I. Messages ............................................. 2
II. Bar Operations Team ............................. 8
III. Contact Details ..................................... 9
IV. Barristers Calendar ............................... 10
V. Hotel Operations FAQs ........................... 11
VI. Distributions FAQs ................................. 20
VII. Sunday Operations FAQs ......................... 23
VIII. Tips for Multiple Choice Questions ............. 24
IX. Topnotchers' Tips .................................. 26
A. Previous Topnotchers ...................... 26
B. 2010 Topnotchers .......................... 69
MESSAGES
I thank in advance the Bar Operations Group this year for this pioneering
project which could be a benchmark or a more effective preparation for the
Bar.
Tools for bar review are available through notes but I advise you to be
discerning in the type of materials you will be using in the next few months.
There is no substitute to familiarity with the materials you have been
accustomed to in the past four years, including your own personal notes for
every subject.
Good luck!
SEDFREY M. CANDELARIA
DEAN, ATENEO LAW SCHOOL
2
MESSAGES
The last lap begins. If you got this far, you have a lot to be proud
about and to be thankful for.
Every inch along the way, remember and believe what Isaiah said:
They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will
soar with the eagles wings; they will run and not grow weary,
walk and not grow faint.
MESSAGES
3
Dear Barristers of 2012,
As you begin the last leg of your preparations to realize your long
cherished dream of becoming lawyers, rest assured that my
prayers and support will accompany you. Trust the Good Lord
Who begun this good work in you to bring it to fulfilment.
At the same time, trust yourselves and your inherent talents and
acquired self-discipline and time management. As always, given
your realistic constraints, do the best you can, and leave the rest
to God.
In Our Lord,
4
MESSAGES
The road ahead of you will never be easy. Passing the bar
is like crossing a bridge towards even greater challenges. Those
challenges are mere avenues for you to excel and live up to the
5
values instilled in you by the Ateneo. As you go out into the
world, remember that Ateneo does not just want you to be
successful, but to be significant in making a mark in our society.
You were trained by the best legal minds of the country and you
are groomed to be the best lawyers of your generation. Strive to
do what is right and live the mission of becoming men and
women for others.
We wish you the best and may God bless you. Make this
institution proud The Legacy Continues, Batch 2012.
6
ACADEMICS ADMINISTRATION HOTEL
COMMITTEE COMMITTEE COMMITTEE
Chairperson Chairperson Chairperson
Pierre Martin Reyes Gian Carlo Miranda Gabrielle Mangahas
Remedial Law
Christine Jean Chua
7
CONTACT DETAILS
Carlo Barrientos
For Distributions Concerns
0917 845 5775
cagebarrientos@gmail.com
Cla Abacan
cla.abacan@gmail.com
Sei Salvador
For Sunday Operations
0922 830 5688
Concerns
ilseaxavior@yahoo.com
8
BARRISTERS CALENDAR
DATE
Distribution of Supplements
June 25, 2012
and MCQ Reviewer
Monday Before Each Distribution of Pre-Week
Examination Reviewers
DATE
Start of Hotel Sign-
up
April 23, 2012
and Submission
Period
End of Hotel Sign-
up
June 15, 2012
and Submission
Period
Last Fridays of June, July, August and
Payment
September (depending on room type)
Start of Hotel
Saturdays of October 2012, at 2:00 PM
Check-in Period
9
HOTEL OPERATIONS FAQS
Sign-up and submission period will start on April 23, 2012 and
end on June 15, 2012. You may submit your Barrister Info Sheet
through the brown envelope which will be placed at the BarOps
Bulletin Board or through e-mail at
ateneohotelops2012@gmail.com with the subject "Barrister Info
Sheet--[Surname]."
10
What hotel are we staying in?
The HotelOps will provide your needs during your stay with the
following committees:
Secretariat
Hotel Academics
11
Services
They also have a mini store where you can buy your
essentials--sodas and other drinks, chocolates, cigarettes,
among other things. Complimentary items are also be
available such as coffee, candies, chips, etc.
Logistics
12
Transportation
10:00 AM
11:30 AM 12:00 NN
2:00 PM 2:30 PM
4:30 PM 5:00 PM
13
How much will the accommodations cost?
Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila has extended special rates for the
Ateneo Central BarOps, as shown below. To avail of these special
rates, please coordinate and reserve your rooms with the
HotelOps and NOT with Sofitel. This year, Luxury Rooms (formerly
Superior Rooms) will be available for the barristers.
14
Please note of the following reminders:
After breakfast, you can check out with the Secretariat at the
designated function room by returning your key cards to the
person in charge. If you incurred expenses during your stay, i.e.
availing of room service, mini-bar in the hotel room, Internet use
or placing outgoing calls, please be sure to settle your accounts at
the front desk.
15
What should we expect on Saturday nights and Sunday early
mornings?
If you have a personal runner, then s/he can get the tips from the
designated function room and bring it to you. Since the hotel has
a strict policy on access to room floors, barristers must provide
their personal runners with a duplicate of their room key, by
requesting for such from the front desk.
16
If you do not prefer to have the tips delivered to you, you may
opt to pick it up yourself from the Secretariat at the designated
function room.
17
How do we get the PM Blue Tips (c)?
Two (2) buses will be provided by the hotel, which will depart
from Sofitel in the morning to take you to the exam venue. These
buses will likewise pick you up in the afternoon after your exams
to bring you back to the hotel to get your belongings.
If you are coming from Rockwell Center, you may either traverse
EDSA or GIL PUYAT AVE. (formerly Buendia Ave.), since both
roads lead to Roxas Boulevard.
If you opted for EDSA, take the south-bound lane, go straight and
make a right turn at Macapagal Boulevard (with Petron and Blue
Wave Commercial Building on the right). Go down this road and
turn left at the street (unnamed street) where Home Depot and
Jollibee are located on your left, then turn right at the road just
where the Film Center is located. Sofitel is just beside the Film
Center.
If you took Gil Puyat Ave., just go straight crossing Taft Ave.,
Roxas Boulevard and Macapagal Boulevard until you see the
Home Depot and Jollibee on your left (as described above) and
along the unnamed street. Enter this unnamed street and turn
left at the road just where the Film Center is located. Sofitel is just
beside the Film Center.
18
If you do not wish to pass by the Film Center, instead of taking
the unnamed street, go straight further (if you took EDSA) or turn
right at Macapagal Boulevard (if you too Gil Puyat Ave.), and turn
left at the Vicente Sotto St. You should then be able to see Sofitel.
