When the opportunity knocked, I asked myself, is it not too late to take the CMA program? Glad I did because I realized along the way that this is actually the best time in as far as where I am in my career.
I was able to gain a wider company perspective which supplemented my experience in operations.
My heart is full for this opportunity my company has given me. Yes, it was difficult. It was not a walk in the park but I enjoyed my learning journey and this helped me persevere until the end.
Maintaining a positive outlook and having a strong commitment to find time to study are also important components of this success. Mind you, my CMA journey was not a one-man show.
I considered this a family endeavor. My family provided me an environment that allowed me to focus. I have their 100% support. That would mean not bothering me when I am studying, not bothering me with trivial things at home and sacrificing some family-time.
But of course I still make sure I am not sacrificing work and important activities for my family. My family is more excited than I am in this endeavor so when they heard the good news , they were so happy. I am thankful to friends and colleagues for their moral support.
Of course, thank you to Insights team for all the guidance and for making things flexible and easier for us. For those aspiring CMAs who are working full time like me, it is very possible so go for it!
Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to become both a CPA and CMA, let alone a recipient of the ICMA Board of Regents Gold Medal for having the highest score globally.
As a student, I honestly had the hardest time understanding cost and management ccounting. I always had to study these courses with much more effort than the others. My college often posted top achievers from the CMA Examination, and that inspired me to work harder to be one of them, but looking back, my past self would have never expected to have this kind of achievement.
I enrolled with Insights Financial Review Services, even though I lacked the confidenceduring that time to pursue this global certification, and I am beyond proud to say that I made the right decision! Reviewing for the CMA Exams right after my CPA Review was one of the most challenging phases of my life. Nothing worth having comes easy, but with the help of Insight’s reviewers, staff, and the UWorld Accounting platform, I was able to better appreciate these subjects that I had difficulty with, and have the competence and confidence to pursue both parts of the CMA Exam, even in the same testing window.
I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone in the Insights team and their partners, the Review School of Accountancy and UWorld Accounting. Through God’s grace, I was given this wonderful opportunity to boost my career to greater heights, but greater challenges begin here as I learn to bridge my CMA learnings with my professional experiences.
Dubai, UAE – June 17, 2025 – Insights-SECERIO Education and the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Dubai Chapter officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to launch a strategic partnership focused on empowering Filipino accounting and finance professionals in the UAE.
This collaboration aims to provide PICPA Dubai members with access to high-quality educational programs, CPD-accredited courses, and relevant training designed to enhance their global competitiveness and professional growth.
Both parties expressed their shared commitment to supporting continuous learning and career advancement. The partnership underscores the importance of community, excellence, and innovation in strengthening the Filipino accounting profession abroad.
Princess M. Relloso, CPA (U.S.) University of Makati – BSA 2010
I am beyond thrilled and grateful to share my journey of passing the CMA exam with all of you! This achievement was not just a culmination of my studies, but a testament to perseverance, resilience, and the belief that dreams can become reality.
From the moment I decided to enroll, I faced numerous challenges— moments of self-doubt, and the pressure of balancing family, work and study. There were times when I questioned if I was making the right decision. I even decided to quit and prioritize my career and family. Its difficult to manage work, being a wife & mother, and studying.
In those times when I felt like giving up and doubted my abilities, I had transformative conversation with Sir Angel Secerio. His advice inspired me to persevere with my CMA journey.
‘‘Pero if you are not going to do some studying by yourself the tutorial will be meaningless, Princess. Kasi the bigger effort has to come from you. I want you to pass this exam, but to be honest, you need to do better than what you are doing now. It’s like a “switch on, switch off” thing at the moment. This is not how you can pass the exam, Princess. And I will be derelict of my duties to you if I don’t highlight this to you. I hope dika magagalit with this blunt truth.”
Those words motivated me to push myself further and reconnect with my vision. I’m committed to my dream and grateful for the supportive family, friends and mentors who have inspired me at every turn.
One of the most impactful lessons I learned was to never give up. Each practice test I took became a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block. I learned to analyze my mistakes, adapt my strategies, and keep pushing forward. This experience taught me the importance of resilience and a growth mindset.
The day I received my results was surreal. I was flooded with emotions—relief, joy, and immense pride. I not only passed; I achieved a goal that once seemed so distant.
