TOP 10 BAR TOPNOTCHERS FOR 2009 (FROM ATENEO) 3rd Place: LIM, JOHN PAUL, 84.50, Ateneo Law 1. General tips on reviewing and taking the bar exam Prepare to top, not to pass. You ARE ATENEANS, after all. Memorize important case titles and codal provisions. It’ll make your job and the examiner’s job easier. Cite case law and codal provisions directly, if you are sure. Study hard. Pray harder. 2. Describe your typical study day (Did you study alone? In groups?) 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-the-mall breaks). I bought a stopwatch for this purpose. I usually went home about 9-11pm, after meeting my daily quota. 3. What is your review schedule on a daily and monthly basis? April to June, I had my weekends free, meaning minimal to no studying during weekends. I did the mirror method and went to-and-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 would’ve 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. 4. What are the materials/books used in each subject? (Is it advisable to read the book again? Or are reviewers sufficient?) 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: a. Political Law – Justice Nachura’s outline, Fr. Bernas’s Primer, Atty. Jimenez’s Notes on Administrative Law, Election Law, and recent jurisprudence, Magallona (thin version) for PIL. Codal. b. Labor Law – Atty. Azucena’s Everyone’s Labor Code, Atty. Manuel’s lecture and 100 notes, Alcantara and Atty. Disini’s notes for Social Legislation. Codal. c. Civil Law – Atty. Balane’s outline for the preliminary chapters of the Civil Code, Persons, Property, Obligations and Contracts, and his Succession Book, Atty. Zuniga’s notes for Security Transactions, Aquino’s book for Land Titles, Jurado’s Civil Law Reviewer, Sempio-Diy for Persons and Conflict of Laws. Codal. d. Taxation – Mamalateo and Sababan’s Tax Review books, Atty. Montero’s and Atty. Abella’s notes. Codal. e. Commercial Law – Dean Villanueva’s Commercial Law Review, Sundiang/Aquino’s Book Reviewer, Perez’s books on Insurance, Corporation Law, and Transportation, Catindig’s book on Special Commercial Laws, Dean Abad’s Negotiable Instruments Law. f. Criminal Law – Gregorio’s Criminal Law Reviewer, Boado’s Notes and Cases on Criminal Law, Justice Sandoval’s Criminal Law Reviewer, and Justice Peralta’s lecture notes. Codal. g. Remedial Law – Dean Riano for Evidence and Civil Procedure, Justice Regalado for everything else, San Beda’s Reviewer, and Justice Aquino’s notes and recent jurisprudence. h. Ethics and Forms – Aguirre’s book on ethics, Dean Abad’s notes for Legal Forms. Codal. As to whether to use reviewers or books, for me, I think it’s best to stick to one thick book reviewer, one small book reviewer, and the codal provisions. If you’re not comfortable with this set-up, do whatever works for you. 5. When did you start to study? Did you study right after graduation? 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 9. Salvador (Rem). Atty. Justice Hofileña’s lecture on Property. Zuniga’s Security Transaction lecture (essential!). 8. Sta. Jimenez (Poli and Comm). and all the recent jurisprudence lectures. excluding ethics and forms (of which I did two readings plus memorization). 7. All-in-all. and Remedial Law. Easiest subject? . Atty. I attended the following lectures at the Law School: Domondon’s tax review. Atty. Maria’s last-minute lecture on Persons (essential!). Candelaria’s PIL lecture. please specify. Balane and Dean delos Angeles (Civ). 4 readings of Commercial Law. Atty. Tax Law. Diaz and Dean Villanueva’s lectures on how to prepare for the bar are very. Justice Aquino’s lecture on ethics. Suffice it to state. Atty. very crucial. Atty. How many readings were you able to do? Before pre-week. Atty. Criminal Law. Atty. and Justice Hofileña’s (Ethics and forms) last-minute tips are VERY. Professor Quimson’s lecture on Corporation Law and Securities Regulation (essential!). it was probably the only subject I was not able to re-read entirely during the pre-week. I found Civil Law to be the hardest subject. Atty. pre-week included. I was able to do 5-6 readings of all the subjects. Bernas’s lecture of Conflict of Laws. Manuel (Labor). Montero (Tax). VERY helpful. 6. Also. Hardest subject? Interestingly. and Civil Law. Atty. Did you attend the review classes in Ateneo? Did it help you? If only in certain subjects or professors.Law. The coverage is simply too long. I had already finished my first reading. About two weeks after graduation. Atty. Balane’s Succession lecture (just because I revere him). They present different styles of studying. and had memorized all the canons for judicial and legal ethics. do try to attend ALL of the pre-week lectures. Jack Jimenez’s and Justice Agra’s lecture on the Admin/Public Officers/Local Government/Election Law. Labor Law. Pick one and start from there. I was able to do 5 readings of Political Law. Atty. ERIC DAVID. Ateneo Law 1. You are entitled to give yourself a break. Taking all of my four years of law school seriously. Atty. once in a while. Leading up to the exam days. 10. 