Some students believe they should not cut their hair before the exams. - PDI/ANN
CEBU CITY, Philippines: As the Bar Examinations draw near, so does, anxiety, excitement, the yearning to finally achieve something bar takers have been preparing for, for months.
From early morning classes, till the ungodly hours at night just trying to burn the midnight oil, bar takers have been doing their best to not just understand what they have been studying, but to retain it.
They say the Bar Examinations for lawyers is one of the hardest board examinations there is. That’s why some would also like to get a little extra “luck” by following some superstitious beliefs.
Philippine Daily Inquirer asked what superstitious beliefs they have heard of that would supposedly bring good luck to those taking Bar exams.
Here are some of their answers:
- To wear something red. It may be your underwear, socks or even your handkerchief. Red is supposed to bring good luck.
- Do not look back. Once you are done and out of the room never look back or even glance at the room where you came out of.
- Do not cut your hair before the exams.
- Some say kick your chair after the exams.
- Throw all your review materials right after the taking the exams.
These are harmless practices and you can either jump on this bandwagon or just go with your own flow.
Like these two bar passers from 2024, Lawyer Rianne Managbanag and Lawyer Abigail Samson.
These two heard of countless beliefs from their peers and families, but nothing can compare to their faith and their discipline and determination to study and put in the work.
Managbanag was a full-time working student. After her regular 8-5 job, she rushed to her “second shift” of the day— to review for the bar exams.
She recalls that she could see the sun rising when she’s just beginning to wrap up her review and having to rush back to work.
This practice? She wouldn’t recommend.
“My strategy was simple: stick to one main review material and master it inside out. That, and of course, my secret weapon—prayers. Honestly, that was my number one source of strength. My number two? Red Bull. At some point, I think I had more caffeine than blood in my system,” she said.
As the countdown to the exam days comes to a close, the exam days were a different adventure itself.
While most would make every minute of the exam hours count, Managbanag broke barriers by taking a step back and taking a 15-minute nap before starting every exam.
This was her own way of realigning and refocusing. Taking a break meant she got another boost of energy to take on the exams.
“Now, about superstitions—because every bar taker has at least one," she said. "On Day 1, a friend told me to throw away my review materials before leaving the exam site. Out of sheer panic and obedience to the bar gods, I did it for two days straight. But on the third day, I thought, “Nope, I’m keeping my notes.” And guess what? I still use them to this day. So much for superstition!,” she added.
Samson on the other hand survived and conquered her exams last year by taking it one day at a time.
Just like Managbanag, she focused on the important things and sticking to the syllabus, key subjects and didn’t play master of all trades.
“I made sure I showed up consistently whether I felt 100 per cent or not and kept moving forward. It was less about perfection and more about steady progress,” she said.
As for her superstitious beliefs? Here’s her answer.
“Throughout my bar journey, I held on to a few personal beliefs and traditions that gave me comfort. I wore something red during the exams, didn’t get a hair cut until after the last exam Day, and always wore my Miraculous Medal both during the review and the actual exams. But above all, I clung to my faith in God and Mama Mary. I truly believe it was prayer that carried me through.”
After all the late night reviewing, countless hours of zoning out and feeling anxious to finally sighing that breath of relief after the exams and celebrating after passing, Samson and Managbanag are just two of the successful lawyers who passed the Bar through grit, determination and faith.
Samson now works as junior compliance officer and legal counsel, while Managbanag is an associate at RJ Sevilla Law Office.
As this year’s Bar takers gear up for their own exams, whether they choose to follow old superstitions, stick to a strict study plan, or simply trust their prayers, one truth remains: passing the Bar is never about luck alone—it’s about resilience, focus and unwavering belief in one’s hard work. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
