Following the Supreme Court's January 7, 2026, announcement of the 2025 Bar Examinations results, four new lawyers shared inspiring tales of overcoming personal tragedies, prolonged journeys, and the power of family support.
Kristelle Leigh Reyes endured a heartbreaking loss when her father—a fellow political science graduate and aspiring lawyer—died five days before the exams. She and her brother returned to Cagayan for the wake and burial instead of group study sessions but flew back to Manila to take the test, missing the interment. 'If my father were still alive, he would want me to push through,' Reyes said in Filipino, motivated to avoid him blaming himself for her prior failure.
Angelica Villagracia Diaz Llamas took 11 years to pass, entering law school in 2014 but dropping out due to grief over her father's death shortly after college. She returned in 2018, inspired by her then-boyfriend, battling tough subjects and work delays but succeeding on her first attempt. 'Sometimes the journey is just longer for some... go back to your why,' she advised.
Twins King Vincent and King Raymund Salomon prepared together, leveraging each other's strengths in subjects like criminal law and remedial law. With only three months post-graduation, they followed a rigorous seven-day study regimen. Inspired by high school outreach, they aim for the Public Attorney’s Office. 'The experience was really challenging... strong support system,' Raymund said, emphasizing sibling bonds.
