Update (7 September 2008): The first Sunday is almost done. The SC newsflash reported that a “record” 6,533 law graduates are set to take the 2008 bar exams. A higher number (6,560) filed their respective petitions to take the Bar exams, but 11 applications had been denied. 16 applicants withdrew. Let’s hear from the examinees (and those who served in the barops) how’s the first day.
Original post: The release of the results of the 2007 Bar Exams marked the beginning of a discussion, at times heated, on the Supreme Court’s decision to lower the passing rate. We have the reflections of Dean Pangalangan on top of everyone’s comments. There was a call to put a closure on the 2007 Bar Exams. 256 comments later, everyone appears to have accepted the fact that the 2007 bar examination is done and there’s nothing we could do about it. Of course, I could be wrong.
There were suggestions, through the comments in the previous post, to talk about the 2008 Bar Exams instead. While these suggestions were made months back, I couldn’t think of anything to discuss about the 2008 bar exams. Maybe it’s because it would be redundant to deal with matters being discussed at the Bar Exams Forum (phbar.org). Maybe we’re not talking about the tips because there’s going to be a lecture on that in July 26 anyway, courtesy of the gracious 2005 Bar Exams topnotcher (Atty. Joan De Venecia). Maybe it’s because at that time, the 2008 bar exam is still months away. Of course, it’s dead wrong for me to say that there’s still so much time left at this point. For those preparing for the 2008 exams, a little over a month is always too short.
There’s a reason why the bar exam is known as the most difficult “licensure” exam. Bar exams are difficult, and, with all due respect, I disagree with the statement of Justice Azcuna, Chairman of the 2007 bar exams, that bar examinations are not difficult. Each batch is confronted with a different degree of difficulty. Some say it’s difficult in certain years and relatively easier in certain years. But how could we objectively say which year is difficult? For all we know, this year’s bar exam is difficult. Of course, I could be wrong — it’s also entirely possible that it is easier than the last year. The basic reason (and, again, I could be wrong) in people saying that an upcoming bar exam would be difficult or relatively easier appears to be the perceived level of difficulty of the immediately preceding one. This also appears to be true with respect to passing rates. This premise reduces the Bar Committee to a reactionary group, something which is not supported by facts or logic.
However, it is counterproductive to worry about the level of difficulty of this year’s bar exam. This is entirely out of your hands. Stop worrying about things that you can’t control. What you could control is how you review for the exam. You could control how you deal with stress and pressure. As one of my favorite prayers goes: “Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”
A few more hours to go, then it’s time to face the bar dragon. Good luck and God bless to all 2008 bar examinees.
Related Posts:- 2008 Bar Exams Questions and Discussion
- Bar Examinees Waiting for March 28
- The waiting game (again)
- Bar Exams Passing Percentage
Tinkering with internet tools comes with the bonus of better understanding how existing laws apply to the third wave - that of technology, particularly the internet. This is also a great medium to disseminate and discuss ideas across borders, time, color or creed. 
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Here I am again…
“Barristers” are lawyers… not aspiring lawyerss or lawyers-to-be… Just a point of info.
Anyway, before I get spammed again, God bless to all who are taking the 2008 BarEx. *runs fast*
God bless to the 2008 bar candidates! Study hard, pray and think positive.
~~~ N E V E R S T O P B E L I E V I N G ~~~
G o o d L u c k , B a r r i s t e r s !
Let me share this prayer to all the 2008 bar examinees: — Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
— i pray this before every exam and it worked! sabi nga ” Ask and you shall receive”. Trust God and trust yourself. If its God’s will, it will happen in the right time.
to my Muslim brothers and sisters: Insha Allah!
Good luck to the 2008 bar examinees!
To the future lawyers,
Strive more to be your best! Keep dreaming.
As Cinderella puts it: IMPOSSIBLE THINGS CAN HAPPEN EVERYDAY, SO IT’S REALLY POSSIBLE!
God bless you.
days to go nalang, bar na… just keep the faith guys!
My blessings to the 2008 Bar Examinees! Remember dear barristers things happen with reason… Whatever happens, you are still children of the universe… BELIEVE… HAVE FAITH!
…and here I am again
good luck to all baristas out there, especially those from la salle Bacolod, kaya nyo na pre. Don’t forget to pray, because the bar is a even higher mountain to climb without him.
Good luck to all Muslim bar takers this 2008! Have faith! Allah is with us always!
yabang at magandang signpen… my two cents
gudluck to all
Good luck to everyone! If we made it last year, you can also do it this year… We will be waiting for you pañeros and pañeras in court:-)
Gud luck and God bless us all..to pass the 2008 bar exams is a matter of destiny….and destiny is a matter of choice (preparations) coupled with divine interventions….
goodluck to all!!! 2 weeks nalang and start na ng bar exams….
continue praying guys and believe in yourselves…
go cebu examinees!!!