In this day and age of Twitter, Skype, iPad 2 and Justin Bieber, traditional rituals have seemingly become a thing of the past. With the advent of new technology and modern culture, superstitious rituals & practices appear to be forgotten. Not until you meet Mark Onglao, the topnotcher in the recent August 2011 medical board exam.  This advocate of science and medicine has his own share of superstitious rituals owing to his success in the recent medical board exams.

The UP Manila graduate shares that he wore red underwear and ate Red Ribbon Chicken Empanada when taking the exam. Along with not cutting his hair during the entire review process, Mark considers these to be his lucky charms to his great feat. Previous batches who took the test advised Mark and his friends to eat Red Ribbon Chicken Empanada because it gave them good luck in passing the exam. Mark shares, “They were very particular. We should only eat Red Ribbon Chicken Empanada (no other brand) or else luck will not serve its purpose”. When asked why and how the tradition started, Mark says “Hindi ko rin po alam, basta sabi lang nila. Feeling namin ang hirap ng exam so kapit na kami sa patalim, lahat ng pwedeng gawin para makapasa, gagawin namin.” Mark recalls how delighted his family was when they learned that he didn’t just pass but even topped the exam, “My mom was calling me when I was in church the day she found out the results.”

Mark plans to practice medicine in the Philippine General Hospital, specializing in pediatric surgery. Mark shares most of his batch mates will also be practicing medicine in the Philippines because of the country’s need for talented and skilled doctors. Truly this is one young man that Filipinos can be proud about. We congratulate Mark on his success and we wish him all the best for the future!

Michelle Pador
Corporate Communications Manager
michelle.pador@jollibee.com.ph