’d study until around 5:30, definitely dozing off again several times in between. 6. Head to the cafeteria for dinner. 7. After dinner, I’d return to the library and study until the library closes. 8. Walk back to the condo and relax a bit at home. As the exams approached, I’d continue studying at the AGSB study area at the second floor or at home. 9. Sleep at around 11PM. P: Did you believe in certain superstitions prior to the exam? Any unusual beliefs or practices you performed? (lucky clothes/accessories, rituals, etc.) A: As with a lot of bar examinees, I was very religious during the review period, usually starting and ending every study day dropping by the APS Chapel. My mom and I also went to Manaoag in Pangasinan every month during the review period. I didn’t
have any lucky clothes, though a lot of us did have our pencils and pens blessed by Father B before the exams. P: Did you make a study plan/schedule for the entire duration of your preparation?
Photos from Flour Girl, @cupcakelabph, Sonja’s , facebook.com/GigiCoffeeAndCupcakes and callmechristine.com (Vanilla Cupcake Bakery) 4
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A: I was never one for organization, so honestly, I pretty much made up my plan/schedule as I went along. I merely set a target – I was supposed to complete my first reading in two months, then succeeding readings in shorter periods. Where materials are concerned, I chose the materials recommended by people who have taken, passed, and topped the Bar Exams before me. My thinking was that the materials chosen by the majority should be sufficient, and bar review is not the time to be eccentric! In terms of the order of subjects, I took the subjects in the order I wanted for 1st reading. I took the subjects which I felt I was weakest at first, then worked my way from there. For my 2nd & 3rd readings, I took the subjects in the reverse of the order their exams were scheduled (i.e. Criminal to Political Law). Also, I aimed to log at least 8 hours of study every day. I ramped this up to 9, 10, even 12 hours as the exams approached. While I personally didn’t have the organization to use a stopwatch, it might be helpful for others. P: Where did you find it most convenient to study? A: I was already used to studying at the Rockwell campus, so I kept studying at the APS Library and the AGSB study area during bar review. P: Were you still able to find time for extra-curricular/non-academic work? A: I most definitely found time to do other things to keep me sane. I kept up with a few US TV series and watched several movies while on the treadmill. I made time to read things other than bar review materials, and while newspapers and internet gossip sites were daily fodder for me, I remember finishing some lighter books such as the Hunger Games trilogy while preparing for the bar.
“Don’t be too hard on yourself when you fail to meet the study goals you’ve set for the day, week, or month. I fell short on a lot of days.”
“As with a lot of bar examinees, I was very religious during the review period, usually starting and ending every study day dropping by the APS Chapel.”
P: What would be your best advice to the barristers for the upcoming Bar Exams? A: Don’t be too hard on yourself when you fail to meet the study goals you’ve set for the day, week, or month. I fell short on a lot of days. P: If there is one person or a group of persons you would credit your success to, who would it/they be? A: My family and friends, definitely, for providing all possible forms of support – financial, emotional, even spiritual! P: In your opinion, is it advisable to cross-enroll in other schools for bar review? A: Cross-enrolling (enrolling in multiple bar review programs) might be a waste of money if you end up failing to maximize the programs you paid for. I think you should choose the bar review school and program that’s best for you and then stick to it. If you have no intention of attending bar review lectures and will mostly study by yourself, save yourself some money – don’t enrol for bar review or see if you can just do the pre-week lectures. If you’re the type who can and will benefit from listening to lectures, scrutinize the different schools’ rosters of lecturers well to find the program that you will help you the most. I myself went for the ALS program, but some batchmates who went to other schools had good things to say about their lecturers as well. P
Yesterday made me into a different person. Yesterday, many aspiring lawyers had the life altering reality that they are now lawyers. Dreams came true. A few of us, however, had our lives altered in a different direction. We failed. We did not make it. Yesterday, I cried. I struggled to smile or even stand. While I know that my identity and calling is not grounded on this, that this is not the most important thing in my life, the truth is it is still important enough to hurt. And it hurts real badly. Then somehow it resurfaced. I remembered this prayer not long ago. I remember wrestling with God, restless as to what He desired for me. I know I longed to be used for His purposes. I desired this so much that I remember saying I was willing to do whatever it takes. To give up whatever it takes, including my own life. I remembered asking God to use me, even if He has to take away my passing the Bar exam. I prayed this on October 2012, right after taking the exam. I remembered my heart skipping a beat when I prayed this. I remembered gasping, wishing I can take it back. But I didn’t. Today, despite the feelings of hurt and of disappointment, of dreams and plans vanishing before my eyes, He is making me realize this is not the end for me. This is not the destiny He planned for me. Somehow, in His wisdom, He knows that despite my back-breaking efforts to study, many tears, more sick days, and my toiling from dusk to dawn, that I believed in myself and others did too. He does not want this for me. Not now. Was all that for nothing then? No. None of what I went through was for nothing! Today, while it’s hard for me to rejoice, I know there’s a reason to rejoice tomorrow because He is STILL WORTHY to give everything that I have for. He is still worthy to be praised even after He takes away what He can easily give. Today, though not yesterday, it is well with my soul. My mom and dad, mentors and closest friends shared to me that they have a PEACE that comes from God. They sympathize and mourn with me, yet all have peace that this is from the Lord. This evening I cried again. I cried because I realized that when I asked God to make me an instrument for His purposes, He heard that. That when I asked God to do whatever it takes…whatever it takes to bring me to His place of obedience, He heard that. That when I said to Him “I’m Yours”, He heard that too. I asked for all of this. So, No. None of what I went through was for nothing! Father God, I know You can and WILL make my story, this failure, one about You. That You will use this as part of my testimony that You are real, and that You LOVE me endlessly and that You’ve given me an identity that no one can grant or take away. That despite this or because of this, I will always choose You. LORD, use me and my pain for Your purposes. Crush me to rebuild me again into someone new. A new Jamie. All over again. Looking less like me, and more like Your Son. To all who passed, believe that God wanted this for you. This is your time to serve the people, invest in protecting others and celebrate with your loved ones. Kayo na and you deserve this guys… Galing niyo! To those who didn’t make it like me, this is just a part of your story too. Obviously, this is not the end of who you are. Believe that there is a special lesson tailor-made just for you… All I know is that this does NOT define us. How we rise again will. For me though, I now know the Reason. God now has made it beautifully clear to me that He wants ME. He wants me to serve Him, represent Him, and to chase after Him. Not after my own dreams. He wants me to want Him more than these! This is it guys. Soon, I’ll head back to America a new person with the same amazing purpose! While I am now a slightly broken jar of clay, I have the same passionate and glorious Spirit inside me, making me more perfect in my weakness! He will and is making me into a man who will have a heart after His, and nothing else. I love you God.
“Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades. Never ending, Your Glory goes beyond all fame. And the cry of heart is to bring Your praise, From the inside out of my soul…”
Jar of Clay BY JAMIE FLORES*
(Editor’s Note: There are two sides to a coin: one immediately appears triumphant when flicked the right side up in a coin toss; the other, faced down, does not appear until given another chance. This is the “other side” – a chronicle of the author’s thoughts a day after the result of the 2012 Bar Examinations was released. This is republished from the author’s Facebook post and edited with permission.) *Jamie Flores belongs to ALS Batch 2012. He was formerly The Palladium’s Layout and Graphics Editor.
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T
o the uninitiated traveler, Kalibo, Aklan is simply the gateway to Boracay – the picturesque beach famed for white shores that contrast with the various shades of tan of its international visitors. But experienced travelers would know that Kalibo also holds a promising experience: the Ati-Atihan Festival. From late December to midJanuary, the streets of Kalibo pulsate with distinctive drumbeats. Locals stage parades in inventive costumes with
vibrant colors brought out by the heavy stain of charcoal (buling) on their skin. Buling serves more than an aesthetic purpose. By blackening their skin, locals recreate the first Ati-Atihan. According to legend, Aklan was populated by a tribe of Atis under King Marikudo and Queen Maniwangtiwang. One day, a fleet of balangays led by Datu Puti arrived. He was accompanied by nine other datus of Borneo who escaped the oppressive rule of Sultan Makatunaw. Datu Puti sought
an audience with King Marikudo to peacefully express his interest in making a settlement. The Ati King and Queen conceded the plains in exchange for a golden salakot and a golden necklace. The successful barter called for a celebration. Marikudo ordered his men to prepare a banquet after which they played musical instruments and danced. The new settlers joined in the dancing and smeared themselves with soot to blend in with their hospitable hosts. This celebration was repeated during times of bounty until it became tradition.
Halabira! By Korina A. Aldecoa Photos by Ram Cusipag
The merrymaking acquired a new meaning upon the arrival of the Spaniards. As the colonizers did with other parts of the country, they assimilated Christianity into the local customs in Aklan. They replaced the natives’ pagan idols with the Santo Niño, and soon the Santo Niño became the focal point of the feast. A leader would shout “Viva kay Señor Sto. Niño!” (Long live the Holy Child!), with the crowd responding with chants of “Viva!”. The same refrain echoes in today’s Ati-Atihan. The Ati-Atihan maintains its reputation as a religious event, drawing Sto. Niño devotees to its processions. A procession ends in the Kalibo Cathedral, where people line up for the “paeapak,” during which an image of the Sto. Niño is rubbed on the person’s head, back, shoulders, and arms. Many claim that the paeapak dispels fatigue from the procession. The third Sunday of January
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marks the culmination of the festival, beginning with a seven o’clock morning mass that fills the Kalibo Cathedral to its gates. The mass ends with the town mayor’s call of “Viva kay Señor Sto. Niño!” to which the crowd reciprocates with a thunderous “VIVA!” This is repeated two more times, and on the third time, the drumming begins. As the beat grows louder, a festive atmosphere suddenly drowns the solemn mood. Certainly, the Ati-Atihan is not your stereotypical religious feast. Surprisingly, the Aklan clergy tolerates this. Former Bishop Gabriel Reyes once said in a homily before the Ati-Atihan crowd, “Let’s drink, but let’s not get drunk.” And so, it is not unusual to see people in the parade holding in one hand a Sto. Niño and in the other, a San Miguel. Being the country’s largest freefor-all street party is another feature
which lends the Ati-Atihan its unique appeal. It is the country’s most inclusive festival. No money, passes, or costumes? No problem! No security personnel or paraphernalia separates the spectators from the participants. In fact, switching roles—from being a mere spectator, into actually participating in the festivities—is easy! Simply walk into the parade and do the sadsad, a walk while dancing to the rocking drumbeats. Or just dance to your own rhythm. A gifted dancer or not, you could count on the Ati-Atihan’s irresistible sounds to make your body groove. But if shyness overcomes you, then just take pictures. Or grab a beer, drink and make friends! Drink some more and make enemies. Drink even more and be friends again. In Ati-Atihan, there are no rules. Save perhaps to keep your feet thumping to the beat of the drums. As the locals say, “Hala Bira!” P
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C O V E R
S T O R Y
GOOD things come in threes. For high school friends and now Atenean lawyers Atty. Cesareo Antonio “Ari” S. Singzon, Jr., Atty. Raoul Angelo “Anj” Atadero, and Atty. Ignatius Michael “Mickey” D. Ingles, finishing law school with flying colors and topping the bar back-to-back-toback were the combination of hard work, prayer, and a little luck. By Laurice Claire C. Peñamante and Iris M. Pozon PHOTOS COURTESY OF IYA REGALARIO
DESTINY, SUPREMACY, DYNASTY Atenean Pride
Years 2010, 2011 and 2012, which saw several Ateneans dominating in the Philippine Bar exam, proved lucky to the Ateneo Law School (ALS) and community. These marked the first successive ranking of a law school in the past decade.
