November 2011 Bar Exam Results

Congratulations to the top notchers and all the passers of Philippine Bar Exams!

1. Raoul Angelo Atadero (Ateneo Law School)
2. Luz Bolong (Ateneo Law School)
3. Cherry Rafal-Roble (Arellano University)
4. Rosemil Banaga (Notre Dame University)
5. Christian Louie Gonzales (University of Sto. Tomas)
6. Ivan Bandal (Silliman University)
7. Eireene Xina Acosta (San Beda College)
8. Irene Marie Qua (ADMU)
9. Elaine Marie Laceda (FEU)
10. Rodolfo Aquino (San Beda College)

Interesting Trivia about the Philippine Bar Examination

A. The first bar exam was held in 1901, with 13 examinees

B. In recent history (2000-2010), the 2001 bar examination has the highest percentage of passers — 1,266 out of 3,849 examinees, or 32.89 percent. But it was in 2006 that the highest number of aspiring lawyers took the test. A total of 6,187 law graduates took the bar exams, 30.60 percent of them or 1,893 passed the tests.

C. There are 3 Philippine presidents who became the topnotcher of the Bar Exams, namely:

1. Manuel A. Roxas – 1st President (3rd Philippine Republic); 1st placer (92%), 1913 Bar Exams (UP)
2. Diosdado P. Macapagal – 5th President (3rd Philippine Republic); 1st placer (89.85%), 1936 Bar Exams (UST)
3. Ferdinand E. Marcos – 6th President (3rd Philippine Republic); 1st placer (92.35%), 1939 Bar Exams (UP)

D. It was Florenz D. Regalado of San Beda College who has achieved the highest Bar Exam rating in the Philippine History with a rating of 96.7% in 1954.


E. In 1939, Ferdinand Marcos topped the examination with almost perfect score of 98.01%. However, after some deliberation on his grade, the Supreme Court judges decide to prune down his grade to 92.35% to halt controversies that he cheated on the said exam despite the fact that he underwent oral examination, the result of which is impressive.

F. In 1969 Bar exams, Miriam Defensor Santiago passed with a 78% bar rating. Her classmates include the former Senate President Franklin Drilon and San Juan Representative Ronaldo Zamora. Ronaldo B. Zamora became the 1st placer, while Franklin M. Drilon became the 3rd placer on that year. Nevertheless, it is Santiago who became the most popular and admired lawyer among the three.

G. In 1953, Juan Ponce Enrile (future Defense Minister and Senate President) of the University of the Philippines College of Law, earned 100% in Mercantile Law and placed 11th in the bar exams of that year.

H. Corona passed the bar examination in 1974 and ranked 25th place with 84.6% grade.

CLICK FOR THE FULL LIST OF BAR 

EXAM PASSERS!

A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer

• What: Eve Ensler's A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer

• When: March 1, 2012 (8:00 PM)

• Where: Luce Auditorium

• Tickets are available at the SU Student Government Office & SU Psychology Department

Artistic or Racism?

"In our pursuit to come up with edgier covers, we will strive to be more sensitive."

Above is the cover and quote released by FHM Philippines after it received unfavorable remarks regarding their latest magazine cover. Facebook, Twitter, and the blogging community is mostly aghast by the "racism" depicted in this picture. The caption "Stepping of out the shadows" most probably pertains to the cover girl's efforts to step out of her famous family's achievements and make it big all on her own. The photograph, however, delivered another message to most Filipinos.

Click here to see Bella Padilla's interview with BBC's Mishal Husain

The cover has been pulled out and Bella Padilla was recently interviewed by BBC. Now, the world would would really come to know who she is. 'Cause I don't have the vaguest idea. (Sorry to her fans. LOL. )

Do you think this photograph is racist? Let's chitchat! =)

Burgers and Beer

Burgers and Beer is the first and only American burger joint in San Carlos City. Although the prices are a bit steep for the province, diners still frequent this place. Most of the patrons are foreigners, presumably friends of the owner.

The burgers are worth the price of Php120 and above. Drinks are of below zero temperature and comes in a frosted glass. The Wi-Fi connection is strong and steady. It would be plus points if the renovations will be finished anytime soon.

Rating: 4/5



Photos after the click!

The Digital Generation

Visit the site!

Why publication? Why not tv, radio, or blogging? We are here in publication because people need something they can touch and feel. There is a need for history to be felt in our hands, the smell of news print to inhale. That's the gist of one of the scenes in the recent Tagalog movie, Unofficially Yours.

Journalism is a love that never loses its magic. There is always a scene to be described, an event to share, and an opinion to be broadcasted to the world. Once you are bitten by the literary bug, you may get deterred but the desire to write will always catch up with you. In my personal journey, the effects have caught up with me again. Thus, News Record Weekly Publication: Digital Edition.

