1 week Ago By Rappler Entertainment Team
MANILA, Philippines – Success in showbiz often comes from fame and fortune, but for these Filipino celebrities, education remains their top priority. Despite the demands of fame and a busy career making their journey more complicated, these stars still pushed through with turning their goals into reality. While their lives in the spotlight keep them busy, these stars still made time to pursue higher education, showing us that it’s never too late to chase your academic dreams.
Arlene Muhlach .igframe iframe{background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;height: 967px;}@media screen and (max-width: 760px){.igframe iframe{height: 710px;}u} At 55, Arlene Muhlach achieved a new milestone as she finished college with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the Philippine Women’s University, proving that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.
On September 2, the actress took to Instagram to share her inspiring achievement, reflecting on her educational journey and the hard work that led to this milestone. “I stopped my college studies in my third year many years ago when work was offered to me. Then my family came, and my priorities changed,” she wrote in her caption.
Thankful for demonstrating that it’s never too late to achieve your goals, Muhlach also extended her gratitude to her blockmates, professors, and the university’s Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP). The actress also thanked her husband, Warren Dandoy, and their children, Aliyah and Augusto, for their unwavering support and encouragement during the challenging moments when she almost gave up. “Age is just a number, determination and passion are what truly matter,” Muhlach ended.
Ejay Falcon From winning Pinoy Big Brother in 2008 and becoming an action-drama star to serving as a public official and now finishing a college degree, Ejay Falcon shared he has had a rollercoaster journey to achieve these significant milestones in his life. At 34, the actor-turned-politician achieved his goal of earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, majoring in Local Governance, from the University of Makati. Falcon, who currently serves as the vice governor of Oriental Mindoro, celebrated his latest achievement in a Facebook post on August 30, stating that: “ Mga kababayan, hindi ko rin po sukat akalain na sa aking edad eh makakatapos parin ako ng kurso sa kolehiyo (Fellow citizens, I never thought that at my age, I would still be able to complete a college degree).
” Falcon shared photos of his diploma and highlights from the commencement ceremony at the PICC Plenary Hall in Pasay City. It included moments with his fellow graduates and his wife, Jana Roxas. “ Graduate na po ako, at inaalay ko po ito sa bawat isang taong patuloy na lumalaban sa hamon ng buhay at patuloy na naniniwala sa magandang hatid ng sipag at tiyaga (I have graduated, and I dedicate this achievement to everyone who continues to fight the challenges of life and believes in the rewards of hard work and perseverance),” he wrote.
Dingdong Dantes .igframe iframe{background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;height: 967px;}@media screen and (max-width: 760px){.igframe iframe{height: 710px;}u} You might be surprised to learn that Dingdong Dantes, the Kapuso primetime king who consistently dazzles on our screens, didn’t earn his degree in his 20s.
At the age of 33, Dantes finished college, where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration in Marketing from West Negros University in 2014. Dantes was accompanied by his then-girlfriend, Marian Rivera, who became his wife later that same year, during the graduation ceremony. In an interview with GMA News Online, Dantes reflected on his time studying Interdisciplinary Studies at Ateneo De Manila University.
He was an irregular student, attending classes three times a week amidst a demanding schedule of tapings and shootings for GMA shows. Although he had to put his education on hold for his showbiz career, the actor eventually returned to school in Bacolod and earned his bachelor’s degree. “I wanted to finish my school.
And not just my own education but pati yung mga kapatid ko ( also my siblings) , ” Dantes said. Jodi Sta. Maria .
igframe iframe{background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;height: 967px;}@media screen and (max-width: 760px){.igframe iframe{height: 710px;}u} Jodi Sta. Maria has officially checked off a primary life goal — graduating from college, which she did with flying colors! In 2021, the 39-year-old actress took to Instagram to proudly announce that she had finally earned her degree after more than a decade of juggling showbiz and school.
Sta. Maria, who graduated with a dean’s merit from the Southville International School and Colleges Psychology program, shared some stunning graduation photos and certificates as proof of her achievement. “Remember, it’s never too late, and you’re never too old to reach for your stars,” she reminded her fans, inspiring many to chase their dreams no matter the timeline.
She also credited her faith in God for helping her push through challenges, saying His strength carried her through every tough moment. “I knew that God was with me all throughout my college life and I kept holding on to his promise that I could do all things through Him who gave me strength and supplied me with more than I needed,” she wrote. Richard Gomez .
igframe iframe{background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;height: 967px;}@media screen and (max-width: 760px){.igframe iframe{height: 710px;}u} In 2019, Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez added another feather to his cap when he became a doctorate holder in Public Administration! At 53, the actor-turned-politician proudly marched at the Cebu Technological University’s graduation ceremony. Gomez shared his accomplishment on Instagram: “Today I graduated with a Doctorate Degree in Public Administration [.
..] This was a very enriching course and experience for me, especially in my capacity as a local chief executive.