A FRIENDLY CHECKLIST
FOR YOUR OVERNIGHT STAY
Clothes, swimsuits
Shoes
Toiletries
Reviewers
Codals
Money
Mobile Phone and other gadgets
Lamp
Food
Bar exam permits, etc.
__________________
__________________
__________________
__________________
__________________
19
DISTRIBUTIONS FAQS
PRE-WEEK REVIEWERS
THE BLUETIPS
The BlueTips contain possible bar exam questions for the year.
The last minute tips are compiled by the Academics Committee of
the Ateneo Central Bar Operations and formulated by different
professors of the Ateneo Law School.
20
The PM Tips will be distributed during the break after the first
(1st) exam, i.e. from 10AM to 2PM. Those under the Ateneo
Central Bar Operations will receive their PM Tips at the Sunday
Operations Headquarters. The exact location of the PM Tips
distribution will be announced one (1) week before the Bar
Exams. Personal runners may also claim the PM Tips at the
Sunday Operations Headquarters.
THE RUNNER
21
IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
22
SUNDAY OPERATIONS FAQS
REGISTRATION PROCEDURE
23
TIPS FOR MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
5. The MCQ will only have one answer that experts will
generally agree on, so do not worry about outlier
answers.
24
10. Make sure you are shading the correct number.
25
TIPS FROM THE PREVIOUS BAR TOPNOTCHERS
ATTY. PJ BERNARDO
TOP 8, 2005 BAR EXAMINATIONS
Review Tips
26
The Bar is not a depth exam, but a breadth exam. Reading too
many books on the same subject can often clutter your
understanding and leave you confused. Do not rely on reviewers;
often, the books you read in law school are the best review
material.
27
Do well in the afternoon subjects.
The afternoon subjects are often more compact that the morning
subjects whose breadth is often wider. Afternoon subjects tends
to be more to the point and more manageable to answer. Thus,
strive to do well in the afternoon subjects because they can serve
as buffers for the often more difficult morning subjects.
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.
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.
28
Good luck! Know that for someone whos been there, I can
honestly say that Ateneo Law School has given you what it takes
to pass the Bar with flying colors. Again, its only a question of
focus and discipline on your part. Study to top, not merely to
pass. Magis requires nothing less.
29
TIPS FROM THE PREVIOUS BAR TOPNOTCHERS
Review Tips
Read this manual (at least thrice). That was the first thing I did to
prepare for the Bar.
30
c. Tables and diagrams in reviewers (Ateneo, Beda) are
useful.
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.)
31
Still, be kind to yourself. Set aside some time to relax and
breathe. Sometimes your brain just cant absorb anymore. Youll
be more effective if you stop reading. Watch a movie, go out,
have dinner with your loved ones, whatever. (But not too long,
just enough to recharge you.) I went out during Saturdays. When
I feel tired or when I feel my brain cannot absorb more info, I stop
- watch t.v., sleep, mangulit sa mga kapatid ko esp. Kenneth, Udy,
Mae.
32
Ask for understanding and support of your family, friends, esp.
boyfriend/girlfriend/wife/husband. Let them know what youre
going through to prepare for the Bar Exam. The last thing you
need is additional source of stress when the Bar is draining
enough. Avoid distractions. Avoid conflicts in your personal
relationships with others.
Choose the review classes youll attend wisely. I did not attend
too many review classes (I recommend Domondon on Tax
Remedies and Balane on updates on jurisprudence). I realized
that I would cover more topics by reading. Note that a lot of your
time will be wasted by preparing, going to school, the useless
talks, etc. (This may not apply if you plan to study in school.) If
there are handouts for a given lecture, I suggest that you dont
attend the class anymore. Most probably, the lecturer will only
repeat whats already in the handout. This also applies if the
lecturer was your professor. Weigh the pros and cons of
attending a review class. (But make your assessment quick, you
cant spend much of your time assessing whether to attend or
not.)
33
Handwriting
Try to read the past Bar exams once I a while. A least be familiar
with the style in answering questions.
Pray. Whenever you feel tired, scared, bothered, pause and talk
to God. Submit everything to Him. Have faith. You cant conquer
the Bar by yourself alone. Do your best, let God do the rest.
34
Decisions. Decisions. In your review, you will have to make a lot
of decisions. Whether to shift from one book to another, whether
to read a new handout, whether to attend a review class. There
are no easy answers for these questions. I only suggest one
approach pause, reflect, assess yourself, ask for Gods guidance,
decide. After making your decision, abandon all worries and
move on (yes this is difficult. But who said Bar preparation is
easy?
35
TIPS FROM THE PREVIOUS BAR TOPNOTCHERS
General Tips
Study Day
Review Schedule
36
Materials Used
Subject Materials
Justice Nachuras outline, Fr. Bernass Primer, Atty. Jimenezs
Political Law Notes on Administrative Law, Election Law, and recent
jurisprudence, Magallona (thin version) for PIL. Codal.
Atty. Azucenas Everyones Labor Code, Atty. Manuels lecture
Labor Law and 100 notes, Alcantara and Atty. Disinis notes for Social
Legislation. Codal.
Atty. Balanes outline for the preliminary chapters of the Civil
Code, Persons, Property, Obligations and Contracts, and his
Civil Law Succession Book, Atty. Zunigas notes for Security Transactions,
Aquinos book for Land Titles, Jurados Civil Law Reviewer,
Sempio-Diy for Persons and Conflict of Laws. Codal.
Mamalateo and Sababans Tax Review books, Atty. Monteros and
Taxation Law
Atty. Abellas notes. Codal.
Dean Villanuevas Commercial Law Review, Sundiang/Aquinos
Commercial Book Reviewer, Perezs books on Insurance, Corporation Law, and
Law Transportation, Catindigs book on Special Commercial Laws,
Dean Abads Negotiable Instruments Law.
Gregorios Criminal Law Reviewer, Boados Notes and Cases on
Criminal Law Criminal Law, Justice Sandovals Criminal Law Reviewer, and
Justice Peraltas lecture notes. Codal.
Riano for Evidence and Civil Procedure, Justice Regalado for
Remedial Law everything else, San Bedas Reviewer, and Justice Aquinos notes
and recent jurisprudence.
Legal Ethics Aguirres book on ethics, Dean Abads notes for Legal Forms.
and Forms Codal.
