Preparing for Bar Review

Five Areas of Preparation

Mental Preparation
Be systematic. Organize your review materials by subject. Do not study in a disorganized manner.
Make an outline and compare this with the syllabus of the bar exams.
Make a study schedule. It is important to set some days as days off. This will not only keep you sane, but also give you time to
catch up if you fall behind schedule.
Use the mirror technique during the last month of review. Study the last exam first and the first exam last, e.g., Remedial Law
and Legal Ethics will have to be studied during the first week of August while Political and Labor Laws will have to be studied during
the last week of August
Do not waste time by reading useless material. Do not study all resources encountered. Streamline. Be realistic. Study only
reviewers or books that are updated and meaningful. Start with primary sources first codal provisions and recent SC cases
before hurdling annotated texts and reviewers.
Approach all material as if this will be the only time it can be studied. Exert an effort to understand at once and brace all
important information. In a worst case scenario, just memorize verbatim what cannot be understood. This way, if the same words
appear in the exam, points are guaranteed.
Attend the bar review lectures. They provide essential updates and tips from the very best professors. They also provide a
suitable pace for reviewees not to lag behind the review schedule. Be sure that you choose which review lectures to attend. Some
can be unnecessarily long and boring.
If allowed and if feasible, tape review lectures. Listening can reinforce what has been read.
Start studying as early as possible. Prepare for contingencies so that there will always be enough time to unwind before the bar
itself. Do not procrastinate.

Physical Preparation
Be physically fit during the review and the exam. Try to get a regular exercise and be conscious of your diet. Take vitamins and
supplements. Prevent the risk of getting sick or catching a virus for this can impede your review
Get enough rest and recreation. The body has its limits. Studying continuously can take its toll on your health. A quick break
every now and then will not cause you any harm.
Adjust your body clock. Train yourself to follow the schedule of the bar exams usually 8 to 12 and then 2 to 5. Study during
these hours.

Emotional Preparation
Abandon all your emotional problems. Appraise your family and friends about what preparing for the bar entails and how
important the bar is so that they can be more understanding about your state. The last thing a reviewee needs is an added conflict
or source of stress when the bar itself is undoubtedly emotionally draining enough. Surround yourself with a support group that can
keep you focused.

Psychological Preparation
Believe in yourself. Not everyone can go through what you went through in law school.
Always think that you will top the bar. Strive to give your best effort. Do not be content with being mediocre.
Do not be afraid. First, you have everything it takes to pass the bar. Second, if you feel that you are still unprepared, the review
will prepare you better. Third, at the end of the day, the Bar exams are qualifying exams breathe.

Spiritual Preparation
Pray. Pray. Pray.

Important!
Brush up on your English.

Improve your penmanship. If you cannot seem to do anything about it, write in bigger letters.
Start using the pen that you will be using during the bar. Get used to it.

Suggested Timetable and Books

Dean Cesar L. Villanuevas Suggested Timetable
POLITICAL LAW
Read Constitution and Pre-Week Review on Saturday

CIVIL LAW
Read Civil Code and latest cases on Saturday

REMEDIAL LAW
Read Rules of Court and recent cases on Saturday

CRIMINAL LAW

COMMERCIAL LAW
Read from where you left off and latest cases

LABOR LAW
Read Constitution and Pre-Week on Saturday

TAXATION

LEGAL ETHICS AND LEGAL FORMS

1st reading 18 days

2nd reading 14 days
3rd reading 12 days
4th reading 10 days
5th reading 10 days
1st reading 18 days
2nd reading 14 days
3rd reading 12 days
4th reading 10 days
5th reading 10 days
Pre-Week
1st reading 18 days
2nd reading 15 days
3rd reading 12 days
4th reading 10 days
5th reading 10 days
Pre-Week
1st reading 18 days
2nd reading 15 days
3rd reading 12 days
4th reading 10 days
5th reading 10 days
Pre-Week
1st reading 18 days
2nd reading 15 days
3rd reading 12 days
4th reading 10 days
5th reading 10 days
Pre-Week
1st reading 15 days
2nd reading 10 days
3rd reading 8 days
4th reading 8 days
5th reading 8 days
1st reading 15 days
2nd reading 12 days
3rd reading 10 days
4th reading 10 days
5th reading 10 days
1st reading 8 days
2nd reading 5 days
3rd reading 5 days
Pre-Week

On the Saturday before the bar TAKE THE WHOLE DAY OFF. Atty. Villanuevas timetable contemplates 22 weeks of Bar Review,
so revise accordingly if you plan to use this timetable.

