I started preparing for the 2020 Bar examinations. I reflected on my study habits, attitude, disposition and the way I presented my answers. I contemplated on those things that caused me distractions and shut them off such as social media, chit chatting with friends and I even blocked all of them on my phone so they can’t contact me. I redeemed myself and let go all the pains, frustrations and failures. I isolated myself for almost two years and just focused on my goals. I even neglected my family in order to achieve my dream to become a lawyer. I focused on my mindset and looked into my strategy. I submitted to mentoring system. Buying new books were my ceremonial start-refresh button as well. I studied smart, not hard. Finally, I tried not to pressure myself and just enjoy the journey. I took advantage of my good days by reading good books and review materials while I did not study on my bad days. I prayed every day. I have my daily devotion and I posted every bible verse I read on the wall of my room. I prayed a lot. The review was the most grueling part of becoming a lawyer. It was complete self-isolation as I study better when I am alone, with nobody and nothing around me but my books. Before starting to read I prayed for peace of mind. I went to sleep at 10 o’clock in the evening and woke up at 3 o’clock in the morning. I took a break for an hour or two during the day. A nap, YouTube and music occupied those day breaks. I listened mostly to instrumental music because it calmed and relaxed my mind. When I was reviewing, I lost all concept of time. Get up, take a bath, eat breakfast, study, eat lunch, study some more, freak out sometimes about how little time I have to squeeze the immense amount of law into my brain, cry a little, study some more, eat dinner, study, go to bed, get up, REPEAT. I studied a lot but I made sure I enjoyed doing it.
Few days before the exam, I cried many times because of pressure and exhaustion. I prayed fervently before every exam.

TACLOBAN CITY- With the reopening of the tourism industry after more than two years of restrictions due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the police organization in Eastern Visayas has partnered with the tourism department to ensure the safety of tourists coming to the region. Police B/Gen.Bernard Banac, the police regional director, said that the move is in consonance with the goal of the administration of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr., to make the tourism sector as one of the engines in reviving the country’s economy. “With the reopening of tourist destinations in the region, this program of PNP in coordination with DOT, will assure tourists and travelers, both foreign and local of their physical safety and security. This will also help promote a safer and secured tourist environment, which for one is the primary mission of the Topcop,” Banac added.
For this program, dubbed as ‘Enhanced Tourist Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (Topcop),’ at least 400 police personnel have been trained as tourism police.
Banac said that having trained tourist police will also provide an added police security in areas vulnerable to crimes. Tourism Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes welcomed the assistance of the PNP as their office is now in the midst of reviving the region’s tourism industry hard hit by the pandemic. “The program also instills values in future tourist officers to help them become effective tourism front liners,” she said. With the reopening of the tourism sector, some top tourist attractions in the region have started to conduct major clean up. Among these attractions is the Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte with its local government unit closing the island known for its sand bar and clear and turquoise water, for the entire month of July.
In 2019, or before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kalanggaman Island was visited by more than 1.16 million tourists generating tourist receipt of P28.19 million.