Barrister's Manual (2012)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.
Messages .............................................
II.
Bar Operations Team .............................
III.
Contact Details .....................................
IV.
Barristers Calendar ...............................
10
V.
Hotel Operations FAQs ...........................
11
VI.
Distributions FAQs .................................
20
VII.
Sunday Operations FAQs .........................
23
VIII. Tips for Multiple Choice Questions .............
24
IX.
Topnotchers' Tips ..................................
26
A.
Previous Topnotchers ......................
26
B.
2010 Topnotchers ..........................
69
MESSAGES
Dear Barristers 2012,
This is the second year of experimentation on the Bar Examinations format.
A slightly modified version of last year years examinations will be also in
place this year.
The Law School is preparing for an enhanced Bar Reviews by establishing a
self-testing process for any enrolled reviewee. We hope that the system is
going to be in place beginning June of this year. This is our way of catching
up with the process of preparing every reviewee for a controlled Bar
Examination environment.
I thank in advance the Bar Operations Group this year for this pioneering
project which could be a benchmark or a more effective preparation for the
Bar.
Tools for bar review are available through notes but I advise you to be
discerning in the type of materials you will be using in the next few months.
There is no substitute to familiarity with the materials you have been
accustomed to in the past four years, including your own personal notes for
every subject.
I am confident that this second modified Bar Examination format will be
well within your radar screen. I have seen you develop intellectually and
emotionally. Have faith in your capacity. Pray hard and be generous to
others as you have been blessed with the rare opportunity to acquire the
Ateneo diploma.
Good luck!
SEDFREY M. CANDELARIA
DEAN, ATENEO LAW SCHOOL
MESSAGES
The last lap begins. If you got this far, you have a lot to be proud
about and to be thankful for.
Every inch along the way, remember and believe what Isaiah said:
They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will
soar with the eagles wings; they will run and not grow weary,
walk and not grow faint.
FR. JOAQUIN G. BERNAS, S. J.

DEAN EMERITUS, ATENEO LAW SCHOOL
MESSAGES
Dear Barristers of 2012,

As you begin the last leg of your preparations to realize your long
cherished dream of becoming lawyers, rest assured that my
prayers and support will accompany you. Trust the Good Lord
Who begun this good work in you to bring it to fulfilment.
At the same time, trust yourselves and your inherent talents and
acquired self-discipline and time management. As always, given
your realistic constraints, do the best you can, and leave the rest
to God.
God bless you all!
In Our Lord,
FR. LITO A. MANGULABNAN, S. J.

APS CHAPLAIN AND COUNSELOR
MESSAGES
DEAREST ATENEO BARRISTERS,

It seems like only yesterday when you first saw the
admission results and were overcome with the feeling of
exhilaration at the thought of entering law school. You were
clueless of how things worked and scared of whether you could
meet the challenge. Do you still remember your reaction when
you first saw the load of cases that you had to read? Will you ever
forget the first time you were called for a recitation? Your heart
would palpitate every time you saw your professor approaching
the classroom.
Every day was a constant struggle to keep your head
above water. It was more difficult than what you imagined it
would be. Stress became an everyday companion, as did sleepless
nights and anxieties of whether you were adequately prepared
for the days to come. Things only became worse when you
realized that as difficult as it was to prepare for recitation, but
getting ready for exams was even harder. But now, after all those
trials, you are about to take the one last Final Exam before
becoming a lawyer. When you look back at all the frustrations,
disappointments, and failures, you can now tell yourself that it is
all worth it. Everything you went through only served to make
you a stronger person.
The road ahead of you will never be easy. Passing the bar
is like crossing a bridge towards even greater challenges. Those
challenges are mere avenues for you to excel and live up to the
5
values instilled in you by the Ateneo. As you go out into the

world, remember that Ateneo does not just want you to be
successful, but to be significant in making a mark in our society.
You were trained by the best legal minds of the country and you
are groomed to be the best lawyers of your generation. Strive to
do what is right and live the mission of becoming men and
women for others.
We wish you the best and may God bless you. Make this
institution proud The Legacy Continues, Batch 2012.
FROM THE ATENEO CENTRAL BAR OPERATIONS 2012
ACADEMICS
COMMITTEE
ADMINISTRATION
COMMITTEE
HOTEL
COMMITTEE
Chairperson
Pierre Martin Reyes
Chairperson
Gian Carlo Miranda
Chairperson
Gabrielle Mangahas
Deputy Chairperson
Yla Paras
Understudy
Mari Janine Evan
Mesina
Deputy Chairperson
Lira Fuster
Understudy
Clariesse Jami Mari
Chan
Political Law
Jake Rupert Tabora
Jonathan Jo
Labor Law
Maiqui Laurel
Enzo Castriciones
Civil Law
Hannah Stephanie Ang
Francesco Anbochi
Taxation Law
Ellie Chris Navarra
Shishi Lagrosas
Commercial Law
Nikki Bellosillo
Allan Revote
Criminal Law
Dianna Louise Wilwayco
Julianne Alberto
Distributions
Marjorie Fulgueras
Carlo Barrientos
Cla Abacan
Finance
Patrick Jason Atilano
Food & Nutrition
Dianna Louise Wilwayco
Marketing
Grace Arboladura
Logistics & Security
Fermo Avila III
Promotions
Regine Andrei Alcantara
Merchandise & Sunday
Operations
Maria Ilsea Salvador
Liza Comafay
Remedial Law
Christine Jean Chua
Ethics and Forms
Francis Fernando &
Crisanta Chianpian
7
Understudy
Megan Musni
Kristia Caringal
Hotel Academics
Ana Olivia Lee
Olivia Ana Atillo
Aislyn Yao
Hotel Logistics
Nica Yan
Krissel Alfonso
Hotel Services
Philip Dabao
JM Segovia
Raymond Sanchez
Transportation
Daryl Aldana
John Santos
CONTACT DETAILS
CONTACT PERSON AND
CONTACT DETAILS
For General/Admin Concerns
Gian Carlo Miranda

0927 796 0873
giancarlo.miranda@yahoo.com
For Acads Concerns
Pierre Martin Reyes

0917 599 9934
pierremartinreyes@gmail.com
For Hotel Concerns
Gabrielle Mangahas
0916 556 9390
gabcmangahas@yahoo.com
Marjorie Fulgueras
0917 856 5472
marjorie_fulgueras@yahoo.com
Carlo Barrientos
0917 845 5775
cagebarrientos@gmail.com
For Distributions Concerns
Cla Abacan
cla.abacan@gmail.com
Sei Salvador
0922 830 5688
ilseaxavior@yahoo.com
For Sunday Operations

Concerns
BARRISTERS CALENDAR
FOR ACADEMICS CONCERNS

DATE
June 25, 2012
Distribution of Supplements
and MCQ Reviewer
Monday Before Each

Examination
Distribution of Pre-Week
Reviewers
FOR HOTEL CONCERNS

DATE
April 23, 2012
Start of Hotel Signup

and Submission
Period
June 15, 2012
End of Hotel Signup

and Submission
Period
Last Fridays of June, July, August and

September (depending on room type)
Payment
Saturdays of October 2012, at 2:00 PM
Start of Hotel
Check-in Period
HOTEL OPERATIONS FAQS

Who can avail of the hotel accommodations?
All Ateneo Law Barristers can avail of the accommodations,
provided that they sign up and pay all the necessary fees.
Non-Ateneo Law Barristers can also avail of the accommodations,
provided that they are related to an Ateneo Law Barrister up to
the 4th civil degree, sign up and pay all the necessary fees. The
Ateneo Law Barrister involved in this case should vouch for the
good conduct of the non-Ateneo Law Barrister and sign
appropriate documents. Admission of the non-Ateneo Law
Barrister will still be subject to review by the Ateneo Central
BarOps Committee.
How do we sign up?
An e-mail will be sent to your Yahoogroups and Facebook Group
with the link to the HotelOps database where you can sign up.
Aside from this, you will also need to submit the Barrister Info
Sheet, which will be sent through the Batch 2012 Yahoogroups
and Facebook Group.
Sign-up and submission period will start on April 23, 2012 and
end on June 15, 2012. You may submit your Barrister Info Sheet
through the brown envelope which will be placed at the BarOps
Bulletin
Board
or
through
e-mail
at
ateneohotelops2012@gmail.com with the subject "Barrister Info
Sheet--[Surname]."
10
What hotel are we staying in?

This year, the HotelOps will be held in Sofitel Philippine Plaza
Manila, CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, which the Ateneo
Central BarOps has been using for the past 7 years.
What is included in the hotel accommodations?
The HotelOps will provide your needs during your stay with the
following committees:
Secretariat
The Secretariat is in charge of your reservations with the
hotel, collection of payment for hotel accommodations,
check-in and check-out of the hotel, holding of your
luggages and mobile phones and over-all in charge of the
hotel operations.
A photocopying machine is also available at the
designated function room for your use.
Hotel Academics
The Hotel Acads Committee provides for your research
needs during your stay at the hotel for your convenience.
You may call them at a designated hotline for any
academic questions and they will provide you with your
requested case digests, statutes and other necessary
materials.
11
Services
The Services Committee gladly takes and orders for your
dinner requests for Saturday night, usually upon check-in.
You may choose from a list of restaurants within the
vicinity of the hotel, which will be made available for your
convenience. Payment should be made upon ordering,
inclusive of delivery charges (from the restaurant) and
appropriate taxes.
They also have a mini store where you can buy your
essentials--sodas and other drinks, chocolates, cigarettes,
among other things. Complimentary items are also be
available such as coffee, candies, chips, etc.
Dinner orders and other requests from the Services
Committee will be delivered to your hotel room.
Logistics
The Logistics Committee wakes you up at the time you
indicated upon check-in, which will be at the intervals of
30 minutes. To wake you up, you can choose from the
following--operator call, knock or a combination of both-to ensure that you will not miss the exams.
If you choose packed breakfast over a buffet breakfast,
the Logistics Committee will deliver them to your hotel
room, as well as the AM Blue Tips (c) upon arrival at the
hotel.
12
Transportation
The Transportation Committee assists you in going to the
examination venue from the hotel and back, making sure
that each barrister arrives at the venue on time.
The following amenities are also provided for by the hotel:
Breakfast (packed or buffet)

Two buses to bring you to the examination venue and
back to the hotel
Complimentary use of the swimming pool
Complimentary access to the gym and spa
Complimentary valet parking for in-house guests
Complimentary cocktails after the last Sunday exams
Complimentary shuttle services to SM Mall of Asia for
your guests with the following schedule (subject to
change)
DROP OFF SHUTTLE

AT HOTEL MAIN DRIVEWAY
PICK UP SHUTTLE
AT MALL MAIN DRIVEWAY
10:00 AM
11:30 AM
12:00 NN
2:00 PM
2:30 PM
4:30 PM
5:00 PM
13
How much will the accommodations cost?

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila has extended special rates for the
Ateneo Central BarOps, as shown below. To avail of these special
rates, please coordinate and reserve your rooms with the
HotelOps and NOT with Sofitel. This year, Luxury Rooms (formerly
Superior Rooms) will be available for the barristers.
PER PERSON,
PER NIGHT
PER PERSON, FOR

4 WEEKS
SINGLE
Php 7,500.00
Php 30,000.00
DOUBLE
Php 4,250.00
Php 17,000.00
TRIPLE
Php 3,167.00
Php 12,668.00
* Inclusive of 10% service charge, 12% VAT and 0.825%
government tax
When do we pay for the hotel accommodations?
Payments either in CASH or CHECK should be paid on the
following dates to the Hotel Secretariat and NOT to Sofitel. You
may opt to pay in full, in 2 installments or in 4 installments.
Payment
Full Payment
2 Installments
4 Installments
1st
Jun 29, 2012
Jun 29, 2012
Jun 29, 2012
Aug 31, 2012
Jul 27, 2012
nd
rd
Aug 31, 2012
th
Sep 28, 2012

* All due dates are the last Fridays of the month
14
Please note of the following reminders:

CHECK payments should made payable to SOFITEL PHILIPPINE
PLAZA MANILA.
HotelOps receipts will be issued upon payment; should you need
an official receipt from Sofitel, please inform the Secretariat upon
payment.
Non-payment on these dates will incur a 10% penalty.
When do we check in at the hotel?
Check-in begins on Saturdays of October (or November) 2012 at
2:00 PM with the Secretariat at the designated function room.
Should you choose to check-in in the morning of Saturday or stay
over a night before (Friday), please inform the Secretariat.
When do we check out from the hotel?
After breakfast, you can check out with the Secretariat at the
designated function room by returning your key cards to the
person in charge. If you incurred expenses during your stay, i.e.
availing of room service, mini-bar in the hotel room, Internet use
or placing outgoing calls, please be sure to settle your accounts at
the front desk.
Upon check-out, you may leave your baggages at the designated
function room for secure storage, and deposit your mobile
phones, mp3 players or other gadgets with the Secretariat for
safekeeping. Rest assured that all your belongings are safe since
the function room will be locked once the barristers have left for
the exams. It will only be opened in the afternoon for you to get
your belongings back. Should you wish that your representative/s
(family members, loved ones, etc...) get your baggages, please
inform the Secretariat upon check-out.
15
What should we expect on Saturday nights and Sunday early

mornings?
For Saturday nights, a mass to be officiated either by Fr. Bernas,
Fr. Mangulabnan or Fr. Ferrer will be held in the designated
function room.
For Sunday early mornings, wake up calls and knocks will be
conducted, AM Blue Tips (c) will be distributed and a blessing
from either Fr. Bernas, Fr. Mangulabnan or Fr. Ferrer will be
given.
Where can we study in the hotel?
If you choose to study, instead of resting the day before or hours
before the exam, you can study in the designated function room
for Secretariat, in the hotel lobby, by the pool area or in your
hotel room. However, the lights in the hotel room are not
conducive for studying; so it is advisable that you bring your own
lamps.
How do we get the AM Blue Tips (c)?
If you have a personal runner, then s/he can get the tips from the
designated function room and bring it to you. Since the hotel has
a strict policy on access to room floors, barristers must provide
their personal runners with a duplicate of their room key, by
requesting for such from the front desk.
If you do NOT have a personal runner, the HotelOps commits to
provide you with one, who will deliver the tips to your hotel
rooms once they have arrived at the hotel.
16
If you do not prefer to have the tips delivered to you, you may
opt to pick it up yourself from the Secretariat at the designated
function room.
17
How do we get the PM Blue Tips (c)?

