Stories of Life’s Calling and Unconventional Journey: BukSU-Law Passers on taking the legal path

The Supreme Court of the Philippines released the results of the Bar examinations on December 5, 2023, after the three-day examinations last September.

Fourteen (14) Bar exam passers from Bukidnon State University (BukSU) will practice law and take the responsibility of representing others in legal matters as they will take the oath and signify on December 22, 2023 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.

Here, we share the stories of Hyacinth Ann D. Antonio and Jemika Kathryn Soledad-Tecson, BukSU-Law graduates, in their journey to becoming a lawyer.

From Curiosity to Calling

Hyacinth Ann D. Antonio’s path to being a lawyer was not initially a part of her dreams. In a remote interview, she shared her journey as a determined legal professional.

“Becoming a lawyer was never a dream of mine. I despised the thought of law school, of recitations, and appearing in court. It was in 2017 when I became curious and decided to give it a try,” admits Hyacinth.

In 2017 she considered taking the legal path.

She acknowledged that her early preparation for the legal profession was part of God’s plan.

“It was an epiphany. I realized that God called me to be a lawyer,” she reflects.

However, her journey was a test of faith. Battling anxiety in her second year led to class absences, impacting her academic progress.

“In my 2nd year of law school, I experienced a great deal of anxiety, to the point that I was already missing classes. I couldn’t bring myself to class. There were times when I would already be in the BukSU parking lot, only to find myself heading back home to Valencia instead of going to class. I almost failed some of my subjects,” she said.

 Additionally, embracing motherhood compelled her to adjust her academic plans due to postpartum insomnia.

“Towards the end of my 3rd year in law school, I became a mother. Entering my fourth and supposedly last year in law school as a newbie mother, I was determined to graduate right away. But the plan changed when postpartum insomnia set in. I knew my being a law student had to take a backseat so I can fulfill my role as a mother as well. So, I dropped some subjects and spent another year in law school.” 

“These challenges taught me the essence of resilience, which is crucial not only in law school but also in shaping me into a competent lawyer,” shares Hyacinth.

Pursuing Law: Unconventional Journey

Jemika Kathryn Soledad-Tecson, fondly known as ‘Bob’ or ‘Bobbie’ was a graduate of Political Science from Ateneo de Manila University, who is married to a Talaandig soil artist and farmer.

“As a PolSci major, law school was not a foreign idea. Numerous people thought I will be proceeding to law school after graduating in 2011. They were wrong. I did not want to proceed,” shares Bob.

It was in 2019 when Bob participated the 2019 Philippine senatorial elections, an encounter with a letter written in 1972 of the late Senator Pepe Diokno hit her to finally enroll to Bukidnon State University-Law.

Bob devoted herself entirely to the review, bidding farewell to her teaching tenure of nine years.

“I had to quit teaching after 9 years, if I were to review for the Bar. I like doing things with passion and excellence, and if I review and teach at the same time, I will be sacrificing one or the other.”

Her unique learning style, sewing or multitasking while absorbing study materials, proved to be her breakthrough method, offering a refreshing perspective on effective learning.

“I had a Eureka moment one day. I was sewing instead of taking down notes (because my arms were tired) and while at it, I realized that I could absorb the lesson better when my hands were busy other than note-taking. So, there were times I would sew, wash dishes, fold clothes, etc. while listening to the lessons. I wanted to prove that it is not always read, read, read. Because if reading is merely rote, it will be useless. Listening is my strong suit, and because I tapped into my learning style, it truly helped me,” Bob recalls.

Remembering her unforgettable Bar Exam moments, Bob found solace in her family.

“I think the most unforgettable moment was on the last exam on the last day. Everyone is exhausted and we all just want it to be over. But I have always reminded myself to remember my why. When I was hyperventilating and on the verge of crying because of exhaustion, I closed my eyes and calmed myself down. Then, I wrote my son’s name and drew his face on my scratch paper. I drew my husband’s face a little while later. It helped me power through,” she said.

Here is the list of fourteen (14) passers:

1. Atty. Antonio, Hyacinth Ann D.
2. Atty. Baconga, Clint R.
3. Atty. Binayao-Lualhati, Cristy Mae S.
4. Atty. Damasco, Jangai Valerie B.
5. Atty. De la Torre, Kathlynn Lou Gertude D.
6. Atty. Egnar-Blaza, Kristina M.
7. Atty. Garcia, Joseph L.
8. Atty. Okit, Christrian R.
9. Atty. Sapanta-Rodriguez, Joy Mariel S.
10. Atty. Soledad-Tecson, Jemika Kathryn
11. Atty. Sulpot, Analiza C.
12. Atty. Tambaoan, Ma. Consolacion C.
13. Atty. Talaver, Evan John I.
14. Atty. Timario, Gretel

The three-day exams were held on September 17, 20, and 24.  A total of 3,812 out of 10,787 examinees passed the 2023 Bar examinations; that is 36.77 percent. (BukSU-Information Unit)