MANILA, Philippines – What began as a spontaneous college application choice turned into one of the biggest achievements of Eloisa Marie Tan Plana's life.
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| Photo courtesy: Eloisa Marie Plana |
The 26-year-old graduate of the University of the Philippines (UP)- Mindanao topped the June 2026 Licensure Examination for Architects (LEA), proving that passion sometimes grows in the most unexpected places.
In an exclusive interview with The Summit Express, Plana admitted that architecture was never her childhood dream. She chose the degree almost on a whim while filling out her UPCAT application, never imagining that it would eventually become a profession she would genuinely love.
After years of rigorous training and completing her apprenticeship at PCTan Architects and Associates in Davao City, she discovered a deep appreciation for the field despite its many challenges.
Her journey through architecture school was far from easy. She candidly shared that she was never naturally gifted in art, making design subjects her greatest struggle.
The challenges intensified when the COVID-19 pandemic forced classes online, making collaborative design projects even more demanding.
Despite the difficulties, Plana remained consistent. Rather than relying on sleepless nights or last-minute cramming, she focused on maintaining a disciplined study routine while allowing herself enough time to rest and recharge.
Her goal was not perfection but ensuring she covered every topic in the board exam syllabus.
Ironically, becoming the country's top architecture examinee was never part of her plan.
When the licensure examination results were released, another earthquake had just struck Mindanao. Instead of refreshing the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) website, Plana was checking the PHIVOLCS page for earthquake updates.
She only learned about her remarkable achievement after her sister excitedly shouted the news.
Now a licensed architect, Plana is taking life one step at a time as she begins exploring career opportunities.
For future board examinees, her advice is simple: trust the process, stay disciplined, study smart, and never underestimate your own potential. Sometimes, the biggest surprise is discovering what you are truly capable of achieving.
“I’ll say, success isn't always a guarantee for the people everyone bets on, and that the line between confidence and complacency can be invisible,” she said.
“Just trust the process, be disciplined and smart about how you study, and don't put too much pressure on your shoulders.”
“You might just end up surprising yourself by the time the results come up,” she added.
Congratulations, Architect Eloisa!
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express
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