Your PM Blue Tips (c) will be given to you by the Sunday
Operations Committee during your lunch break.
How do we get to the examination place?
Two (2) buses will be provided by the hotel, which will depart
from Sofitel in the morning to take you to the exam venue. These
buses will likewise pick you up in the afternoon after your exams
to bring you back to the hotel to get your belongings.
How do we get to Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila?
If you are coming from Rockwell Center, you may either traverse
EDSA or GIL PUYAT AVE. (formerly Buendia Ave.), since both
roads lead to Roxas Boulevard.
If you opted for EDSA, take the south-bound lane, go straight and
make a right turn at Macapagal Boulevard (with Petron and Blue
Wave Commercial Building on the right). Go down this road and
turn left at the street (unnamed street) where Home Depot and
Jollibee are located on your left, then turn right at the road just
where the Film Center is located. Sofitel is just beside the Film
Center.
If you took Gil Puyat Ave., just go straight crossing Taft Ave.,
Roxas Boulevard and Macapagal Boulevard until you see the
Home Depot and Jollibee on your left (as described above) and
along the unnamed street. Enter this unnamed street and turn
left at the road just where the Film Center is located. Sofitel is just
beside the Film Center.
18
If you do not wish to pass by the Film Center, instead of taking

the unnamed street, go straight further (if you took EDSA) or turn
right at Macapagal Boulevard (if you too Gil Puyat Ave.), and turn
left at the Vicente Sotto St. You should then be able to see Sofitel.
Should you have other questions and clarifications, please
contact Gab Mangahas at 0916 556 9390 or send the HotelOps an
email at ateneohotelops2012@gmail.com.
A FRIENDLY CHECKLIST
FOR YOUR OVERNIGHT STAY
Clothes, swimsuits
Shoes
Toiletries
Reviewers
Codals
Money
Mobile Phone and other gadgets
Lamp
Food
Bar exam permits, etc.
__________________
__________________
__________________
__________________
__________________
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DISTRIBUTIONS FAQS
THE SUMMER REVIEWERS
This set of reviewers is a summary of bar subjects and focuses on
the most important details of the subject matter.
PRE-WEEK REVIEWERS
Before a Bar Exam weekend, Pre-week Reviewers are released for
the relevant bar subjects. The reviewers contain the most recent
jurisprudence and the most frequently asked Bar Exam questions
for the past ten (10) years. The pre-week reviewers are usually
released on the Monday before the weekend of each Bar Exam.
Distribution hours will be posted at the Bulletin Boards.
THE BLUETIPS
The BlueTips contain possible bar exam questions for the year.
The last minute tips are compiled by the Academics Committee of
the Ateneo Central Bar Operations and formulated by different
professors of the Ateneo Law School.
The AM Tips are usually released between 4 to 5 AM of the
examination day proper. Barristers listed under the Ateneo
Central Bar Operations will get their tips at the hotel where we
are billeted. For barristers with personal runners, the personal
runner must claim the AM Tips for their respective barrister in the
APS Library Lobby.
20
The PM Tips will be distributed during the break after the first
(1st) exam, i.e. from 10AM to 2PM. Those under the Ateneo
Central Bar Operations will receive their PM Tips at the Sunday
Operations Headquarters. The exact location of the PM Tips
distribution will be announced one (1) week before the Bar
Exams. Personal runners may also claim the PM Tips at the
Sunday Operations Headquarters.
THE RUNNER
The names of the personal runners must be submitted to the
Distribution Committee before November. A sign-up sheet will
be posted on the Ateneo Central BarOps Bulletin Board at the B1
lobby. The barristers are requested to clearly write the name of
your designated runner in the appropriate column. The
designation of an alternative runner is subject to approval by the
Committee.
In case of substitution of runners, the name of the new runner
should be personally relayed to any of the Committee heads for
approval and proper registration to avoid any confusion. The
runner will be your duly authorized agent when claiming your
BlueTips. The runner can claim the AM Tips at the APS Library
Lobby and the PM Tips at the Sunday Operations Headquarters.
Remember: Your runners have to be people you really, really
trust.
For organizations with designated personal runners, please
submit a list of your organizations runners for each of the
Sundays of November, together with a list of your memberbarristers. Organizations may have a maximum of two (2)
registered personal runners who are authorized to claim AM and
PM BlueTips.
21
IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
When claiming your reviewers and other review materials, proper
identification cards like your Barristers ID (to be given by the
Ateneo Law School Administration) or your Ateneo Law School ID
are necessary. If your personal runner claims your reviewers and
other review materials, your runner must bring proper
identification cards/documents to ensure that your reviewers are
released to the person actually designated. The personal runner
must also bring with him/her your Barristers ID.
22
SUNDAY OPERATIONS FAQS

The Sunday Operations Heads are tasked to establish and
maintain an on-site headquarters in the area of the bar
examinations and to provide logistical support to bar examinees
of the Ateneo Law School during the four Sundays of November.
Their functions include assisting in the distribution of the Blue
Tips for the afternoon of the examination, providing a depository
of personal items of the barristers and ensuring that the
barristers are charged and ready for their next exam.
REGISTRATION PROCEDURE
A list of the possible food selections, as well as the prices, shall be
distributed and posted by the Central Bar Operations. Starting the
week after that, the Sunday Ops heads shall have a booth near
the entrance of the Ateneo Law School Auditorium at the B1
lobby where food orders may be made and payments will be
accepted. Payments and orders may be done in lump sum or on a
weekly basis.
Actual Sunday Operations
The Sunday Operations will have a distribution area, accessible to
the barristers for the speedy distribution of their food and the
Blue Tips. Barristers or personal runners who did not avail of the
food service may also go to the distribution area to claim their
tips.
23
TIPS FOR MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

Here is a compilation of tips for answering the MCQ Bar
Examination, sourced from the talk of Justice Abad & Atty. Abad:
1. In answering a question, look first at the question and
answering it yourself before looking at the choices.
2. In case of doubt, look at the intent of the examiner. You
can also use the process of elimination.
3. If you have to, guess. But guess intelligently.
4. In guessing, stick to one letter if you cannot arrive at an
intelligent guess.
5. The MCQ will only have one answer that experts will
generally agree on, so do not worry about outlier
answers.
6. Since it is choose the CORRECT not the BEST answer,
pick the answer that provides a correct response to the
question.
7. Do not leave anything blank, it is not a right minus wrong
exam.
8. Do not dwell on one number too long, if necessary, skip
it. You need to budget your time.
9. Mark unsure answers so you can review them before
time is up.
24
10. Make sure you are shading the correct number.

11. Keep in mind the purpose of the questions:
a. Examinees knowledge of law and basic principles and
ability to recall them (KNOW and RECALL) 20%
b. Ability to understand the meaning and significance of
the law and its basic principles (UNDERSTANDING)
40%
c. Ability of the examinee to analyze legal problems and
provide solutions to them (ANALYSIS and SOLUTION)
40%
25
TIPS FROM THE PREVIOUS BAR TOPNOTCHERS

ATTY. PJ BERNARDO
TOP 8, 2005 BAR EXAMINATIONS
Review Tips
Studying on Sundays is often necessary to keep pace with the
three-reading schedule.
While it is advisable to scale-down study on Sundays, it is good to
put in a few hours of study in order to keep the pace going. A
completely study-free Sunday can mean difficulty starting-up
again on Monday, resulting in wasted time.
But do take breaks. Perhaps you can schedule them in between
each reading (i.e. after finishing your first reading of all the
subjects). Go to the Beach, drive to Tagaytay, indulge in the spa.
Taking breaks especially come August is a good way to relieve
stress.
Choose the Bar Lectures which you will be attending.
Nothing is better than actually sitting down to read for yourself;
lectures can only serve to point to you important point which you
should already know (i.e. sitting at the lectures, youre attitude
should be: ah, okay, alam ko na yan!) I suggest, however, that
you absolutely attend: Domondons Tax Lectures (and get a copy
of his cut-and-paste, especially in tax), Jacks Political Law PreWeek Political Law and Commercial Law lectures, and the lectures
on Legal Forms and Land Titles.
Stick to a book, and read that throughout.
26
The Bar is not a depth exam, but a breadth exam. Reading too
many books on the same subject can often clutter your
understanding and leave you confused. Do not rely on reviewers;
often, the books you read in law school are the best review
material.
Read past Bar exams.
While there is no guarantee that the Bar will repeat previous
questions, it is always good to have a feel of what the Bar
questions are like. The UP Law Center publishes a compendium of
past Bar exams in every subject, and having a copy of these
compendia would be good preparation in knowing the style of
questions which are asked. Sometimes (as in Tax), there are
several central principles which are often asked, and while
questions may vary from year to year, the concepts are the same.
If you are sharp, you will see the same pattern in other subjects.
So, try to read through the last ten years bar exams. Do it
gradually, over your four or five month review, perhaps before
going to bed (Youre going to dream about the Bar, anyway, trust
me).
Focus on Criminal Law, Taxation, and Ethics.
Ateneans are generally known to excel in Political Law,
Commercial Law, and Remedial Law. However, our waterloo is
often Criminal Law, Tax Law, and Ethics. Thus, pay extra-care to
these subjects, which are often the tricky ones in the Bar. In fact,
during our 2005 Bar, only 19% passed the Criminal Law Exam! It
would be heartbreaking for a bar candidate to flunk it because
he/she gets disqualified in Ethics (and mind you, this has
happened many times). For Ethics, know the Canons.
27
Do well in the afternoon subjects.

The afternoon subjects are often more compact that the morning
subjects whose breadth is often wider. Afternoon subjects tends
to be more to the point and more manageable to answer. Thus,
strive to do well in the afternoon subjects because they can serve
as buffers for the often more difficult morning subjects.
Know the Codal.
You can never go wrong with the code. Even if, for example, the
examiner has a specific case in mind which you do not know,
remember that these cases are merely interpretations of a
specific provision of law. Thus, spend time knowing the codal, if
possible, knowing it by heart. In fact, I suggest that you do not
read commentaries on your pre-week; rather, focus on Codal
provisions.
Take a rest the day Monday after each exam.
Actually, you really have no choice, because your brain will simply
refuse to work on Monday, following each exam. After the Bar
exams, you will probably be too exhausted to indulge in any
strenuous activities. Most of you will just want to plop into bed
and sleep: this isnt a bad idea. Sleep in. Upon waking up the next
day, see a movie. Start studying again in the late afternoon, if at
all.
Most importantly, forget about the previous Sundays exam. Not
only will it make you nervous about the exams in general, it will
just distract you from studying for the next Sundays test.
28
Good luck! Know that for someone whos been there, I can
honestly say that Ateneo Law School has given you what it takes
to pass the Bar with flying colors. Again, its only a question of
focus and discipline on your part. Study to top, not merely to
pass. Magis requires nothing less.
29

ATTY. MENCHIE ONA
Review Tips
Read this manual (at least thrice). That was the first thing I did to
prepare for the Bar.
Psyche yourself. Understand the nature of the Bar Exam. Nothing
comes close to the Bar. It, therefore, should not be surprising that
preparing for the Bar will require every barristers 101%. Bar
Review is synonymous to SACRIFICE. Understand that you have to
forego things you love when you prepare for the bar. The earlier
you say bye-bye to your happy days, the better. The bar exam
requires serious, systematic and smart preparation.
Choose your review materials wisely. It is so time-consuming to
shift to another material and start all over again.
a. Be partial to those books/materials you have already read
during your law school days, provided, of course, they are
bar review materials (i.e. reasonable in length). One,
reading them will take less time, as you dont have to
highlight or mark them. Two, it contains your notes.
Three, even by just looking at the material, youll know
where the important parts/concepts are.
b. Its better to have a copy of a reviewer/handout and then
decide not to read it than to have no copy of it and then
decide you need it. Its best to have options.
30
c. Tables and diagrams in reviewers (Ateneo, Beda) are

useful.
Organize your review materials. Time is of the essence during bar
review. You cannot afford to waste time by looking for misplaced
review materials. I maintained eight drawers for each of the
subject. This is also a good way to store all the reviewers youll
get.
Make a schedule and follow it. Count the number of days from
the start of your review until the last day before pre-week
Anticipate and exclude all those dates when you cant study.
(Youll realize you dont have much time!) Divide these days per
subject (and per book) according to your preference. Subjects
which are longer or which you have weak foundation in should be
given priority. Be flexible, though. Adjustments are inevitable.
Still, a schedule is a must to provide a guide as to how many days
you can allot for every reading. (I misplaced the notebook which
contains my sched. Sorry. Anyway, youre the best person to
know what suits you this applies not only in making a sched but
for the entire bar preparation as well.)
Dont procrastinate. You cant buy time. There is not enough
time! (I cant stress this enough.) There is no way to stretch your
review period you can only reduce time allotted for one subject
to make up for another. This is the best time to bribe your friends
(who are not preparing for the Bar), family and loved ones to do
tasks for you (like buying your pens, books, getting review
materials, preparing meals, etc.)
31
Still, be kind to yourself. Set aside some time to relax and

breathe. Sometimes your brain just cant absorb anymore. Youll
be more effective if you stop reading. Watch a movie, go out,
have dinner with your loved ones, whatever. (But not too long,
just enough to recharge you.) I went out during Saturdays. When
I feel tired or when I feel my brain cannot absorb more info, I stop
- watch t.v., sleep, mangulit sa mga kapatid ko esp. Kenneth, Udy,
Mae.
Monitor your progress. I logged both the number of hours spent
reading and the number of pages I covered. This helped me
paced myself. This may not work for everyone though. April and
early May, I was so slow I think 50 pages a day. I started logging
my hours end of May. Come August (siguro dahil sobrang takot
na ko), I averaged 150 to 200 pages and 9 hours a day.
Study smartly. Do not read too many stuff. Streamline. Codal
provisions, a good reviewer for each subject and updates on
jurisprudence should suffice. (note that I did not read all the
review materials I listed 3x) Master the basics. Knowing what is
important and relevant makes a big difference. Understand the
substance of the law and know how to apply the law. Force
yourself to absorb what you have reviewed. Recall legal
provisions during your spare time. Listen to audio codals when
you travel.
Take care of your health. Try to get regular exercise, even 30
minutes a day. (This I failed to do, so during the exam days, I had
difficulty breathing. My sister told me it may be because I gained
a lot of weight and failed to exercise for a loooong period).
Nutritious food. Vitamins. Vaccines. And get enough sleep
everyday! (at least 9 hours for me) Your brain processes info
while sleeping. Manage your stress.
32
Ask for understanding and support of your family, friends, esp.

