A Heart Ignited, a Future Shaped
When Dinosaurs Ruled and Phones Were for Snakes
Long before he became the person that he is today, this boy was already showing signs of being a certified science nerd. Dinosaurs? Fascinating. Earth Science? Intriguing. Animals and the human body? Absolutely captivating. If it had scales, fossils, bones, or anything remotely scientific, he was probably enthralled.
When he wasn’t busy exploring the wonders of science, he was battling zombies in Plants vs. Zombies, going on prehistoric adventures through Jurassic Park, or glued to Godzilla, National Geographic, and the Disney Channel. And, of course, childhood wouldn’t be complete without a few rounds of pogs and patintero with his classmates.
Back then, he dreamed of becoming a paleontologist, because apparently, playing with dinosaurs was a perfectly respectable career plan.
He describes his younger self as inquisitive and participative, especially whenever science was involved. But like any typical elementary pupil, he also had his fair share of stubborn and pilyo moments. Every now and then, he would secretly borrow a classmate’s phone and sneak in a quick game of Snake or Space Impact during class. Just because, even a budding scientist needed to conduct some very important undercover research.
Good Memories, Great Mentors, Lasting Lessons
Some of the fondest memories of childhood are often found in the simplest ordinary moments that linger on through the years. He fondly recalls the afternoon naps back in Grade 1, the Salaguinto magazine reading sessions, the excitement of Deo Gratias, and, of course, the unlimited delicious food during Family Day—proof that some school memories are best remembered not only by the heart, but also by the stomach.
And, oh, he remembers the people who had the greatest influence on him! Sir Angelo, Sir Dodie and Ma’am Erlinda, Science teachers, who fueled his passion and interest in Science. They opened opportunities for him to represent STEFTI in various regional and national science quiz bees, allowing him to bring pride and honor to the school. More importantly, they helped build the strong foundation that eventually enabled him to qualify for his dream high school, the Philippine Science High School.
More than just Science, he also fondly acknowledges his homeroom advisers and teachers who have continued to keep in touch with him through the years—Ma’am Ada, Sir Joseph, Sir Harold, Ma’am Didith, Ma’am Sunshine, Ma’am Rose, and Ma’am Arlyn. Beyond the lessons taught inside the classroom, they helped instill in him the Theresian values that he continues to carry and apply in his life to this day.
For him, STEFTI was not only a place where he learned about Science, but also a place where he learned how to live and serve others. STEFTI taught him to keep his faith in the Lord during trials and difficult times, to uphold integrity and honesty in both his studies and professional work. As he celebrates his achievements and successes, STEFTI continues to remind him to remain humble and grounded. These values continue to guide his decisions, shape his character, and inspire him to serve others with excellence and kindness.
In many ways, the lessons he learned at STEFTI have stayed with him long after he left its classrooms—quietly guiding him, one decision and one act of kindness at a time.
Trading Quiz Bees for White Coats
After graduating from STEFTI, this young lad continued his journey at the Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus, where his love for Science grew even stronger. It was during his high school years at Pisay that he discovered something even more important: he wanted to become a physician. Perhaps it was only fitting that the young boy who once dreamed of digging up dinosaur fossils would eventually find himself dreaming of healing people instead.
True to form, he continued to represent Pisay in various science quiz bees and competitions, carrying with him the same passion for Science that had already been nurtured during his STEFTI years.
From there, he pursued BS Human Biology at De La Salle University, Manila, an accelerated two-year premedical program that paved the way for him to complete his Doctor of Medicine degree in just six years—from his first year of college through medical school. His hard work and dedication were rewarded with academic distinction, as he graduated Cum Laude in both his premedical and medical degrees.
Before taking the medical board examinations, he completed his internship training at the Philippine General Hospital, gaining valuable hands-on experience and taking another significant step toward his dream of becoming a physician.
From a curious STEFTI kid fascinated by dinosaurs, animals, and the human body to a Science quiz bee competitor and, eventually, a medical student preparing to care for patients, his journey shows how a childhood fascination can grow into a lifelong calling.
Through Storms and Seasons of Grief
The journey toward his dreams was not without its share of storms. One of the most difficult challenges he faced early in life was surviving and recovering from the devastation brought by Super Typhoon Yolanda. Years later, he would face another deeply painful loss: the passing of his father during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These experiences came alongside another quiet struggle: homesickness. For seven years, he lived away from home as he pursued his medical education and completed his internship training. The distance from family, the demands of his studies, and the weight of personal loss tested him in ways that went far beyond the challenges of the classroom or hospital.