Last month, my very close friend, Georgene, asked me to help her set up a website for News Record's articles and write-ups. I do not claim to be an expert on web design and HTML codes but I do have passion for both journalism and the Internet. This passion seems to be enough as I'm very proud to tell you that News Record's website is now accessible to anyone with an Internet connection.

Indeed, it is only proper that San Carlos City's premiere source of credible news for 27 years should keep up with the times. Nowadays, it is not only movies and music that can be downloaded in the internet. Books, magazines, and newspapers are readily available for download in the World Wide Web. The Philippine Daily Inquirer and many other publications can be bought online the same day that it reaches your newsstands. As part of the publishing community, the News Record is embracing change and making the Internet work to its own advantage.

It Always Floods in Downtown Dumaguete

Do you notice that area between Nijosa and Il Primo? Everytime there is a heavy downpour of rain, water would always be gushing through that little space which also functions as a reloading center during sunny day. The gate would be opened to let the rainwater out. The shops of Il Primo, Handumanan and sometimes Pick and Carry's shops are those affected by this mini flood. I wonder if the city government is doing something to remedy the situation.

This is a cellphone loading center.

Salesladies of Handumana Souvenir Shop sweep the water out of their establishment.

Taken February 27, 2012 (4:30 PM)while riding a pedicab to Lee Plaza

Win a FREE Backpacking Trip for Three!

Backpacking can be described as travelling on a very tight budget, but what sets it apart from regular travelling is how it steps away from mainstream tourist experiences. Backpackers are active adventure seekers, always looking for diverse experiences in various locations.

Like to WIn!

*Promo is open to all Philippine residents who are fans of GV Hotels on Facebook.

WHAT’S AT STAKE:
An all-expenses paid backpacking adventure trip for 3 to one of the 22 branches of GV Hotels. This includes:

• Airfare
• GV Hotels Accommodation
• Meals
• Basic Tour

Dumaguete City to Guihulngan City Roads now passable to traffic

I can now travel safely to San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.

Photos by Ike Pacana

According to DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson, passenger buses and trucks are now passing through this route, facilitating the delivery of relief services and food supplies to the earthquake stricken municipalities of Ayungon, Tayasan, Jimalalud, La Libertad and the city of Guihulngan.

The restored bridges are the following: Oyangon RCDG Bridge, Calag-Calag Bridge, Anibiong Bridge, Tampocon Bridge, Ayungon Bridge, Iniban Bridge I, and Iniban Bridge II in Ayungon; San Jose SPG Bridge and Jimalalud Bridge in Jimalalalud; Bateria SPG Bridge, Tinayunan Bridge, P. Zamora Bridge and Habag Bridge in Guihulngan; La Libertad Bridge and Malaiba Bridge in La Libertad, all in Negros Oriental

Dumaguete City to Guihulngan City Roads now passable to traffic | PNoy News Philippines Latest News Update

Nike+FuelBand

Nike+FuelBand was released today for $150.

The wristband for fitness buffs has just been released to the market.  The Fuel counter measures your physical activity while wearing the band. Red means you're being lazy. Green means you're on your way being Manny Pacquiao. Of course, you are the one setting the goals. 

Specifications:

Weight: 32 grams

Power Source: 2 lithium polymer batteries

Usage Between Charges: 4 days

Connection: Bluetooth

Sharing: iOS apps will soon be available for social media boasting. =)

Price: $150

Share and Get Rewarded!

#phchurpchurp is the newest social media community!

Join the newest and most rewarding social community!

Invite your friends and get rewarded for sharing new promos and trends you love the most!

Ready to burst out all the latest awesome news to your friends? Get rewarded by doing so!

Bring your friends to sign up today and get rewarded Php15.00 per friend invited.

The more, the merrier!

JOIN THE CHURP COMMUNITY NOW. See you there!

Adrien Brody in Manila

I just read from my favorite blog, Chuvaness, that Adrien Brody is in Manila. Yes, The Pianist is in the Philippines.

Apparently, he was seen lining up in NAIA 3 and boarding a domestic flight.

Credits to Literary Bulimia's blog

Adrien Brody at NAIA 1 with former model Eva Cadelina. Photo from Chuvaness.

I wonder what he's up to here in the PI. Business or pleasure? Could it be both?

February 29: Ladies' Privilege Day

2012 is a Leap Year. Apparently, any year which is divisible by 4 is a leap year. Full centuries, however, have to be divisible by 400 to be considered a leap year. For example, 1900 was not a leap year while 2000 was.

