September being the Bar Exam month, naturally, all entries in my blog for the month of September have been anything and everything about the Bar Exams.
From September 1, a Saturday, and the next Saturdays thereafter (for four Saturdays), I had been driving my cousin to the Manila Diamond Hotel, where her school's barristers were billeted. Then on Sundays (for four Sundays), I had been waiting for her at the EGI Tower, a commercial/residential building right beside the bar exam venue. The first Sunday was spent entirely at the Tower; I got really bored. Luckily, the cafeteria I was waiting at sells second-hand books and I got myself a copy of The Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan. The second Sunday saw me roaming the stalls of Harrison Plaza. I spent a good 3 hours scouring for books at Book Sale and National Bookstore. I roamed the whole of the Metro on the third Sunday for a church that said mass at 2 in the afternoon. Unfortunately, there wasn't one nearer the bar exam venue so I had to drive all the way to St. Peter's, a church located in front of our subdivision. The last Sunday, I got lost after buying flowers for my cousin. I couldn't find the road that will lead me right into Espana. I drove straight from Dangwa, until I found myself caught in traffic at the area where Chinese General Hospital is located. After a few more wrong turns, I stopped for directions and I was able to keep my mind mentally clear this time for the directions given by a friendly gasoline attendant. Whew.
So what will the month of October bring me? Hopefully, an appointment at that job I applied for; more interesting entries; and a more open me.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Bench & Bar III
Yesterday was the last Sunday of the Bar exam. Highly anticipated by everybody from the law profession, this last Sunday of the bar was as raucous as ever, the 'noise ban' notwithstanding. I wondered earlier how the Salubong would be this year, considering the order from the Supreme Court (SC) that all kinds of noises be prohibited, as the bar exams are to be regarded with respect and dignity as a court proceeding. But, hey, you cannot put a good party down.
It was the Salubong I have witnessed through my years in law school - bands, beer, party, noise, noise, and more noise. As early as 4.30 in the afternoon (exams officially finish at 5), I can hear shouts from across the street as fraternities, sororities, and schools cheer for their barristers who are emerging, one by one, from the exam venue. The rain did not hamper the festive spirits. When the clock struck 5, all hell broke loose, so to speak. The many school bands lining Taft Avenue started playing their respective music, the result of which were discordant sounds. I could not make out any particular tune. In fact, I did not think these bands even had a tune in mind: Play any tune; the louder, the better.
I opted to wait inside EGI Tower, our (my cousin and I) meeting place. My cousin warned me the week before that she and her friend would not emerge from the exam venue until the Salubong is over. From where I was sitting, I could see people running with beer cans in tow - to pour on their barristers; as if the barristers weren't wet already (it was raining). Ladies were scurrying with bouquets in their arms. Children from the Tower came down to watch the spectacle, dancing to the beat of the drum, their eyes alight with all the noise around them, thinking, maybe, that this event is one big parade.
The street party has considerably died down when my cousin and her friend came out. There were still vestiges of the event, though. Schools singing their hymns before proceeding to wherever to continue their party. Barristers and their supporters taking last minute pictures along the avenue; I even witnessed this group who stalled traffic for a good camera angle.
It was fun, the Salubong. I was expecting a subdued crowd, with the SC order and all. But I guess you cannot break a good tradition and this is definitely a good tradition.
It was the Salubong I have witnessed through my years in law school - bands, beer, party, noise, noise, and more noise. As early as 4.30 in the afternoon (exams officially finish at 5), I can hear shouts from across the street as fraternities, sororities, and schools cheer for their barristers who are emerging, one by one, from the exam venue. The rain did not hamper the festive spirits. When the clock struck 5, all hell broke loose, so to speak. The many school bands lining Taft Avenue started playing their respective music, the result of which were discordant sounds. I could not make out any particular tune. In fact, I did not think these bands even had a tune in mind: Play any tune; the louder, the better.
