In recognition of their excellence and achievements, Saint Louis College (SLC), through College of Law (COL), honored six Louisian lawyers who shared their journey in hurdling the September 2024 Bar Examinations during the Testimonial Dinner 2025, held at Café Luis, Mar. 7.
According to COL Academic Dean Atty. Diric V. Galanto, MPA, the institution ranked Top 3 Performing Law School Nation-wide for 1-10 First Time Candidates.
Further, SLC attained a 75.00 percent passing rate for first-time bar takers, besting the 37.84 percent national passing rate.
Additionally, the September 2024 Bar Examinations made history, as the Supreme Court lowered the passing rate from 75.00 to 74.00 percent in order to address the shortage of lawyers in the Philippines, generating 3,962 new lawyers.
The festivities opened with an opening prayer led by SLC Chorale, followed by the Honorees Acknowledgment from COL Student Council President Grethel Rose V. Cachero.
Moreover, Rev. Fr. Roderick G. Villamor, CICM, PhD, shared his opening message, congratulating the new Louisian lawyers for their passion and dedication, which brought pride and honor for the institution.
Following the intermission from SLC Chorale, a video look back was played, showcasing the photos and videos that captured their journey in preparing for the dreaded bar examinations.
Firstly, Atty. John Alster S. Alviarne, CPA, led the first batch of testimonial speeches. He extended—as he cried in thankfulness—his gratitude to the people that supported him in his journey, emphasizing his strong spiritual foundation that sustained him.
“I believe that every time we pray, it should be specific para iyon ang ibigay sa atin,” he said. “Law school is a tough test itself; it will test every aspect of you.”
In addition, Atty. Alviarne shared that he believed in miracles, being one of the 900-plus takers who passed the bar exam when the passing grade was adjusted. He also cited that similar to one of his favorite quotes, “faith can move mountains,” was that “faith can move the passing grade.”
Then, Atty. Marlon Rene V. Aquino gave his speech, reflecting on his fourteen-year journey to become a lawyer. He extended his gratitude to his support system that never stopped believing in him.
“I am more than numbers, percentages, and grades. I took the bar seven times; it took me 14 years to become a lawyer. This time, the numbers matter … life always gives me a reason to go on,” he said.
Moreover, he underscored that there was “no failure in the bar exam, only a delayed success,” as he reminisced about how he overcame challenges for more than a decade.
Moving on, Atty. Alalaine L. Basco gave the third testimonial speech, concluding the first batch of speakers. In her talk, she looked back on the promise she made for herself during her law school journey.
“I promised to become a lawyer before 40 years old,” she said. “And I did become an attorney twenty-nine days before my fortieth birthday.”
For words of advice, Atty. Basco encouraged the 2025 barristers to never doubt their capabilities, just like her when she failed the bar the first time. She also added that one should “never ever compare study habits with your peers” and “stick to what works” for them.
For the second batch of speakers, Atty. Chrismar F. Cosme began the talk, reflecting on the challenges that strengthened him during his law school journey, highlighting his struggles as a working law student.
“A man without a goal is a road without a direction,” he said, looking back at how his journey started small, from dreaming of entering college in high school to conquering law school. “The goal is right there, leading you where you should be, so that you should know where to go.”
As Atty. Cosme gave thanks to the people behind his success; his tears fell when he started sharing the love, efforts, and sacrifices his parents made for him in this journey.
Afterwards, Atty. Juvy N. Eduarte, CPA, gave her testimonial speech as she shed light on the five-year struggles and successes she experienced while studying in law school.
“I enrolled in fewer subjects as a working law student. When I got home after school, it was already 11 p.m.; I was too tired to study. I could not blame work [as a state auditor] for not doing my assignment,” she said.
She added that the bar “felt like a long shot,” remembering how she was not granted a six-month study leave. Furthermore, she looked back on the moments she stopped praying for her to pass the bar exam, as she instead prayed for her brother’s health, who got cancer.
As the last to share his testimonial speech, Atty. Hanzel D. Guerrero, Jr. recalled how bitter he was when he took a hiatus in his passion for musical performances in order to focus on law school.
“I have a nine-year gap from my last take in 2015 and my 2024 bar examinations. I completely abandoned myself as a law graduate; I considered myself as a mere college graduate with no background in law. After almost a decade of completely ignoring anything that has to do with the study of law, I realized that I am still in pain,” he said.
Nevertheless, Atty. Guerrero shared how he turned the “feeling of discontent and incompleteness” as his “ultimatum” to become a lawyer. “What matters to me is that the conquest is over,” he added.
To lighten the event and uplift the mood, first-year law students showcased fun-filled singing and dancing performances.
As the testimonial speech concluded, Atty. Galanto extended his applause and appreciation to the new Louisian lawyers, leading the attendees to a ceremonial toast of victory with them.
Moreover, Jerimie P. Layugan, COL Student Council liturgical coordinator, led the prayer of blessing for the Louisian barristers in the September 2025 Bar Examinations.
Following the recognition of COL Student Council officers, a photo opportunity was conducted to close the program.
Through the heartfelt stories of struggle, faith, and resilience shared by the Louisian lawyers, the event continues to serve as a testament to the commitment of SLC College of Law to excellence in shaping the unbreakable Louisian spirit.
Article by Angelo S. Delmonte, CIMO Contributor
Photos by Jonash Vincent Palina and Angelo Delmonte, CIMO Contributors