Study Period
37
I started studying during the Holy Week of last year, which was
about the second week of April. By graduation, I had already
finished Taxation (I did two readings for my first reading of this
subject), Political Law, Labor Law, and was half-way through
Criminal Law. About two weeks after graduation, I had already
finished my first reading.
Number of Readings
38
Atty. Sta. Marias last-minute lecture on Persons
(essential!)
All the recent jurisprudence lectures
Hardest Subject
Easiest Subject
39
Things to Avoid
40
TIPS FROM THE PREVIOUS BAR TOPNOTCHERS
General Tips
Study Day
Review Schedule
Materials Used
Study Period
Number of Readings
41
Feedback on Ateneo Review Classes
Hardest Subject
Criminal Law
Easiest Subject
I used every time I had to read in order to make sure I didn't miss
anything important. I had to make sure I had at least 6 hours of
sleep. But because of anxiety, it was usually shorter. So, I just
listened to my iPod and jumped around my bed until I became so
tired that I had to sleep.
Things to Avoid
42
TIPS FROM THE PREVIOUS BAR TOPNOTCHERS
General Tips
a. Take a big long vacation before you start studying. This will give
you good memories to look back to during the time you are
already studying. This will also remind you that life is good. You
need to believe this to keep your motivation and focus intact.
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.
43
e. Read as much materials as you can. In connection with this,
avoid repeating the same material unless its a critical material
(like Nachura's book for me was a critical material). Knowing that
you will no longer re-read the same book will also train your mind
to retain the info you read already, instead of your mind telling
yourself to not retain it yet ("babalikan ko pa naman ito"
mentality). In relation to this, there will be no more need to
highlight since you know you will not re-read it again anyway.
Take notes if you want, but this is generally not needed as well.
Once you eliminate highlighting and taking down notes, then you
have more time to actually study and absorb what you are
reading.
44
h. Outsource chores to other people; keep your own focus on
studying and learning as much as you can. e.g. ask your girlfriend
to handle your accounting and bills payment so you don't have to
think about those, ask your auxie to do photocopying instead of
doing it yourself. Remember to thank them always.
i. Have a concrete goal. If you want to top the bar, then aim for it.
If you want to just pass, then aim for that as well. Have a concrete
goal and set your plans accordingly around such goal. Don't let
fear of the uncertain, anxieties, or despair cause you to deviate
from this goal. You will have moments of despair and panic, but if
you have a goal, you will eventually get over these negativities as
you realize that they will not help you attain that goal.
45
Study Day
Review Schedule
46
Materials Used
Do not tell yourself that you will re-read a book. Read it once,
absorb it, then find another book on the subject. Reviewers are
godsend, they will usually teach you more than full text books.
Read all reviewers you can get from ATENEO, Beda, and other
sources. Since you will not re-read, then there will be no need to
highlight; since you are not highlighting, then you will finish
reading faster.
47
going to bed, you will not be able to sleep on time. Do
not listen while reading a book.
13. Past bar exams from 2000-2008. Only read this after you
have studied to test your ability to answer them. After 1st
reading you will find that you still can't answer some of
them. After 2nd reading / round, you should be able to
answer at least 90%. For the 10% you still can't answer,
read and reread the provided answers so they will stick.
14. Family Code, RPC, CIV, Consti, and COMM codals. One
good full reading of these will make sure your mind has
read the full law itself, useful for random questions that
make their way into the bar
Study Period
Number of Readings
Two full rounds plus pre-week. 1st round was mostly books, 2nd
round was mostly long reviewers, then pre-week read pre-week
stuff.
Hardest Subject
48
Poli Law. 1st exam and it was very tricky. Ethics is next because it
was long.
49
Easiest Subject
Things to Avoid
50
TIPS FROM THE PREVIOUS BAR TOPNOTCHERS
General Tips
Study Day
Review Schedule
51
Materials Used
Subject Materials
Political Law Nachura
Everyones Labor Code; for SSS and GSIS, look for Atty. Disinis
Labor Law
tables.
Jurado for Property
Balane for Succession
Civil Law Balane notes for Oblicon
Sempio Dy for Persons
Jurado for Credit transactions, Torts, etc.
Taxation
Mamalateo and parts of Sababan
Law
Commercial
CLVs book (Although I think reading Sundiang alone will do)
Law
Criminal Law Gregorio but be careful of typos
Remedial Riano for Civpro I highly recommend this
Law Regalado for Crimpro, Evidence and Specpro
Aguirre (note: theres a new Code of Judicial ethics! I only
Legal Ethics
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.
52
It will be very hard to study on the day after an exam. I think its
okay to rest.
Study Period
Number of Readings
Two. For Land titles, special penal laws, forms and other subjects
where theres not much stock knowledge I think one reading is
enough, but make sure you read them right before September or
the day before the exam.
53
Hardest Subject
Tax (Pinawisan ako kahit ang lamig sa LaSalle!) Also, there were a
couple of ridiculous true or false questions. If you dont know the
answer, just write true and repeat/paraphrase the statement.
Easiest Subject
(Not because theyre very easy, but because theyre the most
manageable) Poli only because I was lucky that I just finished my
second reading of Justice Nachuras book the day before the
exam so everything was still fresh. Civ, except for the conflicts
questions
Things to Avoid
54
Best Kind of Help
55
TIPS FROM THE PREVIOUS BAR TOPNOTCHERS
General Tips
Study Day
56
Review Schedule
Materials Used
Subject Materials
I used Fr. Bs primer for Constitutional Law, and Justice
Political Law Nachuras book for everything else. Then I used Atty. Jac
Jimenez recent jurisprudence for pre-week.
I used Prof. Azucenas Everyones, but focused a lot during Atty.
Labor Law
Manuels pre-week lecture.
I used my notes and materials from Prof. Balanes Civil Law
Review II in fourth year. Conflicts, I got Sempio-Dys book. For
Civil Law
everything else I used Jurado. Pre-week I just used our pre-
week reviewer.
I used Mamalateo. I later heard there were shorter books, but I
Taxation Law didnt want to stop midway through just to change books. I
also put a lot of focus in Atty. Mike Monteros pre-week lecture.
57
I used Dean CLVs book for everything except Dean Abads
Commercial Negotiable Instruments Made Easy, which is what I used in
Law second year. Then I used Atty. Jac Jiminez recent jurisprudence
during pre-week.
I used Gregorio for book one and a reviewer for book two. I
think there was a shorter book by Boado that I wish I had read
Criminal Law
instead to save me a little bit more time. Then I just used our
pre-week reviewer.