Michelle Juans Suggested Timetable

Michelle Juans batch had 19 weeks from the day after graduation until preweek; if your batch has more or less weeks for review,
revise accordingly.
1st Reading
Political Law, Labor Law
Civil Law, Tax
Criminal Law, Commercial Law
Remedial Law, Ethics

12 days
14 days
14 days
8 days

2nd Reading
Political Law, Labor Law
Civil Law, Tax
Criminal Law, Commercial Law
Remedial Law, Ethics

8 days
14 days
14 days
12 days

3rd Reading
Remedial Law, Ethics
Criminal Law, Commercial Law
Civil Law, Tax
Political Law, Labor Law

9 days
9 days
9 days
9 days

Suggested Books
Political Law

Labor Law

BERNAS, The 1987 Philippine Constitution:

A Reviewer-Primer (Constitution)
NACHURA, Outline Reviewer in Political
Law (Everything else in Political Law)
AGRA handouts (Election Law)
Atty. Jimenez case digests (Political Law)
Atty. Jimenez outline on election law
MAGALLONA, Primer on International Law

AZUCENA, Everyones Labor Code

ALCANTARA & ALCANTARA, Reviewer on Labor and
Social Legislation
BarOps summer reviewer (very good)
BarOps memory aid (very good)
Notes on stuff not in Alcantara
Labor Law Reviewer of Batch 2002

Civil Law

Taxation

JURADO, Civil Law Review

The code is absolutely essential.
Zuniga notes for Credit Transactions
For land registration, read AQUINO (just the
chapter on remedies).

VITUG, Tax Law & Jurisprudence

SABABAN, Taxation Law Reviewer
REYES, Income Tax Law & Accounting and
Philippine Transfer & Business Taxes
UP Reviewer on Tax, the Mabuhay ed.
Barops Tax Materials
Barops Tax Remedies Chart

Commercial Law

Criminal Law

PEREZ
VILLANUEVA, Commercial Law Review
Atty. Jimenezs transcript of 4th year
classes
Atty. Jimenezs cases on commercial law

GREGORIO, Fundamentals of Criminal Law Review

REGALADO, Criminal Law Conspectus
SANDOVAL, Pointers in Criminal Law
Ortega notes (books 1 & 2)
pre-bar pointers in criminal law
Crim 2 Chart
Crim 1 at a glance handout

Remedial Law

Ethics/Forms

REGALADO, Remedial Law Compendium

(Vols 1 & 2)
Rules of Court are essential
BarOps Summer Reviewer

AGUIRRE, Legal & Judicial Ethics: A Pre-Week

Reviewer
ERNANI CRUZ PANO, Bar Reviewer in Legal &
Judicial Ethics

BarOps Reviewer
Look at the forms in Juan-Bautista, The Elements
of Legal and Judicial Ethics & Practical Exercises
(I only read the forms part, the stuff on ethics is
just way too long)

Atty. PJ Bernardos Bar Review Schedule

PJ Bernardo, 2005 Bar Exams topnotcher (Top 8):
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 Pre-Week
Political Law and Commercial Law lectures, and the lectures on Legal Forms and Land Titles.
Stick to a book, and read that throughout.
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.
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.
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.

