ENGR. NOEL JUSTINE LAPADA

10th Place, April 2025 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination

Eastern Samar State University – Main Campus

Junior Engineer, Acciona Construction Philippines Inc.

From the quiet barangays of Eastern Samar to the national stage of the Civil Engineer Licensure Examination, Engr. Noel Justine Lapada has shown that success comes not from perfect routines but from perseverance and self-belief. He proudly secured 10th Place in the April 2025 CELE, representing Eastern Samar State University – Main Campus. Today, he continues to grow in the profession as a Junior Engineer at Acciona Construction Philippines Inc.

Noel grew up in a family of seven and studied in the same community where he was raised—from elementary to college. Unlike many topnotchers who prepare early, he only began reviewing seriously in December 2024, just five months before the board exam. What fueled him was a challenge he set for himself: to aim higher and prove that he could go beyond his limits.

Engr. Noel embraced flexibility. He studied when his mind was clear and motivated, taking breaks when necessary. His routine often followed a simple 2-hour study, 30-minute break cycle. When faced with difficult topics, he always went back to the basics, asking himself the purpose and application behind every concept.

Burnout and pressure were inevitable, but Noel kept his balance by taking breaks, enjoying the process, and constantly reminding himself of the future he was working for. His guiding mindset: “Failure stings for a season, but regret lingers for a lifetime.”

And to students, he leaves this advice: “Don’t be afraid of rejections; be more afraid of the ‘what ifs’ you might carry in the future.”

From Eastern Samar to the Top 10 of the CELE, Engr. Noel Justine Lapada proves that success isn’t about perfect study habits—it’s about courage, consistency, and the will to push beyond limits.

Personal Journey

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

I come from a family of seven, and I am the second among my siblings. I grew up in the same barangay where I also completed my studies, from elementary up to college. I earned my degree at Eastern Samar State University – Main Campus.

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

It was late November but I really start reviewing in early December 2024, just barely 5 months before the upcoming CELE April 2025.

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

“Marami daw pera .” Pero what motivated me to aim for the top is my desire to challenge myself and push beyond limits. Ever since I was little, I admit I didn’t always take my studies seriously. But I realized that this moment is what truly matters for my future. That’s why I challenged myself to aim higher and give my best.

Study Habits and Strategies

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

To be honest, I didn’t have a fixed daily routine or schedule during my review. I just studied whenever I felt ready and focused, because I knew forcing myself while tired or distracted wouldn’t be effective. Whenever I felt sleepy or unmotivated, I allowed myself to take a break and rest. It wasn’t the healthiest study habit, but it worked for me because I learned better when my mind was clear and engaged.

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

2 hours review, 30 mins break or vice versa.

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

When I encounter subjects or topics that I find difficult, I always go back to the basics and review the core concepts first. I also ask myself about the purpose of that specific topic, so I can understand its application and importance. That way, I don’t just memorize but actually make sense of what I’m solving.

Mindset and Challenges

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

I stayed motivated by taking breaks, enjoying the process, and reminding myself of the future I’m working for.

Advice to Future Takers

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

• Study smart, not just long. It’s not about how many hours you spent, it’s about how focused you are in those hours.

• Master the basic first. Don’t rush the hard stuff.

• Manifest your success. Visualize yourself passing; the more you see it in your mind, the more you’ll work for it in reality.

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

Sasabihin ko lang sa kanya na, “You are doing great, just keep it up and don’t be afraid of what might happen rather than

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

I wouldn’t say anything to my “reviewing self” because I believe I was already doing great at that time. Instead, I would talk to my student self. Sasabihin ko sa kanya na: “Don’t be afraid of rejections; be more afraid of the ‘what ifs’ you might carry in the future.”

4. Any final message to inspire future civil engineers?

“Failure stings for a season, but regret lingers for a lifetime.” Have the courage to face every challenge instead of giving up without knowing what could happen.