Singzon topped the bar with a score of 89% in 2010, prior to the departure in the format of the bar exam. He led the pack of Ateneans in the top 10, with Filimon Ray Javier, Johana Sunga, and William Benson respectively placing second, fifth and ninth. Only 982 of some 4,487 bar takers (20.26%)
Mickey’s caption on facebook: “Three-peat. These two guys showed me reaching for the stars was possible. 2002: 2010, 2011, 2012.” 10 ThePalladium AUGUST 2013
passed the exam. The passing grade was then pegged at 72.5%. Singzon said that topping the bar came as a shock. In fact, he was preparing for different scenarios the night before the results came out. “After the information had sunk in [however], I felt really thankful for such a wonderful blessing,” he said. The year after, Atadero clinched first place at a time when changes to the exam were finally implemented. Under the leadership of Justice Roberto Abad, the Supreme Court (SC) committee introduced the 60% multiple-choice questions (MCQ), 40% essay format. Despite the modification, the exam marked the country’s second highest passing rate from year 2000. Some 1,913 out of 5,987 examinees (31.95%) hurdled the bar. Atadero said the running litany in his head the night before the announcement of the results was that he just wanted to pass. He admitted that ranking first was surprising since he felt that he did terribly in some subjects, particularly Legal Ethics and Commercial Law. Meanwhile, the release of the latest bar
results last 20 March 2013 saw the happy news of not one, not two, but six Ateneans placing, which led to the joyous uproar of excitement and pride among law students, faculty and staff, and family and friends of bar examinees. Ingles, by besting 949 bar passers out of the 5,343 in the 2012 exam with an 85.640% average, not only became the 22nd Atenean to top the bar but also sealed a three-peat for the ALS. Following closely at second was Catherine Beatrice King Kay who garnered an 84.720%. Xavier Jesus Romualdo (84.10%), Jose Maria Angel Machuca (83.99%), Marvyn Llamas (83.29%) and Carlo Martin Li (83.27%) seized the fourth, fifth, eighth and ninth place respectively. Similarly disbelieving the news, Ingles jokingly confessed that, at one point, he playfully toyed with the idea of getting a barrage of TV interviews.
“Three-peat”
The ALS’s three-peat achievement has been attributed in jest to the seemingly special 2002 high school batch of Singzon, Atadero and Ingles, who have been friends since their teenage years.
When asked if coming from the same batch lent them a little luck or gave them any pressure to top, the three brushed off the idea. Singzon claimed that he just felt lucky to be part of a group with so many achievers.
Be disciplined. Keep at it lang. There are days na ayaw mo na talaga mag-aral, pero always have an end goal. “I felt very happy, having known these guys since high school,” he said. Atadero, on other hand, admitted that “[p]ersonally, it was a lot of pressure. Apart from Ari graduating as valedictorian and topping the bar before me, our other classmates have also achieved [so] much.
For example, one of our classmates topped the Chemistry board exams, while another also clinched a place in the Architecture boards. Still others have résumés to make anyone envious. Obviously, there was an expectation to follow suit.” He added that he even prayed hard for Ingles to top, because he knew the pressure the latter was under, especially since “Ari and I had previously ranked first. When he was announced as the topnotcher therefore, I was over the moon about it.”
Support system
Reacting to ALS Dean Sedfrey Candelaria’s invitation to the now newlyminted lawyers to help in the bar operations (BarOps), Ingles seemed enthusiastic about the idea. “BarOps helps na nga, pero knowing that friends in BarOps are rooting for you. Not only do they give you better tips, [they] will inspire you even more,” he said. Singzon praised the Bar Ops, noting that they did excellently during his review. This year, BarOps Academics Head Clariesse Jami Chan said that they sought to improve the already great performance of AUGUST 2013 ThePalladium 11
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eople tend to have preconceived notions about their peers in most school set-ups. Some are branded as nerds or geeks. Others are tagged as the princesses or jocks, whose apparent, singular motivation is to remain popular. And yet, footballer Mickey Ingles not only managed to break through the barrier of the jock stereotype, he also dominated the arguably most difficult exam in the country.
Football Lessons Last 20 March 2013, Ignatius Michael “Mickey” Ingles, former captain of the Ateneo Booters football team and Salutatorian of the Ateneo Law School of batch 2012, bested 5,686 examinees by clinching the top spot in the October 2012 Bar Examinations. Perhaps the feat was not much of a stretch for now Atty. Ingles since he was a consistent honor student throughout his school years. In law school, he graduated Salutatorian and bagged the St. Thomas More Award for Most Distinguished Graduate before stepping out into the world. He even headed a three-peat championship during his stint as co-captain of the Ateneo Booters from 2004 to 2006.
©Carissa Villanueva
By Kim L. Rances Photos courtesy of Atty. Ingles and Carissa Villanueva, with additional photos from PDI / Grig Montegrande and Quito Nitura
The law school accolades, however, came at a price. He admitted that he had to give up his passion for soccer, as he was unable to train with his team and find time to study for school. “Preparation always gave me confidence and even if I knew the professor would not be able to finish all the case assignments, at least I had bala (ammunition) for the next sessions,” he said. Besides basic preparation, his study habits included making his own reviewers for subjects like Taxation and Criminal Law. He says consolidating all the available notes from reviewers and books into one material made for easy and streamlined studying. “[It’s a] hassle to have to go through all the materials (cases, textbooks, codals) for the exams. Ang daming papel! (There are a lot of papers!)” he shared.