I used Riano for Civil Procedure, and just a summer reviewer for
Remedial
everything else. Of course, you have to go straight codal as
Law
well. I did that during pre-week, along with Tranquils lecture.
I just used the Ateneo reviewer, and Dean Abads three or four
Legal Ethics
page memory aid in forms.
Study Period
I tried to start in May and June, but I found myself way too bored
and distracted thinking that the bar exams were still three or four
months away at that time. Most days Id barely make 10
pages. Some days I didnt read at all. So I figured if my mind really
didnt want to absorb any information yet, then I shouldnt force
it. Again, thats the style I got used to in school. Thankfully, I
finally felt the need to really get going around July. So early that
month, I finished my first subject and kept going strong from
there. To steal a few words from Freddie Roach, maybe starting
at the right time allowed me to peak at the right time. So I think
starting in July was just right for me.
Number of Readings
58
Feedback on Ateneo Review Classes
I didnt attend any review classes over the summer. But I went to
a number of pre-week lectures that helped a whole lot namely ,
Labor by Atty. Manuel, Succession by Prof. Balane, Tax by Atty.
Mike Montero, Commercial Law by Atty. Jac Jimenez (and I wish I
attended his Political Law as well), and Remedial Law by Atty.
Tranquil Salvador. I would even say that I owe just passing the
bar exams to those professors.
Hardest Subject
Political Law, hands down. I think I got hit by what my friends and
I call, gulpe de gulat. After that test, I even told those close to
me that I thought I was going to get DQd for it. But thankfully I
realized that more than anything, I was just psyching myself out.
I was just initially shocked by the whole bar exam atmosphere.
Easiest Subject
Ate well and rested well. Sleep was more important than
cramming. And September means UAAP Final Four, so wed
always catch the Saturday games on TV just for a get loose and
for added inspiration too, as we watched the Eagles draw closer
to another title.
59
Things to Avoid
I ran into two of my former teachers during the bar review one
from law school, one from college. One told me the bar is about
kompyansa. The other said yabang lang yan. I understood
both to mean confidence. That was the best advice I ever got. I
did every little thing I could to help me go into each Sunday
feeling good about myself. I played with my PS3, watched UAAP
games, chose rooms that had my favorite number, wore the same
clothes every Sunday, listened to the same playlist every Sunday
morning and drank with my barkada the last two weeks of August
just to get loose. I did all the things that made me confident
enough to take the bar exams and pass. I believe that everyone
who graduates from the Ateneo Law School is smart enough to
pass. Its just a matter of each person knowing it.
60
TIPS FROM THE PREVIOUS BAR TOPNOTCHERS
General Tips
Study Day
61
My daily schedule includes many short washroom,
phonecall , stretching, etc. breaks (This will work if you,
like me, have a short attention span.)
I am not really a morning person. My peak hours would
be during the evening up to 1 or 2 am.
I did not adjust my sleep cycle, unlike what most people
have done. The earliest I was able to get up during the
review was at 8 a.m., but I gave up after like 2-3 days of
waking up this early.
My Dinner break became shorter as it neared September.
Review Schedule
Materials Used
Subject Materials
Primer, Nachura, Beda and Ateneo latest jurisprudence, Agra
Political Law
Notes, Codal
Everyones Labor Code, Manuel Notes, Ateneo Summer
Labor Law
Reviewer, Latest jurisprudence, Codal
Jurado, Balane Succession, Sempio-Diy Persons, ObliCon Balane
Civil Law Outline, PIL by Sempio-Diy, Pre-bar Outline by Candelaria,
Ateneo and Beda latest jurisprudence, Codal
Mamalateo, Reyes 1&2, Co-untian, Domondon, Ateneo and
Taxation Law
Beda latest jurisprudence, Codal
CLV Commercial Law Review, Commercial Law Review by
Commercial
Sundiang and Aquino, Jac Jimenez Notes, Ateneo and Beda
Law
latest jurisprudence, Codal
Criminal Law Ortega Notes, Boado, latest jurisprudence, Codal
62
Beda Memory Aid, Feria Noche and Sabio for reference, latest
Remedial Law
jurisprudence, Codal
Legal Ethics Aguirre, Pano, Hofilena, Beda Memory Aid, Codal, Forms
and Forms Reviewer by (Dean) Justice Abad
Study Period
Number of Readings
2 readings only, but very slow and thorough. This was really my
study style even back in law school.
I did enroll in the Ateneo review classes, but did not attend
except for the very first - How to study for the Bar. I felt that
preparing to go to school and travelling to school would take up
so much of my time. And I am able to absorb better, the things I
read rather than the things I hear. It will really depend on what
your style is. Some people, unlike me, absorb better the things
they hear
Hardest Subject
Tax Law, Criminal Law, and Ethics and Forms (because it was long)
Easiest Subject
63
Night before the Test
Things to Avoid
64
TIPS FROM THE PREVIOUS BAR TOPNOTCHERS
General Tips
b. Pace yourself.
e. Write legibly.
Study Day
Review Schedule
65
I made a schedule. It was on a daily basis. But I lagged behind.
Three readings became two readings. I would allocate a number
of days for each book.
66
Materials Used
Subject Materials
Nachura (for obvious reasons..) 2 readings, preweek
Jack Notes on Election and his Recent Jurisprudence (because
you need to read the recent ones, esp those beyond the cut-off)
-1
Political Law
Candelaria's Poli Notes (I didn't want to read thick materials
already but I heard Magallona is good) - 1
Fr. B's Consti Primer and the Supplement -1
Agra Notes preweek
Azucena (well, they said that it's comprehensive and short) -2
Summer Reviewer of Ateneo (this was actually good) If you
Labor Law can, find recent jurisprudence because our exam was full of it. -
preweek
Manuels 100 Notes -1
I read Jurado, if I couldn't find another book for it.
Persons-Sempio Diy -2
Succession - Balane (Champ or Book, I think either is okay.
Choose which you are more comfortable with) first reading
was the Book, 2nd was champ
Balane - Property Notes for my 2nd reading
The Codal is a must! Its the only thing I read for Pre-Week. -
Civil Law
here's the thing. Don't get frantic if you don't finish the codal
during the pre-week. A lot of us did not. So if you're the type
who gets paranoid, I think you should start marking things you
want to read and things you think you can forego reading
because you've mastered it. I didn't even read Succession, just
the table on legitimes and intestate. I was banking on my 2
sems with Balane.