I opted to wait inside EGI Tower, our (my cousin and I) meeting place. My cousin warned me the week before that she and her friend would not emerge from the exam venue until the Salubong is over. From where I was sitting, I could see people running with beer cans in tow - to pour on their barristers; as if the barristers weren't wet already (it was raining). Ladies were scurrying with bouquets in their arms. Children from the Tower came down to watch the spectacle, dancing to the beat of the drum, their eyes alight with all the noise around them, thinking, maybe, that this event is one big parade.
The street party has considerably died down when my cousin and her friend came out. There were still vestiges of the event, though. Schools singing their hymns before proceeding to wherever to continue their party. Barristers and their supporters taking last minute pictures along the avenue; I even witnessed this group who stalled traffic for a good camera angle.
It was fun, the Salubong. I was expecting a subdued crowd, with the SC order and all. But I guess you cannot break a good tradition and this is definitely a good tradition.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
This Worm's Books Nooks
Being a bookworm, the very first thing I visit when I find myself in the mall is a bookstore. Rarely, however, do I go out of my way to haunt a bookshop, unless I'm itching to get myself some books. Below is a list of the bookstores and shops I visit, and by visit I mean browse for, and sometimes, buy, books, whether I just happen to be at their locations or I go out of my way to visit them.
National Bookstore. Of course, there's always reliable, ol' National Bookstore, where you can find all the books you ever want, if they have it on stock, that is. But more often than not, they have your books on stock. They're celebrating their 65th anniversary, by the way, and thus going on sale until the 16th. Anyway, the branch I often visit is the SM North branch. I grew up buying my school stuff from this bookstore, as it sells not only books but school and office supplies, decorations for every occasion, and even movie and music discs. Yes, it has become a variety/convenience store, but still the place to go for brand-new books. The noise, however, prevents you from browsing in peace. The best you can do when you shop at this bookstore is have a title or author in mind before you enter the shop, ask a saleslady where the book's located, and immediately pay for it.
Fully Booked. It's the recently-opened bookshop at the same mall, SM North. I like this bookshop better than the former because it's library-quiet, and it's a bookshop. Thousands of books are properly lined up along shelves that fill up the entire shop. You're free to browse for as long as you want if you don't mind standing for hours while doing so. There's a children's/young adults' corner that gives off a cozy atmosphere, one can actually sit on the carpeted floor and start reading. There are more interesting titles, and I don't know if the books are more pricey than those at National Bookstore. I never got to comparing the price. I'm looking forward to a lasting partnership with this shop though. Yet another shop to go for brand-new books.
Books for Less. I visit the one located at Commonwealth Avenue. It has a safe and convenient parking space, right in front of the shop. Don't expect newly-released bestsellers to be on hand though; and if you're looking for famous titles or authors, you'll be in for a bit of a disappointment. The titles and authors sold by this bookshop are somewhat unheard of. But once or twice, I see a few names and titles I'm familiar with. The books are a bit pricey for a second-hand shop but they are in good condition so the price is probably worth it. Although I'm reluctant sometimes to shell out such amount for a book who's author I haven't heard of. They also serve you coffee when you've purchased this much amount of books, although I can't enjoy such freebie as I don't drink coffee. But you're free to while away the time in the shop (it has tables and chairs), and that's what I like about it. You can even read your newly-bought book inside the shop while having a cup of coffee. I don't know if a shopper ever finished a book in the shop, though. I think whiling away your time that long is unacceptable already.
Books & Mags Ever Gotesco. Again, I visit the one located at Commonwealth Avenue. The shop, if it can be properly called a shop, as it consists mainly of shelves of books situated at the far side of the mall's 4th floor, sells second-hand books at really low, low prices. I got a copy of Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island for $0.19. That's how ridiculously low the prices are. But you have to take the risk when you buy from this shop. The books have the names of their previous owners written on the page; yellowed parchments; sometimes, underlined or highlighted texts; and if you're unlucky, torn pages. Word to the wise: thoroughly check the book you're holding to assure it's the least damaged of the lot. Plus, you have to really scour the shop for quality titles because those that stand-out are romance novels. Still worth a visit though, if you're feeling a bit stingy. As to the books' condition...nothing that a plastic cover can't fix.
University of the Philippines Bookshops. I got two: one located at the University's shopping center; the other, at the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP).
