Last Sunday, Lianne and I went to Taft Ave. for the Salubungan of the barristers. For four Sundays in September, the barristers took the bar exam, and last Sunday was the last day of their examinations. We were supposed to be there from 3pm to 6pm. But considering the hot afternoon, we thought we might just head over at around 4pm. We made it there at around 5pm.

 

Along the way, I asked Lianne what the Salubungan would be like. She simply said it was “magulo”. I didn’t really understand how “magulo” the Salubungan would be (apparently Lianne didn’t either. It was also her first time to attend the Salubungan.). At first I thought there would be a bunch of friends and supporters outside the testing area, waving placards, cheering, and giving out sampaguitas. But I guess that sort of thing only happens on popular noontime shows. The night before, I thought I’d invite my barkada to go too just to welcome Bianx after her taking the bar. In hindsight, I guess it was better that I didn’t. Earlier, over lunch, my dad mentioned that Taft would be a tough place to go during the bar exams, not to mention the hassle of traffic and parking. Lianne answered that we had a driver and that appeased dad. If only he knew what else was in store…

 

Lianne also mentioned there would be tents, so I thought, Oh, how convenient that they’d even think of that. We were already near the area and the cars were starting to pile up. It was almost 5pm so Lianne and I decided to walk it towards Taft. The first tent I saw was interesting, I think it was for a frat from FEU. There were a bunch of burly guys holding up fists and beer cans singing their frat song. I was surprised to see that they even had a stage complete with a sound system.

 

We passed them by quickly, and by the time we got to Taft Ave. itself, we were swamped by a throng of people.



There were probably more than twenty tents all in all, each with their own frat/sorority/org supporters and their own sound system. They were so many that they had the whole of Taft Ave. closed down. You’d think there was a rally around, more specifically, a pep rally. There were flags, confetti, banners, drums and a lot of chanting and cheering, the kind you hear and see in UAAP games. We had a hard time looking for the UP WinLaw tent. There were simply so many people, all frenzied and shouting, plus some were undoubtedly drunk. Everywhere you go, you smell beer. The people over at San Miguel must be having a field day from all this.

 

We found the UP WinLaw tent after a long walk. They were waving maroon banners, wearing “I heart (was tortured by) UP LAW” t-shirts and passing around maroon caps and bouquets.





So we took our positions and waved our tiny “UP LAW” flags to the sound of “Ooh! -nibersidad ng Pilipinas! Ooh! -nibersidad ng Pilipinas!” I know. I’m not from UP, and I don’t take law. But when in Rome…

 

It was all pretty fun and exciting just being there (especially if you have a driver!). The only thing that worried me was that we were next to a raucous bunch from a different college. They ramped their huge container van up underneath the LRT. Then they had one side opened to the street and there were people inside waving red banners and a huge red flag up for all to see from such a high vantage point. But it wasn’t the red flags that caught our attention. It was all the beer flying in all directions that got us worried. Every time one of their barristers passed by, they’d shower him or her with so much beer that when they passed us by, you’d see beer streaming down their damp hair, damp face and damp clothes. Lianne looked at me and said, “Oh no! What would your parents think if they saw you coming home reeking of beer?” I started looking around if in case anyone was concealing beer cans nearby…

 

The UP barristers were taking a long time coming. Lianne said that if 6pm came and went, we’d leave with or without meeting either Bianx or Mario. People in the know were saying that the UP barristers were waiting for their fellow examinees, and that’s when I heard Bianx call my name. She came from behind us (how’d she get there?). Apparently they heard about the beer showering and they took a detour.



Mario soon showed up (also behind us). They both looked very happy, tired and very much relieved. You could actually see the weight of four or five years of studying lift off of their shoulders. We were very happy for them as well. Congrats to all the 2006 barristers!