boyfriend/girlfriend/wife/husband. Let them know what youre
going through to prepare for the Bar Exam. The last thing you
need is additional source of stress when the Bar is draining
enough. Avoid distractions. Avoid conflicts in your personal
relationships with others.
Choose the review classes youll attend wisely. I did not attend
too many review classes (I recommend Domondon on Tax
Remedies and Balane on updates on jurisprudence). I realized
that I would cover more topics by reading. Note that a lot of your
time will be wasted by preparing, going to school, the useless
talks, etc. (This may not apply if you plan to study in school.) If
there are handouts for a given lecture, I suggest that you dont
attend the class anymore. Most probably, the lecturer will only
repeat whats already in the handout. This also applies if the
lecturer was your professor. Weigh the pros and cons of
attending a review class. (But make your assessment quick, you
cant spend much of your time assessing whether to attend or
not.)
Strive for 3 readings, excluding pre-week. I did 3 readings. Dont
memorize on your first reading. Just familiarize yourself. 1st
reading was the lightest for me (I just highlighted my materials
and made marginal notes). Second reading: force yourself to
absorb what you are reading. Thus, this will take a longer time. (I
think, I started making short notes on my second reading for
some subjects. Late ko narealize I need these notes pala). Third
reading: I reviewed the short reviewers, some codal provisions,
and my short notes.
Dont compare yourself with others. It will only add up to the
pressure. Thats why you have a schedule. Bar preparation is an
individual task.
33
Handwriting
a. Practice writing legibly and FAST. I dont have good
handwriting. And my hands tire easily. (I remember my
Persons exam; I wanted to cry because my hand was
already twitching, I cant control it. A friend commented
that my Oblicon bluebook is dirty) With these, I knew
practising my handwriting is a must. If the examiner cant
understand my handwriting, all my preparation will be
put to waste. I didnt maintain a regular schedule for this
though. I think I set aside 30minutes to 1 hour on some
Saturdays (it was not really regular). I used grade 3 pads.
Pero, on the exam day itself, I reverted to my usual as
and ss. Pero at least better kahit papano ang handwriting
ko. Practice really helped. The Bar exam is long you need
to develop stamina.
b. Learn to write really big! Your letters should at least be
readable with proper spacing. Dont forget the margins.
c. Choose your pen now. I used Rotring pigmented ink 0.4.
Try to read the past Bar exams once I a while. A least be familiar
with the style in answering questions.
Dont worry about your physical appearance. Dont worry if
youre getting fat. Remember youll have all the time to get slim
again after the Bar.
Pray. Whenever you feel tired, scared, bothered, pause and talk
to God. Submit everything to Him. Have faith. You cant conquer
the Bar by yourself alone. Do your best, let God do the rest.
34
Decisions. Decisions. In your review, you will have to make a lot

of decisions. Whether to shift from one book to another, whether
to read a new handout, whether to attend a review class. There
are no easy answers for these questions. I only suggest one
approach pause, reflect, assess yourself, ask for Gods guidance,
decide. After making your decision, abandon all worries and
move on (yes this is difficult. But who said Bar preparation is
easy?
35

ATTY. JOHN PAUL LIM
General Tips
Prepare to top, not to pass. You ARE ATENEANS, after all.
Memorize important case titles and codal provisions. Itll make
your job and the examiners job easier. Cite case law and codal
provisions directly, if you are sure.
Study hard. Pray harder.
Study Day
I wake up at around 7am. I reach school by 730-8am. I study at
LSAC together with my girlfriend (crucial for me, at least) and a
few study buddies. I was the police of the group, so to speak. I
made sure that I clocked-in at least 8-12 hours of pure studying a
day (meaning, minus bathroom, lunch, chat, mass, walk-in-themall breaks). I bought a stopwatch for this purpose. I usually went
home about 9-11pm, after meeting my daily quota.
Review Schedule
April to June, I had my weekends free, meaning minimal to no
studying during weekends. I did the mirror method and went toand-fro until about a week before the first week of the exams. By
then, I started to read Poli and Labor again so that by the first
exam week, I wouldve read the two subjects at least twice. (The
first exam week is CRUCIAL. It will determine your mood for the
whole month.) July to August, I started clocking-in 10-12 hours a
day. I also started studying on weekends during these months.
Holidays, included.
36
Materials Used
Leave nothing to chance. If you come by something and you
doubt whether to read it or not, just read it anyways. I read
almost everything that was thrown my way, but I stuck with the
following texts throughout the review:
Subject
Political Law
Labor Law
Civil Law
Taxation Law
Commercial
Law
Criminal Law
Remedial Law
Legal Ethics
and Forms
Materials
Justice Nachuras outline, Fr. Bernass Primer, Atty. Jimenezs
Notes on Administrative Law, Election Law, and recent
jurisprudence, Magallona (thin version) for PIL. Codal.
Atty. Azucenas Everyones Labor Code, Atty. Manuels lecture
and 100 notes, Alcantara and Atty. Disinis notes for Social
Legislation. Codal.
Atty. Balanes outline for the preliminary chapters of the Civil
Code, Persons, Property, Obligations and Contracts, and his
Succession Book, Atty. Zunigas notes for Security Transactions,
Aquinos book for Land Titles, Jurados Civil Law Reviewer,
Sempio-Diy for Persons and Conflict of Laws. Codal.
Mamalateo and Sababans Tax Review books, Atty. Monteros and
Atty. Abellas notes. Codal.
Dean Villanuevas Commercial Law Review, Sundiang/Aquinos
Book Reviewer, Perezs books on Insurance, Corporation Law, and
Transportation, Catindigs book on Special Commercial Laws,
Dean Abads Negotiable Instruments Law.
Gregorios Criminal Law Reviewer, Boados Notes and Cases on
Criminal Law, Justice Sandovals Criminal Law Reviewer, and
Justice Peraltas lecture notes. Codal.
Riano for Evidence and Civil Procedure, Justice Regalado for
everything else, San Bedas Reviewer, and Justice Aquinos notes
and recent jurisprudence.
Aguirres book on ethics, Dean Abads notes for Legal Forms.
Codal.
As to whether to use reviewers or books, for me, I think its best

to stick to one thick book reviewer, one small book reviewer, and
the codal provisions. If youre not comfortable with this set-up,
do whatever works for you.
Study Period
37
I started studying during the Holy Week of last year, which was
about the second week of April. By graduation, I had already
finished Taxation (I did two readings for my first reading of this
subject), Political Law, Labor Law, and was half-way through
Criminal Law. About two weeks after graduation, I had already
finished my first reading.
Number of Readings
Before pre-week, I was able to do 5 readings of Political Law,
Labor Law, Tax Law, and Civil Law, 4 readings of Commercial Law,
Criminal Law, and Remedial Law, and had memorized all the
canons for judicial and legal ethics. All-in-all, pre-week included, I
was able to do 5-6 readings of all the subjects, excluding ethics
and forms (of which I did two readings plus memorization).
Feedback on Ateneo Review Classes
I attended the following lectures at the Law School:
Domondons tax review

Justice Hofileas lecture on Property
Justice Aquinos lecture on ethics
Professor Quimsons lecture on Corporation Law and
Securities Regulation (essential!)
Atty. Candelarias PIL lecture
Atty. Jack Jimenezs and Justice Agras lecture on the
Admin/Public Officers/Local Government/Election Law
Atty. Balanes Succession lecture (just because I revere
him)
Atty. Zunigas Security Transaction lecture (essential!)
Atty. Bernass lecture of Conflict of Laws
38
Atty. Sta. Marias last-minute lecture on Persons

(essential!)
All the recent jurisprudence lectures
Atty. Diaz and Dean Villanuevas lectures on how to prepare for

the bar are very, very crucial. They present different styles of
studying. Pick one and start from there. Also, do try to attend ALL
of the pre-week lectures. Atty. Jimenez (Poli and Comm), Atty.
Manuel (Labor), Atty. Montero (Tax), Atty. Balane and Dean delos
Angeles (Civ), Atty. Salvador (Rem), and Justice Hofileas (Ethics
and forms) last-minute tips are VERY, VERY helpful.
Hardest Subject
Interestingly, I found Civil Law to be the hardest subject. The
coverage is simply too long. Suffice it to state, it was probably the
only subject I was not able to re-read entirely during the preweek.
Easiest Subject
Political law. Atty. Jimenez was able to predict at least fifty
percent (50%) of the questions, after all.
Night before the Test
I attended mass at the hotel every week, after which my
roommate and I discussed a few points. We tried to sleep by
10pm but on some weeks, we ended up sleeping at around 11.
Pray before you sleep and first thing when you wake up.
39
Things to Avoid
Procrastinating. You are entitled to give yourself a break, once in
a while. After all, you need your sanity for the bar. However, keep
in mind that you are, at this moment, a bar reviewee. Your
primary task, therefore, is to review and to prepare for the bar.
There are, nevertheless, exceptional circumstances when some of
your batchmates/co-reviewees/others will need you. Go out of
your way and help them, if you can. Remember that being a barreviewee does not make you any less of a human being.
Best Kind of Help
a. Taking all of my four years of law school seriously;
b. Re-studying and preparing like theres no tomorrow; and
c. Leading up to the exam days, Fr. Mangulabnan and Atty. Mel
Sta. Marias pep-talks every Saturday morning (gave me the
confidence I needed week after week in September).
40

ATTY. ERIC DAVID TAN
General Tips
Healthy in mind, body, and spirit.
Study Day
I sometimes studied alone. But I didn't mind studying with a
group as long as I get along with them.
Review Schedule
Two subjects per day. 100 pages for each subject.
Materials Used
Review books are still the best materials. I only resorted to
reviewers if I had no other choice.
Study Period
No, I didn't study right after graduation. I took a short vacation. I
started studying on the third week of April.
Number of Readings
I was able to do at the least 4 readings including the pre-week for
most subjects. However, for the other subjects, like Remedial Law
(because of typhoon Ondoy), I was able to do 5 readings. For
Legal Forms and Ethics, I was able to do only two readings.
41

I didn't attend most of the review classes in Ateneo except for
certain pre-week classes such as: (1) Labor Law Review of Atty.
Manuel; (2) Commercial Law Review of Atty. Jack Jimenez; and (3)
Tax Law Review of Atty. Domondon.
Hardest Subject
Criminal Law
Easiest Subject
Taxation and Remedial Law
I used every time I had to read in order to make sure I didn't miss
anything important. I had to make sure I had at least 6 hours of
sleep. But because of anxiety, it was usually shorter. So, I just
listened to my iPod and jumped around my bed until I became so
tired that I had to sleep.
Things to Avoid
Avoid being too scared. I guess being afraid of what to expect is
normal, but you shouldn't let that overwhelm you.
Best Kind of Help
Mental preparation. My family, The Aquila Legis Fraternity, and
my friends gave me my needed morale boost. Going through the
ordeal knowing that the people who mattered to you are behind
you every step of the way really helped.
42

ATTY. YVES RANDOLF GONZALEZ
General Tips
a. Take a big long vacation before you start studying. This will give
you good memories to look back to during the time you are
already studying. This will also remind you that life is good. You
need to believe this to keep your motivation and focus intact.
b. Take short mini-vacations every two weeks or so. Same ratio as
No.1
c. Start on the subjects you are weakest with, so that you can get
rid of your fear of these subjects. Postponing them till later will
only give you an anxious feeling while you're studying other
subjects. You want to minimize all forms of negativity during this
time and this is one of the ways you can do so.
d. Listen to audio lectures whenever you get the chance. Instead
of wasting time playing music during your daily commute, listen
to audio lectures instead. You will learn a lot of things that you
will never encounter in books. While taking the bar, the things
you heard in the lectures will come back to you and will greatly
help you remember the right answer. But do not listen to audio
lectures while reading a book. That's just crazy.
43
e. Read as much materials as you can. In connection with this,

avoid repeating the same material unless its a critical material
(like Nachura's book for me was a critical material). Knowing that
you will no longer re-read the same book will also train your mind
to retain the info you read already, instead of your mind telling
yourself to not retain it yet ("babalikan ko pa naman ito"
mentality). In relation to this, there will be no more need to
highlight since you know you will not re-read it again anyway.
Take notes if you want, but this is generally not needed as well.
Once you eliminate highlighting and taking down notes, then you
have more time to actually study and absorb what you are
reading.
f. Regarding bad handwriting. I have awful handwriting and my
profs would always write on my bluebooks: "Please improve your
handwriting". I improved this by practice. Practice writing during
the time you study Forms so you can hit two birds with one
stone. On examination day, bring a ruler that will serve as your
left margin. Use that ruler to strike out your mistakes. Don't
forget the right margin as well. Write in big non-script letters.
Doing so will consume more time but will assure you that the
examiner will understand your answer. But do find the right
balance between writing slow and legibly vis-a-vis answering all
the questions. Both are equally important and you should do
both.
g. Minimize unnecessary stress. Don't let little things get to you.
Have a positive attitude while studying and while taking the
exams. Don't fight with your girlfriend, your family, or anyone.
You already have a lot on your plate, don't add anything
unnecessary to it. Live a simple steady life during the review
period, you can always go all out later on after you pass. Don't
read negative stuff like phone and credit card bills.
44
h. Outsource chores to other people; keep your own focus on

studying and learning as much as you can. e.g. ask your girlfriend
to handle your accounting and bills payment so you don't have to
think about those, ask your auxie to do photocopying instead of
doing it yourself. Remember to thank them always.
i. Have a concrete goal. If you want to top the bar, then aim for it.
If you want to just pass, then aim for that as well. Have a concrete
goal and set your plans accordingly around such goal. Don't let
fear of the uncertain, anxieties, or despair cause you to deviate
from this goal. You will have moments of despair and panic, but if
you have a goal, you will eventually get over these negativities as
you realize that they will not help you attain that goal.
j. Be prepared. Anything worth doing takes time. Boxers train
months before a fight, so that they can be confident of being able
to defeat their opponent on fight day. Do the same. Arm yourself
with all the knowledge and information that you can get; you will
use this to overcome the Bar. Being prepared will give you
confidence, and that is critical on exam day proper. Your
confidence in yourself that you are ready to take on this task is
probably one of the most important, if not the most important
factor that will spell the difference between victory and defeat. If
you don't believe you can defeat your opponent, then you
probably won't.
45
Study Day
Wake up at 2-3pm, drive to study place (Starbucks Julia Vargas or
Starbucks jungle). Listen to audio lectures during the drive so as
not to waste that time. Study for 3-4 hours before having dinner.
After dinner, I take a short break, surf the web, chat with study
buddies, before resuming studying. Study for another 3-4 hours. I
usually end studying around 3-4AM. Go home, sleep around 6AM.
Repeat the next day. I studied with an informal group, the ones
who also studied in my study place. But I studied in my own table,
far from everyone else, to avoid unnecessary chit chat and time
wasting. You can always talk to your study buddies during your
short breaks. Keep study time, study time.
Review Schedule
I started with the subjects I'm weakest in (Poli, Crim, Rem). In
between each I would study a subject I am more comfortable
with. I studied at least 5 days a week, with the remainder
reserved for short vacations and other stress relieving activities.
Started May 8, ended first round of reading July 8 (one week late
from my target). I did not have a fixed daily, weekly, monthly
sched; only target dates. On certain "in the zone" days, I would
study for 10-12 hours to make up for the days when I wasn't able
to reach my daily average of 8 hours.
46
Materials Used
Do not tell yourself that you will re-read a book. Read it once,
absorb it, then find another book on the subject. Reviewers are
godsend, they will usually teach you more than full text books.
Read all reviewers you can get from ATENEO, Beda, and other
sources. Since you will not re-read, then there will be no need to
highlight; since you are not highlighting, then you will finish
reading faster.
1. PRIMUS Notes for ALL subjects. These are very
educational, well written, and direct to the point
2. Mamalateo Book - Tax . short and direct to the point.
You can finish this in one day.
3. Azucena Everyone's Labor Code - same as #2, easy to
read, direct, and can be finished in a day or two
4. Domondon's book for tax
5. Nachura's book for poli - I read this twice just because
Nachura is the chairman of the exams
6. Father Bernas Consti Primer - you can't go wrong with
this one
7. Sempio Dy for Civ
8. Sta. Maria for Family Code. But skip most long
discussions; alot of them are for law school recits, not
needed for Bar.
9. CLV book for Corp - same as #8, skip those that are for
recits.
10. All ATENEO and Beda reviewers you can get your hands
on. But I did not read the long Beda ones.
11. Every pre-week you can get your hands on. Mine
included: AQUILA, ATENEO, Beda, Arellano, Regina,
PRIMUS, and scattered pre-week tips from various profs.
12. Audio lectures - there's a lot of tips in these. Listen during
commutes to maximize your time. Do not listen to these
47
going to bed, you will not be able to sleep on time. Do

