By Mikee Natinga Norico

Pride, perseverance, and celebration: Newly licensed CPAs and their parents pose for a group photo, embodying the support and sacrifices that led to their success.

In honor of the newly licensed Centralian Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) who passed the December 2024 CPA Licensure Examination, Central Philippine University (CPU) held a Candle-Lighting Ceremony on January 21, 2025, at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. Organized by the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) under the theme “Panumbalik: Reminiscing the Tales of Resilience and Passion,” the event celebrated the achievements of 20 exceptional CPA passers alongside their families, mentors, and the university community.

The ceremony began with the introduction of the CPA passers alongside their parents or guardians, followed by an opening prayer led by JPIA Vice President for Outreach, Sheenah J. Pendilla. Mika O. Olarte, Vice President for Sponsorship and Events, shared a scripture reading, setting the reflective tone of the evening. A heartfelt praise and worship performance by Ciarem Belle A. Baldon and April Azalea V. Odiada filled the auditorium with inspiration.

A symbol of triumph and perseverance: Newly licensed CPAs light their candles, illuminating the path to a brighter future.

Pastor Neva Grace L. Fabila, Associate Pastor for Campus Ministry at the University Church, delivered an inspiring message drawn from Psalm 77. She spoke on resilience and the power of meditating on God’s faithfulness. She encouraged attendees to cherish memories of both triumphs and trials, emphasizing that resilience is forged in the face of challenges.

“Resilience is not tested while life is easy; resilience doesn’t grow in smooth waters—it is developed during rough seas. If we know how to worry, then we are capable of meditating—the key is to train our thoughts. Remember the days when your parents did their best to send you to school, despite the challenges they faced. Look at how proud your parents and professors are of you now and how far you’ve come,” she said, congratulating the passers and their families.

The program also included the awarding of a certificate and token of appreciation to Pastor Fabila for her message of encouragement.

Dr. Christine B. Golilao, CPA, DM, Chairperson of the Department of Accountancy, delivered the opening remarks on behalf of Dr. Lorna T. Grande, CPA, Dean of the College of Business and Accountancy. She commended the new CPAs for their perseverance in passing the CPALE, which recorded a national passing rate of only 30.17%.

“Since you belong in the minority 30.17% national passing rate versus the 60.83% national failing rate, for me— for us, you are exceptional,” she said.

Among the CPA passers, Julianne T. Amador, CPA, shared her testimony, reflecting on the twists and turns of her journey to becoming a CPA. Despite not originally planning to pursue accountancy, Amador described how perseverance and a strong support system carried her through the rigorous process.

“Technically, I never planned to take up ABM or accountancy—neither was ever in my plans. It just kind of… happened. If you’re familiar with the butterfly effect, it’s when a small event can trigger a chain of changes. That’s how I’d describe my journey. This path was never in my plans. Taking the accountancy course at CPU was no joke. It was extremely draining, and the exams were tough. During my last year of college, I honestly don’t remember much aside from focusing on my classes and preparing for exams. When it came to the board review, that was another huge struggle. I decided to review in Manila with some friends. But it wasn’t just about reviewing, learning, recalling, and solving—it was about handling everything else that came with it. Looking back, I guess the key takeaway from my journey is to keep pushing through. There’s a reason why you’re on this path. Don’t ever think you don’t belong here. This testimony might not sound inspiring or life-changing, but I just want to share this: trust the process. Enjoy the journey because this is a moment in your life you won’t get back. There won’t be another time like this, and before you know it, it’ll be over. The memories and lessons will remain, so make them count. Soon, you’ll be a CPA, and then you’ll face the question, ‘What’s next?’ The struggles in this profession are real—they’re different for everyone—but I hope you take the time to appreciate them. This profession is hard. It’s very, very hard. But trust the process. Trust your support system. And most importantly, trust yourself,” Amador said, addressing aspiring accountants in the audience.

A heartfelt response also came from Mrs. Josephine P. Sobrevega, the mother of CPA passer Japette P. Sobrevega. She shared her family’s journey of overcoming financial struggles and Japette’s initial failure in the LECPA.

“I would like to congratulate all of our LECPA passers. Some of you reviewed for a long time, spent sleepless nights while reviewing, cried behind doors, and covered frustrations with your blanket; some took the examination more than once, and for sure, all of you made a lot of sacrifices and efforts. To all Nanay and Tatay, looking at our children succeeding in their dreams, with tearful eyes seeing them at peace—as parents, we know, let our children soar higher than their fears. I am proud to share that despite our family not being well-off, my son’s determination and our unwavering support helped him achieve his goal. He failed his first attempt, and I know he was very disappointed, but we kept reminding him that it’s okay to fail; it’s not the end. Congratulations, Japette! You are a testament that failure is not the opposite of success but a meaningful part of it. To all the dreamers, accountancy students, and aspiring CPAs, may all your manifestations be carried by your candle, lighting the path for a clear vision of hope amidst challenges. Failure never truly becomes a failure; sometimes it is a blessing in disguise for learning more about yourself, life, and career,” she said.

The ceremony continued with the testimonies of all 20 passers, each of whom shared their unique journeys to success:

• Julianne T. Amador, CPA
• Rica Mae C. Barairo, CPA
• Regine Ann N. Donesa, CPA
• Jhamel P. Drillon, CPA
• Robert Arthur M. Healey, CPA
• Mica Ellah S. Gascon, CPA
• Riza Jane A. Garzon, CPA
• Jan Dale B. Lucero, CPA
• Yehlyn Faye B. Martin, CPA
• Reymon John P. Navarro, CPA
• Jam G. Parcon, CPA
• Jason R. Torrecampo, CPA
• Erika Therese R. Tumlos, CPA
• Keziah L. Tupas, CPA
• Rizzel Maye H. Umadhay, CPA
• Govinda Dasi A. Wisniewski, CPA
• Daniel Angelo B. Gatuteo, CPA
• Marie Rheann B. Lasaga, CPA
• Japette P. Sobrevega, CPA
• Romel T. Patingan, CPA

Prof. Jet R. Nillos, CPA, DM, Faculty Member, addressed the gathered audience of proud parents, colleagues, and future CPAs. With pride and joy, she reflected on the graduates’ perseverance, emphasizing that their success was the result of overcoming countless challenges. Sharing her personal journey in teaching accountancy and management accounting, she underscored the values of discipline, resilience, and hard work, stressing that her strictness was to prepare students for the demands of the profession, not to discourage them. Prof. Nillos congratulated the CPA passers, honoring their role as guardians of trust, transparency, and integrity. She reminded them that while greater challenges awaited, they were well-prepared to face them confidently. Her heartfelt congratulations were paired with wishes for their future success, purpose, and fulfillment.

The ceremony continued with the awarding of certificates and giving of tokens to the distinguished graduates. The event culminated with the Lighting of Candles—a powerful symbol representing the graduates’ journey, from the spark of a dream to the determined pursuit of excellence. The flicker of each flame signified their continued dedication to achieving their goals, illuminated by knowledge, integrity, and ambition.