Egg-cellent! From Pugo vendor to CPA

MANILA, Philippines – From selling quail eggs (pugo) at the bus terminal to passing the CPA board exam, 23-year-old Jediah Edsel C. Nery has turned perseverance into triumph.

Photo courtesy: Facebook/Jediah Edsel C. Nery

In the May 2025 Certified Public Accountant Licensure Exam (CPALE), Nery officially earned the title of CPA.

Only a year earlier, he also passed the Certified Tax Technician Exam, finishing 5th overall nationwide.

Long before his achievements, Jediah spent years selling boiled quail eggs at the Goa Integrated Terminal.

With his trademark call, “Pugo kamo diyan, mainit pa!”, he boarded buses to sell eggs and support his family.

“Nag-start po ako magtinda noong elementary ako, pero ‘yong itlog pugo from Grade 7 hanggang maka-graduate noong December 2024,” he recalled.

“Nag-stop lang po ako nung nag-formal review na ako sa Manila,” he added.

Despite financial struggles, Jediah held on to gratitude and faith.

In a Facebook post, he thanked his suki, co-vendors, drivers, conductors, and inspectors who supported him.

“Lahat po kayo naging dahilan para ako maging CPA, ang Diyos po ang magbabalik sa inyo ng pagpapala,” he wrote.

He also credited Naga College Foundation, Pinnacle Review Center, and his family for shaping his journey.

Faith, discipline, and resilience became his constant companions throughout his review season.

With his CPA title now secured, Jediah has set his eyes on a new dream: studying Law.

From Certified Para-Pugong Accountant to Certified Public Accountant, his story proves that humble beginnings can lead to extraordinary success.

— The Summit Express