Maraming salamat sa inyong pagbati! Having passed the 2005 Bar Examinations is a blessing in itself. Indeed, placing eighth is even a bigger bonus. As the euphoria of the past days is beginning to wane, I, and many of my classmates, are beginning to acknowledge the realization that we are now, finally, lawyers.

While many have been quick to congratulate— and their felicitations are greatly appreciated— some of my more perceptive friends were quick to add that passing [and even placing] in the Bar exams is really quite scary, because it somehow creates expectations which have to be fulfilled. Sabi nga sa Spiderman: “With great power comes great responsibility.”

Hopefully, by God's grace, we will not disappoint.

Non nobis, Domine.
Non nobis sed tibi gloria, Domine.

Amen.