84. you need your sanity for the bar. keep in mind that you are. we ended up sleeping at around 11. a bar reviewee. Your primary task. if you can. However. at this moment. and spirit. What are things that you should avoid while reviewing or taking the exam? Procrastinating. There are. 12. and c. therefore. body. b. What is the best thing you did or had that helped you top the bar? a. General tips on reviewing and taking the bar exam? Stay healthy in mind. 11.05. Remember that being a bar-reviewee does not make you any less of a human being. Go out of your way and help them. after all. We tried to sleep by 10pm but on some weeks. What did you do the night before each test? I attended mass at the hotel every week. is to review and to prepare for the bar. Maria’s pep-talks every Saturday morning (gave me the confidence I needed week after week in September). 2. Mangulabnan and Atty. Describe your typical study day (Did you study alone? In groups?) . 5th Place: TAN.Political law. nevertheless. Mel Sta. Pray before you sleep and first thing when you wake up. exceptional circumstances when some of your batchmates/co-reviewees/others will need you. Fr. Re-studying and preparing like there’s no tomorrow. after which my roommate and I discussed a few points. After all. Jimenez was able to predict at least fifty percent (50%) of the questions. I didn't study right after graduation. Jack Jimenez. 7. 4. I was able to do only two readings. When did you start to study? Did you study right after graduation? No. But I didn't mind studying with a group as long as I get along with them. like Remedial Law (because of typhoon Ondoy). What did you do the night before each test? . Did you attend the review classes in Ateneo? Did it help you? If only in certain subjects or professors. What is your review schedule on a daily and monthly basis? Two subjects per day. for the other subjects. Domondon. I only resorted to reviewers if I had no other choice. I took a short vacation. I started studying on the third week of April. 100 pages for each subject. Easiest subject? Taxation and Remedial Law 10. What are the materials/books used in each subject? (Is it advisable to read the book again? Or are reviewers sufficient?) Review books are still the best materials. 3. I was able to do 5 readings. please specify. 5. and (3) Tax Law Review of Atty. 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. 6. 8. Manuel. How many readings were you able to do? I was able to do at the least 4 readings including the pre-week for most subjects. (2) Commercial Law Review of Atty. For Legal Forms and Ethics. Hardest subject? Criminal Law 9.I sometimes studied alone. However. The Aquila Legis Fraternity. 6th Place: GONZALEZ. But because of anxiety. Start on the subjects you are weakest with.1 c. You want to minimize all forms of negativity during this time and this is one of the ways you can do so. What are things that you should avoid while reviewing or taking the exam? Avoid being too scared. So. Instead of wasting time playing music during your daily commute. This will also remind you that life is good. Going through the ordeal knowing that the people who mattered to you are behind you every step of the way really helped. and my friends gave me my needed morale boost.I used every time I had to read in order to make sure I didn't miss anything important. listen to audio . You need to believe this to keep your motivation and focus intact. but you shouldn't let that overwhelm you. 11. My family. YVES RANDOLF. d. b. Listen to audio lectures whenever you get the chance. Take short mini-vacations every two weeks or so. 83. General tips on reviewing and taking the bar exam? a. it was usually shorter. Postponing them till later will only give you an anxious feeling while you're studying other subjects. Ateneo Law 1. Same ratio as No. Take a big long vacation before you start studying. 12. I had to make sure I had at least 6 hours of sleep. I guess being afraid of what to expect is normal. so that you can get rid of your fear of these subjects.90. This will give you good memories to look back to during the time you are already studying. I just listened to my iPod and jumped around my bed until I became so tired that I had to sleep. What is the best thing you did or had that helped you top the bar? Mental preparation. bring a ruler that will serve as your left margin. Regarding bad handwriting. instead of your mind telling yourself to not retain it yet ("babalikan ko pa naman ito" mentality). your family. keep your own focus on studying and learning as much as you can. Once you eliminate highlighting and taking down notes. ask your girlfriend to handle your accounting and bills payment so you don't have to think about those. e. Write in big non-script letters. Don't fight with your girlfriend. Outsource chores to other people. Have a positive attitude while studying and while taking the exams. While taking the bar. then aim for it. Live a simple steady life during the review period. Doing so will consume more time but will assure you that the examiner will understand your answer. don't add anything unnecessary to it. Don't let little things get to you. Use that