Aspiring UP students arrive at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, for the first day of the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT). Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News
MANILA -- Thousands of aspiring Iskolar ng Bayan took on the challenge of the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) 2027 on Saturday, August 1.
A total of 118 testing centers nationwide welcomed examinees from different parts of the country, each hoping to secure a place in the country's premier state university.
At the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City, examinees began lining up as early as 5:00 a.m., hours before the examination officially started.
Outside the testing venues, anticipation mixed with excitement and anxiety as students prepared for one of the most important examinations of their academic lives.
For some, the UPCAT is a step toward their dream careers. For others, it is an opportunity to help lift their families out of poverty.
Thousands take UPCAT 2027 as UP expects 153,000 examinees nationwide
But while the spotlight is often on the examinees, another story unfolds outside the testing rooms -- that of the families and loved ones who quietly wait, support, and pray alongside them.
Among them was Princess Sucion, who traveled from Taguig with her husband to accompany their son, an aspiring Secondary Education student.
The family left home before sunrise to avoid heavy traffic heading to the testing center.
Their car was packed with food, water, extra clothes, and other essentials to make sure their son would be comfortable throughout the day.
"Para hindi siya magutom, timing din kasi matagal ang pag-aantay namin. Baka gabi na rin kasi kami makauwi. Talagang pinaghandaanan na talaga namin siya. Kahit maaga ako gumising para mag-prepare para sa kanya, ginawa namin. Hindi man siya makapasa, proud na proud [kami]," she said.
Beyond the preparations, Sucion said their family also made time to pray before heading to the testing center.
She said they stopped by a church to ask for guidance and to thank God for giving their son the opportunity to take the UPCAT, regardless of the outcome.
"Dumaan muna kami sa simbahan, pinagpray namin talaga na palarin man o hindi, thank you pa rin kami kay God," she said.
Elsewhere, another family turned examination day into a full family affair.
As their eldest daughter, who hopes to pursue Psychology, took the examination, her younger siblings waited outside with the rest of the family. Even her two-month-old baby brother joined the family as they patiently waited for the examination to end.
Her grandmother, Lani Balilo, said the examinee admitted feeling pressured after seeing the time, effort, and sacrifices the family had made to support her.
"Siguro 3 a.m. gising na kami lahat. Ganun kami ka-excited, tapos nag-pray, pray talaga. Ayun nag-prepare. Sabi niya sa akin kanina, 'Mama, napi-pressure po ako,'" she said.
Balilo said she reminded her granddaughter not to carry the burden of the family's expectations and instead focus on doing her best.
"Pero sabi ko, huwag, relax ka lang. Kailangan, kaya mo 'yan. Makakapasa ka. Sabi niya, nag-aalala siya, 'Mama, napuyat kayo, tapos maghihintay kayo sa akin ng five hours.' Sabi ko, 'Okay lang, baby. Basta hihintayin ka namin. Nandito lang kami,'" she said.