BAR GAMEPLAN

Gelo
First things first,

PREMISES

(CAVEAT: if all or majority of my premises below are entirely different from your own
premises, then this might not be the most helpful set of tips):
-

Im the slowest reader. I may spend up to ten minutes or more on the same page if
the topic is complicated. I assure myself, however, that once I turn the page
everything is clear.
Im not a fan of memaid or anything similar to its format for the first reading. They
tend to touch only the surface-level of each topic. That same format which seems
very easy to study is the same thing which limits discussion and in-depth analysis of
the topic. But as Ive said, this holds true only for the first few months.
On the contrary, question-and-answer format of review books works really well for
me. They teach not just the legal basis (which we already learned in law school), but
also the phrasing/style of answering (which I believe is a big determining factor in
passing the bar). Everything which is sentence-based, I find really helpful. It is as if
the material is talking to you, so there are higher chances of retention.
I study at home or any place where I am alone. I could not accommodate weekday
review classes because I was looking after my niece during my entire bar review
period. Thus, I highly prefer weekend review classes coupled with online videos.
REVIEW CENTERS

Albano Review Center

I entrusted almost everything (timeline, style of answering,
materials etc) to this review center, and Im happy that I did.
(Top students will get 50% enrollment discount; discount rates
may vary)
Chanrobles Online
top 5 of the batch gets scholarship for this, so my advice is for
you to ask records from the Registrars Office with regard to the
ranking. Ask for a certification from the Deans Office, and then
email everything to Chanrobles.
TIMELINE AND GAMEPLAN
I strictly followed the weekly schedule of Albano Review Center. Whatever subject/s is/are
scheduled for the weekend, I made sure I have read the week before. I tried very hard to
constantly attend lectures already knowing the topics to be discussed (para tango-tango and
notes-notes na lang, no more confused/puzzled look). So after a weekend-lecture at Albano, I
was already assured of (in essence) two readings of the subject: one for the week before,
and another during the lecture itself. This, for me, builds strong retention of the topics.
After the entire review sessions, I had about two months left. This was when I started my
formal second reading. Second reading extended up to pre-week of the Bar because of my
slow pace.

I attended the pre-week lecture only of the subjects/topics which I still find hard to
understand. For the last minute lectures, I attended Albano Review Center for the first and
third week. I attended Mendiola last minute lectures for the second and fourth week.
MATERIALS
(CAVEAT for the italicized material: either I wasnt able to finish them, or I merely read the
important chapters / my weaknesses.)
POLITICAL LAW:
First reading:
Second reading:

LABOR LAW:
First reading:
Second reading:
CIVIL LAW:
First reading:
Second reading:

TAXATION LAW:
First reading:
Second reading:
Lumbera.)

Bernas Constitutional Law Review Primer

Red Book - only the topics not covered by Bernas
Red Notes
Albano handouts ultimate lifesaver in Poli
Ungos Labor Reviewer
Red Book bulk of my review for Labor
Red Notes
Jurado Civil Law Reviewer
Red Book only those which I have very little understanding of
Red Notes
Albano handouts lifesaver din sa Civ
Mamalateo Tax Reviewer
Lumbera Jurist online vid (I owe my Tax bar exam to Atty.

COMMERCIAL LAW:
First reading:
Sundiang Commercial Law Review
Second reading:
Recoletos Notes
Atty. Zarah Notes
CRIMINAL LAW:
First reading:
Second reading:
REMEDIAL LAW:
First reading:
Second reading:

LEGAL ETHICS:
First reading:
Second reading:

Prosec Garcia Notes

Boado Compact Reviewer in Crim
Prosec Garcia Notes
Albano handouts also from Prosec Garcia
Albano Remedia Law Reviewer
Albano Remedial Law Reviewer
Red Notes
Albano handouts
Albano Legal Ethics reviewer (the thin, brown one)
CODAL
Last minute tips (lunch time of the last Sunday)
TIPS:

Answer briefly. In all of the questions in the 2015 bar exams, I never exceeded one
page in answering each item (except that one item in Civil Law where we were asked
to rule on a psychological incapacity case). These are all with brief but complete
explanations already. To let you visualize how concise I answer, I only consumed 2/3
of the ink of only one (1) Pilot v5 sign pen (blue) for the entirety of the bar exams.
According to Dean Albano, the wisdom behind concise but complete answers is this:
The examiner does not have the luxury of time to go through all of your answer. So
grab the opportunity and leave a mark with your first two sentences. Make the
examiner immediately realize without even letting him finish all that youve written
that you understood the question, you have the answer, and you deserve to pass.
During weekend-lectures, strive to sit in front. It engages you to the discussion. Take
notes.
Mind your grammar. Do not just be concise. Avoid run-on sentences.
Mindset when studying: THIS TOPIC WILL BE ASKED IN THE 2016 BAR.
Sleep. It refreshes the mind.
Stay healthy.
Bond with family.
Pray for strength and wisdom. I was never a religious person before, but I completed
nine Wednesdays of Baclaran Novena during review. I also completed Misa de Gallo
after the bar exams. I just realized it doesnt only work for ones spirituality; it also
helps a lot in building confidence that somehow, you can do this and you are
definitely not alone.

All the best, future lawyers!