Have you seen that 2010 movie, Leap Year? Well, it is a tale of a woman who follows her boyfriend to Ireland in order to propose to him.

 According to folklore, February 29 is a day when it is considered the norm for a woman to propose to her man. The man is obliged to accept the proposal. Otherwise, it will only be deemed proper that he pays the woman or gives her a gift to soften the blow of rejection. In ancient times, a silk gown or a £100 was the price the man had to pay.

The Rich Kid Satchel Bag Giveaway

So Gelleesh: The Rich Kid Satchel Bag Giveaway

So Gelleesh is giving away this very stylish and useful satchel from Royal Koffer. Click the link and join her giveaway! =)

Aftermath of A Quake

February 6, 2012 - A 6.8 magnitude earthquake rocked the entire Negros Island, Cebu, and some parts of Mindanao. 

Credits to Ike Pacana Photography.

I have been trying to blog about it for some time but the aftershocks keep on getting to me. It is now two weeks later. So, instead of the earthquake photos, I will just post photos of people reaching out to the communities affected by the massive quake. The places massively hit were Jimalalud, Tayasan, La Libertad, and Guihulngan. These towns are all in Negros Oriental, Philippines. A landslide also resulted from that quake contributing to the increase of fatalities.

A photo from the La Libertad landslide. According to the photographer's caption, this is the 4th body to be excavated.
Credits to Mr. Ike Pacana. You take great photos, Sir!

San Carlos City, my hometown, felt the ground shake, too. The glass windows in the only mall (Gaisano) in our humble city were shattered. What  was even more alarming was the tsunami scare brought on by the Tsunami Alert #2. The people living near the coastal areas were evacuating to higher grounds. Everybody was in a panic. Thankfully, it was just a false alarm. Everybody returned safely to their homes.

Thus, it is heartwarming to see photos of the people from my hometown travelling all the way to the affected areas to help out. A day after the quake, my Facebook friends were already abuzz of how they can help out the people in Guihulngan (the nearest affected area from San Carlos City). Statuses were filled with solicitations for water, food, or any kind of help anyone could extend.

Here are some photos stolen from my FB News Feed:

Of Sabaw and Laman

Today, I watched Unofficially Yours with Marde. She was the one who really wanted to watch as everybody in their house have seen the movie, except her.

We headed off to Robinson's Movieworld as it is the only theater here in Dumaguete. The other ones either burned down or closed. When we got there, we got to avail of their Valentine promo. When you purchase two tickets in a single transaction, you are rewarded a 30% discount card for any His & Hers DC items for a limited time.

Unofficially Yours is a Filipino film topbilled by Angel Locsin and John Lloyd Cruz. They were first paired together for the vampires and werewolves teleserye, Imortal. Armed with a slew of pickup lines and a song number, the movie managed to make me smile numerous times. It almost, but barely got there, bordered on the cheesy side which is a good sign. It was daring and funny, at the same time. The former brought on by the very alluring and gorgeous, Angel Locsin. I now understand why she keeps topping those Sexiest Woman in the Philippines lists. This girl just sizzles onscreen. I love all her outfits plus the sky-high heels while fighting for a scoop in the airport. The humor and laughter is brought on by no less than John Lloyd Cruz, who has apparently perfected the naughty-but-nice character that seems to attract moviegoers and women of all ages to his movies (and heart?)

The movie revolves around a guy who can't seem to function alone and a girl who is not into putting labels to relationships. If you're not into Tagalog films, think of it as the Tagalog version of No Strings Attached with a Star Cinema flavor. It starts with talking about sabaw and laman, soup and the meal that comes along with it. It asks why you should settle for a measly soup if you can get the meal along with it. In other words, why should you commit if you can get the benefits without the hassles and the drama? That is the stand of the female character.

Unofficially Yours Soundtracks and Quotes After the Jump

The Vow

I wanted to watch The Vow when I first found out about it. I never viewed the trailer but just presumed that it will be a movie along the lines of The Notebook, etc. Plus, it starred Channing Tatum. Isn't he reason enough?

Thus, I did not know what I was in for.

A love story. An accident. Then, amnesia. It was pretty much predictable, at first. The girl could not recognize the guy anymore (I'm thinking: The Notebook, except it was Alzheimer's and they were old). Then, the guy decides that he has to make the girl fall in love with him all over again. (I'm thinking: 50 First Dates)

What makes this story special is how the guy does everything for the love of his life. He is understanding, gentle, and possibly the most perfect guy in the world. Did he have any flaws? I could not see any, provided that he was being portrayed by Channing Tatum (FANGIRL ALERT!) He always persevered to help his wife regain her memory, even if she could not even help herself do the same.

