Bar topnotchers cite faith, family and service as motivation

Strong desire to serve others, faith, and family support were the driving forces behind the achievements of two of the top performers in the 2025 Bar Examinations: Allan Leo Tabuco Paran of Arellano University and Ronald Vincent Ofrecio Gonzales of the University of the East.

Ranked 11th, Paran said the bar exams were both a personal challenge and a way to honor his loved ones.

“I’m very thankful to the Lord; He is the reason why I ranked 11th. I just prayed that I would pass, but being part of the topnotchers was a bonus for me. Thank you to my family, my friends, and my law school,” he said, reflecting on the combination of faith and perseverance that guided him through months of rigorous study.

His approach was disciplined but, more importantly, grounded in prayer.

“It’s very important to read, read, and read. Just keep reading even if you’re struggling or sleepy. Most importantly, pray. Read and pray. Work hard, study well, and pray sincerely,” he said, crediting his family and friends for helping him overcome the challenges of law school.

Paran added, “Personally, I wanted to improve my career. For my family, I wanted to provide them with a better financial future. They were my motivation even though law school was very difficult. But because of the support of my family and friends, I overcame everything, also through prayers and the blessings of the Lord.”

Gonzales, who placed among the top 20 passers, shared a similar story of motivation rooted in family and faith, paired with a strong sense of public service.

“I’m extremely happy. I really didn’t expect to pass. All I thought about was simply making it through. But with the help of God, He truly gave me more than I could have imagined,” said Gonzales, citing his mother and sister as his main sources of inspiration while also acknowledging the guidance of friends and professors.

While Paran’s drive was shaped by family honor and personal growth, Gonzales’ motivation extends outward to the community. He plans to dedicate his legal career to serving marginalized Filipinos through the Public Attorney’s Office.

Gonzales said there are many people deprived of their right to proper justice, and as a PAO lawyer, he wants to help the underprivileged. “Since the beginning of law school, I’ve always had a heart for serving the poor,” he said, emphasizing that his faith and upbringing instilled in him the desire to give back.

The two topnotchers also offered encouragement to future bar examinees and those who did not pass.

Paran reminded others that success may come in time: “To those taking the bar, God bless your journey. It’s very difficult, I know… To those who did not pass, it’s not yet the end. It’s just delayed success. All of us who took the 2025 Bar exams will be successful. If not everyone passed today, perhaps in the future we will all become lawyers and achieve our dreams.”

The Supreme Court on Wednesday released the 2025 Bar exam results, where a total of 5,594 out of 11,420 examinees passed.