Written by Maria Erica L. Dela Cruz and Lois Danielle P. Dimaano
Czarina Maybellyne V. Pacis
Valedictorian
Judge Agustin P. Montesa Memorial Award (Most Outstanding Law Graduate)
Justice Florenz D. Regalado Memorial Award
Dean’s Award
Perhaps befitting, the word “Czarina” literally means empress. Leading this year’s graduating class is Czarina Maybellyne V. Pacis, known a “Czar” to her family and friends.
Even before the results for both the list of graduates and the awardees were released this May 25, Czar was the number one pick for the valedictorian spot. Aside from being the Editor-In-Chief of the San Beda Law Journal for Academic Year 2018 – 2019 and the 2018 Civil Law Subject Chair of the San Beda Law Centralized Bar Operations, Czar has been an awardee from the start.
She graduated cumlaude from Ateneo de Manila University with a Bachelor of Science Major in Legal Management, Minor in Development Management. During her elementary and high school years, she also emerged as Valedictorian of her batches.
“It’s overwhelming, ‘di ko fully ma-absorb” she says when asked about her reaction on being this year’s Valedictorian, but later added that she is beyond grateful for the opportunity and the blessing. Surprisingly, she did not aim for the top spot when she entered law school in 2015. It was when Dean Ulan Sarmiento saw the potential in her that she decided to aim the best version of herself. She recounts “When I started to immerse myself in reading law books and cases, I found the study of the law fascinating. came to a point where I wanted to become one of the best lawyers there is in this country”.
The climb to the top has never been easy. Like any other law student, Czar faces challenges in law school – whether it be recitation woes, wavering faith or just the daily grind. She shares that she can hurdle any ordeal when she thinks of her parents. “Para ‘to sa aking magulang. To become a lawyer is a dream I share with them. Kapag nahihirapan ako, I think about them.” She also acknowledges her beau, fellow schoolmate John Psalmuel Chan, whom she describes as her emotional bedrock during the toughest year in San Beda Law.
Pressed for a message for her batchmates, she said that “Walang shortcut sa mundo, kaya pagbutihin. No matter what injustice you experience, never surrender your principles and integrity; never succumb to a system of injustice. Remain to be a Bedan law student exuding brilliance and Benedictine values.“
When her friends were asked to describe her, one trait shines brighter than the rest: studious. In her usual corner outside the law library – the long table right in front of the bulletin board showing the roster of Bedan Bar Topnotchers – you will often see her studying. However, It was only when she reached the fourth year when she became a “library person”, having spent her freshman to junior years studying in her home or dormitory. Everyday, she studies from 7 a.m. until night. At one point in time, a “Do Not Disturb” sign was placed beside her when she was studying for the exams. Truly inspiring, one can surely hope that big things will happen for this year’s empress.
From thebarrister archives.