Domondon's star notes- 2nd reading
Mamalateo 1st reading
Sababan 2nd reading, Pre-Week
Taxation Law Montero Notes Pre-Week
NIRC Codal and other laws
I also got a copy of the Summer Reviewer because it was
reviewed by Montero (mainly for comfort).
67
CLV's Corp, transpo, IP, insurance 1st reading
Nego, I read Abad 1st reading
Commercial
Sundiang 2nd reading and pre-week
Law
Jack's recent jurisprudence. (make sure to read this. We had
two or three questions from recent jurisprudence, not sure)
(I read a lot because I don't understand Crim that well)
Gregorio for 1st reading and the Book 1 for 2nd reading
Boado Book 2 for 2nd reading I actually like Boados book
more. I recommend it
Dean Ortega's Notes for Book 2
Some read Peralta. Okay din daw. I got a copy but didn't have
time to read it.
Criminal Law 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.
Regalado's Crim Pro and SpecPro- 1 reading
Riano's Civ Pro and Evidence.
Remedial
Beda for Special LAws.
Law
I also read recent jurisprudence of Justice Aquino
The Codal is a must!
Beda and Aguirre
Legal Ethics Memorize Lawyers Oath
I guessed a lot in Ethics.
Abad's Handout
Forms Scanned Beda Forms but I suggest do Abad and practice making
forms
Study Period
68
Number of Readings
Two readings, excluding pre-week. But this does not mean that I
used the same materials for my two readings. For example, my
first reading of Tax was Mamalateo. My second reading was
Sababan. Crim was Gregorio then my second reading was
Boado. This was because I was lagging behind.
Yup, I did but not for all subjects. I went to classes which I
thought were my weak areas.
Hardest Subject
Commercial.
Easiest Subject
Things to Avoid
You cannot get sick! It's going to destroy your schedule. I always
prayed that I wouldn't get sick (especially getting a
stomachahce). You don't want that. Pace yourself well. Don't
give your "all" in your first reading because you'll be tired by pre-
week. I was so tired by pre-week. On your second reading, read
as if it's your last reading.
69
Best Kind of Help
70
TIPS FROM THE PREVIOUS BAR TOPNOTCHERS
Study Habits
Stick to your studying habits that worked for you in law school. I
would personally find it difficult to suddenly change studying
styles for the bar.
Study Schedule
71
Because of unforeseen delays, you might have to study on
Saturdays, and even Sundays. By around July, I was studying on
Saturdays. Sundays were usually reserved for relaxing, going out
with the family, etc., but I sometimes sneaked in a couple hours
worth of reading especially during the last two months. My
girlfriend and I always made it a point to hear mass on Sunday.
Things to Do
72
Favorite Materials
73
TIPS FROM THE PREVIOUS BAR TOPNOTCHERS
General Tips
Then PLAN. The planning stage is the most comforting part of the
bar exam experience. Why? Because this is the only stage where
you will have a control of everything. Its your own game plan
after all. Unfortunately, this stage should not take more than one
(1) day of your schedule.
Next, plot your study schedule. You may not be able to follow
your schedule strictly, but at least try. I also failed to follow my
schedule as there were days spent in: attending family
gatherings, accompanying a pregnant wife to her check ups,
playing Plants vs. Zombies, watching movies, etc. Just always try
to go back on track and catch up for the lost time. Punish yourself
by studying more!
74
Enjoy every single day of it.
Study Schedule
75
Second Reading: Cover to cover
Only because I did not waste the first three months of my review,
by the end of July, I was already confident that I will pass the bar.
76
Number of
Subject Dates
Days Allotted
Political Law 5 days June 28 July 2
Labor Law 4 days July 3 6
Civil Law 5 days July 7 11
Taxation Law 4 days July 12 15
Commercial Law 5 days July 16 20
Criminal Law 4 days July 21 24
Remedial Law 7days July 25 31
Legal Ethics 2 days August 1 2
Practice bar exam
1 day August 3
(2001 2008 bar exams)
An officemate (who ranked 3rd in 2009 bar exams) once said that
one should prepare to top, not just to pass. In my fourth reading,
I memorized case titles and important provisions of law.
77
Materials/books used in each subject
Subject Materials
Bernas, Primer (3 readings)
Nachura (1 reading)
Political Law
Jack updates (4 readings)
Bernas updates (4 readings)
Azucena, Everyones (4 readings)
Labor Law
Manuel notes/updates (4 readings)
Paras, Obligation and Contracts (2 readings)
Balane, Succession (2 readings)
Sempio dy, Persons and Family (2 readings)
Civil Law
Sta. Maria, Family (1 reading)
De Leon, SecTrans (1 reading)
Jurado, ALL (cover to cover; 2 readings)
Mamalateo, Tax Law Reviewer (2 readings)
Taxation Law Mamalateo, Income tax (1 reading)
Co untian, Tax law reviewer (1 reading)
Perez, Commercial Law Reviewers (3 readings each)
Commercial Law Villanueva, Commercial Law Reviewer (1 reading)
Catindig, Commercial Law Reviewer (1 reading)
Reyes, Volumes 1 and 2 (1 reading)
Criminal Law Boado, Reviewer and Special Penal Laws (2 readings)
Memorize important RPC provisions
Regalado, Volumes 1 and 2 (3 readings)
Remedial Law
Codal (memorize; at least try)
Pano (1 reading)
Aguirre (1 reading)
Legal Ethics Memorize code!
Forms Atty. Navas hand-outs
San beda notes
78
There is no shortcut to passing (or topping) the bar. If you want to
pass on your first take, then you will have to work for it. But if you
want to top it, then you must be willing to sacrifice more. You will
not top the bar just because you are brilliant. There will be
hundreds of equally brilliant law graduates who will be taking the
bar with you; you can out shine them by being better prepared.
Do not waste time. STUDY NOW
79
TIPS FROM THE PREVIOUS BAR TOPNOTCHERS
Study Habits
Early on, I knew that I had to prepare SMART (you don't have to
read everything or lose sleep; you just need to read the right
material, master them, then sleep). I assessed myself and tried
to understand the kind of exam that I was taking (long, essay
type). That being said, you should develop your own habits
considering yourself and the type of exam. This is important
because this year's exam is different. In any case; the following
are my notable habits:
80
3. I didnt have a regular/schedules break on a daily basis. Even
while Im eating, I read. While walking, I read. I stop reading
whenever I want basta not more than 30 minutes at a time. So I
have a lot of 10, 15, 20, 30 minute breaks (which I spend talking
to someone, watching tv for a few minutes, photocopying
material, fixing my stuff, talk to Mang Nats etc.). This is my style
because Im a slow reader. I have to maximize my time.
