Some stories remind us that with faith, perseverance, and hard work, dreams really do come true. One such story is that of Earl Gerald Lacsamana Mella, who made history in June 2025 when he secured 2nd place in the Special Professional Licensure Examination (SPLE) for BS Electronics Engineers held in the UAE. For many, this is just a number. But for Earl, it is the culmination of years of sacrifice, resilience, and determination.

Earl grew up in Las Piñas City and earned his BSECE degree at Cavite State University. Like most graduates, he had big dreams of becoming a licensed engineer. But life had other plans first. When his graduation was delayed, he decided to take a leap of faith and move to the UAE in late 2023. Starting out wasn’t easy—so he swallowed his pride and even applied for odd jobs, even working as a gym sales officer, just to survive. Yet, even in those moments, he never lost sight of his greater goal: to become an engineer and, not just pass the board, but become a topnotcher.

His perseverance paid off when he was hired as a Biomedical Field Service Engineer in Abu Dhabi. But instead of relaxing after landing an engineering job, Earl doubled down on his dream. During breaks, he reviewed his ECE materials. On weekends, he immersed himself in study. He even woke up at 3 AM daily to watch review videos, solve problems, and take practice exams. For the two months prior to the exam, he gave his best. For him, success in the board exam wasn’t just about passing—it was about proving that aiming high opens doors to greater blessings.

When the SPLE results were released, Earl was at work, completely unaware that his life was about to change. Seeing his name among the topnotchers left him speechless. The first people he reached out to were his parents, who were equally stunned and overjoyed. For Earl, this victory wasn’t just his alone—it was a gift to his family, his fiancée who never stopped encouraging him, and above all, to God, whose promises carried him through the toughest nights of review.

But Earl’s journey was not one he walked alone. He always acknowledges the support of IECEP UAE and his mentors, who believed in him even when he doubted himself. Their encouragement fueled his determination, and in turn, he gave back by serving as a mentor in mathematics for fellow reviewees. Teaching others not only deepened his own knowledge but also reminded him that success is even more meaningful when shared.

What makes Earl’s story powerful is not just his academic brilliance, but his heart. He believes that every OFW who dreams of taking the SPLE has “one shot” to make it count. His message to future aspirants is simple but strong: Aim not just to pass, but to excel. Push beyond your limits. And never forget to put your trust in God.

Today, Earl looks forward to helping the next wave of SPLE takers achieve their own victories. He dreams of becoming an Associate ASEAN Engineer and continuing to serve IECEP UAE by sharing his knowledge and experience. His story is proof that even when the road seems uncertain, when you keep the faith, work hard, and dare to aim higher, life has a way of rewarding you with more than you ever imagined.