These Touching Stories Made the 2025 Bar Exam Results Even More Emotional
Jan 8, 2026 • Kyzia Maramara
The 2025 Philippine Bar Exam results marked a major milestone for thousands of aspiring lawyers. Out of 11,420 examinees, 5,594 hopefuls officially became lawyers, marking a 48.94% passing rate. Behind that number are heartfelt stories of sleepless nights and years—sometimes decades—of waiting. Here are some of them.
Eduardo Rivera Regio
At 59 years old, Eduardo Regio finally became a lawyer—after 11 attempts spanning more than three decades. He first took the Bar in 1993 in his 20s, faced multiple near-misses, and even fell just a few points short in past tries. A father of five, Regio decided 2025 would be his final attempt.
When he passed, his message was simple: “Sa mga iba diyan. Try lang. Hangga’t buhay may pag asa.”
Jeowy Loyloy Ompad
Growing up in Bantayan Island in a family of fisherfolk, Jeowy Loyloy Ompad always knew he wanted more—not just for himself, but for his community. In 2025, he became the lone Cebuano topnotcher, ranking sixth overall in the Bar Exams. His achievement earned him cash incentives and a laptop from his alma mater, the University of San Jose-Recoletos.
Mary Grace Mallari
@_nicolemallari Now I can officially tell people, ‘I’m not saying a word without my lawyer.’ #barexam2025 #bar #law #attorney #mother ♬ original sound – Nicole Mallari
Louise Nicole Mallari captured her mother’s raw emotions after learning she had finally passed the Bar. A 50-year-old mother of four, this was Mary Grace Mallari’s second attempt after failing the year before.
Her journey was anything but easy, marked by COVID, a stroke, managing a family business, and raising her children without help. Still, she pushed through. Mallari is proof that dreams don’t expire.
Jhenroniel Rhey Timola Sanchez
Jhenroniel Rey Sanchez didn’t expect to top the Bar Exams. So much so that he even cut off his internet connection on results day to avoid the stress.
A UP Los Baños Electrical Engineering graduate who later earned his Juris Doctor from UP Diliman, Sanchez only found out he ranked first overall when a friend called to congratulate him.
Edilberito B. Euraoba II
@banayadwhiskye MY DAD IS NOW AN ATTORNEY! My dad first took the Bar Exam when he graduated from law school as a working student in 2002. Unfortunately, he didn’t pass. He then started a family, and his dream was put on hold. He took the Bar again in 2012, but he admits he wasn’t fully prepared—balancing work, raising kids, and reviewing was difficult. He saved money to take the exam again in 2019, only to face another heartbreak. Now, 23 years later, after four attempts (2002, 2012, 2019, 2025), he finally received his longtime prayer. Congratulations, Daddy! Your journey reminds us that delays are not defeat. ❤️ All glory and praise to the Lord Almighty, who provides, sustains and strengthens. He truly makes everything beautiful in His time. Finally, Atty. Edilberito B. Euraoba II #bar2025 #amyingforexcellence #ajustbar #havefaith #supremecourtph ♬ son original – Pearlfection
After four attempts across 23 years, Edilberito B. Euraoba II finally passed the Bar. His daughter Ali’s viral TikTok captured the family’s emotional reaction.
According to Ali, her father first took the Bar Exam when he graduated from law school in 2002 but was unfortunate. His second and third tries in 2012 and 2019 were also met with disappointment. But 23 years after his first attempt, Euraoba has finally succeeded, a testament to patience and refusing to let time decide when to stop trying.
Chinzen Tañada Viernes
Ranking 19th in the 2025 Bar Exams, Chinzen Tañada Viernes dedicated her success to her friends and parents who never stopped supporting and believing in her. She openly shared how law school can be discouraging, especially when surrounded by people who downplay your efforts.
For Viernes, becoming a lawyer is about more than prestige, it’s an opportunity to bring justice to the people who are most underprivileged and marginalized. “Justice is for everyone. For the poor, for the uneducated, for those unemployed, for our senior citizens, for our PWDs,” she said.
Nico Antonio
Actor Nico Antonio added a new title to his name: Attorney. Known for portraying Atty. Willie in the MMFF 2025 film Unmarry, Antonio’s real-life Bar Exam success was a poetic turn of events, combining his craft and reality. His production company, Quantum Films, was one of the first to congratulate Antonio on his achievement.
“From Atty. Willie on screen to Atty. Nico Antonio in real life. WOW, nakaka-proud naman talaga!” the post’s caption read.
Faizal Ditucalan Macaumbang
@_vananaaaaaa Congrats brother #amyingforexcellence2025 #barexamresults #bar2025 #attorney #law ♬ original sound – Nurj
In one of the most talked-about Bar Exam moments online, Faizal Ditucalan Macaumbang fainted after finding out he passed. The comedic scene was captured by his sister and has already garnered 7.1 million view on TikTok as of writing.
According to his sister Nurjannah, the overwhelming joy, after waiting anxiously for hours, caused her brother to faint. Not to worry, though, Atty. Faizal is well and healthy.
A note for those still waiting for their turn
If you didn’t make it this time, it doesn’t erase the work you’ve already done or the lawyer you’re still becoming. The Bar Exam is one exam, taken at one point in your life—and many successful lawyers didn’t pass on their first try. Take time to rest, reassess what worked and what didn’t, and decide your next step at your own pace. Whether you choose to take the Bar again or take a different path for now, this result is a detour, not a dead end. What matters most is that you keep moving forward, in whatever way makes sense for you.
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