Suggested Reading Schedule:

First Reading
3 days: Ethics [4-6 April]
14 days: Political Law [7-20 April]
6 days: Labor Law [21-26 April]
14 days: Civil Law [27 April - 8 May]
6 days: Tax Law [9 14 May]
14 days: Commercial Law [15 - 24 May]
8 days: Criminal Law [25 May - 1 June]
12 days: Remedial Law [2 - 13 June]
1 day:
Day-Off! [14 June]
Second Reading
6 days: Political Law [15 - 20 June]
4 days: Labor Law [21 - 24 June]
6 days: Civil Law [25 - 30 June]
4 days: Tax Law [1 - 4 July]
6 days: Commercial Law [5 - 10 July]
4 days: Criminal Law [11 - 14 July]
8 days: Remedial Law [15 - 22 July]
4 days: Ethics [23 - 26 July]
Third Reading
5 days: Remedial Law [27 - 31 July]
3 days: Criminal Law [1 - 3 August]
6 days: Commercial Law [4 - 9 August]
3 days: Tax Law [10 - 12 August]
6 days: Civil Law [13 - 18 August]
3 days: Labor Law [19 - 21 August]
6 days: Political Law [22 - 27 August]
Fourth Reading [Pre-week]
4 days: Political Law [28 - 31 August]
3 days: Labor Law [1 - 3 September]
BAR DAY 4 September 2005
3 days: Civil Law [5 - 7 September]
3 days: Tax Law [8 - 10 September]
BAR DAY 11 September 2005
3 days: Commercial Law [12 - 14 September]
3 days: Criminal Law [15-17 September]
BAR DAY 18 September 2005
4 days: Remedial Law [19 - 22 September]
Political Law
Nachura, Outline Reviewer in Political Law
Bernas, A Reviewer-Primer
Jimenez Outline on Election Law

Labor Law
Azucena, Everybody's Labor Code
Alcantara & Alcantara, Reviewer on Labor Law
Abad Compendium
Labor Law Reviewer 2002 (Manuel)

Civil Law
Jurado Civil Law Review [special
contracts]
The Family Code by Sempio-Dy [persons]
Balane Jottings [succession]
Del Castillo Reviewer [property]
Balane Reviewer [Oblicon]
Zuniga
Handout
on
Securities
Transactions
Villanueva Outline on Sales

Taxation
Vitug/Acosta
Co Untian Q&A
Mamalateo Tax Law Review
Domondons Cut and Paste

Commercial Law
Perez Compendiums [for Big Four: Corp,
Insurance, Nego, Transpo]
Sundiang, Commercial Law Review
Catindig [on small commercial laws]
Jack Transcripts

Criminal Law
Gregorio, Criminal Law Review
Sandoval, Pointers in Criminal Law
Ortega Reviewer
Pimentel Notes for SPL
Crim 1 at a glance handout

Remedial Law
Regalado, Compendium in Remedial Law
San Beda Magic Notes

Legal Ethics
Aguirre, Legal & Judicial Ethics: Pre-Week
Reviewer
Pano, Bar Reviewer in Legal & Judicial Ethics
Te Reviewer

2 days:
Ethics [23-24
September]
BAR DAY: 25 September 2005
Books Read

Atty. Menchie Onas Bar Review Schedule

Menchie Ona, 2007 Bar Exams topnotcher (Top 1):
Review Tips
1.
2.

3.

2.
4.

5.

6.

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.
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.)
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,

7.

8.

9.

10.
11.

12.

13.
14.

15.
16.
17.

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.
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.
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 .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.

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?
Books Read

Political Law
Bernas Primer
Nachura Political Law Reviewer
Magallona Primer in International Law
Atty. Jack Jimenez Recent Jurisprudence in
Political Law Handout
Atty. Jack Jimenez Handouts on Election Law
Atty. Agra Survey of New Laws and
Jurisprudence on Election Law
Beda Reviewer on PIL
Constitution

Labor Law
Azucena Everyones Labor Code
Alcantara (I suggest only the Social
Legislation part of this book.)
Handouts/Transcript
of
Atty.
Marlon
Manuels Lecture
Social Legislation Beda/Ateneo Reviewer

Civil Law
Persons Sempio-Dy
Property and Oblicon Balane Reviewer
Succession Succession Reviewer (Champ
Reyno); Jottings by Balance (scanned this only);
Legitime, intestate combinations
Land Titles and Conflict of Laws Beda
Reviewer
The rest (Special Contracts, Sectrans, Torts,etc.)
Jurado
Code (super long though)