My message to everyone pursuing their dreams is simple: Pray, believe in yourself, stay committed, and don’t be afraid to reach out for support. Every effort counts and every step, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goal. Choose the best review school that will guide you not only through lectures but also empower you to go beyond.
I am especially thankful to God for leading me through this journey. I’m thrilled to count my blessings as I conclude the first quarter of 2025 by celebrating this success. I received both the promotion and passed the CMA. With God, anything is possible!
We are all capable of achieving greatness—keep pushing forward!
What an unexpected game-changer it is for aspiring global accountants from the Philippines. In an unprecedented move, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) has announced the expansion of its Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination to the Philippines.
This decision marks a significant step in making the prestigious U.S. CPA credential more accessible to aspiring accountants in the entire Philippine archipelago.
The U.S. CPA qualification is widely recognized as one of the most, if not the most, respected certifications in the accounting profession. Holding this illustrious qualification signifies a high level of expertise and competence in accounting and finance, opening doors to a plethora of career opportunities globally, not just in the U.S.
Prior to NASBA’s announcement, Filipino candidates aspiring to earn this credential have had to travel to the United States or other designated international testing locations, often incurring substantial expenses and logistical challenges. But the biggest challenge for Filipino aspirants is obtaining a U.S. visa. Now, that issue will be a thing of the past.
NASBA’s decision to open the CPA Exam in the Philippines is a strategic move intended to address the shortage of qualified accountants in the U.S. and globally by tapping into a new source of talent. The Philippines has a robust educational system and produces a significant number of accounting graduates, making it a key player in the global outsourcing industry. By offering the exam in the Philippines, NASBA aims to make it more convenient for Filipino candidates while also strengthening the pipeline of qualified professionals who can contribute to the global accounting workforce.
How does this new development affect Filipino accountants? The availability of the U.S. CPA Exam in the Philippines significantly reduces the financial burden associated with traveling abroad for the exam. Candidates can now take the exam in a familiar environment, saving on travel and accommodation expenses. Furthermore, by eliminating the need to travel internationally, NASBA is making the CPA credential more accessible to a broader demographic of aspiring accountants. This move is expected to encourage more candidates to pursue accounting education in general and the CPA certification in particular, thereby enhancing the overall quality of the accounting profession in the Philippines. Additionally, earning the U.S. CPA credential can open doors to a wide range of career opportunities, both locally and internationally. Filipino CPAs can use their certification to secure positions in multinational corporations, accounting firms, and other prestigious organizations.
In the next couple of months, NASBA and AICPA are expected to work closely with the Professional Regulatory Board of Accountancy in the Philippines to ensure that their entry will not be construed as competing with the local CPA credential. Instead, the U.S. CPA credential aims to enhance and equip Filipino talents to compete in the global job market. Boards of Accountancy from different States should start making some alignments with top Philippine Universities as this benefits them in the long run.
NASBA’s strong partnership with the independent testing leader, Prometric Testing Center, ensures a smooth implementation of the CPA Exam in the Philippines. This local testing initiative is part of a broader effort to expand the reach of the U.S. CPA credential and adapt to the evolving needs of the global accounting profession. Looking ahead, the successful rollout of the U.S. CPA Exam in the Philippines could serve as a model for similar expansions in other regions. By continuing to enhance the accessibility of its CPA credential, NASBA is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the accounting profession worldwide.
NASBA’s approval of the Philippines to be one of the international testing sites for the U.S. CPA Examination is a significant development that demonstrates NASBA’s commitment to promoting global talent and excellence in the accounting profession. For aspiring accountants in the Philippines, this decision provides a unique opportunity to achieve a world-class credential and advance their careers in an increasingly competitive and interconnected world.
Here’s to a brighter and more fruitful future for you, young Filipino Accounting students and graduates!
All my life, I never really considered myself to be hard-working. A personal observation of mine has led me to be aware of my carefree mindset. Even with academics, I did not really care too much about grades. I never thought about the concept of FAILURE or SUCCESS on a deeper level. It was that situation until one of my friends asked me, “Nakasuway nakag ka-fail yot?” (Have you ever experienced failure?), and I remember not giving her an exact answer. I was left pondering over her question because I honestly do not know what to say. Despite experiencing setbacks in the past, I did not consider them as failures.
