From Rejection to the Top 4: How Engr. Karl Famador Turned Early Setbacks into a Board Exam Triumph
When Engr. Karl Christopher D. Famador, RCE, looked back on his decision to pursue Civil Engineering five years ago, he had one clear condition for himself: he refused to live a mediocre life. He didn’t want an ordinary student journey: he wanted a life with flavor, challenge, and purpose. Placing 4th in the September 2026 Civil Engineers Licensure Examination (CELE) proved to be the ultimate capstone to that vision. However, the path to the top was far from a straightforward victory lap. It was defined by early setbacks, strategic sacrifices, and an unwavering commitment to self-improvement.
When Engr. Karl Christopher D. Famador, RCE, looked back on his decision to pursue Civil Engineering five years ago, he had one clear condition for himself: he refused to live a mediocre life. He didn’t want an ordinary student journey—he wanted a life with flavor, challenge, and purpose. Placing 4th in the September 2026 Civil Engineers Licensure Examination (CELE) proved to be the ultimate capstone to that vision.
However, the path to the top was far from a straightforward victory lap. It was defined by early setbacks, strategic sacrifices, and an unwavering commitment to self-improvement.
A Change of Plans and an Early Stung
Karl’s journey into engineering was not his initial dream. After missing out on admission to his dream university, the University of the Philippines, he reconsidered his options. Encouraged by his parents to choose a degree with a professional board exam, he enrolled at FEU Institute of Technology (FEU Tech). Though hesitant at first, receiving a full scholarship dismissed his doubts and ignited his commitment to excel.
He maintained his scholarship and graduated on time. Yet, on graduation day, something felt incomplete. Missing out on Latin honors—despite having aimed simply to pass without repeating a subject—left a persistent sting. Feeling he was capable of more, Karl made a firm promise to himself: he would no longer settle for less. His next target was clear—he would top the board exam.
The One-Year Gamble: High Stakes and Heavy Preparation
Engr. Karl’s pursuit required difficult choices. Realizing early in his preparation that he needed a deeper mastery of the fundamentals to reach the top, he made a high-risk decision: rather than rushing to take the upcoming board exam, he chose to defer and commit to a full one-year review cycle.
During this extended period, Engr. Karl pushed his mental and analytical limits. He embraced intensive training sessions—including relentless speed-drills like solving 100-item exams under strict four-hour limits—which honed not only his problem-solving pace but also his critical test-taking strategies, such as knowing when to skip complex questions and return to them later. By leveraging multiple specialized review programs and resources, he built a resilient, comprehensive foundation across every single board subject.
Conquering the Boards
The actual two-day board exam tested his mental resolve. Difficulties in Structural Engineering and Construction (PSAD) and Mathematics, Surveying, and Transportation Engineering (MSTE) sparked doubts. However, drawing on the techniques and endurance developed throughout his review, Karl stayed focused and worked through every subject systematically.
The results came unexpectedly early on October 2. While expecting the release in the early morning hours, a message in his review group chat delivered the life-changing news at 6:30 PM: Karl had secured 4th Place overall in the September 2026 CELE.
A Triumph Shared with Many
Reflecting on his achievement, Karl emphasizes that his success is a shared victory built on strong support systems:
Faith & Family: He credits God for constant guidance and expresses deep gratitude to his parents, Mel and Veronica Famador, for supporting his decision to take a full one-year review, alongside his siblings, Ian Emmanuel and Ben Joaquin.
Mentors & Educators: He acknowledges his high school teachers at The Pleasant Mount School and FEU High School for building his initial love for mathematics, as well as his professors and quiz bee coaches at FEU-Tech—including Sir Jon Arnel Telan, Sir Kevin de Jesus, Sir Kevin Junio Tanguin, Sir Ryan Bon, Sir Vain Camacho, Sir Jun Jun Honorica Moreno, and Sir Dave Tamondong Apilado—who helped build his confidence.
Review Center Instructors: He expresses heartfelt appreciation to Sir Diego Inocencio Gillesania, Sir Francisco R. Onde, Sir Ronie Tarriga II, Sir John Frazer Cruz, and instructors Justine Sajol Ahammed, Christian Cezar Maure, John Arvi Marasigan, Arexcin Ray Timbal, Engr. MC, and Engr. Godfrey for their instruction, mentorship, and encouragement.
Personal Support: He thanks his girlfriend, Aira Casamina, for her steadfast support through stressful study periods, along with his friends and fellow GERTC challengers.
Overcoming the Fear of Falling Short
Karl’s story is not about possessing innate talent, but about demonstrating resilience in the face of initial disappointments.
By turning a missed opportunity into the fuel for a national achievement, Engr. Karl Christopher D. Famador stands as an inspiring example for future examinees: success is rarely about avoiding setbacks—it is about choosing never to settle.
Review Centers & Academic Support
Engr. Karl owes a significant part of his preparation to Gillesania Engineering Review & Training Center (GERTC), where he spent his second review cycle refining his critical thinking and high-pressure test strategies under the guidance of Sir Diego Inocencio Gillesania, Sir Francisco R. Onde, Sir Ronie Tarriga II, Sir John Frazer Cruz, and instructors Justine Sajol Ahammed, Christian Cezar Maure, John Arvi Marasigan, and Arexcin Ray Timbal. He also credits Review Innovations, his initial review center where he mastered the fundamental concepts across all subjects.
Additionally, his preparation was enriched through scholarships, materials, and guidance provided by Margallo's Buckling Review, EERC, Megareview, FAL Conducive, Kippap, CivilPass Review Center, The Art of Civil Engineering, Inhinyero Review Center, Engr. MC, and Engr. Godfrey.