Things to Do
81
2. ASSESS YOURSELF. Know your weak and strong subjects. This is
important especially when you don't have time. For instance, in
my 3rd reading and pre-week i didn't read succession and
persons anymore and focused on tax instead. Same with crim and
comm, I have good crim background, so I alloted more time to
comm since the subject was voluminous. In short, strategize.
82
7. MASTER YOUR MATERIAL. REPETITION IS KEY! Try to read the
same material over and over again. Master them then read other
materials to supplement/update what you already know. I don't
see the point of reading everything when you can't understand or
remember the BASIC CONCEPTS.
I think for this bar, considering that the exam format is new,
attending the lectures (summer, pre-week, etc.) is super
important because the professors might have an idea of what to
expect.
83
Things to Avoid
Favorite Materials
1. CODAL. I always read the codal after I finish the books for a
subject. Ive always been a codal person (super kawawa mga
codals ko). In your bar, I think codal is key since MCQ is objective.
84
It's hard to finish the codal especially CIVIL LAW and TAX (lalo na
dahil pinagsabay ko sila, ang haba haba!). What I did is, I read as
much codal as I can then I stop and move to the next subject
following my schedule. Example: I allotted 14 days first reading
for civil law. If I finish reading the commentaries for civil law on
the 10th day, I still have 4 days to finish the codal. If I dont finish
the codal on the 14th day, I stop and move on to the next subject.
On my next reading of civil law codal, I continue reading from
where I left.
85
3. These are the books/material I used:
Subject Materials
Primer- Consti (3 readings)
Nachura Everything except PIL
Magallona primer- PIL, 1 reading
Ateneo/Beda Reviewer- PIL (Beda reviewer is Nachura
based plus more; Ateneo I heard is Sarmiento based)
Beda Reviewer- Election Law, 1 reading
Political Law
Beda Reviwer- I browsed recent jurisprudence on Consti
and Election Law (they have a lot of it)
Jack Jurisprudence- This is important kasi there were 2 or 3
swak na swak questions that came out
Codal- nag sisi ako na hindi ko dinibdib yung codal during
pre-week, specifically consti.
Azucena Everyone's Labor- Everything (4 readings)
Alcantara- Social Legislation
Disini Notes- Social Legislation
Codal- nag sisi ulit ako kasi for my pre-week reading hindi
Labor Law
ako nag focus sa social legislation codal kasi maraming
social legislation na lumabas. Also try to read RA 9042 on
migrant workers kahit hindi kasama sa coverage, kasi there
were 4 or 5 questions na lumabas.
Jurado- everthing except succession, oblicon, family code,
sectrans, and land titles; mukhang pangit si Jurado pero its
nd
actually good. During 2 reading ma-appreciate mo na siya.
Pareho kaming feedback ni Denise.(3 readings or 2)
Balane- succession and oblicon reviewer
Sempio-Diy- Family Code (2 readings)
Civil Law Zuniga notes- Sectrans (including the supplements)
Land Titles- De los santos and I browsed (stress on the
browse) through our old book Aquino.
Alam ko marami pakong binasa for Civ, nakalimutan ko lang
yung iba.
Codal- eto natuto nako, I focused on codal for pre-week.
That was a good thing.
86
Mamalateo- a must
Domondon- to supplement
Co-Untian- to digest what you know and you learn other
stuff there like contents of some IRRs
Montero, yung 30+ or 50+ pages ata na reviewer that he
Taxation Law
made for batch 2009- I think there were 3 questions that
came out regarding LGU (na nakalimutan ko because I
thought not important)
Montero recent jurisprudence- many questions came out
Codal- I focused on codal for pre-week (crucial)
Boado
I scanned the Beda reviewer we used for Callejo
Sandoval
De Castro on SPL
Criminal Law I also read some reviewers from law school on SPL. I forgot
the names of the teachers.
De Castro predictions
Ateneo pre-week reviewer
Codal
Regalado- Crimpro and Specpro
Riano - Evidence and Crimpro
Beda reviewer - to supplement and for the other remedial
Remedial law special laws like electronic evidence, DNA evidence,
Law etc.)
I read a handout for Spec Pro, again, sorry I forgot the name
of the lecturer. Basta yung hand out nung specpro lecturer
sa ateneo na justice.
Ethics
Pano
Ethics Aguirre
Codal
Beda Reviewerhics
Forms Beda
87
Favorite Study Place
88
TIPS FROM THE PREVIOUS BAR TOPNOTCHERS
Study Habits
You should allot a space in your room for your bar review
materials and segregate it per subject. During the review period,
you do not want to waste your time going through your things
just to look for a particular reviewer. Also make sure to read
recent jurisprudence even if it is beyond the cut-off date (in the
bar exams, there is no such thing as a cut-off). Try to be aware of
current events because there is a big possibility that it will be
asked during the bar exams.
Things to Avoid
89
Choose the review classes that you will attend. You don't need to
attend all review classes because it may be more productive to
just read the review materials. Attend only the subjects where
you think you are weak or where the lecturer is very good.
Also, choose the books and reviewers to read. During the bar
review period (usually after your first or second reading), you will
be presented with different books and reviewers of rumored
examiners. You may want to photocopy them just to feel safe,
but read them only if you have enough time.
Favorite Materials
I find the following books helpful for the bar because they more
or less cover the subject matter, but are not too lengthy:
a. Everyone's Labor Code by Azucena.
b. Civil Law Reviewer by Jurado (but I suggest you find
another book for the Persons part)
c. Consti Law Reviewer by Fr. Bernas
d. Commercial Law Reviewer by Sundiang
e. Criminal Law (Book 1 and 2) - Boado
f. Civil Procedure by Riano
90
TIPS FROM THE 2011 TOPNOTCHERS
MATERIALS
91
or buying materials I forgot I already had because my
things were in a sad state of disarray.
5. Bring your reading materials to Bar Review Lectures.
Your Bar Review professors might have updates to the
law or jurisprudence that have not been incorporated
into your books and review materials. Bring them along
to lectures so you can make marginal notes on them to
reflect these updates.
SCHEDULING
92
4. Take Breaks. Breaks are necessary and highly
encouraged. So long as youre able to meet your quota of
study hours, be generous with study breaks and breaks
for meals. My library study buddies will attest to my
frequent internet breaks, runs to the mall for milk tea, or
just taking time to walk around.