The former: It's located on the 2nd floor of the first stall to your right when you enter from the University Cooperative side. It sells really good titles, but a bit pricey for a student on a meager allowance. The books look and smell old. It's worth the visit and the price if only because of the quality titles. And if you don't mind an old-looking and -smelling book.
The latter: It's located near the orange-painted cafeteria, at the back of the CSSP. The store owner's friendly and will even give you further discounts if you're an old or returning customer. I like to think of this shop as a cheaper version of the pricey bookstores listed above. The books look like they're brand-new and some of the books I bought from this shop look like their pages have never been turned. It's quite hard to believe they're second-hand. Thus, the price is well worth it; never mind if it's just a hundred peso cheaper than the price of a brand-new book. It's open only during weekdays though and that's quite disappointing because I only have time during the weekends to gallivant. But if you really want to own books that look like new for a lesser price, hurrying over at 6 in the afternoon during weekdays is a walk in the park.
National Bookstore. Of course, there's always reliable, ol' National Bookstore, where you can find all the books you ever want, if they have it on stock, that is. But more often than not, they have your books on stock. They're celebrating their 65th anniversary, by the way, and thus going on sale until the 16th. Anyway, the branch I often visit is the SM North branch. I grew up buying my school stuff from this bookstore, as it sells not only books but school and office supplies, decorations for every occasion, and even movie and music discs. Yes, it has become a variety/convenience store, but still the place to go for brand-new books. The noise, however, prevents you from browsing in peace. The best you can do when you shop at this bookstore is have a title or author in mind before you enter the shop, ask a saleslady where the book's located, and immediately pay for it.
Fully Booked. It's the recently-opened bookshop at the same mall, SM North. I like this bookshop better than the former because it's library-quiet, and it's a bookshop. Thousands of books are properly lined up along shelves that fill up the entire shop. You're free to browse for as long as you want if you don't mind standing for hours while doing so. There's a children's/young adults' corner that gives off a cozy atmosphere, one can actually sit on the carpeted floor and start reading. There are more interesting titles, and I don't know if the books are more pricey than those at National Bookstore. I never got to comparing the price. I'm looking forward to a lasting partnership with this shop though. Yet another shop to go for brand-new books.
Books for Less. I visit the one located at Commonwealth Avenue. It has a safe and convenient parking space, right in front of the shop. Don't expect newly-released bestsellers to be on hand though; and if you're looking for famous titles or authors, you'll be in for a bit of a disappointment. The titles and authors sold by this bookshop are somewhat unheard of. But once or twice, I see a few names and titles I'm familiar with. The books are a bit pricey for a second-hand shop but they are in good condition so the price is probably worth it. Although I'm reluctant sometimes to shell out such amount for a book who's author I haven't heard of. They also serve you coffee when you've purchased this much amount of books, although I can't enjoy such freebie as I don't drink coffee. But you're free to while away the time in the shop (it has tables and chairs), and that's what I like about it. You can even read your newly-bought book inside the shop while having a cup of coffee. I don't know if a shopper ever finished a book in the shop, though. I think whiling away your time that long is unacceptable already.
Books & Mags Ever Gotesco. Again, I visit the one located at Commonwealth Avenue. The shop, if it can be properly called a shop, as it consists mainly of shelves of books situated at the far side of the mall's 4th floor, sells second-hand books at really low, low prices. I got a copy of Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island for $0.19. That's how ridiculously low the prices are. But you have to take the risk when you buy from this shop. The books have the names of their previous owners written on the page; yellowed parchments; sometimes, underlined or highlighted texts; and if you're unlucky, torn pages. Word to the wise: thoroughly check the book you're holding to assure it's the least damaged of the lot. Plus, you have to really scour the shop for quality titles because those that stand-out are romance novels. Still worth a visit though, if you're feeling a bit stingy. As to the books' condition...nothing that a plastic cover can't fix.
University of the Philippines Bookshops. I got two: one located at the University's shopping center; the other, at the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP).
The former: It's located on the 2nd floor of the first stall to your right when you enter from the University Cooperative side. It sells really good titles, but a bit pricey for a student on a meager allowance. The books look and smell old. It's worth the visit and the price if only because of the quality titles. And if you don't mind an old-looking and -smelling book.
