CAMILING, Tarlac (Jan. 28, 2026) – For Ar. Raniel Darren A. Domingo, the journey to becoming a top-performing architect wasn’t a secret. It was a system. And it worked perfectly.
The Tarlac State University (TSU) alumnus has just been named one of the country’s top new architects, placing 5th in the highly competitive January 2026 Architecture Licensure Examination (ALE).
Domingo’s achievement is a landmark for TSU’s College of Architecture and Fine Arts (CAFA), as he is among the university’s first batch of K-12 program graduates to conquer the ALE. His victory underscores the culmination of a long road: five intense years in college followed by a mandatory two-year apprenticeship.
A Foundation Built at Home
Domingo’s story begins at home in Brgy. Poblacion G, Camiling, Tarlac. As the eldest of three boys, he grew up watching his mother, a teacher, and his father, a skilled furniture maker. It was his father’s craft that lit the initial spark.
“My father is a furniture maker who also knows how to do drafting. He taught me how to do floor plans, perspective drawings, and even scale models, so College was not a huge adjustment for me,” Domingo recalled.
While his father worked with wood and tools, Domingo was inspired to take the family’s craftsmanship to a new, professional level, charting a path to become the family’s first architect.
This hands-on education gave him a rare head start. His childhood dream was clear and unwavering.
“Ever Since kasi bata ako gusto ko nang maging Architect. My childhood primed me to this moment in a way,” he said. With this focus, he entered TSU with a determined mindset:“Failure sa Architecture school was never an option to me. Whatever it takes kako sa sarili ko mula sa umpisa, I’m gonna make it.”
The Apprenticeship and a Strategic System
After graduating in 2023, Domingo began his required two-year apprenticeship at SOKN Design in Concepcion, Tarlac. The firm is led by another TSU success story, Ar. Orlando Sangalang Jr., who placed 2nd in the January 2014 ALE.
Working primarily as a Construction Manager, Domingo was immersed in the gritty reality of construction sites. “So whole day ako sa site, which is great kasi mai-immerse ka… but very stressful,” he admitted. This pressure, however, became a crucial part of his education, teaching him how projects really get built.
The Blueprint That Built a Topnotcher
Domingo’s exam preparation began with a philosophy, not a textbook. A few months into his apprenticeship, he realized success would require more. He turned to books on habits and self-discipline, most notably James Clear’s Atomic Habits. The core idea became his mantra: “You don’t rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems.”
He meticulously built his system. Eight months before the exam, he started a transition routine, dedicating short, consistent periods daily to study. For his full-time review, he made a strategic choice to relocate to Baguio, crafting an environment optimized for focus.
“I felt like I have the chance to do something special so I want everything to work on my favor,” he explained.
His review was a cycle of precision: a strict daily schedule, monthly mock boards, and constant self-assessment.
“I have notes ng lahat ng observation ko sa performance ko. Same process lang over and over again,” he shared. He also sought out strategic resources like the book “Outsmart the Board Exam” by Engr. Rusel Virata.
The Victory and the Mindset
When the results declared him a topnotcher with an 87.90% rating, Domingo was thrilled but humble.
“I would be lying if I said na hindi ko siya in-aim. Pero I respect the hard work of everyone na nag-take ng exam, so I’m flabbergasted nung nalaman kong nag-top ako,” he enthused.
For future examinees, his advice goes beyond study tips. He advocates for a fundamental shift in perspective.
“Ito ang naging mindset ko during review, hindi ka nagre-review para maipasa ang exam, nagre-review ka for you to be a competent and ready na architect after that,” he stressed. He believes apprenticeship is key because “the board exam will test your maturity as an architect in providing solutions to real-life problems.”
TSU Celebrates a Record-Breaking Batch
Domingo’s success is the highlight of an outstanding performance by TSU-CAFA. The college achieved a 76.27% institutional passing rate. Notably, its first-time takers excelled spectacularly, with 34 out of 36 passing—a 94.44% first-taker rate.
His achievement is part of a historic national moment. The January 2026 ALE set a modern record with a national passing rate of 82.09%, a significant jump from previous years, which typically ranged from 54% to 65%.
From the furniture dust of his father’s workshop to the top of the national licensure list, Ar. Raniel Darren A. Domingo has built his career just like a good architect builds a structure: with a strong foundation, a solid plan, and the disciplined execution of a proven system.
His story as his family’s first architect is a new blueprint for success, showcasing how passion, discipline, and a smart system can build a dream into reality.
