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“Hindi ako makakapasa kasi HUMSS ako”
Your strand does not define your limits—your effort does

Learn from Rhys, an UPCAT 2026 Passer, who proved that being a HUMSS student did not limit her from passing the UPCAT and qualifying for BS Chemistry in UPLB—a program far from her strand and comfort zone.

“Non est ad astra mollis e terris via"
There is no easy way from the earth to the stars.

When you ask Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) students why they chose their strand, it’s some form of “kasi wala masyadong math sa HUMSS.” Looking back, I seemed to have the same reason. It was only when I started my reviewing for the UPCAT that I subconsciously chose a comfortable path. Literature, politics, and society seemed like a familiar option. These subjects felt comfortable.

But comfort doesn’t lead you where you want to go.

It was April of 2025 that I enrolled at TenTen Academy. I fully expected that it was going to be similar to my previous experiences—structured, manageable, and even easy. I believed it would give me a clear and comfortable path. Until me and my classmates were humbled from the very first mock test.

This journey with God, Sir Tenten, Sir Harold, Sir Dairo, Sir Malcom, and the rest of the team, had pushed me far beyond what I’m used to. I was suddenly bombarded by formulas, figures, and scientific concepts I’ve never heard of. It was an unfamiliar and uncomfortable position. There were moments that my dream seemed so shallow for the amount of sacrifices and pressure I had to endure the month before our exam.

Then Sir Tenten had taught us the value of our “Dilaw.” Our dilaw being the younger versions of ourselves who believed without an ounce of hesitation. That shift of perspective changed everything. My future was mine to make. Thoughts of “hindi ako makakapasa kasi HUMSS ako,” no longer occupied my mind. Replaced by late nights study sessions, reviewers, daily flashcards, and weekend classes. It wasn’t easy, but it was progress.

I learned that reaching your dreams requires you to have grit, discipline, and consistency. It’s terrifying. Often discouraging, beyond exhausting, and constantly demanding. However, your dreams are not asking you to be extraordinary overnight. They are asking you to show up—intentionally and consistently.

There is no easy path to reaching the stars. But through deliberate steps and perseverance, the huge and intimidating distance becomes smaller.

- Rhys, UPCAT 2026 PASSER

“May we never meet a Boogle in our lives”.

At least once in our lives, we’ve all met a “Boogle” someone who smiled in front of us but quietly hurt us behind our backs.

Someone we trusted, cared for, or considered real, only to realize their intentions were never genuine.
And honestly, that kind of betrayal changes you. It makes you question your heart, your trust, and even your own kindness.

-ctto