“I just tried to keep going kahit may moments na nagdududa ako sa sarili ko”: Grace Managat from Kalinga recounts journey to top 9 in 2026 PMLE

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“Makakapasa kaya ako?”

It was the question that kept running through the mind of iKalinga daughter Zenny Grace Managat as she battled self-doubt while preparing for the September 2026 Psychometrician Licensure Examination (PMLE).

On September 23, that question was answered—not with a simple “yes,” but with a Top 9 finish in the results released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

For Managat, the achievement came as a surprise. The 22-year-old Lubuagan native, who graduated cum laude in Psychology from Saint Louis University in July 2026, said she never aimed to top the board exam. Her goal was simply to pass and become a licensed psychometrician.

She chose to self-review partly to save on expenses. Her preparation was not built around a strict review schedule. Instead, she relied heavily on her undergraduate notes, including mock board examination materials from her fourth year, while also gathering free review resources and references online.

“Hindi ako super consistent na everyday nagre-review, so I just tried to make the most of the time I had and focus on the things na kailangan ko pang balikan,” she said.

Her journey became even more challenging when she started medical school in the second week of August 2026, just weeks before taking the PMLE.

While balancing medical studies and board exam preparation, Managat admitted that she often questioned whether she had done enough.

“Iniisip ko rin kung enough ba yung preparation ko or if I was reviewing the right way. So aside from studying, I also had to learn to trust myself and the preparation I had, kahit hindi ako always confident na ready na ako.”

Still, she kept going.

Behind her were her family, the people who believed in her, and her faith in God. She also held on to the reason she started the journey in the first place.

“I just tried to keep going kahit may moments na nagdududa ako sa sarili ko. Sometimes, you just have to do what you can and take it one day at a time,” she said.

‘Don’t be too hard on yourselves’

Looking back on her journey from self-doubt to becoming one of the country’s PMLE topnotchers, Managat encouraged future board examinees not to underestimate themselves.

She advised them to find a review process that works best for their individual needs and circumstances—and to give themselves room to breathe along the way.

“Don’t forget to enjoy the process din. Make time for yourself, for your family, and for the things that make you happy. There will be days na feeling niyo hindi pa kayo ready, and that’s okay. Just do your best, trust your preparation, pray for the outcome you’re hoping for, and leave the rest to God,” she said.

Now a licensed psychometrician, Managat is turning the page to another challenge: medical school.

“For now po, I’m continuing my studies. I’m currently in medical school. I’m grateful that the board exam became part of my journey. I’m grateful for everything Psychology has taught me, and I hope to carry those lessons with me as I move on to the next chapter,” she said.

From wondering if she would simply make it through the board exam to landing among the Top 9, Managat’s journey shows that success does not always begin with certainty.

Sometimes, it begins with doubt—but with the courage to keep going anyway.