Because sometimes, you need more than just studying—you need prayers, diskarte, and empanada for every meal…
Board exams are more than just a test of knowledge, it’s a battle of nerves, destiny, and, apparently, odd rituals passed down from batch to batch like secret Hogwarts spells. Whether you’re reviewing just enough or more than what’s intended, here are some of the strangest and most tried-and-tested superstitions that just might help you pass, according to netizens and successful former exam takers:
Wear red, inside and out; as much as you can
Wear a red brief, panty, sando and bra during exam day to bring in good luck, energy, and confidence. Some even go the extra mile and paint their nails red while also wearing red bracelets and jewelry!
Let the topnotchers sharpen your pencils
They say you should have your pencil sharpened by a past topnotcher. Why? Because success might just transfer through the blade. Maybe that topnotcher’s luck will be passed down to you. In addition, make sure the sharpening motion is clockwise as luck works that way.
Say no to boiled eggs
No to itlog on exam day. Why? Kay basin ma-betlog or ma-zero ka, like the shape of the egg. Replace your usual “high-protein breakfast” with something more auspicious (aka carbs and blind faith).
Katsudon + Empanada is the combo meal of board passers
Katsuon, a Japanese meal made up of pork cutlet and egg rice bowl, is the dinner for the winning protagonists in a battle of knowledge and skills. Aside from that, many believe that on the exam day, one should eat an empanada for breakfast, snacks, and lunch. Many specified that the Red Ribbon Empanada is the one that brings the most luck which is why during board exams period, the famed bakery brand often have to ramp up their empanada numbers to meet the demand as they’ve encountered durations where they faced an empanada shortage.
Step with your right foot first
Leave the house using your right foot first. Enter the exam room? Right foot pa rin. Confused? So will the good spirits if you mess it up. Some believe that doing these will help align your metaphysical ways.
Leave a candle lit at home
Light a candle before leaving the house, then extinguish it when you return. This is not for summoning spirits, rather it’s to give them a heads-up that you’re asking for their help… or protection from math anxiety. However, do note that leaving candles at home can be a fire hazard, so, make sure to only do so if you live with someone else for them to keep watch.
The pencil is sacred
Drop your pencil? That’s bad juju. Keep it on the table or in a death grip. After the final subject on the last day, make sure to snap the pencil in half and leave it to the proctor because bringing it home can stall your exam luck.
Kick the chair infront of you
Done with your last subject? Kick the chair that’s right infront of you, but do it gently so as not to disturb the one sitting on it. The reason? It’s to “kick off” the exam and to move forward in becoming a board passer.
Don’t look back!
Once you stand up after your last exam, DO NOT LOOK BACK. Just walk away. Drama mode: ON. This is you cutting ties with stress, self-doubt, and that one question about tax laws you definitely guessed on.
No cutting of nails
From Day 1 of the exam until the results come out: do not cut your nails. Therefore, make sure to have your nail appointments before it.
Give luck to others
Give away your uniform or coat after the exam as a way of manifesting and symbolizing that you will never need it again (read: di na ka magre-retake, please lang). But if your friend fails, you might wanna reconsider and ask for it back.
Obviously, studying is key, but sometimes, it’s the little rituals that keep us grounded (and slightly superstitious). So whether you believe in all of these or none at all, just know this: the board exam is just one chapter; what happens next is totally up to you.
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