not listen while reading a book.
13. Past bar exams from 2000-2008. Only read this after you
have studied to test your ability to answer them. After 1st
reading you will find that you still can't answer some of
them. After 2nd reading / round, you should be able to
answer at least 90%. For the 10% you still can't answer,
read and reread the provided answers so they will stick.
14. Family Code, RPC, CIV, Consti, and COMM codals. One
good full reading of these will make sure your mind has
read the full law itself, useful for random questions that
make their way into the bar
Study Period
Started May 8. Finished round 1 July 8. Finished round 2 just
before pre-week. I didn't study after graduation; I took a long
vacation.
Number of Readings
Two full rounds plus pre-week. 1st round was mostly books, 2nd
round was mostly long reviewers, then pre-week read pre-week
stuff.
Attended very few of the lectures. I asked someone to record
them instead so I can listen to them during transit from house to
study place and back. During pre-week, attended Jack, Azucena,
and Sta. Maria. Its ok to miss most of the lectures if you can get
audio recordings.
Hardest Subject
48
Poli Law. 1st exam and it was very tricky. Ethics is next because it
was long.
49
Easiest Subject
Commercial Law, then Tax.
Friday: Check in at hotel at noon, study pre-weeks nonstop till
around 7. Have dinner, study again till 12midnight, then do
relaxing stuff after. Sleep at around 3-4AM.
Saturday: Wake up at noon. Lunch. Study till 6PM. Hear mass. Go
back to room for dinner and some last minute reviewing. In bed
by 10PM. Attempt to sleep. Fail. Continue attempting. Succeed
around 1-2AM.
Sunday: Wake up 4:30. Breakfast, read Tips. Exercise. Game on.
Things to Avoid
Unnecessary stresses, doubting yourself, alcohol, negativities,
and wasting time. During exam day proper: Don't let any question
overwhelm you. If you don't know the answer, skip it. Go back
later when you've answered the rest. Make sure you answer
every question even the ones you don't really have a good
answer to. Remember to leave room in the booklet for the
questions you skipped. Don't take the bar on an empty stomach,
it will be the longest 4/3 hours of your life repeated 8 times. Poop
during the period between the two exams, and do freshen up by
brushing your teeth and washing your face during lunch break.
Best Kind of Help
The AQUILA LEGIS FRATERNITY. I also had two amazing auxies
(Laura Noel and Mark Encarnacion).
50

ATTY. JOAN MAE TO
General Tips
Pray. Be patient. Relax. Dont force yourself to study if youre
sleepy or lazy. Try to love what youre doing. If you dont feel like
studying a particular subject, then try another subject. Get at
least 8 hours of sleep! During the exam, dont panic. Make sure
your answers make sense. Be brief and concise, except of course
if the question is alien to you. Study smart. Know what to study. It
is impossible to read and remember everything.
Study Day
I study alone - Starbucks or at home. I easily get distracted so its
hard for me to study in groups. Do whatever works for you.I
would normally read 100 - 150 pages a day.
Review Schedule
I have no fixed schedule (like the number of days I should finish a
subject). My only goal was to finish at least two readings. My
2nd reading took longer than expected because I made notes for
some subjects. I was not able to review my notes during preweek, but some say that taking down notes helps. I rest on
Saturdays.
51
Materials Used
Reviewers, generally, dont work for me, but Ateneos pre-week
reviewers were helpful.
Subject
Political Law
Labor Law
Civil Law
Taxation
Law
Commercial
Law
Criminal Law
Remedial
Law
Legal Ethics
Materials
Nachura
Everyones Labor Code; for SSS and GSIS, look for Atty. Disinis
tables.
Jurado for Property
Balane for Succession
Balane notes for Oblicon
Sempio Dy for Persons
Jurado for Credit transactions, Torts, etc.
Mamalateo and parts of Sababan
CLVs book (Although I think reading Sundiang alone will do)
Gregorio but be careful of typos
Riano for Civpro I highly recommend this
Regalado for Crimpro, Evidence and Specpro
Aguirre (note: theres a new Code of Judicial ethics! I only
discovered this during pre-week! Shameful.)
Dont forget the Codal! If you think theres no more time for you
to finish the book or reviewer, just read the codal.
Pre-week Poli and Labor 2nd reading of Nachura and

Everyones
Civ and Tax codal for both (selective. Its impossible to
read everything)
Commercial Sundiang
Crim I think I read Sandoval (around 200 pages long)
and Rose Raycos tables
Rem and Ethics Codal.
Forms Justice Abads handout (Tapcapsa, Tapwacsa,
etc)
52
It will be very hard to study on the day after an exam. I think its
okay to rest.
Study Period
I started reading a bit of Crim before grad. I am not a fast reader
so I had to start early. I finished my first reading end of June, and
finished my second reading on the day before the first exam.
Number of Readings
Two. For Land titles, special penal laws, forms and other subjects
where theres not much stock knowledge I think one reading is
enough, but make sure you read them right before September or
the day before the exam.
I attended Atty. Domondons tax lecture, Atty. Jacks lecture on
public officers, admin and election, and all lectures on recent
cases.
Pre-week I wasnt able to attend any lecture during the first
week
Two days of Atty. Monteros lecture on tax, his notes on recent
cases were helpful
Dean Cynthia Del Castillos lecture on oblicon
Atty. Salvadors lecture on rem (three days)
Note: I heard Atty. Manuels pre-week lecture on labor was very
helpful, and Atty. Jacks lecture on poli, too.
53
Hardest Subject
Tax (Pinawisan ako kahit ang lamig sa LaSalle!) Also, there were a
couple of ridiculous true or false questions. If you dont know the
answer, just write true and repeat/paraphrase the statement.
Easiest Subject
(Not because theyre very easy, but because theyre the most
manageable) Poli only because I was lucky that I just finished my
second reading of Justice Nachuras book the day before the
exam so everything was still fresh. Civ, except for the conflicts
questions
Attended the mass officiated by Fr. M at Sofitel, where we also
got Divine tips Dinner Studied right before going to sleep
(normally 11 pm to 12 mn, except for the last week 1 am
because my roommate (Shelly) and I practiced making basic
forms (complaint and information):P Im glad we did!)
Things to Avoid
While reviewing - Quality over quantity. Make sure you absorb
and understand the things you read. Stop comparing. Itll drive
you crazy. (It is unavoidable, but please try to avoid it. Im guilty
of this, and it caused me unnecessary panic attacks.)
While taking the exam/day of the exam - Dont panic. Eat
breakfast and lunch. Read the tips.
54
Best Kind of Help

Dont change your study habits, especially if it worked for you in
law school. Some people absorb more while cramming, while
others dont. Rest and Sleep! We are not machines. Know what to
study. It is impossible to read everything so you have to choose
what to read or where to focus, especially during pre-week.
55

ATTY. TIMOTHY JOSEPH LUMAUIG
General Tips
First, dont compare yourself to others. Stick to your own style
and dont be pressured by what or how other people study.
Listen to the suggestions, but be smart enough to follow what
you know works best for you. Second, I heard a quote from my
favorite videogame that sums up my review: its not how many
hours you put in, but what you put in the hours.
Study Day
To get myself going for the day, Id go to the gym in the
mornings. After that, Id usually study by myself, or at most, with
only one or two of my closest friends. Ive always tried to avoid
studying around other law students, since I read a lot slower than
most people. That way I could keep my own pace without feeling
too pressured. Then Id end the day by just relaxing. I never
studied into the wee hours of the morning. Doing that wouldve
just burnt me out by September.
56
Review Schedule
I wanted to stick to how I studied back in law school. All I used to
do was set aside my chosen material, pick it up and go until I
finish. So I didnt make a strict review schedule in terms of
number of pages per day or subjects per week or month. Rather,
I set the order of subjects to study, read as much as I could in a
day and just kept tabs on my progress, making sure Id finish each
subject once before pre-week. Each week, I took Sundays off and
always tried to get at least one night out with my longtime
barkada people who kept me sane. Again, that was my way to
avoid burning myself out before September.
Materials Used
Generally I used the books I used in law school, especially those I
already had notes in. But for subjects I think I slacked off in, I
used new materials. Also, I made it a point to stick to only one
author or one material per topic under each subject, to avoid
overloading myself with information.
Subject
Political Law
Labor Law
Civil Law
Taxation Law
Materials
I used Fr. Bs primer for Constitutional Law, and Justice
Nachuras book for everything else. Then I used Atty. Jac
Jimenez recent jurisprudence for pre-week.
I used Prof. Azucenas Everyones, but focused a lot during Atty.
Manuels pre-week lecture.
I used my notes and materials from Prof. Balanes Civil Law
Review II in fourth year. Conflicts, I got Sempio-Dys book. For
everything else I used Jurado. Pre-week I just used our preweek reviewer.
I used Mamalateo. I later heard there were shorter books, but I
didnt want to stop midway through just to change books. I
also put a lot of focus in Atty. Mike Monteros pre-week lecture.
57
Commercial
Law
Criminal Law
Remedial
Law
Legal Ethics
I used Dean CLVs book for everything except Dean Abads

Negotiable Instruments Made Easy, which is what I used in
second year. Then I used Atty. Jac Jiminez recent jurisprudence
during pre-week.
I used Gregorio for book one and a reviewer for book two. I
think there was a shorter book by Boado that I wish I had read
instead to save me a little bit more time. Then I just used our
pre-week reviewer.
I used Riano for Civil Procedure, and just a summer reviewer for
everything else. Of course, you have to go straight codal as
well. I did that during pre-week, along with Tranquils lecture.
I just used the Ateneo reviewer, and Dean Abads three or four
page memory aid in forms.
Study Period
I tried to start in May and June, but I found myself way too bored
and distracted thinking that the bar exams were still three or four
months away at that time. Most days Id barely make 10
pages. Some days I didnt read at all. So I figured if my mind really
didnt want to absorb any information yet, then I shouldnt force
it. Again, thats the style I got used to in school. Thankfully, I
finally felt the need to really get going around July. So early that
month, I finished my first subject and kept going strong from
there. To steal a few words from Freddie Roach, maybe starting
at the right time allowed me to peak at the right time. So I think
starting in July was just right for me.
Number of Readings
One good one.
58

I didnt attend any review classes over the summer. But I went to
a number of pre-week lectures that helped a whole lot namely ,
Labor by Atty. Manuel, Succession by Prof. Balane, Tax by Atty.
Mike Montero, Commercial Law by Atty. Jac Jimenez (and I wish I
attended his Political Law as well), and Remedial Law by Atty.
Tranquil Salvador. I would even say that I owe just passing the
bar exams to those professors.
Hardest Subject
Political Law, hands down. I think I got hit by what my friends and
I call, gulpe de gulat. After that test, I even told those close to
me that I thought I was going to get DQd for it. But thankfully I
realized that more than anything, I was just psyching myself out.
I was just initially shocked by the whole bar exam atmosphere.
Easiest Subject
Civ or Comm, but Id rather call them the least difficult.
Ate well and rested well. Sleep was more important than
cramming. And September means UAAP Final Four, so wed
always catch the Saturday games on TV just for a get loose and
for added inspiration too, as we watched the Eagles draw closer
to another title.
59
Things to Avoid
Avoid adding unnecessary pressure on yourself. During the
review, dont get pressured by what books or how many readings
others have already gone through. We all graduated using our
own styles of studying. Stick to what you know. Trust that what
got you through school will get you through the bar exams.
During the tests, do not panic. If you do, itll be like quicksand.
Even if theres one question or two or three even that you
think you dont know the answer to, just shake it off, move on to
the next and come back for it later. Each test may seem like the
longest and toughest one youve ever taken, but youve gone
through those same feelings in school before. Remember, you
made it through all of those. You can make it through this.
Best Kind of Help
I ran into two of my former teachers during the bar review one
from law school, one from college. One told me the bar is about
kompyansa. The other said yabang lang yan. I understood
both to mean confidence. That was the best advice I ever got. I
did every little thing I could to help me go into each Sunday
feeling good about myself. I played with my PS3, watched UAAP
games, chose rooms that had my favorite number, wore the same
clothes every Sunday, listened to the same playlist every Sunday
morning and drank with my barkada the last two weeks of August
just to get loose. I did all the things that made me confident
enough to take the bar exams and pass. I believe that everyone
who graduates from the Ateneo Law School is smart enough to
pass. Its just a matter of each person knowing it.
60

ATTY. NAELLA ROSE BAINTO
General Tips
List down your materials, and start gathering them before

you start your review.
Make a study schedule to follow, but be open to changes.
Take breaks when you feel like it.
If your study style in law school worked for you, follow
the same style for your review.
Do not forget to pray.
Recent jurisprudence is very important.
Do not forget to answer past exams.
Youll often find yourself staring at nothing or
daydreaming, thats normal!
Study Day
I reviewed alone, but Id occasionally consult with some

batchmates the issues I cant resolve on my own.
My typical study day looks like this:
10:00 am Wake up
11:00 am Start studying
2:00 pm Lunch break
2:30 pm Back to studying
5:00 pm Merienda break
5:15 pm Study again
7:00 pm Dinner break or movie
10:00 pm Back to studying
2:00 am Go to sleep
61
My daily schedule includes many short washroom,

phonecall , stretching, etc. breaks (This will work if you,
like me, have a short attention span.)
I am not really a morning person. My peak hours would
be during the evening up to 1 or 2 am.
I did not adjust my sleep cycle, unlike what most people
have done. The earliest I was able to get up during the
review was at 8 a.m., but I gave up after like 2-3 days of
waking up this early.
My Dinner break became shorter as it neared September.
Review Schedule
I started my review in May.