ruler to strike out your mistakes. you can always go all out later on after you pass.g. Take notes if you want. f. avoid repeating the same material unless its a critical material (like Nachura's book for me was a critical material). I improved this by practice. Both are equally important and you should do both. Minimize unnecessary stress. In relation to this. I have awful handwriting and my profs would always write on my bluebooks: "Please improve your handwriting". i. You will learn a lot of things that you will never encounter in books. Have a concrete goal . Don't forget the right margin as well. Don't read negative stuff like phone and credit card bills. g. But do not listen to audio lectures while reading a book. there will be no more need to highlight since you know you will not re-read it again anyway. or anyone. e. In connection with this. If you want to just pass. Practice writing during the time you study Forms so you can hit two birds with one stone. On examination day. If you want to top the bar. Have a concrete goal. Knowing that you will no longer re-read the same book will also train your mind to retain the info you read already. But do find the right balance between writing slow and legibly vis-a-vis answering all the questions. You already have a lot on your plate. but this is generally not needed as well. the things you heard in the lectures will come back to you and will greatly help you remember the right answer.lectures instead. h. then aim for that as well. Read as much materials as you can. then you have more time to actually study and absorb what you are reading. ask your auxie to do photocopying instead of doing it yourself. That's just crazy. Remember to thank them always. I studied at least 5 days a week. On certain "in the zone" days. Rem). After dinner. you will eventually get over these negativities as you realize that they will not help you attain that goal. Repeat the next day. You can always talk to your study buddies during your short breaks. Go home. monthly sched. far from everyone else. Do the same. so that they can be confident of being able to defeat their opponent on fight day. Arm yourself with all the knowledge and information that you can get. weekly. drive to study place (Starbucks Julia Vargas or Starbucks jungle). with the remainder reserved for short vacations and other stress relieving activities. if not the most important factor that will spell the difference between victory and defeat. Don't let fear of the uncertain. chat with study buddies. But I studied in my own table. study time. I studied with an informal group. In between each I would study a subject I am more comfortable with. Listen to audio lectures during the drive so as not to waste that time. Boxers train months before a fight. Keep study time. Study for 3-4 hours before having dinner. . to avoid unnecessary chit chat and time wasting. then you probably won't. only target dates. ended first round of reading July 8 (one week late from my target). Crim. Being prepared will give you confidence. Anything worth doing takes time. anxieties. I take a short break. you will use this to overcome the Bar. Describe your typical study day (Did you study alone? In groups?) Wake up at 2-3pm. or despair cause you to deviate from this goal.and set your plans accordingly around such goal. the ones who also studied in my study place. Your confidence in yourself that you are ready to take on this task is probably one of the most important. before resuming studying. What is your review schedule on a daily and monthly basis? I started with the subjects I'm weakest in (Poli. I did not have a fixed daily. Be prepared. but if you have a goal. Started May 8. Study for another 3-4 hours. and that is critical on exam day proper. You will have moments of despair and panic. If you don't believe you can defeat your opponent. I usually end studying around 3-4AM. 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. j. 3. surf the web. 2. sleep around 6AM. Read all reviewers you can get from ATENEO. then you will finish reading faster.4. PRIMUS. you will not be able to sleep on time. and can be finished in a day or two d. they will usually teach you more than full text books. Mine included: AQUILA. not needed for Bar.same as #2. These are very educational. What are the materials/books used in each subject? (Is it advisable to read the book again? Or are reviewers sufficient?) Do not tell yourself that you will re-read a book. But I did not read the long Beda ones. Sempio Dy for Civ h. All ATENEO and Beda reviewers you can get your hands on. a. Do not listen to these going to bed. Nachura's book for poli . Regina. But skip most long discussions. Sta. Read it once.I read this twice just because Nachura is the chairman of the exams f. l. Listen during commutes to maximize your time. Beda. i. Mamalateo Book . You can finish this in one day. j. PRIMUS Notes for ALL subjects. then find another book on the subject. . alot of them are for law school recits. short and direct to the point. then there will be no need to highlight. Audio lectures . and other sources. Reviewers are