Sometimes, the loudest victories come from the quietest journeys.
While many aspiring CPAs relied on review centers and structured programs, Homaida Ramos Dicatanongan chose to trust her own process. She studied alone. She worked in silence. And she succeeded.
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| Photo courtesy: Homaida Ramos Dicatanongan |
The 22-year-old from East Poblacion, Baloi, Lanao del Norte proved that discipline can succeed even without the usual support systems.
In an exclusive interview with The Summit Express, Dicatanongan shared how her unconventional preparation led to success in one of the country’s most challenging licensure exams.
For her, the dream of becoming a Certified Public Accountant began early in life.
"Becoming a CPA has always been my ultimate dream since I was a kid," she said.
That dream brought her to Mindanao State University–Marawi Main Campus, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy degree. She graduated Cum Laude in July 2025 and was recognized as a Department Quizzer and Academic Excellence awardee.
Behind the honors were quiet struggles.
She dealt with academic pressure, self-doubt, and moments of discouragement when her performance did not reflect her effort.
At times, she felt alone in her journey.
Still, she pushed forward.
"My parents are the sole reason that I pursue this dream," she said. "I don't want to be a burden to them."
Their sacrifices became her motivation, especially during uncertain moments.
After graduation, she made an unconventional choice. She prepared for the October 2025 CPALE without enrolling in a review center.
She was the only one in her batch who did so. There were no formal lectures, no mock exams, and no structured coaching to rely on.
With just five months before the exam, she built her own system from scratch.
She organized reviewers, summarized lessons, and designed a routine based on her strengths and weaknesses.
"I chose self-review, no review center, not even an online one," she recalled.
The preparation tested not only her knowledge but her confidence.
"There were days when I doubted if self-review would work," she said. "But I kept going by reminding myself why I started and focusing on daily progress."
She described the CPALE as a difficult and unpredictable exam that demands mastery, endurance, and mental strength, capable of humbling even well-prepared candidates.
Setbacks became part of the process. Instead of discouraging her, they strengthened her discipline and self-trust.
Her consistency and faith eventually paid off.
When results were released, she saw her name on the list of successful examinees. The moment felt "surreal and overwhelming."
She thanked Allah first before quietly taking in the achievement she had worked toward for years.
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| Photo courtesy: Homaida Ramos Dicatanongan |
Today, she works as a Junior Internal Auditor and continues building her career in the profession she once dreamed of joining.
More importantly, she hopes her story will encourage aspiring CPAs who feel their path is different from others.
"Your journey does not have to look like anyone else’s. Focus on what works for you and never give up," she said.
Sometimes, strength is found not in noise but in silence. Consistency and self-trust turn quiet efforts into lasting victories.
— The Summit Express
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