New challenge for Bar topnotcher

CEBU, Philippines- The University of Cebu formally turned over a brand new Toyota Vios to its newest bar topnotcher, Michelle Liao.

Liao finished fifth in the 2014 Bar Examinations and the only graduate from Cebu who made it to the Top 10.

Liao, 31, an accountant, aced the country’s “most difficult” examination but said in jest she is now facing another challenge – learning how to drive.

“I feel very, very excited to learn how to drive, so it’s another (challenge) to learn driving,” she told reporters yesterday.

UC has produced four bar topnotchers since it opened its law school in 2002 – Al-Shwaid Ismael (8th place) in 2006, Christian Llido (10th place) in 2007, and Manuel Elijah Sarausad (6th place) place in 2014.

UC, as a tradition, gives a brand new car to its topnotchers as an incentive and as a motivation to do well in the bar.

“It’s a very great honor to receive this award from the school for the achievement,” Liao said. It is an equal honor to bring pride to the university, she said.

“I know I could not have done it without UC. If you don’t have good support from your school…” she said further.

UC Chancellor, Candice Gotianuy, said a strong support system is critical for those taking the bar examinations.

“If you have a school that is driven to succeed, that offers incentive like cars for example, that means we are committed to giving quality education… and we are very committed to instill in our students the desire to succeed,” she said.

Liao’s father, Benjamin, could only share his daughter’s enthusiasm.

“Malipayon kaayo ko nga sama sa ubang mga ginikanan nga makakita sa kaayohan sa iyang anak, malipay jud,” he said. Liao’s mother, Lydia, was also present in yesterday’s turnover at the UC campus.

“Wala namo damha maabot na niyang dapita. Wala mi nagtuo kay hapit na gani to siya mo-surrender nga dili na lang mo-take og review kay lisod kuno pero pagkahibaw sa resulta, lipay kaayo mi tanan,” Benjamin said.

Despite these reservations, Liao certainly is no stranger to academic success.

She finished law Cum Laude and her undergraduate degree in accountancy from the University of San Carlos Magna Cum Laude. In the bar, she garnered an average score of 84.5 percent.  (FREEMAN)