24/09/2026
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐋𝐞𝐱 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 '𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐭'
Marking a historic milestone for the Notre Dame of Marbel University – College of Law, Lex Marista officially unveiled its inaugural student publication, The Elusive Dot, on September 22, 2026. Held at the BRC Building, the launch gathered faculty, alumni, and students to celebrate a new era of academic discourse and student expression.
Director for Student Affairs and Publication, Atty. Sylvie Blanche F. Tandog, opened the event by unraveling the meaning behind the paper’s title. “The Elusive Dot” embodies years of hard work in law school, from reading pages upon pages of books and endless amounts of cases, to every recitation survived, and to every exam hurdled, until that elusive dot is finally achieved. Further, she emphasized that the dot is not where the story ends, but rather, it is where the story begins, as the elusive dot is a reminder that there is a greater responsibility that lies ahead once it is finally achieved.
NDMU Vice President for Administration, Atty. Rene M. Barrion, emphasized in his message that the launching of The Elusive Dot is not just a mere formality, but a birth of an essential voice for the legal community and a step towards an informed, engaged, and conversant law school community. Affirming the administration’s unwavering support for student expression, he challenged the journalists to wield their pens with truth, courage, and a resolute commitment to service.
The room buzzed with excitement during the formal introduction of the Editorial Board, helmed by Editor-in-Chief, Czaren Jane T. Abalos, honoring the collaborative efforts of the past and present Board who worked tirelessly to produce the publication. The palpable energy only grew as the much-anticipated first copies were finally distributed to the eager attendees. Adding an artistic flair to this milestone, Lex Musika – featuring the stellar vocal talents of Danessa Faith P. Fredeluces, Earl Niceson M. Donasco, and Cindy M. Tandog – serenaded the crowd, elevating the celebratory atmosphere.
The event was also attended by Marist lawyers and former Lex Marista editorial board members, who came to witness the realization of the vision they helped shape. Atty. Gerlie Mae T. Cabale emphasized that The Elusive Dot provides a vital platform for student voices. She encouraged readers to look beyond legal technicalities and engage with the publication as a collection of ideas rather than mere words. Meanwhile, Atty. Venus Lyka E. Lomocso, CPA, recalled the early struggles of balancing rigorous academics with the demands of building the paper. She warmly commended the current board for bringing the pioneers' foundation to life, reminding the community that this inaugural issue is not the end of the story, but the first of many chapters to come.
Bringing the event to a close, College of Law Dean Atty. Paisal D. Tanjili, LL.M., described the publication as a dream realized since its inception in 2019. Noting the relatively young history of the College, he emphasized how many milestones have already been achieved. He warmly invited future lawyers to contribute to upcoming issues, cementing the paper as a lasting archive of their limits, strengths, and shared memories.
The Elusive Dot breathes life into the constitutional right to free expression. It is a manifestation of the collective voice of the NDMU College of Law in bringing forth ideas which will influence the legal landscape not only within the four corners of the College, but the entire university as an institution.
Written by: Benny Buenaflor
Photos by: Tatiana Mangilit
