ONE of the three Dabawenyos who were in the Top 10 of the 2019 Architect Licensure Examination still could not believe she made it to the top five.

"Sa pagkakaron kay dili gihapon gyud ko katoo... kay lisod man gyud ang examination, wala gyud kaayoy mga nanggawas sa akong gimemorize ug gistudyhan," Sofia Marga Vallega Silot, who placed fifth, said in an interview with SunStar Davao.

Silot said one of the biggest challenges during her review was to stay focus. She said she was able to prepare for the exam financially as she saved up for it.

She said that one of the things that motivated her during the exam was the advice of her mentor -- when taking the exam, they should strive for perfection instead of aiming to be one of the topnotchers.

"First and foremost gyud si Jesus gyud, my Lord and Savior akong family, mama ug papa (I would like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus ang my family, my parents)," she added.

Silod said she is excited to share to her mother her success when she returns to the Philippines. Her mother has been working in Papua New Guinea for 16 years.

Silot, a graduate of University of Mindanao, placed fifth garnering 82.30 percent while her batch mates Kim Mark Anthony Talictic Revote placed eight with 81.70 percent. Noel Tizon Amor Jr. placed ninth with 81.60 percent.