MANILA, Philippines – For Justin Dave M. Magboo, becoming a topnotcher in the June 2026 Physical Therapist Licensure Examination (PTLE) was more than an academic achievement—it was the fulfillment of a dream he had carried since senior high school.
 |
| Photo courtesy: Justin Dave M. Magboo |
The 22-year-old Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy graduate from Lyceum of the Philippines University–Batangas has long aspired to become a surgeon.
In an exclusive interview with The Summit Express, he said that when choosing a pre-medical course, he selected Physical Therapy because of its strong foundation in anatomy, neuroanatomy, and orthopedics—subjects closely related to his ultimate goal.
More importantly, he appreciated that Physical Therapy is a rewarding profession in its own right.
Magboo's journey, however, was far from easy. Coming from a family that faced financial challenges, he often worried about the burden of pursuing higher education.
At one point, he even considered transferring schools or changing courses to help ease his family's expenses. While balancing his studies and his part-time work as a Financial Advisor, he also encountered academic setbacks, including failing marks during one semester.
Instead of allowing those challenges to define him, Magboo used them as motivation to improve.
His board exam preparation reached a turning point when he earned a full scholarship at a review center.
Determined to maximize the opportunity, he committed himself fully to the review process. He focused on understanding concepts rather than memorizing them, developed effective study techniques, and learned from the experiences of previous topnotchers.
As exam day approached, anxiety became his biggest challenge. Lack of sleep and overwhelming pressure tested his confidence, but he relied on faith and perseverance to push through.
When the results were released, Magboo's prayers were answered. Overcome with joy, he immediately shared the news with his family, girlfriend, and loved ones.
Now a licensed Physical Therapist, he plans to gain clinical experience before pursuing medical school. His message to future board takers is simple: believe in yourself, trust God's plan, and never stop working toward your dreams.
“If there's one thing I've learned, it's that anything is possible when you give your whole mind, heart, and effort to your goal,” he said.
“Believe in yourself and never underestimate what you're capable of achieving. If God has placed a dream in your heart, trust that He will also give you the strength and opportunities to pursue it.”
“There will be moments of doubt, fear, and uncertainty, but don't let them stop you from moving forward. Keep your faith, stay persistent, and remember that with God by your side, you can overcome challenges and accomplish more than you ever imagined,” he concluded.
Congratulations, Justin!
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express
Start the conversation. Share your thoughts, insights, or reactions, and connect with fellow readers.