©Grig Montegrande
Changing times, changing formats The change implemented by the SC in the bar exam format over the past few years undeniably compelled law schools and bar reviewees alike to shift gears to adapt. Despite it, the men at the helm of the Atenean “three-peat” scored excellently in the bar. Atadero credited this to the training the ALS provides. “[A]fter all, the ALS clinched top spots despite several format changes!” he said. Ingles, though, admitted that the recent bar exam was long and very difficult. “Kasi ie-expect mong 60% multiple choice, then 60 items dapat. Pero sa amin 100 items, or 75 items tapos we had 10 to 30 essay questions pa… Parang you were taking two tests. Yung technique ko was just answer [the exam] as fast as you can…you have time to review naman,” he said. Notably, SC announced towards the end of last year that the format for the 2013 bar will be 80% essay and 20% MCQ. In response, various groups in the law community are rallying not only against it but also for the reversion of the format to a purely essay-type exam. However, the three topnotchers do not quite agree, and instead hope that the SC stays consistent in providing for an exam format and standardize its general scheme. Ingles said, “I think the SC should look at creating like a database of not really the answers but what areas of law are actually considered basic. For example in Constitutional Law, what is basic there. And then from there, work with determining what’s basic, what’s intermediate, what’s really in-depth knowledge. So that they have standards to ask. For example 85% of the questions would be basic, 10% intermediate, 5% would be in-depth. Kasi the bar naman should test your knowledge. I think ‘yung term nila before, ‘yung standard was what a first-year lawyer should know ‘di ba. It shouldn’t be ‘yung super in-depth knowledge na expert lang may alam.” “In my opinion the format of the exam should be consistent [whether it be essay or MCQ plus Memorandum], a long-term or at least a medium-term plan for the format of the bar exams should be in place to allow schools, bar review programs and students to adjust,” said Singzon.
B P
reaking the stereotype
After graduation, Ingles took a month off and began studying in May for the Bar. He spent around 7-8 hours a day studying and took the weekends off, and would even sneak in a bit of study time if there was nothing planned. His Saturday afternoons before the exams were rest days—to chill, relax, and “catch up on my comics.” This may not be the type of habits expected from champion sportsmen—most of whom would probably choose to train and concentrate on honing their sport than hitting the books, but Ingles actually credits his athletic background for his success in the Bar. “The lessons I learned from the pitch definitely helped me for law school and the Bar. My experience as an athlete taught me that there’s no substitute for excellent preparation, that
©Grig Montegrande
last year’s BarOps team. “The Ateneo Bar Ops is now working with the [school administration] in the editing of the reviewers. Aside from the summer reviewers, case supplements, pre-week reviewers, and blue tips, we’ll also be releasing memory aids for those who just want a quick review of the reviewers. We also made the reviewers easily accessible to those outside the school. By partnering with MyLegalWhiz, the Acads BarOps is able to distribute the soft copy of the reviewers online and to those who have the MyLegalWhiz app.” However, more important than the support system the school and the BarOps team provide is the support that comes from an examinee’s family and friends. Being able to understand the pressure that comes with the life of a law student—especially one who is currently preparing for the bar—is key. Mickey Ingles’ wife, who by funny coincidence is also known as Micki, only had great things to say about her husband. “[I’m] really proud [of him]. I was probably one of the last people who found out.… [But I’ve always said] don’t feel pressured to top. Just pray,” she said. She added that, “I think people were expecting that he won’t have time for me and his family, but he actually did. And we were still able to go to the movies. He made it a point to have time. I knew, of course, when he was too busy, when I shouldn’t bother him. [I just thought] it won’t last forever. It will be over when the results come out. I think the whole process is good for both partners in that they get tested.”
AUGUST 2013 ThePalladium 13
{
{
Don’t pressure yourself for high grades or placing in the Bar. As long as you do your best and prepare as well as you can, the results will just follow. Enjoy the experience!
your confidence in exams and recitations will ultimately be based on the preparation you put in,” he said.
Ingles excels in what he shared is his favorite subject, and is even expected to teach it this school year as an upcoming Taxation professor in the Ateneo Law School (ALS). “I liked it because once I figured out how to study it, it became clear and easier to study. I also liked Constitution I and II, even if I did not get good grades in both subjects,” he shared with a laugh. It is his particular proclivity for Taxation that most law students find quite peculiar, as it has long been considered one of the toughest Bar subjects. It is the waterloo of the majority and an unsurprising source of horror stories--such as when only one person in an entire batch is noted to have passed a final exam.
He claimed that football also taught him to pay attention to details, since it is the little things that make the difference between a good game and a bad one—the same thing apparently applies in law school and the Bar. The key lesson is to focus on preparation and not the results.
For the Bar, Ingles' study approach for Taxation was the same as his general approach for the other subjects: a little bit of his own and a little bit of others. He studied the reviewer he made when he was still taking up Tax, and complemented it with materials from Atty. Crescencio Co Untian, Atty. Vic Mamalateo, and the Ateneo reviewer.
“You can’t control the results, but you can
“During my first reading, I read my reviewer
He added that the pre-week lecture on Tax was also helpful when it came to the general principles of tax, “but if there’s only one class you can go to, go to the Updates on Jurisprudence lecture of Atty. Montero.” For Ingles, excellence (or even just passing the Bar) does not come overnight—it is a product of four years of hard work. Studying for the Bar should begin while people are still law students, and not when they are already barristers. Preparation from the moment one steps into law school and formation of good study habits are keys to passing the Bar, since most exam questions involve those that some professors already ask in recitations or discuss in lectures. He also advises current law students to “take your classes seriously, but not too seriously that you become student-zombies.”