I only finished two readings. I was able to finish my first
reading in mid-July.
I do not study on Sundays, except in the month of August.
Materials Used
Subject
Political Law
Labor Law
Civil Law
Taxation Law
Commercial
Law
Criminal Law
Materials
Primer, Nachura, Beda and Ateneo latest jurisprudence, Agra
Notes, Codal
Everyones Labor Code, Manuel Notes, Ateneo Summer
Reviewer, Latest jurisprudence, Codal
Jurado, Balane Succession, Sempio-Diy Persons, ObliCon Balane
Outline, PIL by Sempio-Diy, Pre-bar Outline by Candelaria,
Ateneo and Beda latest jurisprudence, Codal
Mamalateo, Reyes 1&2, Co-untian, Domondon, Ateneo and
Beda latest jurisprudence, Codal
CLV Commercial Law Review, Commercial Law Review by
Sundiang and Aquino, Jac Jimenez Notes, Ateneo and Beda
latest jurisprudence, Codal
Ortega Notes, Boado, latest jurisprudence, Codal
62
Remedial Law
Legal Ethics
and Forms
Beda Memory Aid, Feria Noche and Sabio for reference, latest
jurisprudence, Codal
Aguirre, Pano, Hofilena, Beda Memory Aid, Codal, Forms
Reviewer by (Dean) Justice Abad
Study Period
I started my review on May 4, 2009.
Number of Readings
2 readings only, but very slow and thorough. This was really my
study style even back in law school.
I did enroll in the Ateneo review classes, but did not attend
except for the very first - How to study for the Bar. I felt that
preparing to go to school and travelling to school would take up
so much of my time. And I am able to absorb better, the things I
read rather than the things I hear. It will really depend on what
your style is. Some people, unlike me, absorb better the things
they hear
Hardest Subject
Tax Law, Criminal Law, and Ethics and Forms (because it was long)
Easiest Subject
No easy subject, but there were familiar and answerable
questions in every subject.
63
Study cramming mode!

Hear mass
Accept friends and family visits in hotel room
Pray
Try to get some sleep (During the night before the first
Sunday, I was still up at around 2 a.m. as I couldnt sleep!)
Things to Avoid
Read as much as you can

Try not to discuss answers specially after the morning
exam because you need as much time you can get to
prepare for the next exam.
Avoid unnecessary stress.
Best Kind of Help
Study more than how I did during law school

Pray hard everyday
Dont lose time for family and loved ones
64

ATTY. SHIELA ABIGAIL GO
General Tips
a. Read books youve used. Hopefully, its the latest edition.
b. Pace yourself.
c. Read recent jurisprudence (beyond the cut-off date)
d. Prepare good materials for Pre-Week (these are things you
want to remember)
e. Write legibly.
f. Pray, pray, pray.
Study Day
I would just stay in my apartment so that I can concentrate more.
Find a place where you can study and focus. I timed myself at
first, but after a while, I stopped it. Well, if you're talkative (like
me), then I suggest you study alone because you'll never get
anything done, plus, you wouldn't want to be the reason why
someone else did not get to study for that day. Anything and
everything is more exciting than having to read your books all
over again.
Review Schedule
65
I made a schedule. It was on a daily basis. But I lagged behind.

Three readings became two readings. I would allocate a number
of days for each book.
66
Materials Used
I'm a book person so I read books. I only read reviewers when I
don't have a book for it.
Subject
Political Law
Labor Law
Civil Law
Taxation Law
Materials
Nachura (for obvious reasons..) 2 readings, preweek
Jack Notes on Election and his Recent Jurisprudence (because
you need to read the recent ones, esp those beyond the cut-off)
-1
Candelaria's Poli Notes (I didn't want to read thick materials
already but I heard Magallona is good) - 1
Fr. B's Consti Primer and the Supplement -1
Agra Notes preweek
Azucena (well, they said that it's comprehensive and short) -2
Summer Reviewer of Ateneo (this was actually good) If you
can, find recent jurisprudence because our exam was full of it. preweek
Manuels 100 Notes -1
I read Jurado, if I couldn't find another book for it.
Persons-Sempio Diy -2
Succession - Balane (Champ or Book, I think either is okay.
Choose which you are more comfortable with) first reading
was the Book, 2nd was champ
Balane - Property Notes for my 2nd reading
The Codal is a must! Its the only thing I read for Pre-Week. here's the thing. Don't get frantic if you don't finish the codal
during the pre-week. A lot of us did not. So if you're the type
who gets paranoid, I think you should start marking things you
want to read and things you think you can forego reading
because you've mastered it. I didn't even read Succession, just
the table on legitimes and intestate. I was banking on my 2
sems with Balane.
Domondon's star notes- 2nd reading
Mamalateo 1st reading
Sababan 2nd reading, Pre-Week
Montero Notes Pre-Week
NIRC Codal and other laws
I also got a copy of the Summer Reviewer because it was
reviewed by Montero (mainly for comfort).
67
Commercial
Law
Criminal Law
Remedial
Law
Legal Ethics
Forms
CLV's Corp, transpo, IP, insurance 1st reading

Nego, I read Abad 1st reading
Sundiang 2nd reading and pre-week
Jack's recent jurisprudence. (make sure to read this. We had
two or three questions from recent jurisprudence, not sure)
(I read a lot because I don't understand Crim that well)
Gregorio for 1st reading and the Book 1 for 2nd reading
Boado Book 2 for 2nd reading I actually like Boados book
more. I recommend it
Dean Ortega's Notes for Book 2
Some read Peralta. Okay din daw. I got a copy but didn't have
time to read it.
I read the Crim Codal and SPL codal (and made notes there) and
tried my best to differentiate one crime from another. I didn't
even attempt to memorize elements. It's not my thing.
I read Sandoval and Codal for Pre-Week. If I could do it again, I
would have read my Dean Ortega Notes.
There were things in Arellano (Pre-Week) or was it Beda (PreWeek Notes) that were helpful during the exam. They said
Arturo de Castro made good guesses.
Regalado's Crim Pro and SpecPro- 1 reading
Riano's Civ Pro and Evidence.
Beda for Special LAws.
I also read recent jurisprudence of Justice Aquino
The Codal is a must!
Beda and Aguirre
Memorize Lawyers Oath
I guessed a lot in Ethics.
Abad's Handout
Scanned Beda Forms but I suggest do Abad and practice making
forms
Study Period
I studied I think for a week though and then I stopped. All I
remember is I finished the Mamalateo Book before Domondon's
lecture.
68
Number of Readings
Two readings, excluding pre-week. But this does not mean that I
used the same materials for my two readings. For example, my
first reading of Tax was Mamalateo. My second reading was
Sababan. Crim was Gregorio then my second reading was
Boado. This was because I was lagging behind.
Yup, I did but not for all subjects. I went to classes which I
thought were my weak areas.
Hardest Subject
Commercial.
Easiest Subject
Caveat: I don't know my grade (so I could be wrong) but I was
okay when I left the room after the Civ Exam.
I went to mass and after that, I studied. I slept sometimes at 10,
sometimes 11, sometimes 12.
Things to Avoid
You cannot get sick! It's going to destroy your schedule. I always
prayed that I wouldn't get sick (especially getting a
stomachahce). You don't want that. Pace yourself well. Don't
give your "all" in your first reading because you'll be tired by preweek. I was so tired by pre-week. On your second reading, read
as if it's your last reading.
69
Best Kind of Help

Prayer, Luck and Great Support System (friends, family,
professors, BarOps)! And we got good tips from the BarOps and
the professors. If lumabas yung mga inaral mo, swerte ka. If hindi,
well, law school life will flash before you.
70

ATTY. CESAREO ANTONIO S. SINGZON, JR.
Study Habits
Stick to your studying habits that worked for you in law school. I
would personally find it difficult to suddenly change studying
styles for the bar.
Some of my personal study habits that have always worked for
me are (1) using red pens instead of highlighters; (2) studying at
starbucks and/or my room; (3) reading on soft couches; (4)
listening to music while studying; (5) drinking my favorite coffee
drink in the morning; (6) reading the newspaper everyday; (7)
going to bed early everyday.
Study Schedule
My original study schedule initially included the whole of May
until September (four months). I was supposed to do three
readings following the old schedule of the bar exams. ((1) poli>rem, (2) poli->rem, ethics, (3) rem->poli) However, I was only
able to start studying about a day or two after the May 2010
National Elections. After several delays along the way, I conceded
that I could only do two readings. So I read polirem, ethics,
rempoli. I finished my first reading around the end of June or
first week of July.
During the early part of my review, I studied from Monday to
Friday, starting at around 8 to 9 am and ending around 9 to 10
pm. I would usually set aside anywhere from 30 minutes to 1
hours for each meal (depending if I was way behind schedule or
not).
71
Because of unforeseen delays, you might have to study on

Saturdays, and even Sundays. By around July, I was studying on
Saturdays. Sundays were usually reserved for relaxing, going out
with the family, etc., but I sometimes sneaked in a couple hours
worth of reading especially during the last two months. My
girlfriend and I always made it a point to hear mass on Sunday.
Dont worry if youre behind schedule. Set aside
contingency/buffer days to make sure that you have space for
error and unforeseen delays.
During my bar review, I attended the class on updated
jurisprudence in remedial law, and several pre week classes.
Things to Do
Eat properly and on time during your bar review.

Take vitamins (Vitamin C, Multivitamins) and make sure
you drink lots of water.
Prepare your study materials before you go to bed, so
you dont have to do it in the morning.
Brush your teeth to avoid toothaches.
Get organized, set aside a box for each subject.
Always get enough sleep especially before the exam day.
Try to stick to your schedule. Dont take shortcuts.
Read codal.
Pace yourself.
If you think something you read is important, write it
down on a sticky note and stick it to your
books/reviewer.
72
Favorite Materials
My favorite materials were the books and reviewers I read in law
school (Regalado, Jurado, Mamalateo, Peralta Notes, Ortega
Notes). I also made sure I covered all the codal provisions
required.
I read both Ateneo and San Beda Reviewers.
My girlfriend also made a nice list of books and reviewers by
including all the common books/reviewers of past Ateneo bar
placers (you can check this in the barristers handbook issued for
the 2010 bar exam). We used this list, and prioritized the
books/reviewers we used in law school.
73

ATTY. FILEMON RAY L. JAVIER
General Tips
The first thing that you should do is to cultivate composure and
confidence with the thought that you are a graduate of the
Ateneo Law School. It is not by mere luck or chance that in recent
years, Ateneans dominate the bar exams. Believe in The Ateneo
Law education.
Then PLAN. The planning stage is the most comforting part of the
bar exam experience. Why? Because this is the only stage where
you will have a control of everything. Its your own game plan
after all. Unfortunately, this stage should not take more than one
(1) day of your schedule.
Note that your plan/strategy is very crucial. Such will be your
guide in the coming months of your bar preparation.
Next, plot your study schedule. You may not be able to follow
your schedule strictly, but at least try. I also failed to follow my
schedule as there were days spent in: attending family
gatherings, accompanying a pregnant wife to her check ups,
playing Plants vs. Zombies, watching movies, etc. Just always try
to go back on track and catch up for the lost time. Punish yourself
by studying more!
Be physically fit. Exercise at least twice a week. Take vitamins. Eat
nourishing food. Be kind to yourself and Pray. I went to church
almost every day during my review (I live near one).
Enjoy. The bar experience is a wonderful experience.
74
Enjoy every single day of it.

Focus. My father died during the first month of my review. I took
good care of my pregnant wife during the entire review period.
Those factors could have easily distracted me. I was still able to
focus. You can also.
Study Schedule
Hereunder is my bar review schedule (Note that you have extra 2
months! Use it wisely):
First Reading: Overdrive/Assessment
My first reading was quick and crazy. It was intended put me in an
overdrive early. I gave myself only 24 days to finish everything.
My plan was to make myself believe (which was not an easy thing
to do) that there are only 24 days left to review and that my bar
exam is scheduled on the 25th day. Hence, on April 19 (April 18
was our graduation) I took my bar exam. I checked my own
paper. I passed that exam (why would I fail myself), but I knew
that the quality of my answers therein will not be enough to give
me a slot in the top 10.
Assessment: I may have a good chance of passing the bar, but if I
want to top it, then I must study harder. And so I did.
75
Second Reading: Cover to cover

My second reading was slow and deliberate. I read every page
(from preface to the last page). In this reading, I encircled the
page numbers (sometimes the entire chapter) of my book that I
felt I dont need to read again. This strategy helped me weed-out
unimportant pages/chapters or those which I already mastered
during my four years in law school and/or during my first reading.
My subsequent readings became manageable because of this
approach.
Subject
Number of days allotted
Dates
Legal Ethics
3 days
April 20 - 22
Political Law
12 days
April 23 May 4
Labor Law
6 days
May 4 - 9
Civil Law
12 days
May 10 - 21
Taxation Law
6 days
May 22 27
Commercial Law
12 days
May 28 June 9
Criminal Law
8 days
June 10 June 17
Remedial Law
10 days
June 18 - 27
Third Reading: Studying more

Only because I did not waste the first three months of my review,
by the end of July, I was already confident that I will pass the bar.
I encourage you to do the same. Take your first months of review
VERY seriously.
76
Subject
Number of
Days Allotted
Dates
Political Law
5 days
June 28 July 2
Labor Law
4 days
July 3 6
Civil Law
5 days
July 7 11
Taxation Law
4 days
July 12 15
Commercial Law
5 days
July 16 20
Criminal Law
4 days
July 21 24
Remedial Law
7days
July 25 31
Legal Ethics
2 days
August 1 2
Practice bar exam

(2001 2008 bar exams)
1 day
August 3
Fourth Reading: Studying to top the bar

An officemate (who ranked 3rd in 2009 bar exams) once said that
one should prepare to top, not just to pass. In my fourth reading,
I memorized case titles and important provisions of law.
Subject
Number of days allotted
Dates
Remedial Law
4 days
August 4 7
Criminal Law
3 days
August 8 10
Commercial Law
4 days
August 11 14
Taxation Law
3 days
August 15 17
Civil Law
4 days
August 18 21
Labor Law
3 days
August 22 24
Political Law
4 days
August 25 - 28
77
Materials/books used in each subject

Subject
Political Law
Labor Law
Materials
Bernas, Primer (3 readings)
Nachura (1 reading)
Jack updates (4 readings)
Bernas updates (4 readings)
Azucena, Everyones (4 readings)
Manuel notes/updates (4 readings)
Civil Law
Paras, Obligation and Contracts (2 readings)