Taxation
Mamalateo
Co-Untian
Domondons Handout
Beda Reviewer Table of Taxes
NIRC

Commercial Law
Nego, Insurance, Transpo and Corp Perez
Review Books (note: Perez on Transpo is quite
long. Try other books for transpo)
Sundiang
Catindig
Atty. Jack Jimenez Transcript of 4th year
classes (especially Banking handouts)
Code on Insurance (only the relevant provisions),
Nego, Corp

Criminal Law
Boado Book 1 and 2
Ortega Book 1
Beda Reviewer
Judge Pimentel Reviewer Book 2 (as
supplement)
RPC Book 1
De Castro Special Penal Laws

Remedial Law
Rules of Court
Regalado (this is may be too long for review)
Beda Reviewer

Legal Ethics
Canons, Lawyers Oath and Rules
Aguirre
Short handouts on Forms (that which
contains formula for all legal forms)/Beda
Legal Forms (scanned it only)

TOP 10 BAR TOPNOTCHERS FOR 2009

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. Itll make
your job and the examiners 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 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.
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 Nachuras outline, Fr. Bernass Primer, Atty. Jimenezs Notes on Administrative Law, Election Law,
and recent jurisprudence, Magallona (thin version) for PIL. Codal.
b. Labor Law Atty. Azucenas Everyones Labor Code, Atty. Manuels lecture and 100 notes, Alcantara and Atty. Disinis
notes for Social Legislation. Codal.
c. Civil Law 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.
d. Taxation Mamalateo and Sababans Tax Review books, Atty. Monteros and Atty. Abellas notes. Codal.
e. Commercial Law 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.
f.
Criminal Law Gregorios Criminal Law Reviewer, Boados Notes and Cases on Criminal Law, Justice Sandovals
Criminal Law Reviewer, and Justice Peraltas lecture notes. Codal.
g. Remedial Law Dean Riano for Evidence and Civil Procedure, Justice Regalado for everything else, San Bedas
Reviewer, and Justice Aquinos notes and recent jurisprudence.
h. Ethics and Forms 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.
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 Law. About two weeks after graduation, I had already finished my first reading.
6.
How many readings were you able to do?
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).
7.
Did you attend the review classes in Ateneo? Did it help you? If only in certain subjects or professors, please specify.
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, Atty. Sta. Marias last-minute lecture on Persons (essential!), and 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.
8.
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 pre-week.
9.

Easiest subject?
Political law. Atty. Jimenez was able to predict at least fifty percent (50%) of the questions, after all.
10. What did you do the night before each 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.
11. What are things that you should avoid while reviewing or taking the exam?
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 bar-reviewee does not make you any less of a human being.
12. What is the best thing you did or had that helped you top the bar?
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).

5th Place: TAN, ERIC DAVID, 84.05, Ateneo Law

1.

General tips on reviewing and taking the bar exam?

Stay healthy in mind, body, and spirit.
2.
Describe your typical study day (Did you study alone? In groups?)
I sometimes studied alone. But I didn't mind studying with a group as long as I get along with them.
3.
What is your review schedule on a daily and monthly basis?
Two subjects per day. 100 pages for each subject.
4.
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. I only resorted to reviewers if I had no other choice.
5.
When did you start to study? Did you study right after graduation?
No, I didn't study right after graduation. I took a short vacation. I started studying on the third week of April.
6.
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. 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.
7.
Did you attend the review classes in Ateneo? Did it help you? If only in certain subjects or professors, please specify.
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.
8.
Hardest subject?
Criminal Law
9.
Easiest subject?
Taxation and Remedial Law
10. What did you do the night before each test?
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.
11. What are things that you should avoid while reviewing or taking the exam?
Avoid being too scared. I guess being afraid of what to expect is normal, but you shouldn't let that overwhelm you.
12. What is the best thing you did or had that helped you top the bar?
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.

6th Place: GONZALEZ, YVES RANDOLF, 83.90, Ateneo Law

1.

General tips on reviewing and taking the bar exam?

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.
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.
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.
2.
Describe your typical study day (Did you study alone? In groups?)
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.
3.
What is your review schedule on a daily and monthly basis?
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.
4.
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. 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.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.