godsend. Every pre-week you can get your hands on. ATENEO. k. Do not listen while reading a book. and direct to the point b. well written. and scattered preweek tips from various profs. Since you will not re-read.there's a lot of tips in these. Domondon's book for tax e. Beda. direct. Arellano. Maria for Family Code. CLV book for Corp . easy to read.you can't go wrong with this one g. Azucena Everyone's Labor Code . Father Bernas Consti Primer . absorb it. skip those that are for recits.same as #8. c. since you are not highlighting.Tax . study pre-weeks nonstop till around 7. What did you do the night before each test? Friday: Check in at hotel at noon. you should be able to answer at least 90%. study again till 12midnight. Past bar exams from 2000-2008. Hardest subject? Poli Law. RPC. Its ok to miss most of the lectures if you can get audio recordings. For the 10% you still can't answer. 1st round was mostly books. Have dinner. . Easiest subject? Commercial Law. then pre-week read preweek stuff. attended Jack. and Sta. One good full reading of these will make sure your mind has read the full law itself. Azucena.m. Finished round 2 just before pre-week. please specify. CIV. useful for random questions that make their way into the bar 5. 8. 10. then do relaxing stuff after. Finished round 1 July 8. How many readings were you able to do? Two full rounds plus pre-week. I took a long vacation. 1st exam and it was very tricky. 6. When did you start to study? Did you study right after graduation? Started May 8. After 2nd reading / round. Maria. 9. and COMM codals. During pre-week. Only read this after you have studied to test your ability to answer them. I didn't study after graduation. Sleep at around 3-4AM. Consti. 7. 2nd round was mostly long reviewers. Did you attend the review classes in Ateneo? Did it help you? If only in certain subjects or professors. Attended very few of the lectures. then Tax. Ethics is next because it was long. Family Code. n. After 1st reading you will find that you still can't answer some of them. I asked someone to record them instead so I can listen to them during transit from house to study place and back. read and reread the provided answers so they will stick. Be brief and concise. Continue attempting. and do freshen up by brushing your teeth and washing your face during lunch break. 7th Place: TO. it will be the longest 4/3 hours of your life repeated 8 times. I also had two amazing auxies (Laura Noel and Mark Encarnacion). doubting yourself. alcohol. Remember to leave room in the booklet for the questions you skipped. Sunday: Wake up 4:30. Breakfast. Relax. Be patient. Succeed around 1-2AM. If you don’t feel like studying a particular subject. skip it. Attempt to sleep. and wasting time. negativities. except of course if the question is alien to you. Hear mass. During exam day proper: Don't let any question overwhelm you. In bed by 10PM. Go back to room for dinner and some last minute reviewing. 12. Make sure your answers make sense.65. Fail.Saturday: Wake up at noon. If you don't know the answer. Game on. then try another subject. Get at least 8 hours of sleep! During the exam. 11. Make sure you answer every question even the ones you don't really have a good answer to. don’t panic. General tips on reviewing and taking the bar exam Pray. Ateneo Law 1. Go back later when you've answered the rest. What is the best thing you did or had that helped you top the bar? The AQUILA LEGIS FRATERNITY. Don't take the bar on an empty stomach. Try to love what you’re doing. Don’t force yourself to study if you’re sleepy or lazy. . read Tips. What are things that you should avoid while reviewing or taking the exam? Unnecessary stresses. Exercise. 83. Study till 6PM. Poop during the period between the two exams. JOAN MAE. Lunch. I would normally read 100 . for SSS and GSIS. Torts. My 2nd reading took longer than expected because I made notes for some subjects. My only goal was to finish at least two readings. 3. Labor – Everyone’s Labor Code. but some say that taking down notes helps. Describe your typical study day (Did you study alone? In groups?) I study alone . a. etc. What are the materials/books used in each subject? (Is it advisable to read the book again? Or are reviewers sufficient?) Reviewers. I easily get distracted so it’s hard for me to study in groups. I was not able to review my notes during pre-week.150 pages a day. generally. Know what to study. Civ – Jurado for Property Balane for Succession Balane notes for Oblicon Sempio Dy for Persons Jurado for Credit transactions. Tax – Mamalateo and parts of Sababan e. d.Study smart. Poli – Nachura b. I rest on Saturdays. 4. don’t work for me. It is impossible to read and remember everything. 