Balane, Succession (2 readings)
Sempio dy, Persons and Family (2 readings)
Sta. Maria, Family (1 reading)
De Leon, SecTrans (1 reading)
Jurado, ALL (cover to cover; 2 readings)
Taxation Law
Mamalateo, Tax Law Reviewer (2 readings)

Mamalateo, Income tax (1 reading)
Co untian, Tax law reviewer (1 reading)
Perez, Commercial Law Reviewers (3 readings each)

Commercial Law Villanueva, Commercial Law Reviewer (1 reading)
Catindig, Commercial Law Reviewer (1 reading)
Criminal Law
Reyes, Volumes 1 and 2 (1 reading)

Boado, Reviewer and Special Penal Laws (2 readings)
Memorize important RPC provisions
Remedial Law
Regalado, Volumes 1 and 2 (3 readings)

Codal (memorize; at least try)
Legal Ethics
Pano (1 reading)
Aguirre (1 reading)
Memorize code!
Forms Atty. Navas hand-outs
San beda notes
78
There is no shortcut to passing (or topping) the bar. If you want to

pass on your first take, then you will have to work for it. But if you
want to top it, then you must be willing to sacrifice more. You will
not top the bar just because you are brilliant. There will be
hundreds of equally brilliant law graduates who will be taking the
bar with you; you can out shine them by being better prepared.
Do not waste time. STUDY NOW
79

ATTY. JOHANA T. SUNGA
Study Habits
Early on, I knew that I had to prepare SMART (you don't have to
read everything or lose sleep; you just need to read the right
material, master them, then sleep). I assessed myself and tried
to understand the kind of exam that I was taking (long, essay
type). That being said, you should develop your own habits
considering yourself and the type of exam. This is important
because this year's exam is different. In any case; the following
are my notable habits:
1. STUDY ALONE. Being with friends is nice, but sometimes you
discuss more than necessary. It would be better if you study
alone, note down the confusing points, then ask a reliable person
(for me it was Alphie, Andrei, Tin, Shean, Denise, Candice, and
Buena) to save time.
2. SIMULATE THE BAR.I studied 2 subjects each day to train my
mind. (but for pre-week I studied 1 subject a day). The style is doable. Though I had a hard time studying for civil law and tax at the
same time because both subjects were long. I studied my weak
subjects in the morning and then the "easier" subject in the
afternoon. Example, I studied tax from 8:00am to 3 pm (7 hours)
and civil law from 3:30pm to 9 pm (5 1/2 hours). I did the same
thing for poli/comm (7 hours in the morning) and labor/crim (5
1/2 hours in the afternoon). For Rem, I studied rem for (9-10
hours) and ethics for (2 to 4 hours before I sleep).
80
3. I didnt have a regular/schedules break on a daily basis. Even

while Im eating, I read. While walking, I read. I stop reading
whenever I want basta not more than 30 minutes at a time. So I
have a lot of 10, 15, 20, 30 minute breaks (which I spend talking
to someone, watching tv for a few minutes, photocopying
material, fixing my stuff, talk to Mang Nats etc.). This is my style
because Im a slow reader. I have to maximize my time.
4. I didn't have a scheduled day off. I study everyday, Monday to
Sunday the entire day. I rest whenever I want, I watch a movie,
hear mass, and sleep in the afternoon (a lot). I avoided taking
whole day or half day off or even hours long breaks since I feel
like I would be losing momentum. So, whenever I felt tired or
burned out, I push myself to study until around 6 to 7 pm then I
watch a movie, watch tv, eat out, etc.
5. EXERCISE. I tried to exercise as often as I could. Like in law
school, I didn't ride the elevator. I used the stairs. Remember the
bar is not only a mental and emotional test, you also need to be
physically prepared.
6. STUDY DURING YOUR PEAK HOURS. I didn't study much at
night. I slept early. Make sure that you get 8 hours of sleep.
Things to Do
1. Take your 1st to 4th year seriously. Most of the things I
answered were stock knowledge!
81
2. ASSESS YOURSELF. Know your weak and strong subjects. This is

important especially when you don't have time. For instance, in
my 3rd reading and pre-week i didn't read succession and
persons anymore and focused on tax instead. Same with crim and
comm, I have good crim background, so I alloted more time to
comm since the subject was voluminous. In short, strategize.
3. HEALTH. Be healthy. Bar is about being physically prepared
also. If your body is weak, your mind will be too. Load on
vitamins. You don't want to be sick and then not be able to study
for days! Trust me!
4. SCHEDULE. Make a schedule but don't let it dictate your study.
A schedule is there to guide you. Try to follow your schedule but
if you can't strictly follow it, don't let that ruin your mood!
Chances are you will always be behind schedule. Adjust your
schedule.
5. BE ORGANIZED. Fix your materials. It took me 3 or 4 days to fix
everything.
6. USE OLD BOOKS AND HANDOUTS. I didnt read a lot of books or
reviewers. Use old books (provided of course that their length is
manageable) and tried to master them. Once I do, I move on to
the next material. For instance, for all my readings, I read Fr.
Bernas' primer for consti, boado for crim, and sundiang for
comm. I only used new books for tax ( i read mamalateo, countian, and domondon for the first time), some civil law subjects
(i read sempio-dy and jurado for the first time), some comm
subjects (catindig and villanueva), and some rem subjects
(regalado book I) because I didn't use any books for those
subjects during 4th year.
82
7. MASTER YOUR MATERIAL. REPETITION IS KEY! Try to read the

same material over and over again. Master them then read other
materials to supplement/update what you already know. I don't
see the point of reading everything when you can't understand or
remember the BASIC CONCEPTS.
8. LECTURES. I didn't attend the lectures during summer. But I
attended almost all of the pre-week lectures. I also tried to attend
all recent jurisprudence lectures. Try to focus on Jack's lecture. It
really helped me in poli and comm. The things he says during
lectures are super swak. He also gives good tips.
I think for this bar, considering that the exam format is new,
attending the lectures (summer, pre-week, etc.) is super
important because the professors might have an idea of what to
expect.
9. KEEP TRACK OF YOUR PROGRESS. Some people time
themselves, i.e. they need to input at least 8 hours of pure
studying daily. I did this for a week. Nahirapan ako kasi I wasnt
able to monitor my time properly kasi nakakalimutan ko mag stop
or mag start ng timer. So what I did was I gave myself page
quotas. I would read at least 80 to 120 pages PER SUBJECT
everyday or total of 160 to 240 pages for the 2 subjects.
Sometimes I have topic quotas,example: I have to finish book I of
Boado criminal law in 2 days OR I have to read persons,
succession, and oblicon in 1 and days OR I have to finish labor
codal in 2 days. Choose what works best for you. Dont force
yourself to use a particular style if it really doesnt work for you.
83
Things to Avoid
1. Stop ranting. Everyone knows that preparing for the bar is
hard. But please stop ranting. It's time consuming and a waste of
energy.
2. Stop talking. Don't disturb other people. If you have questions,
list them down, then ask a reliable person.
3. Don't over analyze! Stop thinking of weird situations that no
one can answer and stop asking everyone about it. The examiner
won't ask that, plus, you'll waste time and energy trying to figure
out something that even the SC hasn't resolved.
4. STOP STUDYING UNNECESSARY THINGS. For instance, stop
memorizing the officials of U.N., ICJ, etc. If they get asked,
chances are marami sa inyo ang hindi may alam non. Waste of
time trying to remember their names and other unnecessary
information.
5. DON'T HIGHLIGHT THAT MUCH. During review unlike law
school, I rarely highlighted my new books or reviewers to save
time. Highlighting and underlining is time consuming.
Favorite Materials
1. CODAL. I always read the codal after I finish the books for a
subject. Ive always been a codal person (super kawawa mga
codals ko). In your bar, I think codal is key since MCQ is objective.
84
It's hard to finish the codal especially CIVIL LAW and TAX (lalo na
dahil pinagsabay ko sila, ang haba haba!). What I did is, I read as
much codal as I can then I stop and move to the next subject
following my schedule. Example: I allotted 14 days first reading
for civil law. If I finish reading the commentaries for civil law on
the 10th day, I still have 4 days to finish the codal. If I dont finish
the codal on the 14th day, I stop and move on to the next subject.
On my next reading of civil law codal, I continue reading from
where I left.
2. CHOOSE YOUR REVIEWERS. I am partial to books but there are
some essential reviewers. POLI- Jack recent jurisprudence, agra
notes on pubcorp and election law, ateneo summer reviewer,
beda reviewer (for recent jurisprudence only, ateneo barops still
has the best poli reviewer), LABOR disini notes on social
legislation, manuel notes (transcript, 100 notes), ateneo summer
CIV zuniga notes on sectrans, delos santos notes on titles,
balane notes on oblicon (we used in 4th year) TAX Montero
notes (yung 2009), Monteros recent jurisprudence notes,
domondon starnotes, COMM- jack transcript we used in 4th year,
jacks recent jurisprudence, CRIM- beda summer reviewer ( I
didnt use the most recent reviewer. I used the beda reviewer
that I used during 4th year because they contained my notes from
Callejos class), REM- I read a reviewer/handout of one lecturer (I
forgot the name basta judge siya and his forte is specpro),
ETHICS- beda summer reviewer FORMS- beda summer reviewer
and the reviewer with all the acronyms of forms basta maiksi lang
siya (sorry I forgot the name of the reviewer).
85
3. These are the books/material I used:

Subject
Materials
Political Law
Primer- Consti (3 readings)

Nachura Everything except PIL
Magallona primer- PIL, 1 reading
Ateneo/Beda Reviewer- PIL (Beda reviewer is Nachura
based plus more; Ateneo I heard is Sarmiento based)
Beda Reviewer- Election Law, 1 reading
Beda Reviwer- I browsed recent jurisprudence on Consti
and Election Law (they have a lot of it)
Jack Jurisprudence- This is important kasi there were 2 or 3
swak na swak questions that came out
Codal- nag sisi ako na hindi ko dinibdib yung codal during
pre-week, specifically consti.
Labor Law
Azucena Everyone's Labor- Everything (4 readings)

Alcantara- Social Legislation
Disini Notes- Social Legislation
Codal- nag sisi ulit ako kasi for my pre-week reading hindi
ako nag focus sa social legislation codal kasi maraming
social legislation na lumabas. Also try to read RA 9042 on
migrant workers kahit hindi kasama sa coverage, kasi there
were 4 or 5 questions na lumabas.
Civil Law
Jurado- everthing except succession, oblicon, family code,

sectrans, and land titles; mukhang pangit si Jurado pero its
nd
actually good. During 2 reading ma-appreciate mo na siya.
Pareho kaming feedback ni Denise.(3 readings or 2)
Balane- succession and oblicon reviewer
Sempio-Diy- Family Code (2 readings)
Zuniga notes- Sectrans (including the supplements)
Land Titles- De los santos and I browsed (stress on the
browse) through our old book Aquino.
Alam ko marami pakong binasa for Civ, nakalimutan ko lang
yung iba.
Codal- eto natuto nako, I focused on codal for pre-week.
That was a good thing.
86
Mamalateo- a must
Domondon- to supplement
Co-Untian- to digest what you know and you learn other
stuff there like contents of some IRRs
Montero, yung 30+ or 50+ pages ata na reviewer that he
Taxation Law
made for batch 2009- I think there were 3 questions that
came out regarding LGU (na nakalimutan ko because I
thought not important)
Montero recent jurisprudence- many questions came out
Codal- I focused on codal for pre-week (crucial)
Boado
I scanned the Beda reviewer we used for Callejo
Sandoval
De Castro on SPL
Criminal Law I also read some reviewers from law school on SPL. I forgot
the names of the teachers.
De Castro predictions
Ateneo pre-week reviewer
Codal
Remedial
Law
Regalado- Crimpro and Specpro

Riano - Evidence and Crimpro
Beda reviewer - to supplement and for the other remedial
law special laws like electronic evidence, DNA evidence,
etc.)
I read a handout for Spec Pro, again, sorry I forgot the name
of the lecturer. Basta yung hand out nung specpro lecturer
sa ateneo na justice.
Ethics
Ethics
Pano
Aguirre
Codal
Beda Reviewerhics
Forms
Beda
87
Favorite Study Place

At first, I studied at home since I was recuperating from surgery.
When i was well enough, I studied in school. I was all over the
place. I would walk the hallways of ateneo. I would be in sc room,
an empty classroom, caf, teehankee center, library, starbucks,
stairways, etc. That was my style back in law school. basta do
whatever you're comfortable with.Also, it doesn't matter
where you study or whether it's quiet or hindi nakaka stress, etc.
the main thing is FOCUS. There will always be distraction/flaws in
your study place, try to look past that and just focus.
88

ATTY. WILLIAM BENSON S. GAN
Study Habits
Follow your usual studying habits in law school. Find a place
where you can concentrate and stay for very long hours. It can be
a coffee shop, the library, your home, etc. Also, try to find time to
relax. You can set aside a day (or half day) during the week to
go watch a movie or have dinner with your friends.
Things that a Barrister should do
You should allot a space in your room for your bar review
materials and segregate it per subject. During the review period,
you do not want to waste your time going through your things
just to look for a particular reviewer. Also make sure to read
recent jurisprudence even if it is beyond the cut-off date (in the
bar exams, there is no such thing as a cut-off). Try to be aware of
current events because there is a big possibility that it will be
asked during the bar exams.
Things to Avoid
Try not to compare your studying pace with your batchmates. Do
not force yourself to do 4 or 5 readings just because your other
batchmates are doing it. In the end, its quality over quantity.
89
Choose the review classes that you will attend. You don't need to
attend all review classes because it may be more productive to
just read the review materials. Attend only the subjects where
you think you are weak or where the lecturer is very good.
Also, choose the books and reviewers to read. During the bar
review period (usually after your first or second reading), you will
be presented with different books and reviewers of rumored
examiners. You may want to photocopy them just to feel safe,
but read them only if you have enough time.
Favorite Materials
I find the following books helpful for the bar because they more
or less cover the subject matter, but are not too lengthy:
a. Everyone's Labor Code by Azucena.
b. Civil Law Reviewer by Jurado (but I suggest you find
another book for the Persons part)
c. Consti Law Reviewer by Fr. Bernas
d. Commercial Law Reviewer by Sundiang
e. Criminal Law (Book 1 and 2) - Boado
f. Civil Procedure by Riano
Favorite Study Place
The APS library.
90
TIPS FROM THE 2011 TOPNOTCHERS

