By Aaron S. Gemora
“When I topped our ObliCon class, sabi ni Dean Ulan sa’kin, he pat me on the back, ‘my future bar topnotcher'” Just last March 26, those words by Dean Ulpiano P. Sarmiento came true.
The morning of that day was filled with [a] cold breeze coming from every direction. Anxiety was in the air as the day everyone in the legal community – students, bar candidates, law professors, and practitioners alike – had been waiting for arrived. Minute by minute, the tension rose and the anticipation escalated as everyone awaited the results of the 2014 Philippine Bar Examinations
A few hours before noon struck, the glorous news was announced. The “Mighty Red School” in Mendiola was filled with jubilation. San Beda College did it once again. When finally the smoke cleared, a Bedan reigned a top the coveted examinations For the first time in the 67-year history of San Beda College of Law, a woman stood tallest – Atty. Irene Mae Berano Alcobilla.
Atty. Alcobilla hails from San Remigio, Antique. She obtained her degree in Political Science from West Visayas State University. The dream of being a lawyer came to her when she was in high school. She was deeply inspired by her grand-uncle who was among the “pioneer lawyers” of their town. While Atty. Alcobilla was undergoing internship in the office of former Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, a friend of hers suggested that she take the entrance examinations in UP, Ateneo, and San Beda. Thereafter, she chose to enroll in San Beda College.
Atty. Alcobilla found out that she was among the three Bedans who belonged to the Top 10 of the bar exams through the instant messaging application Viber. At that time, the ranking was still uncertain. When it was finally announced that she was the first placer, tears of joy immediately flowed from her eyes. “I was very happy. I could not explain [the feeling],” she recalled.
Aside from the happiness she felt, Atty. Alcobilla admitted that at first, she could not believe that she topped the bar. “During that time, 1 was sort of asking God why He chose me to top the bar when I know for a fact that there are a lot of deserving and intelligent law students in the country.”
Topping the bar may be a personal accomplishment, but for her, this is really a miracle. This is not my own doing [Yesterdayl I just posted that my dream will come true, and the next day it came true.”
Being a bar topnotcher entails a lot of pressure. But Atty. Alcobilla said, “my boss told me to ” not be pressured. The judge, the lawyers, will not expect you to know everything, just be yourself.” It is hard because I’m carrying the name of San Beda. Kung ako lang siguro, okay lang. But I’m carrying the name of San Beda, I have to show myself that I am worthy of being the topnotcher.”
Before the triumph of being the first Bedan woman topnotcher, Atty Alcobilla faced tragedies in her life that catapulted her to where she is now. She recalled the worst tragedy that she ever had to face. In 2008, she lost her mother to Typhoon Frank, which also washed away their home among thousands of others in Western Visayas. The said disaster also took away her brother who, up to this very day, has not yet been found. Because of this tragedy, Aty. Alcobilla almost gave up her plans of pursuing law.
“I consider myself a strong woman. No matter what will happen, I will pursue my law studies for the memory of my mother and brother… Magaling bumawi si Lord,” she said on how the ordeal turned her life around.
In her freshman year in San Beda, Ally. Alcobilla found it difficult to adjust with the way of life in Manila having studied in the province until college. “I had to survive alone,” she said. Growing up in the province, she admitted that she felt inferior despite her accomplishments in the province.
Although she found that school in San Beda was difficult, she knew deep inside that she can take it. “Mararamdaman mo naman yon first year pa lang, when you excel in some subjects,” said Atty. Alcobilla. She pushed herself to the limit, studying until her body permitted her to do so. Also, she put in double the effort whenever she was “on deck”
During her free time, Atty. Alcobilla likes to browse Facebook. She also plans on reading novels because during her law school life, she was only able to read law textbooks, codals, and cases. She also likes to go hiking on mountains, especially since her hometown is a mountainous place
As one of the newest professors in the college, Atty. Alcobilla sees herself in her students. That’s why I’m lenient. But when I get to adjust, I’Il transition from lenient to terror,” she said jokingly. Atty. Alcobilla presently teaches Legal Research, Writing and Logic.
In the future, if given the chance she wants to teach Criminal Law due to the inspiration of the late Atty Maximo P. Amurao, Jr. or Remedal Law, a subject she excelled in during her studies.
For law students who try to survive the rigors of law school, Atty. Alcabilis has this advice, “study like you never studied before, pray like you never prayed before.” “There’s no hard and last formula but the best formula is Ora et Labora,” she added
For the next batch of barristers, Ally Alcobilla’s words are illuminating. “Plan. Set your goals. They only have two choices, top the bar or pass. Aim for the highest, the best.”
Now that the torch has been passed, the first Bedan woman bar topnotcher aims to inspire and empower women to aim high especially in a held dominated by men. “We [women] can also excel. Gone are the days when only men can practice law,” reflected Atty. Alcobilla.
A popular English saying “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade” Atty. Alcobilla made more than just lemonades. She made lemonades, sold them, made profit, and started a lemonade empire.
Like a phoenix, Atty. Alcobilla rose from the ashes of a tragedy that struck her life. From being the shy Antiqueña, she is now the favorite daughter of San Remigio. From feeling inferior, she is now sitting atop the food chain. From being the simple and shy student, her name is now forever immortalized in the books of history as the first Bedan woman bar topnotcher.
Excerpt from thebarrister’s November 2015 issue
THE BARRISTER 