Double the pride: How these siblings conquered the 2025 Bar exams together
It’s not every day that siblings clear the Bar in the same year, but Janela and Alfrancis Cabungcal, along with Raymund and Vincent Salomon, made 2025 a memorable milestone for their families.
Out of 11,420 test-takers this year, 5,594 passed the Bar exam, including these siblings. For them, success was a family affair strengthened by their parents’ moral support.
"We never treated the Bar exam as a competition between us, kasi it is a shared goal. Our dynamic is rooted in support rather than pressure," Janela shared about her relationship with her brother, Alfrancis.
"'Yung competition and comparison, nakakadagdag din siya sa pressure. So, as much as possible, wala talaga kaming ganong mindset," she continued.
Preparing for the Bar
For both the Cabungcals and the Salomons, the key to success was studying independently at their own pace. But Janela emphasized that while they hit the books alone, they served as each other's "accountability partner" throughout the process, discussing the topics they're confused about.
"There were moments where he would knock on my door [to] quiz me...and sometimes even though I lock the door, he would still peek on my window to check on me, and he caught me sleeping or playing mobile games. But those moments kept the review lighter and reminded us to stay on track," she said.
Janela, who graduated from Arellano University School of Law, shared that what worked for her was taking notes, listening to audio lectures, and using only up to two Bar materials.
"Madali kasi akong ma overwhelm kapag madaming sources," she shared. "And sometimes having more materials is more time-consuming."
Her brother Alfrancis, a UP College of Law alumnus, on the other hand, prioritized daily goal-setting to avoid a backlog of tasks.
"Pag hindi ko naiintindihan yung topic, I don't move forward sa ibang topic sa ibang subjects. I make sure na maiintindihan ko talaga siya bago ako tumuloy," he shared.
Meanwhile, the Salomon twins—both first-time takers and graduates of the University of San Jose–Recoletos—adopted identical preparation strategies. They prioritized mastering their weakest subjects before revisiting their strengths, and they supplemented their reading by listening to lectures to prevent burnout while focusing on foundational principles.
They would also compare their progress and scores as a way to keep each other on track.
Being each other’s anchor
As the Cabungcals emphasized, preparing for the Bar is both mentally taxing and emotionally draining. They both had to deal with their personal problems, all while studying for the exams.
"We're lucky that we have each other—na naiintindihan yung struggle [ng isa't isa]," she continued.
Alfrancis, who shared that he struggles with self-doubt, admitted that he’s not the type to open up, but he prefers to be with Janela during tough times, even if it’s just by eating out with her or running errands together.
"'Yung company niya talaga yung nakatulong sa akin na makapag-get through this period. So although hindi ako yung masyadong makwento or sinasabi sa kanya kung ano yung nangyayari or kung bakit yung ito yung nararamdaman ko, but for me, enough na yung may kasama ko and yung kasama ko siya during that time," he shared.
Meanwhile, the Salomon twins shared that they make sure take breaks by exercising or playing online games. They also remind each other of their whys whenever they struggle with anxiety and fatigue.
What's next
After passing the Bar, Janela looks into pursuing Criminal Law. "I really enjoy the analytical aspect of it. Kung, how are you going to tell the story? How are you going to argue? How are you going to defend your client? Mga ganong bagay. So, doon ako very drawn sa ngayon, and also there are responsibilities sa pag-advocate sa mga rights and liberties ng tao," she shared.
Alfrancis, who works at Tolosa Lim and Chua Law Firm, shared that he hasn't decided what to specialize in, but is open to working in the government, having had experience from government agencies like the Office of the Solicitor General and the Human Settlements Adjudication Commission.
As for the Salomon twins, they are both leaning towards public service, with Raymund looking to join the Public Attorney's Office. "I was inspired by the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the community. It is a professional and a personal milestone for me to take the Bar...[I'm] turning that interest to help other people, especially the indigent and the underprivileged communities," he said.
Vincent echoed this, saying, "I realized that I have this passion for helping others, wherein I want to help those who are poor, underprivileged, those who are marginalized get the justice that they deserve."
Conquering the Bar together is no easy feat. The Cabungcals stressed what helped them get through: being there for each other.
"Support each other wholeheartedly... Kasi sabay naman kayo mag-take ng Bar. Might as well help each other. Kasi [it is] mentally taxing, emotionally draining, lahat na. So, hindi talaga nakakatulong if iisipin mo pa na may kakompetensya," Janela said.
Alfrancis added, "Be respectful of each other's boundaries and differences in study habits. Yeah, encourage each other din, pero huwag maging overbearing. Allow each other a space to grow and prepare in a way that works for each of you."
"Yung pag-review, yung mismo araw ng pag-take ng exam, yung paghihintay ng results, na we have different ways talaga to cope with everything, with handling problems, with handling pressure, with preparing for the exam...Bottom line, be supportive lang talaga of each other and be there for each other."
