By Cynthia De Castro
JANUARY 18, 2007
Asianjournal.com
New Star Rising
FOR the past 24 years, the University Administration.
of the Philippines’ College of Law has not You would think that a whiz kid like
produced any graduate with an honor Dionne would have no time for anything
higher than cum laude. Then came else than her studies. But her many other
Dionne Marie Mercado Sanchez. hobbies and activities prove that Dionne
Graduating magna cum laude and believes that all study and no play makes
class valedictorian in 2007, Dionne is the one a dull girl. She revealed to Asian
first law graduate with that honor since Journal how a summa cum laude can still
1983 and only the second female since lead a very well-rounded life.
the college started. The first was a retired “I love to run. I have ran two full
Supreme Court justice who graduated marathons (42 kms) already. I really
more than 50 years ago. enjoy running. I’m currently training for
Those who know Dionne are not the HK Standard and Charter Marathon
surprised at her latest achievement. Her this year. I also go to the gym regularly
long list of amazing accomplishments is because I believe we should always take
quite rare for a 28-year old; or for anyone care of ourselves. Physical appearances,
for that matter. unfortunately, are very important in this
She graduated summa cum laude and world, no matter how we try to deny it.”
class valedictorian from the UP College “When not studying, I spend time with
of Business Administration in 2002. She my friends. I’ve so many barkadas. We
was awarded the most outstanding BS love to drink and eat, especially at buffets.
BAA graduate of UP. In high school at I’m really addicted to coffee shops. I like
the Poveda Learning Center, Dionne dancing. I also cook as a hobby. I love
was named outstanding student from the beach...I make sure to go to Boracay
1993-1997 and graduated as the class at least yearly and Cebu at least twice a
valedictorian. She is a certified public year...And not to forget, I also love going
accountant, having placed 14th in the
“Maybe my decision was influenced
to the beauty parlor,” the pretty Dionne
board exams. She also has the honor
by my watching the TV series LA Law all
revealed.
of being one of the ten outstanding
the time. But through my years in school,
Married to Dr. Marc Maano, a resident
students in the Philippines in 2002.
the decision has been firmed up. I want
of dermatology at the Philippine
“I really don’t know what motivated
to be partner in a firm. Areas of interest
General Hospital, Dionne plans to travel
me to excel in school. It wasn’t any
are corporate and taxation. I plan to take
a lot, study abroad and get some work
pressure from my family,” she told the
my Masters in a few years either in US
experience. She explains though that
Asian Journal.
or London. I want to continue teaching
“nothing beats home when it comes to
Dionne explains that her family had
in UP CBA, and if I pass the bar, in the
settling down and living the life!”
nothing to do with her drive to surpass
College of Law. I also want a private
Good news for the Philippines which
and set records. “Actually, my parents
practice as an investment manager. But
has been losing so many of its people
and siblings are more into business. They
my personal advocacy is family law.”
to greener pastures abroad. “I want to
are fun-loving. They can’t understand
Passing the bar is no question for this
be a technocrat one day. Also, I plan to
what drives me although they are happy
rising star attorney. But while waiting
continue teaching. Of course, I plan to
about it and supportive. Sometimes I
for the official results to come out in
add to the GNP/GDP by earning a lot, “
wonder myself. I guess I was born with
April 2008, Dionne is working as a junior
she said with a grin. “Oh and I want to do
it,” she said with a laugh.
associate in Poblador, Bautista, Reyes
a lot of pro-bono work later on, especially
As a kid, Dionne dreamed of becoming
Law Office in Makati and teaching Basic
in family law such as annulments,
a lawyer.
Accounting in the UP College of Business
adoption, and support,” she added. (AJ)
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