The latter: It's located near the orange-painted cafeteria, at the back of the CSSP. The store owner's friendly and will even give you further discounts if you're an old or returning customer. I like to think of this shop as a cheaper version of the pricey bookstores listed above. The books look like they're brand-new and some of the books I bought from this shop look like their pages have never been turned. It's quite hard to believe they're second-hand. Thus, the price is well worth it; never mind if it's just a hundred peso cheaper than the price of a brand-new book. It's open only during weekdays though and that's quite disappointing because I only have time during the weekends to gallivant. But if you really want to own books that look like new for a lesser price, hurrying over at 6 in the afternoon during weekdays is a walk in the park.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Rude Awakening
It was the second Sunday of the bar. I joined the queue at the hotel's registration desk to check-out. And so there I was, minding my own business, when I heard this foreigner complaining about his registration in a voice loud enough to drown the hotel lobby's noise.
It was nasty the way he shouted and berated the front desk attendants, saying awful things like 'You don't understand English!' From the little that I could catch of their exchange, it seemed like it was the travel agency's fault why the rude foreigner's registration had gone awry. Things got a bit heated up prompting the front desk attendants to call security. The foreigner scoffed at the security guy, even challenging him to 'go right ahead and cancel me!' I don't know what he meant by 'cancel'.
Anyway, the security guy just stood at one corner of the lobby in case things got out of hand. His presence however didn't help ease matters and even made the foreigner angrier than ever. He even said the 'F' word to the attendants! So rude! This foreigner was with a Filipina who, pardon my discourtesy but I'm just stating facts here, didn't seem sophisticated. She was trying to appease the foreigner and I sensed a bit of embarrassment on her part for being in this predicament. I was not able to stay longer than I would have wanted to see how things turned out but I do hope, for her sake, that she apologized to the attendants in behalf of the foreigner.
The incident irked me big time because, admittedly, I admire the courtesy and discipline of foreigners and sometimes compare them to Filipinos, especially when I'm stuck in traffic, with my countrymen being at the lowest level in the comparison chart. Yet here is one proof that there are exceptions to the rule. Here is one proof that foreigners can be pretty nasty. I had spent two Sundays at the hotel in question and the staff had been nothing but friendly. And to insinuate that they don't understand English is the biggest blow. English is this country's second language. Not that I'm comparing or anything but let's face it - this country speaks better English than any of its neighboring countries. In fact, the citizens of this country can speak better English than those from English-speaking nations. And the 'F' word! One thing is sure, that foreigner was no gentleman.
My day didn't stop with the hotel incident. It extended to the late hours in the afternoon.
I was patiently waiting for my cousin at the exam venue when these fraternity guys had a near altercation. I recognized the guys as belonging to fraternities from the only law school at Mendiola (hahaha!). These two fraternities have always been on each other's nerves since time immemorial. I thought I would be experiencing a full-blown brawl, but cooler heads intervened, plus the place is always swarming with security.
I don't understand why fraternities have to hate each other. Is this an unwritten rule - 'Thou shall love only thy fraternity brothers and hate all who do not belong to our fraternity'? Absurd.
Anyway, I can't say that it was a boring Sunday. Although I was hoping that the incidents which broke the boredom could have been more pleasant rather than enveloped with rudeness and hatred.
It was nasty the way he shouted and berated the front desk attendants, saying awful things like 'You don't understand English!' From the little that I could catch of their exchange, it seemed like it was the travel agency's fault why the rude foreigner's registration had gone awry. Things got a bit heated up prompting the front desk attendants to call security. The foreigner scoffed at the security guy, even challenging him to 'go right ahead and cancel me!' I don't know what he meant by 'cancel'.
Anyway, the security guy just stood at one corner of the lobby in case things got out of hand. His presence however didn't help ease matters and even made the foreigner angrier than ever. He even said the 'F' word to the attendants! So rude! This foreigner was with a Filipina who, pardon my discourtesy but I'm just stating facts here, didn't seem sophisticated. She was trying to appease the foreigner and I sensed a bit of embarrassment on her part for being in this predicament. I was not able to stay longer than I would have wanted to see how things turned out but I do hope, for her sake, that she apologized to the attendants in behalf of the foreigner.