2. Disini’s tables. What is your review schedule on a daily and monthly basis? I have no fixed schedule (like the number of days I should finish a subject). c. but Ateneo’s pre-week reviewers were helpful. Do whatever works for you.Starbucks or at home. look for Atty. Commercial – CLV’s book (Although I think reading Sundiang alone will do) . Legal Ethics – Aguirre (note: there’s a new Code of Judicial ethics! I only discovered this during pre-week! Shameful. It’s impossible to read everything) Commercial – Sundiang Crim – I think I read Sandoval (around 200 pages long) and Rose Rayco’s tables Rem and Ethics – Codal. Evidence and Specpro h. Pre-week – Poli and Labor – 2nd reading of Nachura and Everyone’s Civ and Tax – codal for both (selective. Rem – Riano for Civpro – I highly recommend this Regalado for Crimpro. For Land titles. 6. Forms – Justice Abad’s handout (Tapcapsa. When did you start to study? Did you study right after graduation? I started reading a bit of Crim before grad. How many readings were you able to do? Two. I finished my first reading end of June.) Don’t forget the Codal! If you think there’s no more time for you to finish the book or reviewer. special penal laws. 5. I think it’s okay to rest. . just read the codal. forms and other subjects where there’s not much stock knowledge – I think one reading is enough. and finished my second reading on the day before the first exam.f. Tapwacsa. I am not a fast reader so I had to start early. etc) It will be very hard to study on the day after an exam. Crim – Gregorio but be careful of typos g. but make sure you read them right before September or the day before the exam. Easiest subject? (Not because they’re very easy. What did you do the night before each test? Attended the mass officiated by Fr. M at Sofitel. Jack’s lecture on poli. Pre-week – I wasn’t able to attend any lecture during the first week . where we also got Divine tips Dinner Studied right before going to sleep (normally 11 pm to 12 mn. Atty. Manuel’s pre-week lecture on labor was very helpful. and all lectures on recent cases. too. his notes on recent cases were helpful . 9. except for the conflicts questions 10. Domondon’s tax lecture. admin and election. and Atty. Did you attend the review classes in Ateneo? Did it help you? If only in certain subjects or professors. Jack’s lecture on public officers.Atty. Civ.Dean Cynthia Del Castillo’s lecture on oblicon . please specify. Hardest subject? Tax (Pinawisan ako kahit ang lamig sa LaSalle!) Also. but because they’re the most manageable) Poli only because I was lucky that I just finished my second reading of Justice Nachura’s book the day before the exam so everything was still fresh. except for the last week – 1 am because my roommate (Shelly) and I . If you don’t know the answer. there were a couple of ridiculous true or false questions.Two days of Atty. 8. Montero’s lecture on tax. just write true and repeat/paraphrase the statement. I attended Atty.7. Salvador’s lecture on rem (three days) Note: I heard Atty. Listen to the suggestions. What are things that you should avoid while reviewing or taking the exam? While reviewing . especially if it worked for you in law school. 9th Place: LUMAUIG. while others don’t. TIMOTHY JOSEPH.Don’t panic. It is impossible to read everything so you have to choose what to read or where to focus. don’t compare yourself to others. 83. but please try to avoid it. 12. but be smart enough to follow what you know works best for you. Rest and Sleep! We are not machines. and it caused me unnecessary panic attacks. Ateneo Law 1.practiced making basic forms (complaint and information):P I’m glad we did!) 11.20. Stick to your own style and don’t be pressured by what or how other people study. Eat breakfast and lunch. Some people absorb more while cramming. (It is unavoidable. What is the best thing you did or had that helped you top the bar? Don’t change your study habits. Stop comparing. especially during preweek. It’ll drive you crazy. Make sure you absorb and understand the things you read. I’m guilty of this.) While taking the exam/day of the exam . General tips on reviewing and taking the bar exam First. Read the tips. Know what to study.Quality over quantity. . read as much as I could in a day and just kept tabs on my progress. For Political Law. I’ve always tried to avoid studying around other law students. For Labor. I heard a quote from my favorite videogame that sums up my review: “it’s not how many hours you put in. B’s primer for Constitutional Law. Describe your typical study day (Did you study alone? In groups?) To get myself going for the day. All I used to do was set aside my chosen material. especially those I already had notes in. I used Fr. but what you put in the hours. What are the materials/books used in each subject? (Is it advisable to read the book again? Or are reviewers sufficient?) Generally I used the books I used in law school. But for subjects I think I slacked off in. I never studied into the wee hours of the morning. Manuel’s pre-week lecture. Doing that would’ve just burnt me out by September. that was my way to avoid burning myself out before September. I made it a point to stick to only one author or one material per topic under each subject. That way I could keep my own pace without feeling too pressured. . and Justice Nachura’s book for everything else. or at most. I used new materials.” 