PRIMUS Notes for ALL subjects. These are very educational, well written, and direct to the point
Mamalateo Book - Tax . short and direct to the point. You can finish this in one day.
Azucena Everyone's Labor Code - same as #2, easy to read, direct, and can be finished in a day or two
Domondon's book for tax
Nachura's book for poli - I read this twice just because Nachura is the chairman of the exams
Father Bernas Consti Primer - you can't go wrong with this one
Sempio Dy for Civ
Sta. Maria for Family Code. But skip most long discussions; alot of them are for law school recits, not needed for Bar.
CLV book for Corp - same as #8, skip those that are for recits.
All ATENEO and Beda reviewers you can get your hands on. But I did not read the long Beda ones.
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.
l.
Audio lectures - there's a lot of tips in these. Listen during commutes to maximize your time. Do not listen to these
going to bed, you will not be able to sleep on time. Do not listen while reading a book.
m. 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.
n. 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
5.
When did you start to study? Did you study right after graduation?
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.
6.
How many readings were you able to do?
Two full rounds plus pre-week. 1st round was mostly books, 2nd round was mostly long reviewers, then pre-week read
pre-week stuff.
7.
Did you attend the review classes in Ateneo? Did it help you? If only in certain subjects or professors, please specify.

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.
8.
Hardest subject?
Poli Law. 1st exam and it was very tricky. Ethics is next because it was long.
9.
Easiest subject?
Commercial Law, then Tax.
10. What did you do the night before each test?
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.
11. What are things that you should avoid while reviewing or taking the exam?
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.
12. What is the best thing you did or had that helped you top the bar?
The AQUILA LEGIS FRATERNITY. I also had two amazing auxies (Laura Noel and Mark Encarnacion).

7th Place: TO, JOAN MAE, 83.65, Ateneo Law

1. General tips on reviewing and taking the bar exam
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.
2. Describe your typical study day (Did you study alone? In groups?)
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.
3. 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). 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 pre-week, but some say that taking down notes helps.
I rest on Saturdays.
4. What are the materials/books used in each subject? (Is it advisable to read the book again? Or are reviewers sufficient?)
Reviewers, generally, dont work for me, but Ateneos pre-week reviewers were helpful.
a. Poli Nachura
b. Labor Everyones Labor Code; for SSS and GSIS, look for Atty. Disinis tables.
c. Civ Jurado for Property
Balane for Succession
Balane notes for Oblicon
Sempio Dy for Persons
Jurado for Credit transactions, Torts, etc.
d. Tax Mamalateo and parts of Sababan
e. Commercial CLVs book (Although I think reading Sundiang alone will do)
f.
Crim Gregorio but be careful of typos
g. Rem Riano for Civpro I highly recommend this
Regalado for Crimpro, Evidence and Specpro
h. Legal Ethics 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)
It will be very hard to study on the day after an exam. I think its okay to rest.

5. When did you start to study? Did you study right after graduation?
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.
6. How many readings were you able to do?
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.
7. Did you attend the review classes in Ateneo? Did it help you? If only in certain subjects or professors, please specify.
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.
8. 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.
9. 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
10. What did you do the night before each test?
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!)
11. What are things that you should avoid while reviewing or taking the exam?
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.
12. What is the best thing you did or had that helped you top the bar?
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.

9th Place: LUMAUIG, TIMOTHY JOSEPH, 83.20, Ateneo Law

1.

General tips on reviewing and taking the bar exam

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.
2.
Describe your typical study day (Did you study alone? In groups?)
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.
3.
What is your review schedule on a daily and monthly basis?
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.
4.
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, 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.

For Political Law, 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.
For Labor, I used Prof. Azucenas Everyones, but focused a lot during Atty. Manuels pre-week lecture.
For Civil Law, I used my notes and materials from Prof. Balanes Civil Law Review II in fourth year. Conflicts, I got SempioDys book. For everything else I used Jurado. Pre-week I just used our pre-week reviewer.
For Taxation, 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.
For Commercial Law, 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.
For Crim, 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.
For Remedial Law, 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.
For Ethics and Forms, I just used the Ateneo reviewer, and Dean Abads three or four page memory aid in forms.
5.
When did you start to study? Did you study right after graduation?
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.
6.
How many readings were you able to do?
One good one.
7.
Did you attend the review classes in Ateneo? Did it help you? If only in certain subjects or professors, please specify.
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.
8.
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.
9.
Easiest subject?
Civ or Comm, but Id rather call them the least difficult.
10. What did you do the night before each test?
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.
11. What are things that you should avoid while reviewing or taking the exam?
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.
12. 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, 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.