The incident irked me big time because, admittedly, I admire the courtesy and discipline of foreigners and sometimes compare them to Filipinos, especially when I'm stuck in traffic, with my countrymen being at the lowest level in the comparison chart. Yet here is one proof that there are exceptions to the rule. Here is one proof that foreigners can be pretty nasty. I had spent two Sundays at the hotel in question and the staff had been nothing but friendly. And to insinuate that they don't understand English is the biggest blow. English is this country's second language. Not that I'm comparing or anything but let's face it - this country speaks better English than any of its neighboring countries. In fact, the citizens of this country can speak better English than those from English-speaking nations. And the 'F' word! One thing is sure, that foreigner was no gentleman.
My day didn't stop with the hotel incident. It extended to the late hours in the afternoon.
I was patiently waiting for my cousin at the exam venue when these fraternity guys had a near altercation. I recognized the guys as belonging to fraternities from the only law school at Mendiola (hahaha!). These two fraternities have always been on each other's nerves since time immemorial. I thought I would be experiencing a full-blown brawl, but cooler heads intervened, plus the place is always swarming with security.
I don't understand why fraternities have to hate each other. Is this an unwritten rule - 'Thou shall love only thy fraternity brothers and hate all who do not belong to our fraternity'? Absurd.
Anyway, I can't say that it was a boring Sunday. Although I was hoping that the incidents which broke the boredom could have been more pleasant rather than enveloped with rudeness and hatred.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Bench & Bar (Part II)
Two of the most exciting events during the duration of the Bar exams are the send-off and the salubong. The former begins on the first Sunday morning of September, which is the first day of the exam, and takes place every Sunday morning thereafter; the latter, on the fourth Sunday afternoon, the last day of the exam, after the barristers have tackled their very last subject, Legal Ethics.
What happens during a send-off? When the barristers are lined-up along Taft Avenue to enter the exam venue, their schools send them off with as much hoopla as they can possibly manage - street dances, school bands, confetti, and the ever reliable shout-yourself-hoarse. It's one street party out there during the first Sunday, when the send-off is at its noisiest. I remember my very first send-off as a law student. It was raining then. My friends and I hailed a cab from the hotel where the barristers were billeted. By the time we got to Taft Avenue, a street party was in progress. The barristers from different law schools were lined-up already and their well-wishers were shouting their support. When we spotted our school's barristers from the entrance line, we shouted ourselves hoarse wishing them good luck. It was crazy fun that not even the rain can stop. Only when all the barristers have entered the exam venue would there be quiet. Some well-wishers would choose to stay at the 'camp' site, designated rendezvous point, for the whole day to wait on their barristers; others would while away the time by going to nearby malls, then return to the site at 5 in the afternoon; others would just go home, never to be seen for the next two Sundays, then return with a vengeance during the salubong.
What happens on a salubong? Salubong is the Filipino term for meeting someone at a certain place on a given day and time. This is what happens during the last Sunday of the bar. At 5 in the afternoon, supporters, family members and friends of the barristers gather along Taft Avenue, waiting for the examinees to emerge from the exam venue. The salubong is crazier and noisier than the send-off. It's a street party like you've never seen before. Schools would outshine one another with different gimmicks, the most rambunctious of which would be a concert right in the middle of the street. But the most watched gimmick, until the higher authorities banned it, was the 'freedom run' by members of the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity, wherein naked guys would run the length of Taft Avenue in the name of whatever national issue comes to mind. Imagine a packed street and guys running naked along that street. It's more like walking as these poor guys cannot find enough space for them to run. I would say spectators got an eyeful.
This year, however, the send-off was unusually quiet. In yesterday's news (The Philippine Star), it was reported that the Supreme Court "issued a guideline prohibiting the conduct of noisy activities in the perimeter" of the exam venue. I quote fully the newspaper report:
"According to the Supreme Court, the standard to be followed during the examinations will be that of a court hearing."
