After months of long nights, intensive review sessions, and overcoming personal challenges, two graduates of De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde’s School of Management and Information Technology (SMIT) emerged among the top finishers in the November 2025 Real Estate Appraisers Licensure Examination (REALE).
Now, the two graduates share how they navigated the rigorous assessment, from late-night review sessions and intensive practice tests to managing personal challenges and maintaining focus under pressure.
Paul Gabriel Co, 22, of Batangas City, who graduated with a degree in Real Estate Management (REM), placed fourth. He credited his achievement to focusing on core subjects, consistent study habits, and support from his family and school.
“This milestone is special because it marks the culmination of four years of study, challenges, and growth. It reminded me that all the hard work I invested truly paid off,” Co said.
“My inspiration was God above all. I lifted my entire exam journey to Him. I’m also deeply grateful to my family and school for their constant support and encouragement,” he stated. “I hope to grow both professionally and in service to others through this path.”
Co recovered from an illness a week before the exam and plans a career in real estate development and construction.
Albert Miguel Dimasuay from Dagupan City, also a Benilde REM alum, placed sixth. He emphasized steady progress and faith as key to his success. Dimasuay intends to take the Real Estate Broker Licensure Examination in April 2026 and hopes to join a company promoting responsible development in the Philippines, with a long-term goal of establishing his own firm.
“This achievement reminds me that progress doesn’t have to be loud, just consistent,” Dimasuay emphasized. “Stay grounded, keep your faith, trust your work, and allow yourself to grow at your own pace. Every small step eventually leads you to where you’re meant to be.”
The 26-year-old achiever from Dagupan City is set to take the Real Estate Broker Licensure Examination in April 2026. He hopes to join a reputable company that champions responsible development in the Philippines.
Other top finishers include Denise Marie Astillo (University of Mindanao-Davao City) in first place, James Perez (Lyceum of Alabang) second, and third placers Rudolf Soliman Andallo (iAcademy), Gynelle Edry Bunao, and John Lorenz Morit (Lyceum of Alabang).
According to the Professional Regulation Commission, 373 of 675 examinees nationwide passed the exam, held in the National Capital Region, Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, and Tacloban.