2. Each week. but focused a lot during Atty. pick it up and go until I finish. So I didn’t make a strict review schedule in terms of number of pages per day or subjects per week or month. Then I used Atty. Rather. Then I’d end the day by just relaxing. Azucena’s Everyone’s. 4. since I read a lot slower than most people. making sure I’d finish each subject once before pre-week. with only one or two of my closest friends.Second. I’d go to the gym in the mornings. 3. to avoid overloading myself with information. What is your review schedule on a daily and monthly basis? I wanted to stick to how I studied back in law school. I took Sundays off and always tried to get at least one night out with my longtime barkada – people who kept me sane. I’d usually study by myself. Jac Jimenez’ recent jurisprudence for pre-week. Also. After that. Again. I set the order of subjects to study. I used Prof. Balane’s Civil Law Review II in fourth year. To steal a few words from Freddie Roach. For Remedial Law. For everything else I used Jurado. 5. Mike Montero’s pre-week lecture. I used Mamalateo. that’s the style I got used to in school. and just a summer reviewer for everything else. So I think starting in July was just right for me. but I found myself way too bored and distracted thinking that the bar exams were still three or four months away at that time. I finally felt the need to really get going around July. I used Gregorio for book one and a reviewer for book two. Jac Jiminez’ recent jurisprudence during pre-week.For Civil Law. For Taxation. For Crim. . I just used the Ateneo reviewer. For Commercial Law. Then I used Atty. So I figured if my mind really didn’t want to absorb any information yet. Thankfully. I used Riano for Civil Procedure. 6. I got Sempio-Dy’s book. Of course. maybe starting at the right time allowed me to peak at the right time. I used my notes and materials from Prof. Conflicts. you have to go straight codal as well. Some days I didn’t read at all. I did that during pre-week. Pre-week I just used our pre-week reviewer. along with Tranquil’s lecture. Most days I’d barely make 10 pages. I think there was a shorter book by Boado that I wish I had read instead to save me a little bit more time. When did you start to study? Did you study right after graduation? I tried to start in May and June. How many readings were you able to do? One good one. I used Dean CLV’s book for everything except Dean Abad’s Negotiable Instruments Made Easy. which is what I used in second year. I also put a lot of focus in Atty. but I didn’t want to stop midway through just to change books. Again. and Dean Abad’s three or four page memory aid in forms. So early that month. then I shouldn’t force it. I finished my first subject and kept going strong from there. Then I just used our pre-week reviewer. I later heard there were shorter books. For Ethics and Forms. please specify. Did you attend the review classes in Ateneo? Did it help you? If only in certain subjects or professors. Mike Montero.7. so we’d always catch the Saturday games on TV just for a get loose… and for added inspiration too. 11. Each test may seem like the longest and toughest one you’ve ever taken. I was just initially shocked by the whole bar exam atmosphere. Manuel. But thankfully I realized that more than anything. Stick to what you know. 9. Trust that what got you through school will get you through the bar exams. Labor by Atty. but I’d rather call them the “least difficult. Even if there’s one question – or two or three even – that you think you don’t know the answer to. Succession by Prof. But I went to a number of pre-week lectures that helped a whole lot – namely . 8. Sleep was more important than cramming. Commercial Law by Atty. it’ll be like quicksand. During the tests. don’t get pressured by what books or how many readings others have already gone through. What did you do the night before each test? Ate well and rested well. What are things that you should avoid while reviewing or taking the exam? Avoid adding unnecessary pressure on yourself. Tax by Atty.” After that test. I was just psyching myself out. I think I got hit by what my friends and I call. “gulpe de gulat. but you’ve gone through those same . and Remedial Law by Atty. Balane. And September means UAAP Final Four. just shake it off. Jac Jimenez (and I wish I attended his Political Law as well). Tranquil Salvador. We all graduated using our own styles of studying. If you do.” 10. move on to the next and come back for it later. hands down. I didn’t attend any review classes over the summer. as we watched the Eagles draw closer to another title. Hardest subject? Political Law. do not panic. I would even say that I owe just passing the bar exams to those professors. Easiest subject? Civ or Comm. During the review. I even told those close to me that I thought I was going to get DQ’d for it. listened to the same playlist every Sunday morning and drank with my barkada the last two weeks of August just to get loose. General tips on reviewing and taking the bar exam · List down your materials. I believe that everyone who graduates from the Ateneo Law School is smart enough to pass. What is the best thing you did or had that helped you top the