1,310 New Philippine Lawyers Passed 2008 Bar Exams

It's only 1,310 that passed from the 6,364 that tried their best in the 2008 Bar examinations last September 7, 14, 21 and 28 for 2008 which was held in De La Salle University Taft Avenue, Manila.

Justice Dante Tinga, Chair of the 2008 Committee on Bar Examinations also said that the number only pertains to about 20.58% examinees. This is still a low passing rate even if they already lowered the passing percentage but they feel that the exam was really also harder in this set.

The bar topnotcher is Atty. Judy A. Lardizabal of San Sebastian College Law School that got 85.70%. Her parents are sure to be proud of her.

Aside from Lardizabal, included in the top 10 list are:

2. Mylene I. Amerol-Macumbal of Mindanao State University, 85.65%

3. Oliver P. Baclay, Jr. of Ateneo de Manila University , 85.60%

4. Majesty Eve L. Jala of Ateneo de Manila University, 85.55%

5. Ma. Elizabeth L. Liceralde of University of the Philippines, 85.40%

6. Michael T. Macapagal of University of the Philippines, 84.15%.

7. Denise S.Dy and April Love C. Regis of Ateneo de Manila University, tied at 84.00%

8. Christine Joy K. Tan of Ateneo de Manila University , 83.80%

9. Jihan A. Jacob of San Beda College and Shirley G. Velasquez of University of the Philippines, tied at 83.75%

10. Vanessa C. Raymundo of San Beda College, 83.70%

They will be sworn in to the practice of Law on April 28, 2009, 2PM for oath taking of all bar exams passers at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

Congratulations everyone!

Change We Need in SOHO Businesses

Times are hard and even the greatest 20 countries are scuffling to merge today in London for a summit to resolve the world financial crisis. The G20 with months worth of agreements from coast to coast worked together to formulate not just a stimulus package worth trillions of dollars but a safety net of huge changes in the system of capitalism in the world market. The Asian currencies have all rallied and brought huge gains against the dollar which makes positive impact on their cause because this is what they have been all wishing to do.

The result of quarters that have been in negative growth even for these well to do countries is so hard since thousands lost their jobs. There are some parts of the EU countries that had to cut down on their wages up until 10 percent so as to at least keep their businesses afloat. The Philippines however is doing an awesome job because it has even posted slow growth when everybody else was posting negative GDP percentages together with only 1 other country in the region. This is good news for us but I hope the government would be able to sustain this, otherwise we would be in the same boat as with the stricken countries.

The President has been suggesting to stimulate the market with job opportunities and she is also spearheading government initiatives. The role also of entrepreneurs has been harnessed for home and small office businesses. This not only generates jobs but also empowers the person to have their own businesses at their own home. I like the ones also recommended in http://www.PaidIdea.com that explains how on line businesses thrive through these tough times. These are all legitimate and home based so it is quite easy for any Internet savvy individual. Logistics for it are also cost effective since you are being pushed to be your own boss. I will embark on this lucrative line of businesses and see how I would fare in a couple of years. Wish me luck!

ICRC Worker Mary Jean Lacaba Freed!

Mary Jean Lacaba has been freed from her almost 2 month stay in the hands of dreaded Abu Sayyaf.She is now in the hands of ICRC doctors in Manila. Mary Jean Lacaba arrived 12PM together with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) volunteers after being freed from Abu Sayyaf in the town of Indanan, Sulu last night.

Philippine Air Force Spokesman Major Gerry Zamudio said that they did not pass Villamor Airbase anymore which was initially prepared but went to the domestic airport like an ordinary commercial plane. She left Jolo, Sulu at around 8PM through Zamboanga City together with Sulu Vice-Governor Lady Ann Sahidulla, Western Mindanao Command Chief Lieutenant General Nelson Allaga, PNP Directorate For Western Mindanao Chief Superintendent Felizardo Serapio and her friends from ICRC.

Senador Richard Gordon who is the current Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Chairman confirmed these reports.She is also taken cared of by doctors from Geneva, Switzerland. Lacaba will undergo normal debriefing as with any victim of kidnapping. The doctors also wanted to make sure that she is safe and be in good health.An 8 hour rest was recommended by these doctors.

The Ideal Getaway!

Earlier this week, my Mom asked me if we could go for a vacation a couple of hours away from my hometown Manila. The Highlands as they call it was part of the itinerary but the deal is we could not do that unless we had some of our relatives that had membership in that exclusive club to pitch us in since they are the only ones who could only do that. The couple of hundred thousand dollar membership fee a year is really a hefty price tag to pay. I would not want to have that on my account considering the economic crunch is on its way to affect our part of the world. I'm sure people would want to have an alternative that would not hurt that much on their budget. There are better alternatives though if I want to take that road.



Have you heard of places where you can avail 5 star rated accommodation at a cost so measly you won't even bother looking at the bill? It's where you have too much to spend for other things than the club membership itself to begin with. It's a place where relaxation and recreation is so affordable that you will eventually spend only a couple of hundred dollars for everything. Check these Great Deals Now so your family would enjoy what was meant only for the rich and famous. Visit http://www.holidaytravelaccomodations.com and see what huge savings you can make in these locations. You'll surely love the packages and offers they have for the smart consumer in you. I'll check it out one of these days if my brother and I push through with our NY City trip early spring next year. See you there!