In January 2024, as Miguel Anton De Lara began preparing for the Architecture Licensure Exam (ALE), life threw him the hardest challenge anyone could face. What started as a normal review season quickly turned into an unimaginable battle, one that would test his strength and resolve in ways he never thought possible.
Miguel, a graduate of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, felt a sharp pain in his stomach and noticed a lump in his testicle. After undergoing tests and a biopsy, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. This shocking diagnosis came at a time when he was gearing up for his exam in June 2024, forcing him to temporarily set aside his studies.
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| Provided photos by Miguel Anton de Lara |
But Miguel's determination never wavered. Despite the uncertainty that loomed ahead, he kept his focus and continued his review with unwavering commitment.
Throughout his study period, Miguel faced a grueling physical battle. He underwent surgery and endured four cycles of chemotherapy, all while trying to maintain his academic focus. The side effects were relentless. "Chemo brain" caused his memory to fade, neuropathy in his hands made it difficult to write or type, and constant pain in his bones, nausea, and debilitating tinnitus made it impossible to concentrate or sleep. Some days, he could hardly move at all. Yet, despite all these challenges, he never stopped reviewing.
In addition to the physical toll, Miguel had to come to terms with how cancer impacted his work, friendships, and relationships. The experience was agonizing, but it also revealed who would truly stay by his side in his darkest hours. "Only God, my family, and a few people stood with me at rock bottom," Miguel reflects. As the eldest son (Panganay), he felt a deep responsibility to be an example for his younger brother. With this in mind, he pushed through the pain and uncertainty, refusing to let cancer define his journey.
By October 2024, just months before the January 2025 exam, an X-ray revealed that the cancer had spread to his bones. This devastating diagnosis pushed his cancer to Stage 4, making it chemo-resistant. At this point, Miguel felt defeated. The certainty of death seemed imminent. But even in the face of such a grim prognosis, he refused to give up. "I didn’t give up," he says.
A miracle soon followed. God’s grace intervened, revealing that the previous diagnosis was a mistake. Further CT scans and bloodwork showed that Miguel was cancer-free. This was nothing short of a miracle. With this newfound hope, Miguel felt as though he was given a divine mission: to show the world that no matter how low you fall, you can rise again through hard work, resilience, and faith.
Despite the overwhelming physical, mental, spiritual, financial, and personal struggles he faced, Miguel gave everything he had. He poured his heart into his studies, leaving the glory for God.
His dream of becoming a topnotcher in the Architecture Licensure Exam was within reach, but he came agonizingly close—scoring 81.00, just 0.3% away from the Top 10 with a score of 81.30. Though it wasn’t meant to be, Miguel is at peace.
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| Provided photo by Miguel Anton de Lara |
"It wasn’t my destiny," he admits. But his journey was never about achieving a ranking—it was about proving that no matter the odds, resilience and faith can overcome even the toughest of challenges.
Miguel’s story is not just one of academic pursuit but one of perseverance, faith, and unwavering strength.
"My name may not be remembered in the rankings, but I hope history will remember my resilience," he says. "Never give up and keep fighting! We will fall, but tomorrow is another chance to rise and fight. Just look at what hard work, resilience, and faith in God can do."
Miguel’s journey proves that true success is not measured by rankings or titles, but by the strength to rise again after every fall. His story serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how tough life gets, with faith, hard work, and resilience, you can rise above it all.
— The Summit Express