bar? I ran into two of my former teachers during the bar review – one from law school. and start gathering them before you start your review.” I understood both to mean “confidence. · Make a study schedule to follow.10. It’s just a matter of each person knowing it. I did every little thing I could to help me go into each Sunday feeling good about myself. Ateneo Law 1. one from college. I did all the things that made me confident enough to take the bar exams and pass. .” The other said “yabang lang yan. You can make it through this. you made it through all of those. · If your study style in law school worked for you. One told me the bar is about “kompyansa. · Do not forget to pray.feelings in school before. watched UAAP games. but be open to changes. NAELLA ROSE 83. 12. 10th Place: BAINTO. Remember. · Recent jurisprudence is very important. · Take breaks when you feel like it. I played with my PS3.” That was the best advice I ever got. wore the same clothes every Sunday. chose rooms that had my favorite number. · Do not forget to answer past exams. follow the same style for your review. 3.· You’ll often find yourself staring at nothing or daydreaming. phonecall . The earliest I was able to get up during the review was at 8 a.) · I am not really a morning person. stretching. . unlike what most people have done. · I did not adjust my sleep cycle. · My Dinner break became shorter as it neared September. · 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 · My daily schedule includes many short washroom. that’s normal! 2. Describe your typical study day (Did you study alone? In groups?) · I reviewed alone. have a short attention span. etc. My peak hours would be during the evening up to 1 or 2 am.. breaks (This will work if you. like me. but I gave up after like 2-3 days of waking up this early. but I’d occasionally consult with some batchmates the issues I can’t resolve on my own.m. What is your review schedule on a daily and monthly basis? · I started my review in May. Ateneo and Beda latest jurisprudence. Nachura. What are the materials/books used in each subject? (Is it advisable to read the book again? Or are reviewers sufficient?) · POLITICAL LAW: Primer. Codal · CIVIL LAW: Jurado. I started my review on May 4. except in the month of August. Pre-bar Outline by Candelaria. 7. Codal · CRIMINAL LAW : Ortega Notes. Hofilena. . Forms Reviewer by (Dean) Justice Abad 5. Boado. · I do not study on Sundays. latest jurisprudence. Feria Noche and Sabio for reference. How many readings were you able to do? · 2 readings only. Commercial Law Review by Sundiang and Aquino. 4. Pano. This was really my study style even back in law school. 2009. I was able to finish my first reading in mid-July. Ateneo and Beda latest jurisprudence. Beda Memory Aid. Reyes 1&2. Codal · ETHICS AND FORMS: Aguirre. Co-untian. Beda and Ateneo latest jurisprudence. PIL by Sempio-Diy. ObliCon Balane Outline. Codal · REMEDIAL LAW : Beda Memory Aid. Codal · COMMERCIAL LAW: CLV Commercial Law Review. Domondon.· I only finished two readings. Latest jurisprudence. Codal · LABOR LAW: Everyone’s Labor Code. Agra Notes. Ateneo and Beda latest jurisprudence. Jac Jimenez Notes. Codal. Codal · TAX LAW: Mamalateo. Did you attend the review classes in Ateneo? Did it help you? If only in certain subjects or professors. please specify. When did you start to study? Did you study right after graduation? · 6. but very slow and thorough. Manuel Notes. Balane Succession. latest jurisprudence. Ateneo Summer Reviewer. Sempio-Diy Persons. but did not attend except for the very first . I felt that preparing to go to school and travelling to school would take up so much of my time. I was still up at around 2 a.· I did enroll in the Ateneo review classes. What did you do the night before each test? · 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. What are things that you should avoid while reviewing or taking the exam? · 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. the things I read rather than the things I hear. Some people. And I am able to absorb better.m. 12. unlike me. Criminal Law. as I couldn’t sleep!) 11. What is the best thing you did or had that helped you top the bar? · Study more than how I did during law school . but there were familiar and answerable questions in every subject. Easiest subject? · No easy subject. and Ethics and Forms (because it was long) 9. · Avoid unnecessary stress. absorb better the things they hear 8.How to study for the Bar. It will really depend on what your style is. Hardest subject? · Tax Law. 10. Find a place where you can study and focus. Three readings became two readings. Ateneo Law 1. Read recent jurisprudence (beyond the cut-off date) d. you wouldn't want to be the reason why someone else did not get to study for that day. 3. plus. Well. I timed myself at first. Write legibly. I would allocate a number of days for each book. It was on a daily basis. Hopefully. 2. then I suggest you study alone because you'll never get anything done. But I lagged behind. Describe your typical study day (Did you study alone? In groups?) I would just stay in my apartment so that I can concentrate more. SHIELA ABIGAIL. c. Prepare good materials for Pre-Week (these are things you want to remember) e. Pace yourself. it’s the latest edition. b.