Law School Snapshot: Bar hopefuls studying hard in the library’s “aquarium” as the bar exams steadily approach. Photographed by Arik Aaron Abu
Now that he can validly add “Atty.” before his name, Ingles wants a career not only in Taxation Law, but also Sports Law. He hopes to someday teach an elective on Sports Law in the ALS. Despite his achievements as a Bar topnotcher and a three-peat football champion, Ingles only has words of encouragement for everyone. “Don’t pressure yourself for high grades or placing in the Bar. As long as you do your best and prepare as well as you can, the results will just follow. Enjoy the experience!” he said. P
control how you prepare and the effort you put out,” he added. Everyone's Waterloo In addition to breaking the jock stereotype, Ingles also departed from what was normally expected of law students—he loves Taxation.
14 ThePalladium AUGUST 2013
and Co Untian. I consolidated everything in my reviewer (like what I used to do in school),” he said. Help also came from Ingles' classes under Atty. Michael Montero and Atty. Serafin Salvador, who were instrumental in his understanding of Tax Law because they taught it “pretty well and highlighted things that would’ve passed through the net if I relied on self-study.”
“
You can’t control the results, but you can control how you prepare and the effort you put out.
AUGUST 2013 ThePalladium 15
DESTINY /continued from page 12
“While I agree that essay questions allow bar candidates to showcase their skills in advocacy and allow for creativity, I think some form of objective questions should still be part of the bar exams to test those basic items of law that any first-year lawyer should know,” added Atadero. He elaborated that objective items – whether answered via MCQ, True or False, enumeration, or essay – reduce subjectivity and are ultimately fair for everyone if executed properly. “What is really needed is the standardization of the exams (method & coverage) so that each year will not be a big guessing or wagering game for those involved,” he said.
Make history
Despite the said achievements, the
2012 bar exam also marked the first time since 2002 that the the overall passing rate in the bar exam dropped below 20 percent. Only 949 examinees out of 5,343, or a total of 17.76%, overcame the four Sundays of last October, despite the SC’s move to lower the passing rate to 70%. The general consensus was that the 2012 exam was very hard. “Based on the feedback I received from friends who took the exam, I was not expecting the same passing average as the 2011 exams, but the passing rate this year was lower than I had anticipated. I guess this means that there’s more work to find the perfect examination structure for the Philippine Bar,” said Atadero. “The Ateneo’s passing rate is still one of if not the highest in the country [though], so I think there’s still something to be proud of there. I think this means that everybody concerned— faculty, staff, students, reviewers, and
reviewees—have their work cut out for them for the upcoming bar examinations.” “It seems that the bar exams are becoming tougher and tougher each year. I think that given the difficulty of the exam this year and the national passing percentage, 78% is still a good result,” Singzon added. The three gentlemen of the bar also offer only warm words of reassurance for this year’s bar examinees, whether first-time takers or retaking the bar exams. “Study hard and keep your focus! Stick to a schedule and take breaks,” said Singzon. “[ Just] don’t give up, you can do it! I wish you all well for the 2013 Bar exams.” Ingles echoed this sentiment and added, “Be disciplined. Keep at it lang. There are days na ayaw mo na talaga magaral, pero always have an end goal. The way I motivated myself there, ‘di ba may book stand? I wrote first day [of the bar review], ‘Make history.’ Kasi I wanted to do well to continue the legacy of my classmates at ng school.” Atadero, meanwhile, encouraged those who unfortunately did not make it. “This setback should not and will not define you. Begin studying, and just keep on studying! Next year will be your year,” he said. P
VOX THE PALLADIUM PRESENTS:
2.0
Express Yourself (legal writing through improved and effective communication) September 7, 2013, Ateneo Law School Contact: DARCEE GALLEON @ 0915 282 5224
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Of Speakers & Papers
By Carlo C. Agdamag, Alyssa Hannah R. Nuqui and Lara Karina S. Tuazon Photos by Denise Sales and Arik Abu
It’s enrolment day. And once again, you find yourself huddling with several other students to line up in front of the Ateneo Law School’s (ALS) administration office windows and list your name on the enrollment sheet. On one side, you find a man with a speaker, happily humming while holding on to his microphone. On the other side, you notice a woman behind a corner desk, busily encoding stuff on her computer. Several seconds pass before you finally realize how much has changed in the administration crew’s set-up since last school year—Liwayway Bacani and Rogelio Madamba joined the ALS Staff just last 2012. But since then, they have introduced noticeable adjustments and made some welcome changes to the school. The New Registrar on the Block Ms. Liwayway “Miss Wawie” Bacani is the ALS’ new assistant registrar. The 37-year-old is a BS Computer Science graduate from Adamson University. Her job entails monitoring of grades and evaluation of student records. When asked what her normal workday is like, Miss Wawie responds by pointing to the numerous boxes and piles of papers on her desk. She begins her day at school by finishing her tasks from yesterday. Normal work hours, she claims, are not enough for her to accomplish her daily workload. Her busiest days happen in the summer—especially when she needs to prepare the records of graduating seniors, handle the enrollment not only of freshmen, but also of the other undergrads, and, not to mention, go through the various grade breakdown requests for student appeals. Together with Kuya Jeff, Miss Wawie also deals with the exam week seating arrangements, and the monitoring of online student accounts. While some people may find her work toxic and demanding, Miss Wawie professes that she loves what she is doing. Despite having the opportunity to finish her MBA degree, she still chose to pursue her job because the work it entails is something that she has grown fond of. She confesses, nonetheless, that the most difficult part is when she has to contend with students who fault her when something goes wrong with their registration or enrollment. She explains that it is her responsibility to ensure that student trans-
