Words by Zionel Bayan and Mary Philline Rodriguez
Photos by Cindy Monterey and Maltha Villarubia
San Beda University College of Law (SBU-COL) gathered for the Thanksgiving Mass and Testimonial Dinner on February 4, 2026 to honor the 2025 Bar passers, joining as new attorneys in the legal profession.
SBU-COL emerged as the number one top-performing school within the 11 to 50 examinees category in the 2025 Bar Examinations, boasting a 100% passing rate for first-time takers and an overall passing rate of 97.77%, producing 44 Bedan lawyers.
Rev. Fr. Anselm Manalastas, OSB presided over the Thanksgiving Mass and extended his heartfelt congratulations to San Beda’s waiting to be minted lawyers. He preached on the importance of maintaining hope and unwavering faith in God when faced with adversity. During the Mass, he bestowed blessings upon the new lawyers as they step into a new chapter of their lives.
A formal recognition ceremony was put together by the Dean’s Office and student volunteers, during which the bar passers were presented with certificates acknowledging their accomplishment. During the Testimonial Dinner, Dean Marciano Delson reminded the new Bedan lawyers to uphold the Benedictine Hallmarks and the philosophy of “ora et labora” in their professional and personal lives. Dean Delson emphasized that the students are the core strength of San Beda.
Additionally, the 2025 executive committee of the RGCT-Bar Operations Center was recognized for their dedicated efforts in supporting the bar takers. Later on, the new slate of executive officers for 2026 were formally acknowledged.
The Testimonial Dinner brought together the successful Bedan bar examinees for an evening of music, food, and performances in honor of their great achievement. Complementing the program were various interactive experiences, including a 360-degree photobooth, a custom perfume bar, and a leather stamping station, offering attendees meaningful and creative ways to commemorate the momentous occasion.
Congratulations to our new Bedan Lawyers. Animo San Beda!
THE BARRISTER 