Life’s plan rarely unfolds all at once. Instead, it’s often veiled in delays and challenges, leaving us to question if the path has lost touch with reality. These moments of uncertainty test our faith, making us wonder why things don’t go as planned.

For Christian Giango, a Board Topnotcher, what seemed like a season of frustration and unanswered prayers has proven to be part of a bigger purpose—one shaped by God’s timing and Santo Niño’s continued blessings.

The 23-year-old from Danao City faced a series of tests that pushed him and his family to their limits. Despite his name being synonymous with faith, Christian found himself overwhelmed by an unexpected crisis. The pandemic disrupted his education, and with limited access to resources for online classes, he teetered on the brink of giving up.

Just when it seemed things couldn’t get worse, his father’s tailoring business—once their financial lifeline—was destroyed by fire during his second year of college. Christian’s heart was heavy with doubt, and a single question lingered: “Nganong kailangan man mi mo undergo ani?” (Why do we have to go through this?)

As his family’s situation grew increasingly dire, Christian considered putting his education on hold and delaying his dream of taking the board examination. The thought of quitting was a painful one, but it seemed like the only way to salvage the life they once had.

“Didto to na time na murag nawad-an jud og paglaum [akong papa] then mo-resonate siya sa amoa kay siya man gud ang head sa family…[and] supposedly mo stop baya unta ko and later pa unta ko makahuman og skwela and maybe dili ko makatake sa board exam. I think that is the time jud nga gi test akoang faith,” Giango reflected. (There was a time when my father lost hope, and that resonated with us because he was the head of the family… I was supposed to quit and finish school later, and maybe I wouldn’t take the board exam at all. That was when my faith was truly tested.) 

Despite these overwhelming challenges, Christian pressed on. He completed his studies, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, majoring in Science, and continued to pray fervently to the Holy Child. Slowly but surely, the purpose behind their struggles became clear. The delays didn’t signify defeat—they were a preparation for blessings they never expected. Not only did Christian graduate with distinction, but he also emerged as the ninth placer in the recent Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LPT). 

“No matter what kung unsa inyuhang maagian, adto jud matest or makita nga if you pray and dili ka mawad-an og paglaom, diha na nga time nga…paagion ka og mga challenges for you to realize that there is something bigger nga ihatag sa imoha,” he shared. (No matter what you face, you’ll realize that if you pray and hold on to hope, those challenges are just the beginning of something greater.)

Christian’s journey, from asking “why” to being overwhelmed by blessings, now leaves him with one question: “How did it all happen?” His story is a powerful reminder that waiting is never wasted when it’s done with faith and unwavering hope. The trials strengthened his family, deepened their trust in God’s plan, and ultimately led to unexpected triumphs.

“Who would have thought ba nga sa tanan nakong naagian kay gitagaan ko nila ani [na mga blessings],” he said. (Who would have thought, after everything I went through, that I’d be blessed with all of this?)

For anyone facing delays or difficulties, trust in God’s perfect timing. Even when the road ahead seems unclear, He is preparing something far greater for you. 

Keep the faith, for His plans are always worth the wait. /Donna Rose Egos, BMSN Media Centre student volunteer