68-year-old mom from Rizal passes Bar exam on 2nd try

Sixty-eight-year-old Maria Merlie Vitto Soberano-Selda of Cainta, Rizal, has achieved her lifelong dream of becoming lawyer.

In a video shared with GMA News by her daughter Loren Solas, Maria Merlie was seen rejoicing as she found her name on the 2020-2021 Bar exam passers list, which was announced on Tuesday.

Loren said this was her mom’s second attempt at the Bar exams. The daughter said her mom started her law course in 2012 and took her first Bar exam in 2018.

She said it was not easy for her mom, who suffered from severe COVID-19 last year.

“God and everyone knows how much blood, sweat, and tears you’ve poured into everything you do, mum, and there was never a day that I doubted that you’ll finally attain your lifelong dream of becoming a lawyer,” Loren said in a Facebook post.

“Words cannot explain how proud and how happy I am to see you happy after everything you’ve been through in this journey.”

Loren also revealed that before passing the Bar, her mom was top 9 at the chemistry board exam in 1978.

“I look up to you so much, mama, and I am so so so blessed and happy to have you as my mum and as my best friend. You are the smartest, kindest, most hardworking, full of compassion, and dedicated person I know, mama, and I will fight tooth and nail for you!!!” said Loren.

“I love you so much, mama, wait for me, future pañera!!!” – RC, GMA News