actions are strictly in accord with the administration rules. However, she admits to various hitches and glitches during her first year in office due to staff transition and the difference in the systems of ALS and the Ateneo Graduate School of Business, where she came from. Despite these, she was able to address the problems and can now proudly say that school’s enrollment process has become relatively easier for everyone. With these in mind, Miss Wawie only has one thing to ask from students: that they try to understand not only where she is coming from, but also the nature of her job. She encourages students to ask her directly—instead of just relying on stories and tips from upperclassmen—should they have any school concerns. She is also very open to suggestions on how she can improve the school’s student accounts system. Bearer of Good Vibes With all the stress of law school, it is refreshing to find people who can remind us of how to have fun and simply enjoy everything we do. Thirty-six-yearold Rogelio L. Madamba Jr., fondly called “Kuya Roy” by students, is one such happy-go-lucky man. “Ina-apply ko ‘yong personality ko sa tao na iyon para mapalapit din ako sa kanya professionally,” he says. He adds that he enjoys his daily interaction with students and faculty, and admits to intentionally reaching out to students by having random chats with them every now and then. Every day, he can be seen walking around third floor hallways, teasing students and calling them by their first names, all for the spirit of camaraderie. Despite this difficult task, Kuya Roy has successfully ingrained himself in student’s lives in such a short period of time. “Ang trabaho ko talaga dito ay more on messengerial at utility, kasama na doon ‘yong sa classroom, errands for the faculty tapos support din sa staff,” he relates. He also admits that the ALS life is an interesting shift from his previous work environments. Kuya Roy has worked in banking institutions like EastWest Bank and Citystate Savings Bank. Appreciating the positive change in his career, he claims that he feels “very fortunate” for the opportunity given to him. It has been more than a year since he first set foot on campus, and yet he remains happy and content with attending to his daily tasks in the school. “Minamahal ko kasi talaga ang trabaho ko,” he says. When asked where gets all his positivity, he answers “passion.” “Virgo kasi ako eh, very passionate,” he notes. Indeed, Kuya Roy’s zeal for service to the ALS community is admirable. Truly, Kuya Roy’s carefree character, along with his fondness for horoscopes, banking, and psychology, made him well-loved by the students. P
AUGUST 2013 ThePalladium 17
Of All The Things
There are those whose Bar stories were never told. This is the story of Umboy and Berns. Of All The Things involves romance and the plight that many of us law students would not even dare think – the Bar examinations. The movie is topbilled by Aga Muhlach and Regine Velasquez who both meet along the streets of Manila City Hall. They quickly develop a working relationship – where Berns (Regine Velasquez) is a “fixer” and Umboy (Aga Muhlach) poses as her counsel. The two continue working professionally and become comfortable with each other. Amidst all the romantic notions in the movie, Umboy is haunted by his own ghost. His failure to pass the Bar for the first time has him so jaded that it hampers their relationship throughout the movie. The premise for the movie seems very promising. However, the movie fails to live up to the theme as it quickly falls back into the feelgood romantic cheesiness that Pinoy romantic comedy movies are known for. A lot of the scenes
show Umboy and Berns in the different stages romantic love – the companionship, the pursuing, and the dates they had while at the same time, showing a professional relationship to their clients. The only twist seen here is when Berns tries to take control of Umboy’s ghosts and forces him to take the Bar exam again. Their relationship gets rocky and Umboy, feeling the pressure, breaks their relationship off. The pressure that the Bar examinations bring is indescribable. Noteworthy is the scene where Umboy waits for the release of the results of the Bar exam. For sure, every bar taker can and will relate to that scene. The bar examinations is considered as the benchmark of the legal profession. Not only does it mark the culmination of one’s legal studies but it likewise determines one’s admission to the practice of law. So, is this another chick flick? Watch the movie and find out. P
N
Bilang isang bansang may mayamang kasaysayan at kultura, hindi nakapagtatakang unti-unti nang nakikilala sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng mundo ang Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng ating pagkain, musika, sining, at kaugalian. Nagkakaroon ng bagong anyo at pagkakakilanlan ang konsepto natin ng kultura. Sinasabing kultura nga raw ang pulso ng isang bansa; ito ang nagsasalarawan at humuhulma sa mithiin, pangarap at ambisyon ng pamayanan. Sa bawat galaw o salita na lumalabas sa bibig, kalakip nito ang mga karanasan natin bilang mga Pilipino. Kung dati ay mas tinatangkilik ng mga Pilipino ang mga konseptong banyaga, ngayon ay napapansin na rin natin ang mga orihinal na gawang Pilipino. Saksi tayo sa muling pagusbong ng pelikulang Pilipino sa pamamagitan ng mga malikhaing “independent films,” at gayon na rin lamang ang muling pamamayagpag ng OPM o Original Pilipino Music. P
Photo from: pinoyexchange.com (C) Star Cinema
18 ThePalladium AUGUST 2013
Ni Paula Rivera at Ivy Enguio
aging usap-usapan kamakailan ang mungkahing baguhin ang ilang mahahalagang bahagi ng kasaysayan at kultura ng ating bansa. Tulad na lamang ng pagbabago ng pambansang bayani, watawat ng Pilipinas, at maging ang iba’t ibang pambansang simbolo ng ating bayan. Ngunit kapansin-pansin na mas naging mainit ang talakayan sa isyu ng pagpapalit ng pangalan ng ating bansa—mula sa salitang “Pilipinas” patungo sa “Filipinas.” Isang simpleng katanungan ang umiikot sa talakayang ito: kailangan pa nga bang gawin ito sa kasalukuyan?
