Siblings typically have some similarities and differences, and sometimes, there are those who would see their sibling as rival as competitor – but not Hans and Lance.

The Farinas twins both finishes summa cum laude at UP Diliman with course BS Biology.

Their success is a story of a strategic sibling partnership, balancing school-life, and knowing which to prioritize.

Farinas Twins Both Finishes Summa Cum Laude at UP Diliman

A member of the family to graduate with Latin honor is a huge achievement, especially if it is coming from one of the country’s premier universities. How much more if they got two in the same ceremony?

Well, the Farinas family from Ilocos Norte achieved that recently after their twins – Hans and Lance – finished summa cum laude (the highest distinction) from the University of the Philippines Diliman.

Per a PhilStar Life report, the two both took up Biology in UP. In addition, Lance received the Best Thesis award while Hans received the Most Outstanding BS Biology Graduate Award and the Academic Excellence Award.

Hans and Lance in the World of Academia

Similarities between the two could not be denied, both are academic achievers and have started getting interest in biology in high school. While initially studying separately, each of the two would ask each other questions throughout the day after reviewing.

Both would study with friends at cafes, as they can’t work solo especially when face to face classes had to resume.

“Part kami ng tatlong org ng Institute of Biology, pero hindi kami nag take executive roles. Personally, ayokong mag-commit masiyado sa mga org, kasi priority ko pa rin naman ‘yung [academics],” Lance said, as they joined same student bodies in UP Diliman.

Apart from academics, they also hang out with friends, go on dates with girlfriends, hit the gym or job around the campus. The two also play mobile games in between.

With their achievements, their family was extremely proud – to the point that both of their grandmothers went on stage with pride as they receive their awards. This was a fulfilled dream for their late granddad who had given huge help to their parents in helping the twins study.

4 Insights from Hans and Lans School Success

Siblings as School Partners Not Competitors

The twins did not see each other as competitor, despite taking similar school and course. Instead of the one thinking he should outperform the other, they shared ideas – hence, two heads are better than one.

Hans put it well: “Advantage po ang kambal. Kasi kapag nag-aaral ka, may nakikita kang ka-compete mo, alam mo na, ‘Hala kaya niya yun?’ same naman kami ng genes, edi kaya ko rin. Gayahin mo lang din ‘yung effort niya.”

Know Which to Prioritize

While Hans and Lance joined three student organizations while they were not in school, they did not take executive roles. High roles in school organizations almost always need commitment and consumes time.

They content themselves as member, having to participate and help in the org’s activities. They have prioritized their academics.

School-Life Balance

If we have work-life balance, Hans and Lance did school-life balance. They had life and not all academics. They would hang-out with friends, go on dates, play, hit the gym and more.

Instinct Pressure

While their parents did not pressure them with their studies, the innately shared the same grit. Admitting they sometimes have siblings’ rivalry especially during their younger years, they were happy when one of them achieves something.

Lance said: “Na learn naman namin na maging masaya sa kung anong na-achieve ng isa. Parang naghihilaan lang kami pataas. Feeling ko standard ko si Hans, feel ko standard din niya ako.”

Source: PhilStar Life