MANILA, Philippines – Life often tests us in ways we never expect, presenting failures that feel heavier with each attempt. Each setback can sting, each “almost” can weigh on the heart, but persistence has a way of rewriting the story. It is in the repeated efforts, the lessons learned from failure, and the refusal to surrender that success finally arrives, not as a sudden miracle, but as the reward of unwavering perseverance.
When the October 2025 Certified Public Accountant Licensure Exam (CPALE) results were released, Marjorie Tolentino Magpayo became a symbol of resilience and hope. Among the 3,460 successful passers, her story stood out, not because she passed, but because it took five determined attempts to reach this milestone.
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| Photo courtesy: Marjorie Magpayo/Facebook |
In an interview with Philstar Life, Magpayo shared her journey. She first took the CPALE in October 2013, then tried again in 2014 or 2015, followed by a third attempt in October 2016. She stepped away for eight years, came close to passing her fourth attempt in May 2025 as a conditional passer, and ultimately succeeded this past October.
Facing the exam again, Magpayo admitted she experienced a whirlwind of fear, hope, and surrender.
"Honestly, all I could think about was, 'Please, Lord, let this be my last.' I just wanted to give everything I had left," she recalled. "I didn’t want to dwell on past failures; I focused on the present, one question at a time. I knew I had done everything I could, and all I wanted was to end this long journey on a victorious note."
The path to passing the CPALE multiple times was both humbling and intimidating, she said.
"There were countless moments when I thought about giving up, convincing myself that maybe it just wasn’t for me. But every time I prayed, God reminded me why I started," Magpayo shared.
"What also kept me going was the love and support of my family, my boyfriend, and a few friends who never stopped believing in me even when I doubted myself."
The process of retaking the exam is far from simple. While first-time takers who fail can immediately reattempt the exam, repeat takers face additional requirements. Those who fail twice must complete a refresher course of at least 24 units covering the exam subjects before attempting a third time.
For fourth or fifth attempts, candidates must provide proof of enrollment and completion of the refresher course. Thankfully, there is no limit to the number of attempts a candidate may take.
For her final try, Magpayo not only changed her study strategy but also transformed her mindset.
"This last take, the fifth one, felt different. I no longer studied just to pass; I studied to honor my journey, to prove to myself that perseverance and faith can turn failure into testimony," she said.
When the results finally came out, Magpayo had planned to record her reaction, but reality quickly overtook her plans.
"When I suddenly saw a message in one of my group chats that the results were out, I panicked. My heart was pounding, and my hands were shaking as I searched for my name," she recalled.
Marjorie’s story is a testament to the power of persistence, faith, and the unwavering support of loved ones; a reminder that sometimes, the road to success is long, but the destination is worth every step.
Congratulations, Marjorie!
— The Summit Express