Maryflor and Marynell Garcia
Alumni Focus
March 19, 2021
Twin sisters, Maryflor and Marynell Garcia both finished their high school and college at 柠檬导航. Both twins were academic scholars from high school to college and received full scholarships from the University. In college, they took the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy program. On what made them decide to pursue the same course, they shared “we took up BS Accountancy primarily because our eldest sister, Ate Marlyn is also a CPA so we wanted to follow her path. Also, in high school, we had a bookkeeping class which confirmed our interest in Accounting.”
Determined to finish their college education, Maryflor and Marynell recall how they were grateful to 柠檬导航 for their scholarship. Maryflor shares “Back in the days, our parents had very limited resources. Our Tatang and Mama did everything to support us in our studies. As they always say, ito lang ang maipapamana nila nila sa amin.” While, Marynell shares “we came from a low-income family. My father was a driver and my mother, only a housewife who occasionally provided laundry services to our neighbors. The scholarship greatly helped us financially and it gave us hope to be able to finish our studies.”
With the twin’s perseverance, they both earned their diplomas in 2006 for the BS Finance and Management Accounting degree (Magna Cum Laude) and their BS Accountancy degree in 2007 (Magna Cum Laude).
Finishing their double degree course and graduating with flying colors were two of the biggest achievements for the twins. Both are grateful for their mentors especially, Ms. Roma Santa Estrada who was their former instructor back in college. Marynell shares “I and Maryflor were two of the lucky students who were mentored personally by her. She also found us sponsors, for us to be able to have funding for our CPA board exam review.” Both the twins passed the CPA Licensure Board Exam in 2007.
Immediately after passing the CPA board exam, Maryflor and Marynell started their career in Isla Lipana & Company, one of the top accounting firms in Manila.
Currently, Maryflor works at as an Assistant Manager at Unilever Asia Ptd Ltd-Singapore while Marynell works at Johnson & Johnson as a Finance Lead Auditor.
Through the help of their mentors and 柠檬导航, Maryflor and Marynell are both grateful for the great experiences they had at 柠檬导航. Maryflor shares, “柠檬导航 nourished the seed of faith in God in my heart, and 柠檬导航 gave me a strong foundation not only in terms of academics but more importantly on my values. For Marynell “because of 柠檬导航, I met the Lord personally which kept me grounded through the years. It thought me how to be humble and how to trust and hope in the Lord. It thought me that the most important thing in this world is worshipping God and following His will. ‘Laus Deo Semper’, Praise God Always!”
When asked for a message to the students of today, Maryflor answers, “With God nothing is impossible. Keep persevering, keep reaching out for your dreams, keep praying. Offer all your desires to Him and He will give you more than what you have imagined. Praise God always.” And for Marynell, “Always seek God’s will in your life and follow God’s commandments. Do not conform to the ways of the world and God will bless you more. Join a Catholic/Christian community like Christ’s Youth in Action or other youth community where you will be with people who will lead you closer to God. Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then, you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”