10th Place: BAINTO, NAELLA ROSE 83.10, Ateneo Law

1.

General tips on reviewing and taking the bar exam

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!

2.
Describe your typical study day (Did you study alone? In groups?)

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

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.

3.
What is your review schedule on a daily and monthly basis?

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.

4.
What are the materials/books used in each subject? (Is it advisable to read the book again? Or are reviewers
sufficient?)

POLITICAL LAW: Primer, Nachura, Beda and Ateneo latest jurisprudence, Agra Notes, Codal

LABOR LAW: Everyones Labor Code, Manuel Notes, Ateneo Summer Reviewer, Latest jurisprudence, Codal

CIVIL LAW: Jurado, Balane Succession, Sempio-Diy Persons, ObliCon Balane Outline, PIL by Sempio-Diy, Pre-bar
Outline by Candelaria, Ateneo and Beda latest jurisprudence, Codal

TAX LAW: Mamalateo, Reyes 1&2, Co-untian, Domondon, Ateneo and Beda latest jurisprudence, Codal

COMMERCIAL LAW: CLV Commercial Law Review, Commercial Law Review by Sundiang and Aquino, Jac Jimenez
Notes, Ateneo and Beda latest jurisprudence, Codal

CRIMINAL LAW : Ortega Notes, Boado, latest jurisprudence, Codal

REMEDIAL LAW : Beda Memory Aid, Feria Noche and Sabio for reference, latest jurisprudence, Codal

ETHICS AND FORMS: Aguirre, Pano, Hofilena, Beda Memory Aid, Codal, Forms Reviewer by (Dean) Justice Abad
5.
When did you start to study? Did you study right after graduation?

I started my review on May 4, 2009.

6.
How many readings were you able to do?

2 readings only, but very slow and thorough. This was really my study style even back in law school.
7.
Did you attend the review classes in Ateneo? Did it help you? If only in certain subjects or professors, please specify.

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
8.
Hardest subject?

Tax Law, Criminal Law, and Ethics and Forms (because it was long)
9.
Easiest subject?

No easy subject, but there were familiar and answerable questions in every subject.
10. 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, I was still up at around 2 a.m. as I couldnt sleep!)
11. 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.


Avoid unnecessary stress.
12. What is the best thing you did or had that helped you top the bar?

Study more than how I did during law school

Pray hard everyday

Dont lose time for family and loved ones

10th Place: GO, SHIELA ABIGAIL, 83.10, Ateneo Law

1.

General tips on reviewing and taking the bar exam:

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.
2.
Describe your typical study day (Did you study alone? In groups?)
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.
3.
What is your review schedule on a daily and monthly basis?
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.
4.
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. I only read reviewers when I don't have a book for it.
Political Law
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 cutoff) - 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
Labor
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
Civil Law
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.
Taxation
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).
Commercial Law

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)
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 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 (Pre-Week Notes) that were helpful during the exam. They said
Arturo de Castro made good guesses.
Remedial Law
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!
Ethics
Beda and Aguirre
Memorize Lawyers Oath
I guessed a lot in Ethics.
Forms
Abad's Handout
Scanned Beda Forms but I suggest do Abad and practice making forms
5.
When did you start to study? Did you study right after graduation?
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.
6.
How many readings were you able to do?
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.
7.
Did you attend the review classes in Ateneo? Did it help you? If only in certain subjects or professors, please specify.
Yup, I did but not for all subjects. I went to classes which I thought were my weak areas.
8.
Hardest subject?
Commercial.
9.
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.
10. What did you do the night before each test?
I went to mass and after that, I studied. I slept sometimes at 10, sometimes 11, sometimes 12.
11. What are things that you should avoid while reviewing or taking the exam?
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 pre-week. I was so tired by preweek. On your second reading, read as if it's your last reading.
12. What is the best thing you did or had that helped you top the bar?
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.