ATTY. RAOUL ANGELO D. ATADERO
TOP 1 85.536%
MATERIALS
1. Cast as wide a net as possible for your 1st reading. Try to
read or at least browse through as many books as you
can for your first reading. This allows you to whittle down
your reading list for your 2nd and succeeding readings to
those materials that you think are useful and those you
are comfortable with. Further, by reading a range of
materials, youll get at the very least a vague familiarity of
many different things vague as this may be, you can
never tell when such stock knowledge at the back of your
mind might be needed.
2. Stick to the Beaten Path. Index your chosen study
materials with those recommended by people who have
taken and passed the Bar Exams before you. The
materials chosen by the majority should be sufficient.
Now is not the time to be eccentric!
3. Stick to Review Books or Reviewers. Resist the
temptation to re-read your law school textbooks for Bar
Review when there are review books or reviewers that
will suffice. You do not have time to read all your law
textbooks again if you plan to do more than one reading.
If you feel that the available review materials for a
particular topic dont quite meet your standards, then
make exceptions. Make these exceptions few and far
between, however.
4. Organize your materials properly. Boxes, folders, bags, it
doesnt matter organize your materials in such a way
that you can keep track of what you have and find them
easily. I personally wasted a lot of money photocopying
91
or buying materials I forgot I already had because my

things were in a sad state of disarray.
5. Bring your reading materials to Bar Review Lectures.
Your Bar Review professors might have updates to the
law or jurisprudence that have not been incorporated
into your books and review materials. Bring them along
to lectures so you can make marginal notes on them to
reflect these updates.
SCHEDULING
1. Number of Readings. Be realistic with the number of
readings you set out to do. Its better to have fewer
quality readings than a lot done in a hurried, haphazard
fashion. Your number of readings will of course depend
on your own style and speed of reading. I aimed to
complete three readings of my materials with a time limit
of 2 months per reading. You dont have as much time,
this time, so you may want to change this a bit.
2. Subject Chronology. Dont feel the need to be organized
during your first reading. Use it to feel the lay of the land
and survey the materials out there, then use what youve
learned from your 1st reading to plan an excellent 2nd
reading and beyond. For 1st reading, I took the subjects in
the order I wanted. 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+ that way, Ill end my last reading reviewing
for the immediately coming exam.
3. Daily Hours. Aim to log at least 8 hours of study every
day. Ramp this up to 9, 10, even 12 hours as the exams
approach. While I personally didnt have the organization
to use a stopwatch, it might be helpful for you.
92
4. Take Breaks. Breaks are necessary and highly

encouraged. So long as youre able to meet your quota of
study hours, be generous with study breaks and breaks
for meals. My library study buddies will attest to my
frequent internet breaks, runs to the mall for milk tea, or
just taking time to walk around.
5. Vacations. Allow yourself vacations. If well-timed, they
break the monotony and can recharge your spirits. I gave
myself 2 during bar review season, though take note we
had 7 months to review.
6. Study Goal Fails. Dont be too hard on yourself when you
fail to meet the study goals youve set for the day, week,
or month. I fell short on a lot of days.
OTHER GENERAL TIPS
1. Exercise & Eat Healthy. Apart from not overindulging on
comfort food, try to put in some exercise to keep yourself
fit. You cannot afford to get sick, so exercise, eat well,
and take vitamins if necessary. If youre a stress eater,
this will offset the Bar Review weight gain. Remember
though, that your first priority at this point is to pass the
Bar Exams while you should put in some exercise, dont
spend all your time at the gym getting yourself bikiniready.
2. Talk it Out. It helped me to take breaks to talk to the
people I was studying with. Apart from gossip (an
excellent way to relax), we discussed things in our study
materials we were confused with this was an excellent
learning exercise.
3. Nap. When you need to, nap. Theres no point studying
when youre sleepy. I usually couldnt help myself I was
always dozing off at the library (usually around 15-30
minutes).
93
4. Dont Force It. If by the end of the day youre very tired
and sleepy, dont force yourself to study when you cant
process or retain what youre reading anyway. Sleep and
continue the next day.
5. Pray. When youve studied harder than youve ever done
before, theres nothing else to do but trust in some
higher power.
TYPICAL STUDY DAY [This is ideal because I tended to be liberal with

my days]:
Wake up at around 6:30 to go to the gym. [Going to the gym

was discontinued a month before the exams.]
Grab coffee and be at the library around 9-9:30.
Study until around 11:30 [most likely doze off somewhere in
between].
Head to the mall for lunch [as the exams approached, the
mall was replaced with the cafeteria].
Study until around 5:30 [almost definitely doze off several
times in between].
Head to the cafeteria for dinner.
Study until the library closes.
Goof off at home. *As exams approached, Id continue
studying at the AGSB study area at the 2nd floor or at home]
Sleep at around 11pm.
MY READING LIST
Subject
Books
Notes &
Reviewers
The Essentials1
Materials, which: 1) on hindsight, I wish I stuck to from the very start;

2) I believe will suffice when push comes to shove; or 3) I stuck to even
for Pre-week.
94
Political
Law
Bernas Primer
Nachura
Reviewer
Labor
Law
Azucena
Everybodys
Labor Code [aka
Green Book]
Alcantara
Labor Law
Reviewer [Just
Social
Legislation]
Codal
Mamalateo
Tax Reviewer
[1st Reading
Only]
Co-untian Tax
Digest
Codal
o Casasol
a
Annotat
ed NIRC
o LGC
[Local
Taxatio
n and
Real
Propert
Taxation
95
Jimene
z
Recent
Jurispr
udence
Manue
l 100
Notes
Ateneo
Bar
Ops
Review
er
Disini
Social
Legislat
ion
Tables
Person
al
Notes
from
Tax 1 &
Tax 2
Primus
(Domo
ndon)
Star
Notes
Bernas
Primer
Nachura All
non-Consti
portions.
Azucena
Everybodys
Labor Code
Ateneo Bar
Ops
Reviewer
Co-untian
Tax Digest
Primus
(Domondon)
Star Notes
Civil Law
y
Taxatio
n]
Tariff &
Custom
s Code
Codal
Sempio-Diy
Family Code
Balane
Succession [1st
Reading Only,
then switch to
Champ Reynos
Notes]
Jurado Civil
Law Reviewer
[1st Reading
Only, excluding
Family Code &
Succession]
Aquino Land
Titles [1st
Reading Only,
only those parts
in the Syllabus]
96
Balane
s Notes
Proper
ty &
ObliCo
n
Del
Castillo
Class
Notes
for
Proper
ty
San
Beda
Red
Notes
Sales,
Partner
ship &
Agency
, Lease,
Torts &
Damag
es
Reyno
Notes
Codal
Mercant
ile Law
Catindig Notes
on Selected
Commercial
Laws [And the
2007
Supplement/Up
date]
Sundiang
Commercial Law
Reviewer
Villanueva
Commercial Law
Reviewer [1st
Reading Only,
only
Corporation
Law &
97
on
Atty.
Balane
s Book
Zuiga
Notes
on
Credit
Transa
ctions
Delos
Angele
s
Notes
on
Land
Titles
Jimene
z
Recent
Jurispr
udence
Sundiang
Commercial
Law
Reviewer
Catindig
Notes on
Selected
Commercial
Laws [And
the 2007
Supplement/
Update]
Remedia
l Law
Legal
Ethics
Criminal
Law
Insurance]
Abad
Negotiable
Instruments
Made Easy [1st
Reading Only]
Codal
Riano Civil
Procedure,
Criminal
Procedure,
Evidence [1st &
2nd Readings
only]
Codal
Aguirre Legal
Ethics Reviewer
Pao Legal
Ethics Reviewer
Philippine
Judicial
Academy
Annotated Code
of Judicial
Conduct
Gregorio
Criminal Law
Review [1st
Reading Only]
De Castro
Special Penal
Laws [1st
Reading Only]
Sandoval
Special Penal
98
San
Beda
Red
Notes
San Beda
Red Notes
San
Beda
Red
Notes
San Beda
Red Notes
San
Beda
Red
Notes
San Beda
Red Notes
Laws [1st
Reading Only]
Boado
Criminal Law
Notes & Cases
99

ATTY. LUZ DANIELLE O. BOLONG
TOP 2 84.556%
2011 BAR REVIEW MATERIALS
Subject
Materials Used (no. of
Recommended
readings)
Materials
Political and Codal
Codal
International Bernas Primer (2)
Bernas Primer
Law
Nachura, except Consti
Nachura, except
(2)
Consti
Ateneo BarOps (2)
San Beda BarOps
San Beda BarOps (2)
Jack Jimenez recent
Jack Jimenez recent
jurisprudence
jurisprudence (1)
Agra notes on election
Agra notes on election
law and local
law and local
government
government (1)
Labor and
Codal
Codal
Social
Azucena Everyones
Azucena Everyones
Legislation
Labor (2)
Labor
Manuel lecture
Manuel lecture
transcript and notes (2)
transcript and notes
Abad Compendium (1)
Alcantara Social
Ateneo BarOps (3)
Legislation
Ateneo BarOps
Taxation
Codal
Codal
Mamalateo (this is a test Mamalateo
of your knowledge. You
Domondon star notes
have to spot and correct Tables prepared by
100
Civil Law
Mercantile
Law
outdated information.)
(1)
Sababan (browsed
through it to get the big
picture) (1)
Domondon star notes
and in parts I dont
understand his books (2)
Co-untian (this is what I
used for Tax Law Review
so I was able to read it
fast during pre-week) (1)
Tables prepared by Atty.
Cabreros
Ateneo BarOps (3)
San Beda BarOps (1)
Codal
Balane- succession &
oblicon (2)
Sempio Diy- persons (2)
Zuiga- sec trans (2)
De los Angeles- land
titles (2)
Jurado- others (2)
Ateneo BarOps selected
(2)
San Beda BarOps
selected (2)
Sundiang (2)
Catindig (2)
CLV comm. rev- corp (1)
101
Atty. Cabreros
Co-untian
San Beda BarOps
Codal
Jurado
Balane- succession &
oblicon
Sempio Diy- persons
Zuiga- sec trans
De los Angeles- land
titles
San Beda BarOps
Sundiang
Catindig
Ateneo BarOps
Criminal Law
Legal Ethics
& Forms
Remedial
Law
Abad- nego (2)

Perez- transpo (1)
Arevalo Crammerinsurance (1)
Ateneo BarOps (3)
Jack Jimenez recent
jurisprudence (1)
Codal
Boado (1)
Peralta Book II transcript
lecture (browsed for
frequently asked crimes)
(1)
San Beda BarOps (3)
(Own notes for Book II
transferred to Beda
during 1st reading)
Codal especially Lawyers
Oath
Commentary on New
Code of Judicial Ethics (in
the internet) (1)
Pao (1)
Aguirre (1)
Agpalo (1)
Nava reviewer (1)
Ateneo BarOps (1)
San Beda BarOps (2)
Codal
Riano- civpro (1) and
crimpro (2)
102
Jack Jimenez recent

jurisprudence
Codal
Boado
San Beda BarOps
Codal
Commentary on New
Code of Judicial Ethics
(in the internet)
San Beda BarOps
Codal
Riano- civpro and
crimpro
Regalado- specpro (2)

and evidence (2)
San Beda BarOps (2)
Regalado- specpro
and evidence
San Beda BarOps
TIPS:
1. Just to be sure, always use the most recent edition of
the book youre using. I remember, during first year, I
used an old Reyes criminal law book and ended up with a
laughable answer in my final exams. Because of that
experience, I made sure my entire bar reference
materials were updated. Even if I read the old Bernas
Primer for my first reading, I still bought the new Bernas
Primer and used it for my second reading. For labor, even
if I used an old Everyones Labor for labor law review, I
bought a new one for bar review. My friends know how
thrifty I can be, but the bar was an exception.
2. Talk to Topnotchers and other bar passers. Whenever I
needed pep talks, I contacted Atty. Oliver Baclay Jr. (3rd
place, 2008 Bar Exam) and Atty. Johanna Sunga (5th place,
2010 Bar Exam). I also talked to Attys. Ryan Quan and
Jared Amoroso. Moreover, I relied heavily on the 2011
Bar Manual. I dont know Atty. Filemon Ray Javier (2nd
place, 2010 Bar Exam) personally but I was inspired by his
story- during bar review, his father died and his wife was
pregnant yet instead of being distracted he got
motivated. So when I got sick for a month, I told myself I
wasnt gonna give up. My sister can attest how hard I
tried to make sure the weeks I spent on my bed were
productive. Even if I fell asleep within 15 minutes from
listening to audio recordings, I still kept trying. Kahit five
to ten pages of San Beda Crim/Rem lang nababasa ko a
day, masayang masaya na ako. I was really really
103
frustrated that I couldnt study so I kept calling lawyer

friends for reassurance.
3. Pray . I can honestly say I have deeper faith now because
of my bar experience. Every morning, after I pray, I recite
this: As you start your day, realize how blessed you are
to be alive. Refuse to let trials rob you of your joy to live!
Yours is a good life, no matter how challenging they may
be at the moment. Live it with joy and be a blessing.
When you get sad that you wake up to study, think of
other people who want to study but cant or better yet
those who dont wake up to live another day. Fridays of
August to mid October I went to UST for therapy. While
waiting for my turn, Id see the other patients of my
neurologist and Id feel ashamed for worrying too much
about my situation. So instead of complaining about
having to study, pray and be grateful for the blessings
God has given you.
4. Attend pre-week lectures. I didnt attend Jacks poli preweek lecture and I regretted it because next to comm, I
found poli the hardest. And, those who attended said
they found the exam easier because around fifteen
questions came from his list of MCQ questions! So I
suggest you really find time to attend important, if not all,
pre-week lectures. I attended the comm (Jimenez), labor
(Manuel), and ethics (Hofilea) pre-week lectures and I
found all of them helpful.
5. Pace yourself. I started April 25- right after Easter
Sunday. But the week before, I (1) made a list of what
materials to read, (2) bought 8 boxes for all my
references, (3) bought a stopwatch (which I used during
the bar exam itself), (4) prepared a calendar where I can
monitor my progress, (5) consolidated the bar schedule
104
of previous bar topnotchers. I attempted to read on trial

memorandum and legal opinion (Abads book) but my
brain was still in vacation mode. But I told myself no
excuses I was gonna start April 25. That week, April 25May 1, I read the subjects I felt insecure with: Oblicon,
Sales, Election, Ethics and Forms.
6. Mirror schedule of the 4 sundays. I consider the one
week I mentioned above my first reading because after
that I felt that my knowledge of all subjects were equal. I
also consider the pre-week as one reading because I read
codal (except comm.) and barops reviewer for each
subject. So when people ask I say 5 readings cos thats my
initial target and I guess I just feel better knowing I
somehow achieved that goal even if people might
disagree with my manner of counting number of
readings. So my schedule was: April 25-May 1, 1st reading,
May to mid July 2nd reading (Poli/Labor/Tax/Ethics;
Civ/Comm; Rem/Crim), mid July to mid September 3rd
reading (Poli/Labor/Tax/Ethics; Civ/Comm; Rem/Crim),
mid September to -3rd week October 4th reading
(Rem/Crim/Ethics; Civ/Comm; Poli/Labor/Tax), pre-week
5th reading.
7. Make a schedule but be flexible. For the first two
months, I studied in La Union. Weekdays, Id wake up at
515, jog with my siblings to the parish church which was
about 2 kilometers from our house, be back at home at
around 630, eat breakfast and take a bath, start at
around 830, snack at 1000, eat lunch with family at 12,
nap for 30 minutes, start again at 1330, break at 1530,
study again, rosary at 1730, dinner at 1900, study, sleep
at 2100. Weekends, if I didnt have visiting friends from
Manila or me and my family didnt go to Baguio, Id study
for half a day. I made sure that whatever backlog I had, I
105
used my weekends to compensate. When I got sick on