5. Vacations. Allow yourself vacations. If well-timed, they
break the monotony and can recharge your spirits. I gave
myself 2 during bar review season, though take note we
had 7 months to review.
6. Study Goal Fails. Dont be too hard on yourself when you
fail to meet the study goals youve set for the day, week,
or month. I fell short on a lot of days.
93
4. Dont Force It. If by the end of the day youre very tired
and sleepy, dont force yourself to study when you cant
process or retain what youre reading anyway. Sleep and
continue the next day.
5. Pray. When youve studied harder than youve ever done
before, theres nothing else to do but trust in some
higher power.
MY READING LIST
Subject Books Notes & The Essentials1
Reviewers
1
Materials, which: 1) on hindsight, I wish I stuck to from the very start;
2) I believe will suffice when push comes to shove; or 3) I stuck to even
for Pre-week.
94
Political Bernas Primer Jimene Bernas
Law Nachura z Primer
Reviewer Recent Nachura All
Jurispr non-Consti
udence portions.
Labor Azucena Manue Azucena
Law Everybodys l 100 Everybodys
Labor Code [aka Notes Labor Code
Green Book] Ateneo Ateneo Bar
Alcantara Bar Ops
Labor Law Ops Reviewer
Reviewer [Just Review
Social er
Legislation] Disini
Codal Social
Legislat
ion
Tables
Taxation Mamalateo Person Co-untian
Tax Reviewer al Tax Digest
[1st Reading Notes Primus
Only] from (Domondon)
Co-untian Tax Tax 1 & Star Notes
Digest Tax 2
Codal Primus
o Casasol (Domo
a ndon)
Annotat Star
ed NIRC Notes
o LGC
[Local
Taxatio
n and
Real
Propert
95
y
Taxatio
n]
o Tariff &
Custom
s Code
Civil Law Codal Balane Codal
Sempio-Diy s Notes
Family Code
Balane Proper
Succession [1st ty &
Reading Only, ObliCo
then switch to n
Champ Reynos Del
Notes] Castillo
Jurado Civil Class
Law Reviewer Notes
[1st Reading for
Only, excluding Proper
Family Code & ty
Succession] San
Aquino Land Beda
Titles [1st Red
Reading Only, Notes
only those parts Sales,
in the Syllabus] Partner
ship &
Agency
, Lease,
Torts &
Damag
es
Reyno
Notes
96
on
Atty.
Balane
s Book
Zuiga
Notes
on
Credit
Transa
ctions
Delos
Angele
s
Notes
on
Land
Titles
Mercant Catindig Notes Jimene Sundiang
ile Law on Selected z Commercial
Commercial Recent Law
Laws [And the Jurispr Reviewer
2007 udence Catindig
Supplement/Up Notes on
date] Selected
Sundiang Commercial
Commercial Law Laws [And
Reviewer the 2007
Villanueva Supplement/
Commercial Law Update]
Reviewer [1st
Reading Only,
only
Corporation
Law &
97
Insurance]
Abad
Negotiable
Instruments
Made Easy [1st
Reading Only]
Remedia Codal San San Beda
l Law Riano Civil Beda Red Notes
Procedure, Red
Criminal Notes
Procedure,
Evidence [1st &
2nd Readings
only]
Legal Codal San San Beda
Ethics Aguirre Legal Beda Red Notes
Ethics Reviewer Red
Pao Legal Notes
Ethics Reviewer
Philippine
Judicial
Academy
Annotated Code
of Judicial
Conduct
Criminal Gregorio San San Beda
Law Criminal Law Beda Red Notes
Review [1st Red
Reading Only] Notes
De Castro
Special Penal
Laws [1st
Reading Only]
Sandoval
Special Penal
98
Laws [1st
Reading Only]
Boado
Criminal Law
Notes & Cases
99
TIPS FROM THE 2011 TOPNOTCHERS
100
outdated information.) Atty. Cabreros
(1) Co-untian
Sababan (browsed San Beda BarOps
through it to get the big
picture) (1)
Domondon star notes
and in parts I dont
understand his books (2)
Co-untian (this is what I
used for Tax Law Review
so I was able to read it
fast during pre-week) (1)
Tables prepared by Atty.
Cabreros
Ateneo BarOps (3)
San Beda BarOps (1)
Civil Law Codal Codal
Balane- succession & Jurado
oblicon (2) Balane- succession &
Sempio Diy- persons (2) oblicon
Zuiga- sec trans (2) Sempio Diy- persons
De los Angeles- land Zuiga- sec trans
titles (2) De los Angeles- land
Jurado- others (2) titles
Ateneo BarOps selected San Beda BarOps
(2)
San Beda BarOps
selected (2)
Mercantile Sundiang (2) Sundiang
Law Catindig (2) Catindig
CLV comm. rev- corp (1) Ateneo BarOps
101
Abad- nego (2) Jack Jimenez recent
Perez- transpo (1) jurisprudence
Arevalo Crammer-
insurance (1)
Ateneo BarOps (3)
Jack Jimenez recent
jurisprudence (1)
Criminal Law Codal Codal
Boado (1) Boado
Peralta Book II transcript San Beda BarOps
lecture (browsed for
frequently asked crimes)
(1)
San Beda BarOps (3)
(Own notes for Book II
transferred to Beda
during 1st reading)
Legal Ethics Codal especially Lawyers Codal
& Forms Oath Commentary on New
Commentary on New Code of Judicial Ethics
Code of Judicial Ethics (in (in the internet)
the internet) (1) San Beda BarOps
Pao (1)
Aguirre (1)
Agpalo (1)
Nava reviewer (1)
Ateneo BarOps (1)
San Beda BarOps (2)
Remedial Codal Codal
Law Riano- civpro (1) and Riano- civpro and
crimpro (2) crimpro
102
Regalado- specpro (2) Regalado- specpro
and evidence (2) and evidence
San Beda BarOps (2) San Beda BarOps
TIPS:
103
frustrated that I couldnt study so I kept calling lawyer
friends for reassurance.
104
of previous bar topnotchers. I attempted to read on trial
memorandum and legal opinion (Abads book) but my
brain was still in vacation mode. But I told myself no
excuses I was gonna start April 25. That week, April 25-
May 1, I read the subjects I felt insecure with: Oblicon,
Sales, Election, Ethics and Forms.