Yet, through it all, he held on to resilience and the belief that challenges happen for a reason. To him, life is much like a roller coaster—filled with unexpected highs and difficult lows. There are moments when everything seems to come crashing down, but, in time, the ride moves forward again.
During his darkest moments, he chose to remain hopeful, trusting that he would eventually find his way toward the light at the end of the tunnel. More importantly, he carried the lessons from each experience with him. Every storm he weathered, every loss he endured, and every moment of homesickness helped him grow stronger, wiser, and more prepared to face whatever challenges life may bring.
His journey reminds us that resilience is not about avoiding life’s storms. It is about learning how to stand again after the storm has passed.
From Silver Linings to Shining Moments
Like the proverbial silver lining that lies behind every cloud, his lowlights eventually gave way to highlights—and what a way to shine!
Looking back on his journey, he considers being an obedient son and completing his medical education with flying colors as his greatest achievements so far. But if that weren’t already a remarkable feat, he added an extra sparkle to his story by becoming a topnotcher in the Physician Licensure Examination—truly the cherry on top of an already impressive journey!
For him, however, the achievement goes beyond the honors and accolades. It is a testament to the years of hard work, perseverance, sacrifice, and the values instilled in him along the way. From the young STEFTI kid fascinated by dinosaurs and the human body to a physician who excelled in medical school and rose to the ranks of the country’s top-performing examinees, his journey has certainly been one worth celebrating.
And yes, after all those years of studying, quiz bees, medical books, sleepless nights, and probably more than a few cups of coffee, that topnotcher finish was definitely the cherry on top!
A Few Words from a Theresian Who Dreamed Big
Having walked the path from a curious STEFTI kid to a physician and board-exam topnotcher, he now turns his gaze toward the Theresians who are just beginning to dream about their own futures.
To his fellow Theresians, his message is simple but powerful:
Never stop being curious, and never be afraid to dream big. Success, is not determined solely by how naturally gifted you are, but by your willingness to keep learning and persevering when the road gets tough. There will be moments when you fail, stumble, or even doubt yourself—but remember that these moments do not define you. Instead, let them challenge you to rise, learn, and become better.
He further reminds young Theresians that excellence is built—not achieved overnight. It takes consistency, discipline, and integrity.
Be kind to others, honor your parents and teachers, and remain faithful to God in everything you do.
Whatever path you choose in the future—whether you dream of becoming a doctor, an engineer, a teacher, a scientist, or pursuing a completely different profession—strive not only to achieve success but also to become a person who uses your talents and blessings to serve others.
After all, the greatest measure of success is not simply how high you climb, but how many people you are able to lift along the way.
To the School That Nurtured His Dreams
As STEFTI celebrates its 25th Founding Anniversary, he turns his attention to the school that played a significant role in laying the foundation of his educational journey and shaping the person he is today, the place he fondly calls his home.
To the entire STEFTI community, he extends his heartfelt gratitude for being part of his formative years and for giving him a strong foundation upon which he could build his dreams. The lessons he learned, the values he embraced, the friendships he made, and the mentors who guided him have remained with him long after he left the school’s classrooms.
As STEFTI reaches this remarkable milestone, he wishes the school to continue being a place where children are encouraged to stay curious, dream boldly, strive for excellence, and grow in faith and character.
To the teachers and staff who continue to dedicate themselves in shaping young lives, he offers his deepest appreciation. The impact of a teacher may not always be immediately seen, but, as his own journey demonstrates, the lessons and values planted in a child’s heart can bear fruit many years later.
And to STEFTI, the school that helped set his journey in motion, his message is simple:
Thank you for being part of my story. The little boy who once dreamed of becoming a paleontologist may have taken a different path, but the curiosity, discipline, faith, and values nurtured within the walls of STEFTI continue to guide me until today.
For the 25 years of growing hearts and minds, may you continue to inspire young Theresians to dream big, pursue their passions, and, wherever life takes them, carry with them the values that make them not only successful individuals but also compassionate people who make a difference in the lives of others.
“Happy 25th Founding Anniversary, STEFTI! You ignited my young heart, helped shape my future, and gave me a foundation that I carry to this day.
May you continue igniting hearts and shaping futures for generations of Theresians to come!“
Enrico Jose P. Gomez, M.D.
Elementary Batch 2012
Top 3, March 2026 Physician Licensure Examination
