Holding the Fire Through the Storm: The Journey of Engr. Renzo A. Gantala, 7th Placer of the November 2025 CELE
For Engr. Renzo A. Gantala, earning Rank 7 in the November 2025 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination was not a sudden breakthrough, but the culmination of years of quiet preparation, discipline, and unwavering faith—tested by uncertainty, setbacks, and even natural disasters. At 23 years old, Engr. Renzo comes from Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte, and is a proud graduate of Southern Leyte State University–Sogod. His journey reflects the story of many aspiring engineers who may not begin with certainty, but choose to stay, persist, and ultimately excel.
For Engr. Renzo A. Gantala, earning Rank 7 in the November 2025 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination was not a sudden breakthrough, but the culmination of years of quiet preparation, discipline, and unwavering faith—tested by uncertainty, setbacks, and even natural disasters.
At 23 years old, Engr. Renzo comes from Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte, and is a proud graduate of Southern Leyte State University–Sogod. His journey reflects the story of many aspiring engineers who may not begin with certainty, but choose to stay, persist, and ultimately excel.
Finding Purpose in an Unexpected Path
Civil Engineering was not Engr. Renzo’s first choice. Yet as time passed, he realized that this was the path meant for him. Coming from a family where no one had taken the engineering route before, he carried the quiet determination to become the first.
What once felt like an almost impossible “lowkey” dreamb, to top the board exam, slowly transformed into a real goal. Seeing a senior colleague succeed inspired him to believe that excellence was within reach, fueling his resolve to aim higher and work harder.
Excellence Beyond the Classroom
Even before the board exams, Renzo had already proven his competitive edge and technical competence on bigger stages.
He emerged as 2nd Placer in the 39th National Civil Engineering Students Quiz (NCESQ) 2024 Regional Elimination (Region VIII), showcasing his strong grasp of core engineering concepts under pressure. In the same year, he further distinguished himself as Grand Champion of the Skills Olympics 2024 – Digital Railway and Tunnel Design Competition, highlighting not only his analytical ability but also his skills in modern engineering applications and digital design.
These achievements became strong indicators of his potential—not just as a board examinee, but as a future engineer ready to contribute to complex infrastructure development.
Preparing Early, Studying with Intention
Renzo’s board exam preparation began as early as his college years. He enrolled in an online review program to strengthen his fundamentals and revisit challenging topics. His study philosophy was simple yet effective: understanding mattered more than the number of hours spent.
After graduation, he pursued a face-to-face review at GERTC, where his approach became more structured and disciplined. Each day was dedicated to focused study, reinforcement through reference books - particularly those authored by their Review Director, Engr. Gillesania - and intensive problem-solving. He trained himself to answer every practice problem, building both endurance and consistency.
During the refresher phase, Renzo followed the mentorship of Master Engr. Arexcin Ray Timbal, the 3rd Placer of the April 2024 CELE. The program’s organized and intensive structure helped him sharpen his exam strategy and strengthen his confidence even further.
Learning, Adjusting, and Asking for Help
Whenever he encountered difficult topics, Renzo chose efficiency over ego. He researched concepts, watched lecture videos, and sought guidance from instructors and fellow reviewees when needed. This openness to learning allowed him to address weaknesses early and avoid unnecessary burnout.
When Life Interrupted the Review
One of the most challenging moments in Renzo’s journey came when the board exam schedule was postponed for nearly two months. The sudden delay disrupted his momentum—just when he felt most prepared.
Soon after, natural disasters struck Southern Leyte. Typhoons caused significant damage, and for weeks, there was no electricity or signal. Reviewing had to take a backseat as he prioritized helping his family recover.
Despite these setbacks, Renzo refused to let his mindset collapse.
“I acknowledged the pressure,” he shares, “but I chose not to carry it as a burden.”
Choosing Consistency Over Doubt
Low points followed - unsatisfactory assessments, difficult pre-board results, and moments of self-doubt. But Renzo continued to show up every day. He studied not only for himself, but for the dream his family had always believed he could achieve.
Their support became his greatest source of strength.
Faith, Discipline, and a Winning Mindset
Renzo attributes his success to three essential pillars: a clear study plan, proper self-care, and strong faith. He emphasizes the importance of rest, nutrition, and avoiding all-nighters, believing that clarity of mind is crucial during exams.
Above all, he places his trust in God.
“God is the ultimate source of our knowledge and strength,” he says.
A Message to Future Engineers
If Renzo could speak to his reviewing self, his message would be simple: You did an amazing job. Thank you for not giving up.
To future board takers, he offers this mindset:
Believe in yourself and trust in the Lord.
Aim for the top—because even if you fall short, you’ll still land where you’re meant to be.
Work consistently. No one else can do it for you.
Building Toward a Greater Future
Now a CELE Topnotcher (Rank 7), a national-level quiz competitor, and a champion in digital engineering design, Engr. Renzo A. Gantala stands as a powerful example of what disciplined preparation, resilience, and faith can achieve.
His journey reminds us that even when storms delay the path, those who keep the fire burning will eventually rise—stronger, sharper, and ready to build the future.