Topnotcher's Emotional Revelation: The 'Name Withheld' He Blamed Was Himself
ERWIN Ken Angcual Parchaso, who emerged as the top performer in the March 2026 Physician Licensure Examination, has broken his silence following days of intense online speculation surrounding the mysterious "Name Withheld" entry that appeared when the Professional Regulation Commission initially released the exam results. While Parchaso chose not to divulge specific details behind why his name was temporarily withheld, he opened up about his remarkable decade-long journey to medical licensure, marked by perseverance through multiple setbacks.
A Decade of Determination and Unexpected Discovery
Parchaso revealed he was a third-time examinee who dedicated ten full years to achieving his dream of becoming a licensed physician. He candidly shared that he failed his first two attempts while simultaneously building a family, facing the dual pressures of academic pursuit and personal responsibility. On his third attempt, he experienced profound devastation when he couldn't find his name on the published passers list.
"I was crying outside our house," Parchaso recounted. "I saw that the topnotcher was 'Name Withheld' and under investigation. I thought, 'That person is probably the reason I didn't pass. I didn't make the curve because of them. Serves them right! They're under investigation.'"
Then came what he describes as the unexpected plot twist. "That 'Name Withheld' I was blaming? It was me. I was crying over my own name. Wishing ill on myself without knowing it," he added, highlighting the emotional irony of his situation.
Gratitude for Institutional Support and Personal Growth
Parchaso expressed deep appreciation for his alma mater, Lyceum Northwestern University, acknowledging their foundational role in his success. "Thank you for shaping me long before this moment," he said. "You didn't just teach me medicine. You built my foundation. You gave me the tools, the values, and the discipline that carried me through every sleepless night and every failed attempt."
The Core Lesson: Resilience Through Continuous Effort
Reflecting on his journey from repeated setbacks to ultimate triumph, Parchaso shared a powerful insight about perseverance. He emphasized that the greatest barrier isn't the examination itself, but maintaining self-belief and consistent effort throughout challenging circumstances.
"But here's what I learned in those ten years: you don't have to be unbreakable to be strong. You just have to keep showing up. Even when it hurts. Even when you're embarrassed. Even when you want to disappear," he stated, offering encouragement to others facing similar obstacles.
His story serves as a testament to the importance of resilience in professional licensing processes, where temporary administrative procedures like name withholding can create emotional turmoil for examinees awaiting their results.
