From Actor to Attorney: Nico Antonio’s Inspiring Bar Exam Story
Lawyer Joji Alonso opens up about her son, Nico Antonio’s long journey to the bar and the sacrifices behind the milestone
On Wednesday, January 7, the Supreme Court released the results of the 2025–2026 Bar Examinations, with 5,594 examinees officially earning the right to be called lawyers. Among them was actor Nico Antonio—a real-life plot twist no one could have scripted better.
Fresh from his role as a lawyer in the film Unmarry, Nico has now officially joined the legal profession, much to the pride of his mom, lawyer and Quantum Films producer Joji Alonso.
From Reel Life to Real Life Lawyer
In Unmarry, Nico played Atty. Willie, sharing the screen with Angelica Panganiban and Zanjoe Marudo. Off-screen, he’ll be taking his oath soon as Atty. Nico Antonio—proof that sometimes, art really does imitate life.
“From Atty. Willie on screen to Atty. Nico Antonio in real life! Anak ko ’yan!!!” Joji proudly wrote on Instagram, celebrating her son’s milestone while encouraging support for the film.
Quantum Films, where Nico also serves as chief executive officer, echoed the sentiment with their own congratulatory post: “From Atty. Willie on screen to Atty. Nico Antonio in real life. WOW, nakaka-proud naman talaga.”
Friends and colleagues quickly followed suit, flooding Instagram Stories with congratulatory messages—many of which Nico happily reposted.
Fulfilling a Dream Put on Hold
In a separate post, Joji opened up about the long and winding road Nico took to reach this moment.
Although Nico finished law school in 2014, he postponed taking the bar exams as work demands piled up—one project after another, until providing for his growing family took precedence.
“About three years ago, he asked for my blessing to take the bar,” Joji shared. “I could see the fire in him to overcome one last battle.”
Balancing review classes with acting work and film shoots, Nico pushed through a grueling schedule. In fact, immediately after the first two days of the bar exams, he headed straight to set to finish shooting Unmarry before its deadline.
Joji and Nico’s brother Paeng stepped in as his support system—reviewing with him, offering last-minute tips, and helping in any way they could.
“I stayed at the hotel where he was booked so I could bring him whatever help I could,” Joji recalled. “I’d drive him to the venue, and after the exams, his wife Angel would fetch him with their two sons.”
A Full-Circle Moment for a Mom and Her Son
Now officially a lawyer, Nico joins his siblings in the legal profession—an achievement that left Joji emotional and deeply grateful.
“God has been soooooo good to me and my children. My gratitude is beyond measure,” she wrote.
“The baby I gave birth to while taking my final exams in Economics 151 during the summer of 1983—so I could enter law school—is now a lawyer himself.”
Nico’s reply was simple, heartfelt, and unmistakably a son’s: “Thank you, po, Ma! I love you.”
Right Dreams, Right Time
Nico Antonio’s journey is a reminder that dreams don’t expire. Sometimes, they simply wait for the right moment.
On Instagram, hours after getting the good news, Nico shared the photo of the announcement and a photo of his family.
” Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam,” he captioned, translating to “For the greater glory of God.”
It may have taken years before he finally took the bar, but today, he adds “Attorney” to an already impressive list of achievements—as an actor, a leader, a father, and now, a lawyer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Nico Antonio is a Filipino actor, film executive, and now a newly minted lawyer. He recently appeared in the movie Unmarry, where he played a lawyer, mirroring his real-life journey to passing the bar exams. He has also played different supporting roles in films and TV shows.
Joji Alonso is a lawyer, film producer, and the head of Quantum Films. She has also been the lawyer of several celebrities on their cases.
She has been vocal about her pride in her son’s achievement and shared insights into his long journey toward becoming a lawyer.
Although Nico finished law school in 2014, he postponed taking the bar due to work commitments and the responsibility of providing for his family. His acting career and leadership role in the film industry took priority at the time.
Nico enrolled in bar review classes while continuing to work on TV and film projects. With the support of his family—especially his mother Joji Alonso and brother Paeng—he managed a demanding schedule that included shooting Unmarry during the bar exam period.
While Nico has officially earned the title of attorney, he continues to balance multiple roles—as an actor, executive, and family man. Any plans to actively practice law have yet to be announced.
