It’s not every day that two sisters land in the Top 10 of the Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination, but that’s exactly what Quisha Mariz G. Villacorta (TOP 5) and Shariz G. Villacorta (TOP 9) achieved, together, side by side, just as they’ve always been.
Their story doesn’t start with board reviewers or sleepless nights. It starts way back in Grade 1, when their mother decided to enroll them at the same time. What seemed like a simple decision became the beginning of a bond that would shape their entire academic lives. They were never classmates, but they grew up learning from each other. Quisha, the achiever, Valedictorian in Cebu City Science High School and a Magna Cum Laude graduate, naturally became the older sister Shariz looked up to. And Shariz, inspired by her Ate’s example, pushed herself until she walked the stage as a Cum Laude.
Preparing for the boards brought them even closer. They seriously started their review around August, often studying in the same room, asking questions, quizzing each other, and laughing through the stress when it all got too heavy. Shariz admits she constantly bothered her sister with questions and doubts she didn’t dare to tell anyone else. But Quisha, ever patient, always listened, always explained, always reassured her.
There were nights when both of them were tired, anxious, or discouraged, but they never let each other fall behind. They learned to balance their strengths and weaknesses, to rest when needed, and to remind each other that they weren’t going through this alone.
So when the results came out and they saw both their names among the Top 10, it wasn’t just pride they felt. It was a relief. Gratitude. Joy. And the quiet realization that they really did it together.
“We wanted to ace this together, and we did,” Shariz said. “I feel so blessed to have a study mate, a friend, and a sister all in one person.”
For future PNLE takers, their message is simple and honest: no one ever feels 100% ready. What matters is the process, using your time well, trusting the people who support you, and having someone to share the struggle with. “If we were able to do it,” Shariz said, “anyone can.”
The Villacorta sisters’ achievement is more than just two numbers in a list. It’s a celebration of family, teamwork, and love, proof that when you lift each other, you rise higher than you ever could alone.
