Turning to a new leaf is what most people wish to experience but unfortunately failed to do. It’s what separates the ambitious from the stagnant. It’s what defines faith and courage.
Change is inevitable; it is constant. Whether brought by time or choice, it often defines who we become. For John Mark Guerzon, change wasn’t just a phase, it was a transformation, a “banyuhay” as he fondly recalls. The term, which he first encountered in high school, signifies a metamorphosis, a new form of life shaped by purpose and growth.
A proud graduate of BS Accountancy from the College of St. Lawrence Inc., John Mark’s journey was anything but easy. Hailing from Panginay, Balagtas, Bulacan, and residing in Meycauayan, he was raised by hardworking parents, his father a metal craft worker and his mother a homemaker, with values rooted in humility and faith.
Despite being a consistent achiever in grade school, entering a private institution proved to be financially and academically challenging. But in 2019, everything started to turn around when he became a LIGHT scholar in Grade 11 under the STEM strand. For six years, he received not only financial support—including tuition fee coverage, monthly allowance, and emergency aid—but also emotional and spiritual encouragement through LIGHT’s holistic transformation programs. “It really helped me to continue my studies,” he shared. “Because of LIGHT, I didn’t have to keep asking for help elsewhere. I was sustained; body, mind, and spirit.”
He initially dreamed of becoming a civil engineer, even eyeing universities like UP Los Baños and Bulacan State University. However, due to limited slots and financial constraints, he was unable to pursue that path. Still determined, he took a leap of faith into Accountancy—a course he knew would challenge him in ways he’d never experienced. “I wasn’t good in analytical thinking,” John Mark admitted. “But I wanted to push myself. I wanted to prove that I could do something I never thought I could.”
His time in college wasn’t just about academics—it was also about leadership and transformation. From his early involvement in student councils to his collegiate leadership roles in the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants, John Mark showed that growth goes beyond the classroom. It stems from resilience, service, and a heart that refuses to give up.
During the pandemic, like many students, he struggled with online classes and uncertainty. But what stood out was his unwavering faith in God and love for family. The lockdowns, he said, strengthened their bond and deepened his appreciation for togetherness and support. “Whatever happens, family is who you’ll end up with. We became stronger and closer than ever,”
Now, with his diploma in hand and eyes set on the CPA board exam, John Mark is ready to take on a new season of life. And while the path he walked wasn’t the one he initially envisioned, it’s the one that brought out the best in him.
“The best revenge is to succeed—not to prove others wrong, but to prove to yourself that you’re capable of more than you think.” His message to others? Stay humble. Strive for excellence. Leave a legacy. In the end, banyuhay is not just a word—it’s a testimony. And for John Mark Guerzon, it is the banner of a life transformed through faith, perseverance, and the grace of God.