Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Wilwayco
Ateneo Law School 2013
General Pointers:
I studied at least 8 hours a day Monday-Friday. The only time I studied on weekends was when I foresaw
that I would not be able to reach my weekly quota. I also made sure that I had adequate exercise (7 hours a
week from May to August, and 1 hour from September to October. Yes, I exercised during Pre-Week). I
always had a hearty breakfast, a heavy lunch, and a very light dinner. During the actual Bar examinations, I
avoided starch and limited myself to brown carbs. I also ate 1 big Fuji apply during lunch breaks. J
My weekly quota depended on: (1) the subject I was reviewing for, (2) the number of review materials I had
selected for a particular subject, and (3) the number of pages each of my materials had. Considering these
factors, I read about 100-150 pages every day. On a very good day, I could read up to 250 pages (this
happened only, like, twice. Hehe). Depending on the text, I could read 15-25 pages per hour.
Early on I decided to do only two full readings, excluding Pre-Week. Even if I read 2-3 books on a
particular subject, I still considered it as one reading. I tried to avoid peaking too soon. In law school, I
stuck with two readings for class and for exams, and so I relied on the same technique that worked for me.
For my first reading, I spent two weeks on the major subjects, and one week for minor subjects. I followed
this schedule strictly, except for Civil and Remedial Law, to which I allotted two and a half weeks each. I
gave myself allowances just in case I had off days.
I started reviewing on May 4. Following my study strategy as mentioned above ensured that I finished my
first reading by the end of July.
For my second reading, I dedicated one week each per subject. This time, I followed the mirror method. By
the time I finished my second reading it was already Pre-Week.
During Pre-week, I also followed the mirror method. For the first week, I studied Labor Law on Monday
morning until Tuesday night, followed by Political Law from Wednesday until Saturday noon. For the
succeeding weeks, I took half the day off on Mondays. Consequently, I started reviewing for the minor
subject Monday afternoon until Wednesday morning (give or take, this will spill over to the afternoon).
Then from Wednesday afternoon until Friday night, I would be studying the major subject.
During the entire Bar review, I listened to various study playlists. I had an upbeat playlist (mostly Zedd,
David Guetta, etc) to wake me up. I also had an intense playlist that altered my brainwaves so that it would
be in the zone (Joe Hisahishis compositions. If you know Spirited Away, Howls Moving Castle, or
Princess Mononoke, youll know the music. Otherwise, if you go to Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen, thats the
playlist). Be careful though, because my intense playlist is really intense. After listening to it for 4 hours,
youll probably need to take a break. Seryosong intense siya.
As much as possible, I no longer studied on Saturdays. I tried to relax and meditate at least 30 minutes
before I slept. Lights off at 9pm, and I was asleep at 10pm at the latest. I drank 1 capsule of 5HTP before
bed. I woke up 4am every Sunday. I performed exercises to wake up my body (this is comprised mostly of a
series of pokes on selected pressure points so that my brain and body are awake and in the zone). I drank
two cups of green tea with honey, Berocca, 1000mg Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and 1000 mg B-12.
Books:
Political Law
First Reading
Second Reading
Pre-Week
Saturday Night
Pre-Week
Saturday Night
Civil Law
First Reading
Second Reading
Second Reading
Pre-Week
Saturday Night
Taxation Law
First Reading
Second Reading
Pre-Week
Saturday Night
Mercantile Law
First Reading
Second Reading
Pre-Week
Saturday Night
Remedial Law
First Reading
Gregorio, Criminal Law Reviewer (take note that this was last edited in 2008,
and there has been plenty of jurisprudence and laws that have been passed)
San Beda Memory Aid
Codal
San Beda Memory Aid
Codal
San Beda Memory Aid
Codal
San Sebastian updated jurisprudence
Codal
Second Reading
Pre-Week
Saturday Night
Ethics
First Reading
Second Reading
Pre-Week
Saturday Night
the next. Scanning the entire examination also allowed me to see if the possible answers to the earlier questions
were found in the latter part of the questionnaire.
Your answer should follow ALAC: (1) Answer, (2) Legal basis, (3) Analysis, and (4) Conclusion. The first
sentence should briefly state your categorical answer to the question. Take a stand as early as possible. For
example, if the question asks whether a governmental act is constitutional, you should answer like this: No, the
proposed bill is unconstitutional, because it violates the doctrine of separation of powers and the equal
protection clause. Your Legal basis should cite the applicable principle, statute, or jurisprudence as is. The third
part of your answer should explain how the legal basis you cited applies to the present case/issue. Your last
sentence should reiterate the stand you made in the first sentence.
Be mindful of the examiner. The examiner only has 2-5 minutes to check your exam booklet. Make his/her job
easier by: (1) writing legibly, (2) answering direct to the point, (3) organizing your thoughts before answering,
and (4) using key words.
Always pray for guidance before every exam. Always give thanks after every exam, regardless of your feelings on
how you answered.