I will stop myself right here because I might not be able to stop myself from spilling the story. Trust me, this movie is not just about the big scenes. It's about relishing every moment with somebody you love. It's about the pain of being with someone yet the person is still so distant and unreachable. Surely, it will teach you to never take somebody for granted and that you can never really know a person entirely.

PLUS, it's not cheesy at all! I have an alpha-male's point of this so trust me its movie date material. =)

Watch The Vow online for free!

Coffee Break

The ambiance here in Cafe Mamia is always cozy. The crowd is mostly students, yuppies, and some of Dumaguete's old rich. It is adjacent to the legendary Mamia's elegant restaurant which is unfortunately closed.

The silog meals are fantastic and filling The prices range from 78-88. The coffee is wonderful. Plus, the view of the boulevard is always entertaining.

Let's have coffee, soon.

Dagang Guwang

This video is one of the finalists of the Sinulog Short Film Festival. It is entitled "Dagang Guwang" or "Old Maid" in English. It follows a day in the life of a single woman in her forties. On that day, she has decided to end her lonely existence.  It also delves into the Cebuano's faith in the Sto. Nino. Apparently, like most Cebuanos, she is very devoted to the Sto. Nino and questions him how could not have heard her prayers. How could he not have spared her, out of all the 7 billion people in the world, just one person to spend her life with?

It's a film that is full of emotion, heart, and hurt. Solitude: that is something that drives people to do great things but it is also a catalyst for emotion to run wild and take its toll on somebody's spirit.

Despite feeling weary of her existence, the character was still able to poke some fun in her predicament.

Can you see the resemblance between this teenager who prods the lead to always look above and the Sto. Nino, which is the only constant fixture in her life?

Para parating good job, mag- #Biogesic! Tulad ni John Lloyd, good job sa http://on.fb.me/wDbijq

Para parating good job, mag- #Biogesic! Tulad ni John Lloyd, good job sa http://on.fb.me/wDbijq

Must-Have iPhone Apps

I'm still new to the iPhone world and I'm still discovering many of its features. So, if you have any iOS applications to suggest, please feel free to write in the comment box!

Social Networking and Utilities

•  Facebook for iPhone. I think every iPhone owner has this on his/her phone because it's really user-friendly and every   Facebook feature is easy to access using this application. It feels like you're just using your PC, but it's more compact. You can switch from landscape to portrait view, anytime. =)

Landscape View

•  Facebook Messenger. Download this to easily chat with your friends. Otherwise, you can always use the Facebook app to exchange messages. 

      Download Facebook Messenger!

•  Twitter for iPhone Twitter is a fun way to connect with friends and celebrities. Twitter's best feature for me is to check on current events. Recent events, like the 6.8 earthquake that struck Dumaguete, made me value Twitter even more as it was where I got valuable information regarding the situations of nearby towns.

Download Twitter for iPhone

•  Instagram is a photo sharing/editing application for iPhone. It's very convenient and instantly addicting. Plus, you have the option to share your pictures to Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Foursquare, etc. Thus, there's no need to upload the same picture over and over again. I just wish it supports Blogger, too. P.S. There's no way to access the pictures through a web browser, so expect that the only people who can stalk you are those in possession of iOS gadgets.

          P.S. Follow me! =)

Download Instagram!

•  Dictionary You can use this even without Wi-Fi! It's very useful for students. =)

Download Dictionary!

•  Viber When you are connected to Wi-Fi or 3G, you can text or call anyone IN THE WORLD with the same application for free!

Download Viber!

•  RingMaster Apple doesn't allow using your music files as your ringtone. Using this application, you can create a ringtone based on your existing tunes and set it as your ringtone. P.S. Just read the instructions included in the application. You can also do it the easiest way and buy ringtones from the iStore. 

Download Ringtone Master!

•  Emoji Keyboard This is a fun app that let's you put colored emoticons and graphics to your texts, tweets, and e-mails. 

Download Emoji!

•  Battery Doctor This is a helpful app when charging. Don't worry it has an English version. This is just the screenshot from the Apple store.

Download Battery Doctor+!

•  Press Reader Download newspaper issues from all over the world to read them offline. Or just read the news online for free! Once you download, you also get 6 issues for free. 

Download Press Reader!

PlUS! If you want to stay informed with news from the Philippines, the Philippine Daily Inquirer  gives a 14-issue free trial accessible through this application!

Get 14 Issues of Philippine Daily Inquirer for Free!

•  Chikka Text Messenger Don't have load? Use this Chikka application to send texts to any mobile network using WiFi or 3G. The receiver doesn't have to have an iPhone unlike Viber. 

Download Chikka Text Messenger!