August 16 (I was already in Manila), I was about to start
rem and crim. I got out of the hospital, August 20 and
fully recovered the week of September 18-24. Since I
didnt have enough time and rem/crim were my favorites
(thanks to Justice Gesmundo Ive read Riano Civpro for
remedial review more than 3 times; to Sir Vannie because
I felt that my crim book II notes were more than
sufficient), I stretched my schedule and made it seem
that I did 2nd and 3rd reading of crim from August 23September 23 when in truth I only did 1 reading. So that I
wont panic, I psyched myself that I was very prepared in
rem and crim.
8. 888. For me, 8 hours sleep was non-negotiable. I felt that
my brain worked better when it was well rested. Except
during the month that I was sick, I devoted 8 hours of
pure studying each day. I spent the last 8 hours eating,
exercising, praying, watching TV/DVDs, talking with
friends...
9. Practice answering MCQ questions and drafting trial
memorandum and legal opinion. When I got bored/tired
reading, I practiced my handwriting. Comparing the
before and after, I can say practicing really paid off. As for
the MCQs, answering the PALS and Ateneo BarOps
compilation made me feel grounded because my scores
averaged 70.
10. Know/ guess who the examiners are. The earlier you find
out who the examiners are, the better you can prepare
your strategy (i.e. what book to read). Had I known
Pineda was the Civ examiner months before I would have
tried reading her books.
106
Special Thanks: My family and friends especially my Kuya; Aquila

Legis Fraternity especially Fidel Nograles; Kristel Bejar; Ateneo
Human Rights Center especially Attys. Marlon Manuel and Ryan
Quan, Marino 22, and the BarOps team; Campus Ministry Office
especially Ate Michelle; Ateneo Society of International Law
especially Attys. Oliver Baclay, Patrick Perillo, Tien Demaisip,
Jared Amoroso, and Jomi Legaspi and the BarOps team; Ateneo
Central BarOps especially Nikki Hipolito, Marvin Llamas, Austin
Alcantara, Nico Bernardo and Miko Dimaculangan; Puno & Puno
Law Office especially Attys. Joey Sunga, Vince Bayhon and Sarge
Sarmiento.
107

ATTY. IRENE MARIE P. QUA
TOP 8 84.057%
1. Stick to what works for you.
Dont force yourself to change your study habits radically.
Chances are you will get frustrated and waste your time.
Throughout law school, my routine consisted of studying for an
hour or so upon waking up, going to the gym, cooking something,
then going to school to study until classes start. During review,
my daily routine was more or less like that except that I cut back
on the time I spend cooking. I didnt see any point in changing
something that worked so well for me. Plus, I knew that if I
skipped my workouts and stopped cooking, I would be bothered
all day and I wont be able to concentrate. Stick to what works
for you. You know yourself better than anyone else.
2. Learn to compromise.
Although I did not deviate so much from my law school routine, I
had to compromise on a few points. The pressure in reviewing
for and taking the Bar is at least seven-fold the pressure in law
school. While I recommend sticking to what works for you, there
will always be times when you will have to re-assess your
priorities and compromise. As I mentioned, I cut back on the
time I spend cooking. Towards the last month of the review, I also
cut back on my yoga practice. These are things I am passionate
about. But, I did not eliminate any of these; I just compromised:
Instead of going to gym 5 times a week, I lessened it to 3 times a
week; I just made sure that I maximized the time I spend there.
As one previous topnotcher said, things worth having are worth
sacrificing for.
108
3. Pace yourself.
I started reviewing in May; I had 6 months to review until
November. I did not retain much from my first reading. At times,
I felt frustrated especially when I just read a material and I cant
answer a simple question about it. Also, trying to stick with the
schedule I made was not easy considering that my brain was still
on vacation mode. I calmed myself by keeping in mind that (1) it
was the first time I was reading some of the materials I used (e.g.,
Mamalateo, Alcantara, Boado, Sundiang), and (2) I was just
familiarizing myself with the review materials. During my second
reading, I took more time and exerted more effort to understand
what I was reading. But, after the second reading, my mind still
drew blanks when asked questions, so I decided to do a 3rd
reading. On my 3rd reading, I mostly skimmed through the main
texts I used and supplemented it with Beda Reviewers. I was
stricter with myself on this round and I find that this was the
crucial part of the review.
4. Choose your review materials wisely.
I find that the most useful materials I used during review were
the materials I already used in law school or at least works of
authors whose writing styles I was already comfortable with. I
wasted time reading materials just because they were on the lists
of previous barristers. With those materials, aside from
understanding the contents, you also have to adjust yourself with
the writing style. For example, I read Alcantara (Labor), Co Untian
(Tax), Sempio Dy (Persons), Regalado (CrimPro and SpecPro)
because they were on previous topnotchers lists. But I did not
retain any significant information after reading them. So, I set
them aside and went back to the texts I used in 4th year .But, I
109
made sure that the authors are truly experts on the subject and
can be trusted, e.g. Nachura, CLV, Azucena, Riano. I also made
sure to supplement them with updates on the subjects.
5. Rest. But, earn it.
During my first two readings, I did not study on Sundays. But, as
November drew closer, I spent Sundays studying although not as
intense or as lengthy as I would on weekdays. I needed to feel
that once a week, there is rest. On weekdays, I would start
studying for 2 to 3 hours continuously before taking a break. I
looked forward to walks to Power Plant, reading the newspaper,
browsing through a magazine, or being able to have a leisurely
cup of coffee even if its just 3-in-1. These were my breaks from
studying but before I took them, I made sure I covered a sensible
number of pages and that I understood their contents. That way,
I appreciated my breaks even more because I knew I earned it,
did not worry about whether I understood the contents correctly,
and the cut off was not alanganin.
6. Know when to recharge.
In the middle of my third reading, I was nearing a burn-out. In
September, on impulse, my boyfriend and I took a break from Bar
Review and joined friends on a 5-day trip down south. While we
were worried that we were on vacation mode so close to
November, it somehow motivated us on the last stretch of the
review because we had to make up for days not spent studying.
In a way, it was the push we needed during the last stretch of the
review.
7. Build your confidence.
110
I only planned to do 2 readings. But, after my 2nd reading, I still

drew blanks when asked questions. So, I rushed a third reading.
That was the only way I would feel confident. Even during preweek, I still used the main texts for each subject except for Civil
Law and Tax. I browsed through them and supplemented that
with the Beda Reviewers. That way, I felt that I read the main
texts another time and did not miss any important point. As for
the topics I did not take up in law school, e.g. writ of kalikasan
and habeas corpus for minors, I made sure I covered the
important points I did not go further because I thought that if it
wasnt taken up in school or its just a new rule or law, it would
be in bad faith if complicated questions were asked; chances are,
only basic questions will be asked.
8. Be prepared for the 4 weekends.
Dont forget to prepare for THE DAY itself. Earplugs, Kitkat Dark,
Smint, water, and something from Breadtalk or French Baker.
These were my staples during the 4 Sundays. The earplugs came
handy during the Commercial Law exam and the Legal
Memorandum making portion. During the Commercial Law exam,
the person sitting next to me kept on fidgeting which I found
distracting. The earplugs helped me focus. On the last Sunday, I
almost fell asleep while reading the problem given for the legal
memo; the chocolate provided the needed kick. I took my lunch
inside the exam room and used the spare time to read the tips
and do some last-minute reviewing.
9. Read the tips.
I found Blue tips for Political Law and Commercial Law very
helpful. These consist more of recent jurisprudence and while the
Bar questions may not be spot on, the tips hit a lot of the topics
111
asked during the exam and I was able to deduce answers from
the tips and stock knowledge.
10. Move on.
After each Sunday, I avoided discussions about the possible
correct answers for the past exams. Each exam is only a part of
the big picture. If you think you did not do so well on one exam, it
doesnt necessarily mean you will fail. Dont dwell on your
mistakes which you can no longer correct. Move on, prepare for
the next Sunday and try your best bumawi.
Special thanks to: Atty. JC Lerit, Migui Beltran, Alex Noble, BJ
Cruz, Juris Uy, , the Aquila Legis Fraternity, Blessings Ateneo
(especially Ate Anna & Kuya Don), Starbucks Jungle, Atty. Yves
Gonzalez, Ateneo Central BarOps especially Nikki Hipolito and
Christian Rillera, Atty. Anton Zablan, Atty. Grai Escosia, Poblador
Bautista & Reyes Law Offices especially Atty. Dino A. Tamayo.
Below is a list of the materials I used with their corresponding
usefulness to me. I went codal on all subjects, especially for Civ
and Comm. As Dean Bautista told us, you cannot understand
unless you remember.
*** Highly recommended

** Very useful
* Useful
Subject
Political
and Intl
Materials
*** Nachura (3 readings plus pre-week)
*** Beda Reviewer (2 readings plus pre-week)
112
Law
Labor and
Social
Legislation
Tax
*** Jacks recent jurisprudence lectures I did not

attend his lectures but I was able to get hold
of audio recordings. This was very useful.
During the exam, it was as if I was listening
to Jacks lectures.
*** Jacks recent jurisprudence (printout; preweek)
* New Bernas Primer (1 reading)
*** Azucena (3 readings plus pre-week)
*** Manuel transcript (2 readings plus pre-week)
*** Recent jurisprudence lecture
** Manuels pre-week lecture I only attended
the first day. I was already on panic mode
and I felt that his Labor Review Class and
the transcripts & notes already covered
sufficient bases.
Alcantara (1 reading)
*** Mamalateo (3 readings) After 2 readings, I
almost threw this away. Some of the
illustrations are quite complicated and some
of the rules are already outdated so you
have to be careful when reading this one.
But, I had no alternative material so I read it
very carefully for the 3rd time, took note of
the outdated portions and ignored the
illustrations which I felt were too much for
the standard first year lawyer.
*** Domondon Primus (pre-week)
*** Domondon transcript (pre-week)
113
Co-Untian (1 reading)
Civil Law

*** Sta. Maria, Persons (1 reading plus pre-week)
recent jurisprudence part
*** De Los Angeles Land Titles (exam day)
** Zuniga Sectrans (1 reading plus pre-week)
* Jurado (2 readings)
Sempio-Dy Persons (1 reading)
Comm.Law
*** Villanueva (3 readings plus pre-week)

*** Abad Nego book and transcript (2 readings,
transcript for pre-week) ***
*** Atty. Dys outlines (2 readings plus pre-week;
eve of exam)
*** Jacks recent jurisprudence (printout; preweek) ***
Sundiang (1 reading)
Crim.
Law
*** Boado (3 readings plus pre-week)

*** Beda Summer Reviewer (2010) (3 readings
plus pre-week) I used the Beda Reviewer I
used in my Criminal Law Review class in 4th
year because I felt that the notes I scribbled
all over it were important. Plus, my
memory is somewhat photographic so I
recall that a topic is on a specific portion of
the reviewer; reading the 2011 version
confused me.
114
Remedial
Law
Ethics
Forms
*
*** Riano CivPro (3 readings plus pre-week)

*** Riano Evidence (3 readings plus pre-week)
*** Riano CrimPro (3 readings plus pre-week)
*** Beda 2010 and 2011 (2 readings plus preweek) I used the old reviewer which I used
in 4th year and had my notes in it. The 2010
reviewer was my main text for SpecPro
because I could not find a text that I was
comfortable with. For the special rules part,
i.e. writ of kalikasan, etc., I used the 2011
reviewer.
Regalado Crimpro (1/2 reading) I read about
50 pages but I stopped because I was not
comfortable with the format and writing
style.
*** Beda Summer Reviewer (1.5 reading plus preweek) Halfway through the first reading, I
felt that I wont remember the rules
anyway so I stopped and moved on. I read
this in whole only during the 3rd round for
the other subjects and during pre-weekA
* Aguirre (1 reading) I studied for ethics only
after the second reading for the other
subjects. I read this once and did not read
it again.
I relied on Bedas Forms and on Atty. Ceballoss
forms
Useful
115

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Bar Operations Team .............................

Contact Details .....................................

Barristers Calendar ...............................

Hotel Operations FAQs ...........................

Distributions FAQs .................................

Sunday Operations FAQs .........................

VIII. Tips for Multiple Choice Questions .............

Topnotchers' Tips ..................................

Previous Topnotchers ......................

2010 Topnotchers ..........................

FR. JOAQUIN G. BERNAS, S. J.

Dear Barristers of 2012,

FR. LITO A. MANGULABNAN, S. J.

DEAREST ATENEO BARRISTERS,

values instilled in you by the Ateneo. As you go out into the

Gian Carlo Miranda

For Acads Concerns

Pierre Martin Reyes

For Hotel Concerns

For Distributions Concerns

For Sunday Operations

FOR ACADEMICS CONCERNS

Monday Before Each

FOR HOTEL CONCERNS

Start of Hotel Signup

June 15, 2012

End of Hotel Signup

Last Fridays of June, July, August and

Saturdays of October 2012, at 2:00 PM

HOTEL OPERATIONS FAQS

What hotel are we staying in?

The following amenities are also provided for by the hotel:

Breakfast (packed or buffet)

DROP OFF SHUTTLE

How much will the accommodations cost?

PER PERSON, FOR

Jun 29, 2012

Jun 29, 2012

Jun 29, 2012

Aug 31, 2012

Jul 27, 2012

Aug 31, 2012

Sep 28, 2012

Please note of the following reminders:

What should we expect on Saturday nights and Sunday early

How do we get the PM Blue Tips (c)?

If you do not wish to pass by the Film Center, instead of taking

SUNDAY OPERATIONS FAQS

TIPS FOR MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

10. Make sure you are shading the correct number.

TIPS FROM THE PREVIOUS BAR TOPNOTCHERS

Do well in the afternoon subjects.

TIPS FROM THE PREVIOUS BAR TOPNOTCHERS

c. Tables and diagrams in reviewers (Ateneo, Beda) are