The UP Law Dean’s Cup – I’m guessing this will probably be one of those most sought after awards or distinctions one can get from the UP College of Law.  What is interesting is that one doesn’t even have to be a lawyer or law student!

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Preparing for the bar

As a means of preparing its students for the bar, the UP College of Law made several programs like the specialized bar review program for its recent graduates among other things. No one ever expected the Dean to consider engaging in sports to improve the College’s bar passing rate.

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There is supposedly a study that suggests improved cognitive function among individuals who engage in physical activities such as sports. It is also theorized that individuals who engage in sports are less stressed, have a more positive outlook and overall aura.

Breaking Stereotypes

Aside from serving as a way to improve bar passing rates for the College, the Dean’s Cup is also an opportunity to break stereotypes. Law students are seen as people buried deep into their books, cases and other readings. They are seen as people who have no athletic prowess, much less have time to engage in any form of prolonged activity that entails physical exertion. Walking up and down the stairs of the library doesn’t count.

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The second stereotype the Dean’s Cup seeks to break is the perceived enmity of the different fraternities in the College, namely: Alpha Phi Beta, Sigma Rho and the Upsilon Sigma Phi. There really hasn’t been any real opportunity for these big fraternities to come together for a common goal. With the Dean’s Cup as a joint project of the big three, the walls that have separated these fraternities will hopefully be toppled.

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The First UP Law Invitational Triathlon and Fun Run

For the first time, the entire UP Law Community prepared and got ready for the first UP Law Invitational Triathlon and Fun Run. How often would you be able to see your College Dean in his Speedos doing laps at the University pool, racing around the academic oval on his road bike and doing a 5km run around the academic oval? Apart from that, almost everyone participated in the 5 and 10k Fun Run or the 2.2km walk.

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The faculty members also took out their trainers to take part in the event. Prof. Serafin Salvador did the 2.2k walk while Professors Jose Laureta and Leo Battad joined the 5km run. Doing the much longer routes were Professors JJ Disini and College Secretary  Sol Lumba.

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The event was organized with having fun as the main concern. The water stations had a lot more to offer other than just water. Handled by the members of the UP Law Student Governmnet, Portia Sorority and Phi Delta Alpha Sorority, they were giving out also Choooocolates from Hershey’s, bananas from Sumifru which were flown in from Davao and cartons of Hershey’s Chocolate Milk Drink. At the main event area there were free ice cream and cotton candy for the kids. Balloons were also distributed to those who joined the 2.2k walk.

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To make things more interesting, a huge Hershey’s Bar and Hershey’s Kiss were walking around and mingling with the walkers, joggers and runners.

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Loads of Freebies!

Thanks to a lot of sponsors, everyone brought home with them a lot of chocolates from Hershey’s like their Special Dark Sugar Free chocolates, Choooocolates (either chocolate or cookies and cream), Chocolate Milk Drink, Eaji Baked Sticks, Salonpas patches and bananas. There were also those who were able to get copies of Men’s Health and Women’s Health Magazines from Summit Media.

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Benefit Brunch Buffet

Right after the fun run, participants headed to the Malcolm Hall lobby for the benefit brunch prepared by Paul Calvin’s Deli. The buffet had Filipino fare with tapa, tocino, longganisa, scrambled eggs, omelette station, garlic rice, assorted pastries and fresh fruits.

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Several tables were taken by the UP Law Classes of ‘84, ’85, ’87 and 2003, together with several law firms such as Carag De Mesa & Zaballero Law Office and the Fortun Narvasa Salazar Law Office.

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Support from the Alumni

The UP Law Class of 1984 who is celebrating their 25th Anniversary this year co-presented the event and took care in choosing the perpetual Dean’s Cup where the top winners of the Invitational Triathlon will be engraved. It was also through their efforts that a lot of alumni who were either heads of legal or human resources departments helped as sponsorships came in from different companies such as FIlinvest Land Inc., Diversion Industries Inc. (Guess), Nestlé (Nescafé), Sumifru, Parko Supermarkets and Citibank.

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Much support came from individual alumni and law offices, namely from the following:  the UP Law Class of 1981 and Atty. Mila T. Federis, Villaraza Cruz Marcelo & Angangco Law Office, Quasha Ancheta Pena & Nolasco Law Offices, Sen. Pia Cayetano, Mayor Wenceslao “Pee Wee” Trinidad, Atty. Alexander A. Padilla, Prof. Rogelio V. Quevedo, Mendoza Sayuno & San Jose Law Office, Soriano Velez & Partners, Atty. Evelyn R. Dominguez, Atty. Melinda A. Zuniga, Ana Teresa Arnaldo-Oracion, Romulo A. Espladon, Jr., and Prof. Leo Battad.

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The Beneficiary – Office of Legal Aid

The beneficiary of the Dean’s Cup is the Office of Legal Aid (OLA) which is the clinical education program of the College of Law. It provides free legal assistance to indigent litigants. It is actively involved in public interest cases. It was created for the purpose of inculcating in the students the concepts of public service and social involvement of the legal profession. Through the involvement of the students, they acquire practical training in law practice under the guidance and supervision of the supervising lawyers and the law faculty. It is currently headed by a Director Evelyn (Leo) Battad.

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OLA’s free legal services include interviewing, investigating, drafting of documents, researching on law and procedure, handling cases in court, preparing appeals and review petitions, and seeking administrative and other legal remedies in order to achieve for the poor equal and speedy justice under the law.

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The OLA also provides a placement program for law students who wish to volunteer for public interest work in alternative, development, or feminist law groups in Metro Manila and the provinces.

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The 2nd Dean’s Cup

With the success of the 1st Dean’s Cup, the plans for the next one are already underway. It is already tentatively scheduled for the 3rd weekend of July.