Outworking Talent, One Day at a Time: How Engr. John Frazer V. Cruz, Top 8 of the April 2025 CELE, Turned Perseverance into Success

ENGR. JOHN FRAZER V. CRUZ

8th Place, April 2025 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination

Magna Cum Laude, Cebu Institute Of Technology – University (CIT-U)

Review Instructor, Gillesania Engineering Review and Training Center (GERTC)

For Engr. John Frazer V. Cruz, success came not from natural talent, but from relentless effort and faith. A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Cebu Institute of Technology – University (CIT-U), he is now a Review Instructor at Gillesania Engineering Review and Training Center (GERTC) and a proud 8th placer in the April 2025 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination.

Growing up, he was not the typical honor student. But his mother’s belief in him became his greatest motivation. “If I can’t beat their talents, I’ll just outwork them,” he told himself. That mindset led him to excel in college and eventually secure a top spot in the CELE.

During his review, Engr. Cruz adopted a one-subject-per-day approach and relied on review center materials to sharpen his skills. He admitted that self-doubt, pressure, and setbacks often tested him, but he persevered by remembering his purpose – his family and his dreams.

His advice to future board takers is simple yet powerful: be diligent, give your all every day, and work, work, work. He reminds them that the board exam will never be easy, but the sacrifices will always be worth it once you see your name on the list of passers.

As he puts it best: “The magic you’re looking for is on the work you’re avoiding.” 

Personal Journey

1.      Can you tell us a little about yourself and where you studied?

Hello! I am Engr. John Frazer V. Cruz, a proud alumnus of Cebu Institute of Technology – University (CIT-U) where I graduated Magna Cum Laude. I am currently teaching at Gillesania Engineering Review and Training Center (GERTC) where I spent my time preparing for the April 2025 Board Exam.

2.      When did you start preparing for the board exams?

I can say that my preparation for the Board Exam started as early as my 3rd year in college, since we had a class dedicated to reviewing board exam subjects. However, my formal review-center training began in June 2024, about two weeks after our graduation.

3.      What motivated you to pursue civil engineering and to aim for the top?

Everything I do, I do for my family. They are my inspiration to excel in whatever I pursue—especially in aiming for a top place in the CELE. My mother has always believed in my potential since I was young. Admittedly, I was not a top student in elementary, high school, or even senior high school. I rarely received academic awards. But despite that, I always knew my mother believed in me.

That’s why, when I entered college, I stepped up. I gave everything I had to compete with the top students from different parts of Cebu. I had no academic advantage over them, and I knew they were way smarter than I was. I remember telling myself, “If I can’t beat their talents, I’ll just outwork them.” In the end, it paid off. I graduated Magna Cum Laude, and my mother finally saw my potential materialize. But for me, that was not the end.

The same philosophy and work ethic guided me in preparing for the CELE. With a much larger population to compete with, I had to push myself to new and higher limits. And through the grace of God, I was able to achieve what I set out to accomplish.

Study Habits and Strategies

1.      How did you structure your review (daily routine, schedule, or approach)?

At first, I experimented with different schedules to see what would work best for me. Eventually, I settled on a one-subject-per-day approach. This allowed me to dedicate my full attention to a single subject, target areas where I was weak, and then focus on another subject the following day. My advice, however, is to always follow the study routine that works best for you.

2.      What review materials or techniques worked best for you?

I relied on my review materials solely from my review center. Their on-trend and comprehensive review materials help me streamline my study schedule and routines.

3.      How did you handle subjects or topics you found difficult?

I ask questions. If I can’t crack the problem on my own, I ask questions to my mentors and co-reviewees.

Mindset and Challenges

1.      What were the biggest challenges you faced during your review journey?

Self-doubt. Although I can say that I have prepared and studied enough, self-doubt will always creep in. And I think this is the cost of pursuing great things.

2.      How did you stay motivated and focused despite burnout, pressure, or self-doubt?

I remember my “Why”.

3.      Did you ever experience setbacks or low points? How did you bounce back?

Yes, of course. There were times where, I was not satisfied with my performance in our weekly assessment exam. And sometimes, my backlogs were far too many. Despite these, I tried to stay calm and be systematic on how I can resolve these issues. I took it one day at a time, carrying the work ethic I have developed along with the purposeful efforts to excel.

Advice to Future Takers

1.      What are your top 3 review tips for future board exam takers?

1)     Be diligent in what you do.

2)     Give it your all every single day.

3)     Work, work, work.

2.      If you could talk to your “reviewing self” a year ago, what would you say?

The win is on the way, be prepared.

3.      What mindset should future engineers have as they prepare for the board exam?

It’s not supposed to be easy. Preparing for the board exam is not an easy task. It is mentally and emotionally taxing. It is one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. But that’s what make it so worth it also. After you see your name posted on the list of passers, all of the pain, suffering, and sacrifices you have made will all be worth it. It is so worth the sacrifice that you may say “I will do it again if I have to.” So be prepared for the hard times and take courage to push through it.

4.      Any final message to inspire future civil engineers?

I want to leave a quote here, I can’t remember who said this, but it goes like this: “The magic you’re looking for is on the work you’re avoiding.”