105
used my weekends to compensate. When I got sick on
August 16 (I was already in Manila), I was about to start
rem and crim. I got out of the hospital, August 20 and
fully recovered the week of September 18-24. Since I
didnt have enough time and rem/crim were my favorites
(thanks to Justice Gesmundo Ive read Riano Civpro for
remedial review more than 3 times; to Sir Vannie because
I felt that my crim book II notes were more than
sufficient), I stretched my schedule and made it seem
that I did 2nd and 3rd reading of crim from August 23-
September 23 when in truth I only did 1 reading. So that I
wont panic, I psyched myself that I was very prepared in
rem and crim.
10. Know/ guess who the examiners are. The earlier you find
out who the examiners are, the better you can prepare
your strategy (i.e. what book to read). Had I known
Pineda was the Civ examiner months before I would have
tried reading her books.
106
Special Thanks: My family and friends especially my Kuya; Aquila
Legis Fraternity especially Fidel Nograles; Kristel Bejar; Ateneo
Human Rights Center especially Attys. Marlon Manuel and Ryan
Quan, Marino 22, and the BarOps team; Campus Ministry Office
especially Ate Michelle; Ateneo Society of International Law
especially Attys. Oliver Baclay, Patrick Perillo, Tien Demaisip,
Jared Amoroso, and Jomi Legaspi and the BarOps team; Ateneo
Central BarOps especially Nikki Hipolito, Marvin Llamas, Austin
Alcantara, Nico Bernardo and Miko Dimaculangan; Puno & Puno
Law Office especially Attys. Joey Sunga, Vince Bayhon and Sarge
Sarmiento.
107
TIPS FROM THE 2011 TOPNOTCHERS
2. Learn to compromise.
Although I did not deviate so much from my law school routine, I
had to compromise on a few points. The pressure in reviewing
for and taking the Bar is at least seven-fold the pressure in law
school. While I recommend sticking to what works for you, there
will always be times when you will have to re-assess your
priorities and compromise. As I mentioned, I cut back on the
time I spend cooking. Towards the last month of the review, I also
cut back on my yoga practice. These are things I am passionate
about. But, I did not eliminate any of these; I just compromised:
Instead of going to gym 5 times a week, I lessened it to 3 times a
week; I just made sure that I maximized the time I spend there.
As one previous topnotcher said, things worth having are worth
sacrificing for.
108
3. Pace yourself.
I started reviewing in May; I had 6 months to review until
November. I did not retain much from my first reading. At times,
I felt frustrated especially when I just read a material and I cant
answer a simple question about it. Also, trying to stick with the
schedule I made was not easy considering that my brain was still
on vacation mode. I calmed myself by keeping in mind that (1) it
was the first time I was reading some of the materials I used (e.g.,
Mamalateo, Alcantara, Boado, Sundiang), and (2) I was just
familiarizing myself with the review materials. During my second
reading, I took more time and exerted more effort to understand
what I was reading. But, after the second reading, my mind still
drew blanks when asked questions, so I decided to do a 3rd
reading. On my 3rd reading, I mostly skimmed through the main
texts I used and supplemented it with Beda Reviewers. I was
stricter with myself on this round and I find that this was the
crucial part of the review.
109
made sure that the authors are truly experts on the subject and
can be trusted, e.g. Nachura, CLV, Azucena, Riano. I also made
sure to supplement them with updates on the subjects.
110
I only planned to do 2 readings. But, after my 2nd reading, I still
drew blanks when asked questions. So, I rushed a third reading.
That was the only way I would feel confident. Even during pre-
week, I still used the main texts for each subject except for Civil
Law and Tax. I browsed through them and supplemented that
with the Beda Reviewers. That way, I felt that I read the main
texts another time and did not miss any important point. As for
the topics I did not take up in law school, e.g. writ of kalikasan
and habeas corpus for minors, I made sure I covered the
important points I did not go further because I thought that if it
wasnt taken up in school or its just a new rule or law, it would
be in bad faith if complicated questions were asked; chances are,
only basic questions will be asked.
111
asked during the exam and I was able to deduce answers from
the tips and stock knowledge.
Subject Materials
Political *** Nachura (3 readings plus pre-week)
and Intl *** Beda Reviewer (2 readings plus pre-week)
112
Law *** Jacks recent jurisprudence lectures I did not
attend his lectures but I was able to get hold
of audio recordings. This was very useful.
During the exam, it was as if I was listening
to Jacks lectures.
*** Jacks recent jurisprudence (printout; pre-
week)
* New Bernas Primer (1 reading)
Labor and *** Azucena (3 readings plus pre-week)
Social *** Beda Reviewer (2 readings plus pre-week)
Legislation *** Manuel transcript (2 readings plus pre-week)
*** Recent jurisprudence lecture
** Manuels pre-week lecture I only attended
the first day. I was already on panic mode
and I felt that his Labor Review Class and
the transcripts & notes already covered
sufficient bases.
Alcantara (1 reading)
Tax *** Beda Reviewer (2 readings plus pre-week)
*** Mamalateo (3 readings) After 2 readings, I
almost threw this away. Some of the
illustrations are quite complicated and some
of the rules are already outdated so you
have to be careful when reading this one.
But, I had no alternative material so I read it
very carefully for the 3rd time, took note of
the outdated portions and ignored the
illustrations which I felt were too much for
the standard first year lawyer.
*** Domondon Primus (pre-week)
*** Domondon transcript (pre-week)
113
Co-Untian (1 reading)
114
Remedial *** Riano CivPro (3 readings plus pre-week)
Law *** Riano Evidence (3 readings plus pre-week)
*** Riano CrimPro (3 readings plus pre-week)
*** Beda 2010 and 2011 (2 readings plus pre-
week) I used the old reviewer which I used
in 4th year and had my notes in it. The 2010
reviewer was my main text for SpecPro
because I could not find a text that I was
comfortable with. For the special rules part,
i.e. writ of kalikasan, etc., I used the 2011
reviewer.
Regalado Crimpro (1/2 reading) I read about
50 pages but I stopped because I was not
comfortable with the format and writing
style.
Ethics *** Beda Summer Reviewer (1.5 reading plus pre-
week) Halfway through the first reading, I
felt that I wont remember the rules
anyway so I stopped and moved on. I read
this in whole only during the 3rd round for
the other subjects and during pre-weekA
* Aguirre (1 reading) I studied for ethics only
after the second reading for the other
subjects. I read this once and did not read
it again.
Forms I relied on Bedas Forms and on Atty. Ceballoss
forms
* Useful
115