I brought the same carefree mindset with me when I entered in college, taking up Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. I remember one time when my friends had to call me while I was playing DOTA in an internet cafe right across school to inform me that a major exam was happening that day. Even with that viewpoint, I managed to perform well in school. With the satisfactory results that I constantly received all throughout the duration of college; friends started rooting for me to top the CPALE. Although sometimes I may have made it appear to them as if I did not care one bit, the praises have gradually placed pressure on me to top the exam. I honestly thought at that time that I could do it and that if I at least change some habits, I could top the board. Sadly, I FAILED. Although I passed the CPA board exams, I was not able to achieve what I hoped and worked for. As arrogant and ungrateful as it may sound to others, but I treated it at that time to be my failure. Instead of rejoicing with my family for passing the hardest board exam in the country, I stared straight at the screen and shed a tear of disappointment. For a moment I felt tiny and defeated.
After a couple of days, I tried to think for my next move. I thought I shouldn’t just sit around, be miserable and think about my CMA exam. I was presented with the option of taking Part 2 in October 2023 and Part 1 in January 2024, but I respectfully declined. I wanted to take both parts in October thinking I could try my luck in and get an award. Ultimately, I took a leap of faith, decided to take both parts at the end of October 2023.
Taking both parts by the end of October meant I only had a brief two-week study period. It is safe to say that I crammed hard. Due to the lack of time and desire to finish the coverage, I took Part 1 with zero sleep. Needless to say, it was exceptionally hard, and to cut the story short, I SUCCEEDED! I got the Priscilla S. Payne Outstanding Student Performance Award for attaining the highest average exam score.
If my friend asked me the same question, I can look her in the eyes and tell her my story of failure. I will confidently share that I embraced that failure and completely turned things around. The greatest takeaway from this CMA journey is that God has better plans in store for us. We should embrace each experience, knowing that they are part of a greater journey orchestrated by a loving and wise Creator.
About the author:
John Davis Baguio is a full-fledged Certified Public Accountant and a recipient of the Priscilla S. Payne Outstanding Student Performance Award for attaining the highest average exam score globally in the Sept-October 2023 Exam Window of the US CMA examination. Davis graduated Magna Cum Laude at the University of San Carlos with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? When I was young, I never saw myself doing anything in the future. I often change my answer when asked about my dream job. Not once did I think of being an accountant. I chose practicality because I was indecisive about what program to take. I enrolled in the Accountancy program of the University of San Carlos. However, I failed the qualifying examinations. With this redirection, I paused, grieved, and picked myself up to explore other options. I could transfer to a different school and continue the program or shift to a different one. Then I found out about the Certified Management Accountant examination from the Facebook page of Insights Financial Review Services Inc. With the nearing start of the school year, I decided to stay in the same University and shift to the Management Accounting (BSMA) program. It was not easy. I faced the discrimination of being a Management Accounting student.
One of the Insights professors mentioned that no medalists were from the BSMA program. He motivated us that we are not “just” Management Accounting students. For the first time, I received validation from someone of authority who is both a CPA and a CMA. The different professors built my confidence, motivating us that I can do more and achieve more. With this, I strived hard and aimed higher. Little did I know that waiting for me was the Student Certificate of Distinguished Performance. I achieved my goal, I brought pride to the BSMA program, and I was able to prove them wrong. I am not “just” a BSMA graduate; I am a BSMA graduate and I am proud of it.
It was attainable with the study materials from Insights, which made reviewing more convenient. The option to know the reason why an answer is wrong for every question helped me understand the concepts more deeply. I would also like to extend my gratitude to the Insights team for their assistance. I was very close to taking the exam on two testing windows because of the tight availability of the slots. I would have been disqualified from receiving the award if it happened. More importantly, this was made possible by the professors from Insights, who went out of their way to motivate us, on top of their dedication to teaching the students. Knowing that someone believes in you does wonders. Glory to God!
About the Author:
Jocelyn Faith Sumbi graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Management Accounting from the University of San Carlos. In September/October 2023, she successfully completed the Certified Management Accountant examination administered by the Institute of Management Accountants, earning the Student Certificate of Distinguished Performance Award for achieving the second highest exam score worldwide. As the first among her peers to receive this honor, Jocelyn exemplifies the exceptional capabilities of BSMA graduates, dispelling any notion that they are merely “only BSMAs.”
