“The victories of our children outshine our own.” With such a thought, three children of prominent legal practitioners and DAILY TRIBUNE columnists made their parents proud. They embarked on the legal profession after being sworn in as newly licensed lawyers at the Philippine Arena on 6 February, marking the culmination of years of rigorous legal training and examination.

Inside the vast halls of the arena, the oath-taking of the 2025 Bar passers unfolded as more than a formal rite. 

For three newly licensed lawyers, it was also a moment where family history, discipline and personal resolve quietly converged.

Each of them carries a familiar surname in legal circles. Each is also the child of a DAILY TRIBUNE columnist and seasoned legal practitioner. Yet the moment they raised their right hand marked not inheritance, but arrival.

Among those who took their oath were Nico Antonio, an actor and the son of DAILY TRIBUNE columnist Atty. Joji Alonso. 

He holds a degree in European Studies from Ateneo de Manila University and earned his law degree from San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Manila.

News of Antonio’s admission to the Bar was previously shared by his production company, Quantum Films, in a social media post that referenced his onscreen portrayal of a lawyer in the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival entry Unmarry.

Antonio also appeared in several notable Filipino films, including Balota and Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 3, balancing an acting career alongside his legal education.

“I am now a lawyer,” Nico said in a simple celebration of his triumph on social media.

Nico’s mother was more expressive in celebrating the moment.

“I must admit that I didn’t think this day would come. While Nico graduated from law school in 2014, he never took the bar exams because he was working on one tv or movie project to the next. Until he was just too busy with work that it wasn’t the priority anymore, as he had a family to provide for,” she shared on Instagram.

It was three years ago when Nico expressed his intent to take the bar exam.

She recalled, “About three years ago, he asked for my blessing to take the bar. I could see the fire in him to overcome one last battle. He enrolled in review classes while working on a soap and film projects simultaneously.” 

“Shortly after the first two days of the bar exams, he had to shoot for UnMarry because we needed to finish the film in time for the deadline.”

Joji relayed how she supported her son throughout the process. “I volunteered to be part of his bar operations with his younger brother, Paeng. I stayed at the hotel where he stayed to bring him whatever last-minute tips we could find. And then, I would drive him to the venue while his wife Angel would fetch him with their 2 sons, when the exams were over,” she recalled.