MANILA, Philippines — A 59-year-old man has become a powerful symbol of perseverance after finally passing the Philippine Bar Examination on his 11th attempt, proving that determination does not expire with age or repeated failure.

Eduardo Regio’s journey to becoming a lawyer was anything but easy. For decades, he took the Bar Exam again and again, facing disappointment ten times before finally earning the title he had long pursued. Many would have given up after the second or third attempt, worn down by self-doubt, financial strain, and the emotional toll of repeated setbacks. Regio, however, held on to a simple but profound belief: “Try lang. Hanggang may buhay, may pag-asa.” (“Just keep trying. As long as there is life, there is hope.”)

His story has resonated deeply online, inspiring netizens who see in him a reminder that success is not always immediate—and that timelines differ for everyone. In a society that often celebrates quick wins and early achievers, Regio’s achievement challenges the notion that persistence beyond a certain age is futile. Instead, it reframes failure not as an endpoint, but as part of a longer, more meaningful journey.

Beyond personal triumph, Regio’s story opens a broader conversation about access, resilience, and pressure in professional fields. How many capable individuals abandon their dreams because of repeated failure, social expectations, or fear of judgment? How many are told—explicitly or subtly—that it is “too late” to try again?

Eduardo Regio’s success did not erase the years of struggle, but it gave them purpose. His passing of the Bar Exam is not just a legal milestone—it is a testament to human endurance.

In a world that often demands immediate results, are we too quick to give up on ourselves—and on others—who simply need more time to succeed? (Larawan: Bilyonaryo / Tiktok)