MANILA, Philippines – In 2010, a young boy from Brgy. Mantahan, Maasin City, Southern Leyte, stood in awe before a replica of the Spanish galleon Andalucia.
While his classmates admired its grandeur, Mikhail Josef Leyson Genovaña, Top 1 of the October 2025 Naval Architects Computer-Based Licensure Exam (NALE), saw something more—an inspiration that would chart the course of his life.
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| Photo courtesy: Mikhail Josef Leyson Genovaña (Facebook)/Freepik |
In an exclusive interview with The Summit Express, he said that he was only eight then, but his fascination with ships was already taking root.
“I remember sketching the ship on my classroom desk,” Mikhail recalled with a laugh. “My teacher even posted it on the wall. That was probably the moment I realized I wanted to design ships for real.”
Years later, that same boy would go on to earn a degree in Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (BSNAME) from the University of Cebu - METC, and—against all odds—top the Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Licensure Examination.
But Mikhail’s journey to success was far from smooth sailing. Like many students, he faced sleepless nights, endless deadlines, and the constant pressure to meet expectations.
“There were times I had difficulty understanding certain topics, plus personal challenges that sometimes got in the way,” he admitted. “But I just kept going.”
When it came time for the board exam, the challenges grew even tougher.
“You can’t possibly relearn everything from four years of college in just a few months,” Mikhail said. “So I had to focus on the core concepts, the basics that really matter. The questions were unexpected, but we pushed through until the end.”
For him, preparation wasn’t just about long study hours—it was about discipline, teamwork, and faith. “I kept answering practice exams and studied with the right people,” he shared. “If you can, teach others who are struggling. That’s one of the best ways to really understand what you’ve learned.”
And above all, he emphasized prayer.
“Work without prayer is nothing, and prayer without work is nothing,” Mikhail said. “You need both.”
When the results finally came out, Mikhail was at home with his family. The moment he saw his name on the list of topnotchers, he broke down in tears. “I cried tears of joy in front of our altar,” he said softly. “I never expected to even pass, let alone top the exam. After that, I went to the Cathedral—even though it was already late at night—to light a candle and thank God for this blessing.”
Despite his newfound success, Mikhail remains humble and grounded. Currently unemployed, he sees this as a period of exploration and growth. “I want to find a job that will develop my skills as a Naval Architect,” he said. “I want to explore the many opportunities this career offers. I want to try everything while I’m still young.”
To future board takers, his advice is simple yet powerful: “Balance your personal life and studies. Don't distract yourself too much with games and social media that it comes to the point that it hinders your potential. Instead, use it to relieve your stress from studying. Don’t overwork yourself, but don’t waste time either. Study and pray with the right circle of people, and teach what you learn. As my mentor, Engr. Flores once told me—teaching is the best way to truly understand a topic.”
From a boy who once doodled ships on a classroom desk to a licensed Naval Architect and board topnotcher, Mikhail Genovaña’s story is proof that childhood dreams, when paired with hard work, faith, and perseverance, can indeed set sail and reach even the farthest horizons.
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express