In May 2019, single mom Nanita Ronquillo went viral for the inspiring story of how she raised her son by herself and sent him to Med School by selling fish. Their story would once again inspire the world after her son, John Nico Ronquillo, passed the 2019 Physician Licensure Exam.
See: Inspiring Single Mom Sends Son to Med School by Selling Fish, Pushes Him to Fulfill Dreams
For Nanay Nanita, there’s nothing sweeter than seeing her son reach his dreams and succeed in life, even if that meant that she has to wake up early every single day. As fish vendor, Nanay Nanita might have a smelly, backbreaking job, but she does not mind as long as she has the means to support her son’s dreams of becoming a doctor.
Photo credit: GMA News / YouTube
Her ex-husband left them for another woman and refused to send them financial support, but Nanay Nanita did not depend on him to raise John Nico. Recognizing his mother’s sacrifices, the young man also did his share in finding money for the family and supporting himself in school.
Supporting John Nico all the way, Nanay Nanita pushed him to try his best in his studies and to reach for his dreams, even in times when he feels like giving up. When he feels tired, Nanay Nanita is there to make him feel better; she wakes him up when he needs to study but feels too sleepy.
Photo credit: GMA News / YouTube
As he became a licensed doctor, John Nico honored his mother in a sweet tribute he posted on Facebook.
Mama, alay ko po sa iyo ang tagumpay na Ito.
Sa buong apat na araw ng board exam, kasabay ko syang gumising, kasama ko syang pumunta ng testing center, naghihintay sya sa labas At nagdarasal habang nageexam ako, kasamang nagrereview At gumigising sa akin nung mga oras bumibigay na ako sa antok.
Kasamang sumigaw, tumalon, at umiyak nung nalaman kong pasado At lisensyadong Doktor na ako.
Sa tatlompu’t isang taon, Hindi nya ako iniwan, hindi nya ako binitawan, lahat kinaya ni Mama para sa akin. Siya ang inspirasyon ko, siya yung malaking bahagi na humubog sa pagkatao ko, sya yung nagsilbing sandigan ko sa lahat ng oras. Siya yung naging gabay ko.
Ngayon bawat Siya Ay papalitan ko ng Ako.
Ma, ako naman po Ang bahala sa inyo.
Photo credit: John Nico Ronquillo / Facebook
This young promised to pay back his mother’s sacrifices, saying this time he would be the one to take care of her and make her life better!
Ako na po ang magtataguyod sa iyo, Ako na po ang magsisilbi sayo, ako na po ang magaalaga sa inyo, ako na po ang magbibigay katuparan sa lahat ng pangarap mo para sa atin.
Hindi mo po na kailangang mangutang, Hindi na rin masusugatan Ang mga kamay mo, Ma, Hindi na mawawala Ang mga ngiti sa labi mo.
Ito na po yung pangarap mo para sa akin. Ito na po yung simula ng mas marami pang magandang bagay na mangyayari sa buhay natin.
Panalo tayo Ma. Ngiting Tagumpay tayo.
To God be the Glory!
What a sweet story of success for both Doc John Nico and Nanay Nanita! Congratulations to you both…
I was so touched of this story a fish vendor were able to send his son Nico to Medical school with great sacrifices having endured throughout their life struggle. I salute his mother, as well as the dedication of his son o finish Doctor of Medicine and pass the medical licensure Exam. Now you are a license doctor This is a very inspiring story, a live example that everyone must follow. Being poor, is not a hindrance to success. I too have a dream of sending my little baby boy someday to medical school my dream for him is to be a doctor. How I wish God will grant us his grace and our sacrifices will turn into a wonderful blessing. Congratulations Nico and your mother both of you deserves a great praise. God bless you and may God guide throughout your medical practice and care to your beloved mother.