The news report went on further to say that the guideline shall be strictly enforced and "those who will be caught in violation could be cited for contempt of court."
This guideline did not stop the friends and families of the barristers to go to Taft Avenue and wish their barristers good luck anyway, although with lesser noise as possible. I wonder how this year's salubong would be like considering that the "prohibition will be enforced during the examination hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for four consecutive Sundays"?
What happens during a send-off? When the barristers are lined-up along Taft Avenue to enter the exam venue, their schools send them off with as much hoopla as they can possibly manage - street dances, school bands, confetti, and the ever reliable shout-yourself-hoarse. It's one street party out there during the first Sunday, when the send-off is at its noisiest. I remember my very first send-off as a law student. It was raining then. My friends and I hailed a cab from the hotel where the barristers were billeted. By the time we got to Taft Avenue, a street party was in progress. The barristers from different law schools were lined-up already and their well-wishers were shouting their support. When we spotted our school's barristers from the entrance line, we shouted ourselves hoarse wishing them good luck. It was crazy fun that not even the rain can stop. Only when all the barristers have entered the exam venue would there be quiet. Some well-wishers would choose to stay at the 'camp' site, designated rendezvous point, for the whole day to wait on their barristers; others would while away the time by going to nearby malls, then return to the site at 5 in the afternoon; others would just go home, never to be seen for the next two Sundays, then return with a vengeance during the salubong.
What happens on a salubong? Salubong is the Filipino term for meeting someone at a certain place on a given day and time. This is what happens during the last Sunday of the bar. At 5 in the afternoon, supporters, family members and friends of the barristers gather along Taft Avenue, waiting for the examinees to emerge from the exam venue. The salubong is crazier and noisier than the send-off. It's a street party like you've never seen before. Schools would outshine one another with different gimmicks, the most rambunctious of which would be a concert right in the middle of the street. But the most watched gimmick, until the higher authorities banned it, was the 'freedom run' by members of the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity, wherein naked guys would run the length of Taft Avenue in the name of whatever national issue comes to mind. Imagine a packed street and guys running naked along that street. It's more like walking as these poor guys cannot find enough space for them to run. I would say spectators got an eyeful.
This year, however, the send-off was unusually quiet. In yesterday's news (The Philippine Star), it was reported that the Supreme Court "issued a guideline prohibiting the conduct of noisy activities in the perimeter" of the exam venue. I quote fully the newspaper report:
"According to the Supreme Court, the standard to be followed during the examinations will be that of a court hearing."
The news report went on further to say that the guideline shall be strictly enforced and "those who will be caught in violation could be cited for contempt of court."
This guideline did not stop the friends and families of the barristers to go to Taft Avenue and wish their barristers good luck anyway, although with lesser noise as possible. I wonder how this year's salubong would be like considering that the "prohibition will be enforced during the examination hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for four consecutive Sundays"?
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Bench & Bar (Part I)
Hello September!
The month of September is significant for three reasons:
First, it's the start of the Christmas season, at least in this country. I don't know why this is. Maybe because this month is the first month that has the 'ber' stuck to its end.
Second, on a more personal level, this month signals the start my spiritual growth. I have resolved to exercise the spiritual gift of self-control.
Third, the significance of this month is felt more than ever by the people in the law profession. September is what we call 'Bar Month'. During this month, for four Sundays, and as early as 5 in the morning, thousands upon thousands of hopefuls line up along Taft Avenue to take the bar exams. And while the examinees are inside De LaSalle University, the exams venue, students and professors from law schools all over the country wait outside and join in the mad festivities called the 'Bar Operations', or barops, in legal parlance (wink, wink).
I have participated in the barops since my first year in law school - as a volunteer for the first two years, and as a member of the Academic Committee for the remaining years. I am once again thrown into the barops, this time as a runner for my cousin who's taking this year's bar. I was told that the bar operations was conducted from way back, but by fraternities. So blessed were those who belonged to fraternities, for they were taken cared of by their fraternity brothers. Then someone decided to make the bar operations a school activity. Before long, schools have been conducting their Centralized Bar Operations, comprised of student volunteers. I don't know if this information is precise, and I will not bother to verify. All I know is that from the time I started law school, the Centralized Bar Operations was there.