Makikita ang galing ng mga bagong direktor, manunulat at aktor ng pelikulang Pilipino sa taunang Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival. Ngayong 2013, gaganapin ito mula ika-26 ng Hulyo hanggang ika-4 ng Agosto. Unang ipalalabas ang mga pelikula sa CCP Theater, ngunit maaari naman itong mapanood sa mga susunod na araw sa mga piling sinehan tulad ng Trinoma, Greenbelt at Alabang Town Center. Ilan sa mga pelikula na mapapanood sa Cinemalaya 2013 ay ang mga sumusunod:
Amor Y Muerte – Ang ‘Amor Y Muerte’ (“Pag-ibig at
Bagong Mukha ng Pelikulang Pilipino
By Darcee Lois Galleon and Kathleen Teresa Ramos
Ikaw Ba Ay Filipino?
Kamatayan”) ay isang pagsusuri sa unang pagtatagpo sa pagitan ng mga Indios at ng Imperyong Kastilyo, kabilang ang kanilang mga salungat na pananaw ukol sa pag-ibig, relihiyon at sekswalidad.
Pinagbibidahan nina: Althea Vega, Markki Stroem, Adrian Sebastian, Ama Quiambao; Kasama sina: Mico Palanca, Kuya Manzano, Amante Pulido
Liars – Hango sa totoong pangyayari, ipinapakita ng “Liars” ang pagtaas at ang nakakahiyang pagbagsak ng isang koponan ng mga batang lalaki sa laro ng baseball sa isang internasyonal na kumpetisyon noong 1990s. Pinagbibidahan nina: Alessandra de Rossi, Jan Harley Hicana, John Michael Bonapos, Cris Villanueva, Richard Quan, Jim Rocky Tangco, Sue Prado, Dax Alejandro, Arnold Reyes
AUGUST 2013 ThePalladium 19
N
A whole new box
E
W
S
Law School rededicates Legal Aid Office
By Usha Von Arx
By Kathlyn Nadia D. Baldonado Photos by Jo Godino
People tend to think that they are smart until they are placed in a box full of minions alike, where one either becomes average or a genius. I am one of those people who believed that I actually belong to the above-average bracket. But upon entering law school, I felt like a kindergarten pupil first learning the alphabet. Nevertheless, I do not doubt that this experience will bring me exceptional wisdom and transform me into a Thomas More-like lawyer. But for now, I shall dwell on digesting my freshman experience in an environment I am just beginning to discover.
1
I would trade anything for SLEEP
Pressure can either be bad for our health or it can be good for our mind and personal growth. When under pressure, one strives to be better and tend to accomplish things one is not even capable of doing. PRESSURE IS GOOD. I just have to deal with it in good faith.
2
Food lies in the eyes of The beholder.
3
One cannot afford to be picky when one is extremely hungry. I see law students eat anything edible, regardless of its state. Law school does a good job in helping law students break their so-called diets. I have been thin my entire life. But with
20 ThePalladium AUGUST 2013
6
law school, I just might take you up on that offer of lunch.
4
There is always that one person in class that you really want to...
No, this is not about love. Go figure. Ahimsa, my friends, Ahimsa. (Ahimsa means “do no harm.”)
5
In college, it does not matter whether you study everyday or listen to what the professors says. You can even opt to just study for finals without even worrying about day-to-day attendance and recitation. In law school, this is quite the opposite. Attendance is valued more than a McSavers Meal (in terms of grade equivalent) and for that, students would never want to miss class. Reading becomes a habit of everyone. Prayers are recited with utmost sincerity and the word “recit” gives you butterflies in the stomach more than spoiled food does.
I recently posted on my Facebook wall: “I have never been so intimidated in my life, but it is the kind that would want me to earn that respect rather than fear it.” I used to speak very well, or so I thought. I can say that I can move mountains with my manner of speaking. But law school happened. I cannot even speak out loud and finish a paragraph without stuttering. I have never been so intimidated in my life, not only by my professors but also by my classmates. Everyone seems intelligent and accomplished. As the days passed by, I have grown to realize that whatever accomplishments we had in high school or college do not matter anymore in law school. Here is a whole new world coupled with a whole new motivation to learn, remember and understand.
The brotherhood and sisterhood in the neighborhood.
We are but a school of FISH inside an aquarium.
Pressure at its Best.
If you would disagree with me that this is the most important thing that law students lack, I can only presume that you are not human or probably dead. I have never craved for something so much like my bed, not even to the extent given to my ex-boyfriend, in my whole life. I can only remark, “I work at day and learn at night, and for that I pray to stay alive.”
