UCC - COL Bar Operations Command Center

𝟭𝟬𝟬 𝗯𝗮𝗿 𝗮𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟭𝟯 𝗹𝗮𝘄 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗣𝗛 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝘄𝗲𝗦𝗔𝗠 𝗣𝗿𝗲-𝗕𝗮𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿

Around 100 registrants from 13 law schools across the Philippines took part in the AweSAM Bar Journey: Bar Exam Essentials Seminar on March 29, 2026, as speakers underscored the importance of discipline, mental endurance, and practical preparation in taking the Bar examinations.

The seminar, hosted by the University of Caloocan City- College of Law’s Bar Operations Command Center (BOCC), gathered law students and bar aspirants for discussions centered on the demands of review, examination readiness, and the mindset needed to endure one of the country’s most rigorous professional qualifying tests.

Participating schools included the Arellano University School of Law, University of Pangasinan, Leyte Colleges–College of Law, St. Dominic Savio School of Law, Notre Dame University, Central Philippine University, Manuel L. Quezon University, Philippine Law School, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Saint Paul School of Professional Studies, University of Northeastern Philippines, Western Mindanao State University, and University of Caloocan City – College of Law.

Atty. Ralph S. Cortes, who shared insights drawn from his experience in both public service and the legal profession, spoke on the realities of balancing duty, study, and uncertainty, while outlining practical do’s and don’ts for those preparing for the Bar.

He highlighted the role of discipline, sacrifice, and resilience in moving from preparation to performance, according to the seminar’s program.

Also featured was Atty. Arnold Avestruz, a contract manager in one of the country’s leading commercial banks and an educator, who discussed the mental demands of Bar preparation.

Atty. Avestruz emphasized that success in the Bar is shaped not only by mastery of legal concepts, but also by one’s ability to maintain focus, manage fatigue, and stay mentally steady throughout the review period and the examinations themselves.

The seminar reinforced a message familiar to many aspiring lawyers: that the Bar is not only a test of knowledge, but also of endurance and composure.

Have you registered? Please check your email for the Zoom details and other important reminders.

We look forward to seeing you at the AweSam Bar Journey: Bar Exam Essentials Seminar. Let’s take this opportunity to gain practical insights, refine our preparation, and approach the Bar with clarity and confidence.

A name that has come to embody integrity, discipline, and judicial excellence, Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan assumes the distinguished role of Chairperson of the 2026 Bar Examinations.

Justice Gaerlan, born on December 19, 1958 in San Juan, La Union, finished his law degree at the San Beda College of Law in 1983. He was admitted to the Bar in 1984 and commenced his professional career serving as legal counsel, Executive Director and/or Corporate Secretary of various private companies and associations. His career in the sphere of administration of justice and public service spans his appointment as Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) lawyer (1990 – 1993), as a Municipal Trial Court Presiding Judge (1993 – 2001), as Regional Trial Court Presiding Judge (2001 – 2009), as Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals (2009 – 2019), and as the 187th Supreme Court Associate Justice (2020 – present).

Among his notable pronouncements as a Justice is his affirmance in Fajardo v. San Miguel Foods that “those who have less in life should have more in law.” This principle is the very core of the legal profession — not merely an intellectual pursuit but a vocation grounded in equity, compassion, and social responsibility.

In this year’s Bar Examinations, may his leadership and excellent track record inspire every aspiring lawyer to persevere with intention, to rise above adversity, and to embrace the profound duty of advancing justice, especially for those who need it most. The path is exacting, yet it leads to a profession entrusted with shaping society and safeguarding its most fundamental rights.

Success in the Bar is not determined by knowledge alone, but by the strength of one’s mind to endure its demands. Atty. Arnold Avestruz brings a perspective shaped by both high-level legal practice and academic engagement, where precision, consistency, and mental control are essential.

As a Contract Manager in one of the Philippines’ leading commercial banks and a committed educator, he has cultivated the discipline required to perform under pressure- insights he will share with individuals preparing for the Bar.

In this seminar, discover how to develop focus, manage fatigue, and sustain clarity throughout the review and examination process.

Join this session on March 29, 2026, at 1:00 PM, and strengthen the mindset that carries you through the Bar.

Register now through the link in the comments section.

From the frontlines of law enforcement to the halls of the Bar, Atty. Ralph S. Cortes has walked the same demanding path that every bar examinee must face. Having balanced duty, study, and uncertainty, he understands firsthand the discipline, sacrifices, and resilience required to move from preparation to performance.

A Licensed Criminologist, police officer, and now a full-fledged lawyer, his journey reflects an unwavering pursuit of justice and lifelong learning as shaped by the very challenges he now seeks to help others navigate.

This March 29, 2026, gain insight from someone who has been in your place. Join Atty. Cortes as he shares practical do's and don’ts, and what truly matters in the Bar journey.

Register now through the registration link in the comments section.

The Bar Operations Command Center (BOCC) congratulates the newly elected leaders of the Student Council of the University of Caloocan City – College of Law for AY 2026–2027!

Your leadership marks a new chapter in the pursuit of legal education in the College of Law. May you lead with purpose and inspiration.

President: Davonn Salvadico
Vice President: Jeremie Soriano
Secretary: Cynthia Porazo
Treasurer: Mylene Tingcang
Auditor: Jhanine Aldeon
Public Relations Officer: Ernielyn Rioflorido

The BOCC positively affirms its commitment in partnering with the Student Council to build a stronger One UCC!

Forge ahead, future lawyers!

Taas Kalasag!

AweSAMness is unstoppable as we are 13 DAYS CLOSER to

AweSAM Bar Journey: Bar Exam Essentials Seminar!

Save the date:
March 29, 2026, at 1:00 PM!

Are you ready to take in the AweSam guides and Tips?

Register now and get a chance to win an awesome special treat from us!

See REGISTRATION LINK in the COMMENTS SECTION.

We are also pleased to announce the line-up of activities this year from your College of Law ONE UCC COUNCIL, viz:

1. Acquaintance Party

2. Send-Off

3. Bar Operations proper

4. Salubong

5. Saludo

6. The Vera Cup

To learn more about these activities, stay tuned for more exciting updates.

If you have the passion to serve, be our next Bar buddy or Event Committee executive organizer!

AweSAM Bar Journey: Bar Exam Essentials Seminar

We are 20 DAYS AWAY before we go LIVE ON FACEBOOK on March 29, 2026 at 1:00 PM!

Are you in for the most Bar preparation tips and guide? Register now and get a chance to win an awesome special treat from us! Please use this link to register:

https://forms.gle/5zVdH9KV4yeYKRGK8

Always visit the BOCC FB page for important updates!