· Pray hard everyday · Don’t lose time for family and loved ones 10th Place: GO. f. 83. pray. .10. pray. Read books you’ve used. Pray. but after a while. What is your review schedule on a daily and monthly basis? I made a schedule. I stopped it. Anything and everything is more exciting than having to read your books all over again. General tips on reviewing and taking the bar exam: a. if you're talkative (like me). preweek Manuel’s 100 Notes -1 Civil Law I read Jurado. .1 Fr. Political Law Nachura (for obvious reasons.. 2 nd was champ Balane . Choose which you are more comfortable with) – first reading was the Book. Persons-Sempio Diy -2 Succession .preweek Labor Azucena (well.4. if I couldn't find another book for it.Balane (Champ or Book. find recent jurisprudence because our exam was full of it. What are the materials/books used in each subject? (Is it advisable to read the book again? Or are reviewers sufficient?) I'm a book person so I read books.Property Notes – for my 2nd reading . preweek Jack Notes on Election and his Recent Jurisprudence (because you need to read the recent ones. esp those beyond the cut-off) . I only read reviewers when I don't have a book for it.) – 2 readings. I think either is okay. they said that it's comprehensive and short) -2 Summer Reviewer of Ateneo (this was actually good) If you can. B's Consti Primer and the Supplement -1 Agra Notes .1 Candelaria's Poli Notes (I didn't want to read thick materials already but I heard Magallona is good) . 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). not sure) Criminal Law (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 Boado’s book more. (make sure to read this. 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 recommend it . IP. Taxation Domondon's star notes. So if you're the type who gets paranoid. insurance – 1st reading Nego. transpo.here's the thing. I was banking on my 2 sems with Balane. We had two or three questions from recent jurisprudence.2nd reading Mamalateo – 1st reading Sababan – 2nd reading.The Codal is a must! It’s the only thing I read for Pre-Week. Commercial Law CLV's Corp. . A lot of us did not. just the table on legitimes and intestate. I read Abad – 1st reading Sundiang – 2nd reading and pre-week Jack's recent jurisprudence. Don't get frantic if you don't finish the codal during the preweek. I didn't even read Succession. If I could do it again. Remedial Law Regalado's Crim Pro and SpecPro. Okay din daw.1 reading Riano's Civ Pro and Evidence. It's not my thing. They said Arturo de Castro made good guesses. I read the Crim Codal and SPL codal (and made notes there) and tried my best to differentiate one crime from another. Forms . I also read recent jurisprudence of Justice Aquino The Codal is a must! Ethics Beda and Aguirre Memorize Lawyer’s Oath I guessed a lot in Ethics.Dean Ortega's Notes for Book 2 Some read Peralta. I didn't even attempt to memorize elements. There were things in Arellano (Pre-Week) or was it Beda (Pre-Week Notes) that were helpful during the exam. Beda for Special LAws. I got a copy but didn't have time to read it. I read Sandoval and Codal for Pre-Week. I would have read my Dean Ortega Notes. I studied. What are things that you should avoid while reviewing or taking the exam? You cannot get sick! It's going to destroy your schedule. Crim was Gregorio then my second reading was Boado.Abad's Handout Scanned Beda Forms but I suggest do Abad and practice making forms 5. But this does not mean that I used the same materials for my two readings. 8. My second reading was Sababan. I went to classes which I thought were my weak areas. 7. I slept sometimes at 10. You don't want that. sometimes 11. my first reading of Tax was Mamalateo. please specify. I always prayed that I wouldn't get sick (especially getting a stomachahce). When did you start to study? Did you study right after graduation? I studied I think for a week though and then I stopped. . sometimes 12. I did but not for all subjects. 9. All I remember is I finished the Mamalateo Book before Domondon's lecture. excluding pre-week. Did you attend the review classes in Ateneo? Did it help you? If only in certain subjects or professors. Yup. 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. Hardest subject? Commercial. 11. For example. 10. How many readings were you able to do? Two readings. What did you do the night before each test? I went to mass and after that. This was because I was lagging behind. 6. Don't give your "all" in your first reading because you'll be tired by pre-week. . well. I was so tired by pre-week. swerte ka. law school life will flash before you. BarOps)! And we got good tips from the BarOps and the professors. 12. If hindi. What is the best thing you did or had that helped you top the bar? Prayer. If lumabas yung mga inaral mo. family. Luck and Great Support System (friends. read as if it's your last reading.Pace yourself well. On your second reading. professors.