I-N-T-I-M-I-D-A-T-I-O-N
7
I have always heard of fraternities and sororities—the kind that would fight for each other and back each other up when one is in trouble or even when one started trouble. We frown upon these affiliations because we are prejudiced. Then I see people wearing their Latin names while walking around the halls of the third floor. I notice that these are the kinds of things that people talk about as if it were a part of the law student life. As a first year-working student, I work and study ridiculous hours, leaving me with no choice but to predict that I will eventually lose my life outside of law school. Still, I am confident that all these would nurture our healthy minds and souls. Everything that happens is merely a part of being a beginner in law school. Later on, I am sure that I would look back and understand how these tiny details, albeit invaluable in life, mattered. P
A
ROUND 50 people from the Angara Abello Concepcion Regala and Cruz Law Offices (ACCRALAW) and from the Ateneo Law School (ALS) community gathered at the ground floor of the Ateneo Professional Schools (APS) building last 18 July 2013 for the rededication ceremony of the new Legal Services Center (LSC) office. The office was renovated with the help of ACCRALAW to coincide with the latter’s 40th anniversary this year. Students, interns, faculty members, members of the Ateneo Human Rights Center (AHRC) as well as the Legal Services Center, and associates and partners of ACCRALAW graced the said event. ACCRALAW Founding Partner Senator Edgardo J. Angara was the guest of honor of the ceremony. Dean Sedfrey Candelaria, ACCRALAW Managing Partner Eusebio Tan, and CoManaging Partner Francisco Lim led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a blessing of the new office as presided by Father Joaquin Bernas, S.J., Dean Emeritus of the ALS. The distinguished guests were ushered inside the newly renovated office for the unveiling of the marker led by Atty. Lim, Atty. Tan, and Atty. Aleli Angela Quirino of ACCRALAW. Atty. Patricia Tysmans-Clemente and Atty. Stephen George S.D. Aquino gave a brief introduction of the ACCRALAW’s affinity with the Legal Services Center by tracing its roots and inauguration 16 years ago, as part of the corporate social responsibility program spearheaded by ALS alumnus Atty. Rolando F. del Castillo. LSC Director Atty. Gilbert V. Sembrano welcomed the guests and formally thanked ACCRALAW for its continued support for the LSC. Atty. Tan stated in his rededication message that the renovation project is a reaffirmation of ACCRALAW’s relationship with ALS. He also announced
that the law firm will launch a scholarship grant project to be implemented next year. The next part of the program was ACCRALAW’s presentation of its gift to the Law School – a replica sculpture of “Travails of Justice,” a work of renowned artist Eduardo Castrillo. Atty. Nina Patricia Sison-Arroyo, LSC Co-Director, introduced a video presentation showing the workings of the LSC and Clinical Legal Education. The video highlighted the aims of the institution, which are to provide quality services, empower law students, and offer an avenue for lawyers to give pro-bono services. After the video presentation, Dean Candelaria gave his response speech, stressing on the significance of the LSC and the great help ACCRALAW contributes in realizing the institution’s goals as well as the Law School’s growth in the legal profession. The program ended with Atty. Lim’s closing remarks, emphasizing on the special relationship of the ALS and the firm in helping each other achieve their goals and aspirations. The event was concluded with cocktails and refreshments enjoyed by the guests. The rededication program was the culmination of the renovation project of the LSC office, which was initially at the APS third floor. It is now located at the former Thesis Center room. The renovation of the office started the summer prior to the school year and was completed during the first week of classes. The renovation and rededication of the LSC office will further serve its purpose of being able to provide assistance to the marginalized and the indigent, faithfully committing to its pursuit of propagating the Christian ideals of justice, compassion for others, and service to the community and the country. P
AUGUST 2013 ThePalladium 21
The Palladium
Bucket List By Ree Villaruel
PSPCA Animal Clinic
pARASAILING
Lugang Café
tHE conjuring
VISIT
EXPERIENCE
DINE
WATCH
Anyone planning to own a pet should consider adopting one from PSPCA. The Philippine Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals hosts, among other services, a temporary shelter for abandoned animals waiting for a new family and new home. Everyone is also welcome to drop by and visit these adorable creatures in the PSPCA hospital ward. PSPCA Animal Clinic is located at 2044 C.M. Recto Ave., Quiapo, Manila. PSPCA’s Facebook page: https:// w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / p a g e s / PSPCA/116849388354149
This sembreak, simmer down, soar into the skies and catch a spectacular view of the beaches of Puerto Galera. Wind Capt. Unlimited, just four hours away from the city, offers tourists such fun experience of parasailing. The person is towed behind a speedboat while attached to a canopy wing and as the boat drives off, the person is taken up to the air. This is a definite must-try; being up in the calm for about fifteen minutes could wipe out the exhaustion bred by months of tension and anxiety. A vivid view of the corals and sea creatures can be seen from up there; and only the waft of wind and seas can be heard.
Lugang Café, the famed Bellagio restaurants’ first franchise outside China, is the new home of authentic mixed Chinese regional cuisines. The distinctive mouthwatering menu from Crab on Vermicelli in clay pot to Roast Duck has gotten the local foodies crazed and stirred. Equally fine are the desserts and teas—one can never go wrong with their Peanut Smoothie and Cantonese milk tea with Tapioca Pearl. While Lugang boasts of old Chinesestyle cooking, its interiors are modern and hip with tall glass dividers, chic chandeliers, velvet cushions and white leather seats—setting it apart from the rest of Chinese restaurants in the city.
Tip: It’s very quiet up there. Share the ride with someone close to you.
Lugang Café has two branches—one located at 115 Connecticut St., Northeast Greenhills, San Juan; G/F 136-137 Main Mall South Wing, 1174-1176 SM Mall Of Asia, Pasay City. Trivia: All of Lugang’s chefs are either from China or Taiwan.
Calendar
october
september UAAP CHEERDANCE
August INNOVATION BLACK
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
TANDUAY RHUM ROCKFEST 7
15
RIHANNA
DISNEY LIVE! MAGIC SHOW
19
31
31
1WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL
02
06
09
13
ManilART 2013 20
21
NBA PRE-SEASON GAME
CARRIE 20
THE KILLERS
DUTDUTAN 13 27
10
NOVEMBER
26
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15
28
ONEREPUBLIC NATIVE TOUR
31
It’s been a while since a horror film struck moviegoers and became ubiquitous in social media; cinemas have been kept under the thumbs of sci-fi movies for the longest time. This year, another haunted-house tale based on a true story, the James Wandirected horror film “The Conjuring” is anticipated to receive a generous response from the viewers and media. The pre-production began in early 2011 and the world premier rolled in last June 6. It will be shown in selected theaters nationwide starting August 21. Tip: Read a little about paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren before watching the movie.