It's crazy to be a part of the bar operations. Barops covers a lot of fields: hotel, review materials, logistics. When I was a volunteer, I had it easy because I was merely required to be in the hotel where my school's barristers were billeted, just in case I was needed for an errand. There wasn't much errand to run then. But when I signed up for the Academic Committee, I lost precious sleep for four Saturdays. Being in the Academic Committee meant not sleeping on a Saturday night because we had to listen to lectures and take notes. From these lectures, we would deliberate which were the most important points that need to be placed on the Last Minute Tips. The Last Minute Tips are review materials we would distribute to the barristers at 4 in the morning on the day of the exams, before the barristers leave the hotel for the exams venue. Then, and only then, could we go home to catch up on some Zzz's. Mind you, we still had graded recitations on Mondays.
For those barops members stationed at the hotel, their Saturday noons would be devoted to barristers registration. Their evenings would be spent running errands for barristers with special requests. Sleep would probably be a few minutes nap. Then it's off to wake-up calls and breakfast deliveries. The fun does not stop when the barristers are off to the exams venue because these members have to stand guard over the barristers' luggage until check-out.
Despite the sleepless nights and bitching barristers, the barops is something that every law student should experience. In my honest opinion, you're not a genuine law student if you haven't experienced at least a Sunday of bar operations.
The month of September is significant for three reasons:
First, it's the start of the Christmas season, at least in this country. I don't know why this is. Maybe because this month is the first month that has the 'ber' stuck to its end.
Second, on a more personal level, this month signals the start my spiritual growth. I have resolved to exercise the spiritual gift of self-control.
Third, the significance of this month is felt more than ever by the people in the law profession. September is what we call 'Bar Month'. During this month, for four Sundays, and as early as 5 in the morning, thousands upon thousands of hopefuls line up along Taft Avenue to take the bar exams. And while the examinees are inside De LaSalle University, the exams venue, students and professors from law schools all over the country wait outside and join in the mad festivities called the 'Bar Operations', or barops, in legal parlance (wink, wink).
I have participated in the barops since my first year in law school - as a volunteer for the first two years, and as a member of the Academic Committee for the remaining years. I am once again thrown into the barops, this time as a runner for my cousin who's taking this year's bar. I was told that the bar operations was conducted from way back, but by fraternities. So blessed were those who belonged to fraternities, for they were taken cared of by their fraternity brothers. Then someone decided to make the bar operations a school activity. Before long, schools have been conducting their Centralized Bar Operations, comprised of student volunteers. I don't know if this information is precise, and I will not bother to verify. All I know is that from the time I started law school, the Centralized Bar Operations was there.
It's crazy to be a part of the bar operations. Barops covers a lot of fields: hotel, review materials, logistics. When I was a volunteer, I had it easy because I was merely required to be in the hotel where my school's barristers were billeted, just in case I was needed for an errand. There wasn't much errand to run then. But when I signed up for the Academic Committee, I lost precious sleep for four Saturdays. Being in the Academic Committee meant not sleeping on a Saturday night because we had to listen to lectures and take notes. From these lectures, we would deliberate which were the most important points that need to be placed on the Last Minute Tips. The Last Minute Tips are review materials we would distribute to the barristers at 4 in the morning on the day of the exams, before the barristers leave the hotel for the exams venue. Then, and only then, could we go home to catch up on some Zzz's. Mind you, we still had graded recitations on Mondays.
For those barops members stationed at the hotel, their Saturday noons would be devoted to barristers registration. Their evenings would be spent running errands for barristers with special requests. Sleep would probably be a few minutes nap. Then it's off to wake-up calls and breakfast deliveries. The fun does not stop when the barristers are off to the exams venue because these members have to stand guard over the barristers' luggage until check-out.
Despite the sleepless nights and bitching barristers, the barops is something that every law student should experience. In my honest opinion, you're not a genuine law student if you haven't experienced at least a Sunday of bar operations.
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