” He also pointed out that he was able to successfully defend his thesis–which was focused on Green Information Technology Adoption Diversity–before professors and fellow graduates. Gomez’s wife, Ormoc City Representative Lucy Torres-Gomez, attended the ceremony to support her husband and took the stage as a guest speaker. Baron Geisler .
igframe iframe{background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;height: 967px;}@media screen and (max-width: 760px){.igframe iframe{height: 710px;}u} Turning 40 is just the start of a new chapter, and for Baron Geisler, it means graduating with a Theology degree. The actor proudly shared photos of his graduation ceremony, where he posed with his fellow graduates and received his diploma from All Nations College in Antipolo, Rizal.
The actor was one of 30 graduates earning a Bachelor of Arts in Theology, as revealed in the college’s graduation program. Geisler, who graduated in 2022, took to Instagram to express his gratitude, saying, “My journey has reached its goal and opened a way before me. Thank you, Lord!” Ruffa Gutierrez .
igframe iframe{background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;height: 967px;}@media screen and (max-width: 760px){.igframe iframe{height: 710px;}u} Ruffa Gutierrez proved that it’s never too late to hit the books. In 2022, the then 48-year-old actress proudly graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts from Philippine Women’s University, Sharing her achievement on Instagram, Gutierrez beamed in her graduation toga and quoted, “Don’t downgrade your dream just to fit your reality.
Upgrade your conviction to match your destiny.” She expressed gratitude for the support from her family and the ETEEAP team while revealing her plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Communication Arts. “Because of my enduring commitment to continuously seeking knowledge and equipping myself with new skills that will help me prosper and fulfill my dreams in the ever-changing global scene, I also proudly share with you that I am officially an MA Communication Arts student at Philippine Women’s University,” she wrote.
Jhong Hilario .igframe iframe{background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;height: 967px;}@media screen and (max-width: 760px){.igframe iframe{height: 710px;}u} It’s no easy feat to juggle roles as a father, husband, TV personality, and politician—let alone add a student to the mix! But Jhong Hilario has done it with style.
The TV host and Makati City councilor proudly achieved a college degree at 46, fulfilling his parents’ lifelong dream. In 2023, Jhong graduated magna cum laude from Arellano University’s Political Science program, donning his cap and gown in a proud celebration.He shared his academic journey through Instagram and a YouTube vlog, highlighting his dedication to Mathematics, Physical Education, and Social Science.
In August 2024, Hilario achieved another milestone, earning his Master’s in Public Administration with the highest merit. Jhong’s long-time partner, Maia Azores, and their daughter, Sarina, were there to celebrate his graduation, and their joy was evident in the family photos taken at the Philippine International Convention Center. In an Instagram post , the proud family beamed with happiness as they posed together, with Maia sharing, “We are so proud of you, Daddy.
Master’s in Public Administration with Highest Merit from World Citi Colleges!” Karla Estrada .igframe iframe{background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;height: 967px;}@media screen and (max-width: 760px){.igframe iframe{height: 710px;}u} From TV host to college graduate, Karla Estrada unlocked a significant milestone of earning her degree at 48.
In August 2023, the star celebrated her achievement with a graduation ceremony for her Bachelor of Science in Office Administration from Philippine Christian University. Estrada captured the day’s excitement in a vibrant Instagram reel, proudly declaring, “It’s never too late to graduate! Another milestone unlocked.” In a message to her fellow graduates, she added, “Congratulations to all! Cheers!” Sunshine Cruz While juggling a successful showbiz career and being a mom of three, Sunshine Cruz also earned her degree before entering her 40s.
In 2017, the actress graduated at 39 from Arellano University with a degree in Psychology through the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP). The ETEEAP, administered by the Philippine Commission on Higher Education (CHED), offers an alternative route for working professionals who couldn’t complete their studies or return to school for various reasons. The program serves as a substitute for the traditional schooling system.
The actress shared a video of herself receiving her diploma on stage with the caption, “I did It!” In another post, Cruz expressed that ‘it does not stop there.’ The actress plans to pursue a master’s degree in Psychology as soon as she’s able to save enough for her children. Valerie Concepcion .
igframe iframe{background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;height: 967px;}@media screen and (max-width: 760px){.igframe iframe{height: 710px;}u} As a celebrity mom, Valerie Concepcion has dazzled once again – this time in a cap and gown! The actress graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2018 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Arellano University. The then 30-year-old actress shared her graduation joy on Instagram, expressing heartfelt thanks to her family, professors, and classmates who supported her through the journey.
Valerie, who took a break from her studies to raise her daughter, Fiona, now 13, celebrated this milestone with a message of gratitude and a triumphant shout-out to God. “I want to thank my loved ones who supported me and pushed and inspired me to finish my studies,” she wrote. Yasmien Kurdi .
igframe iframe{background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;height: 967px;}@media screen and (max-width: 760px){.igframe iframe{height: 710px;}u} At 30 years old, Yasmien Kurdi is a magna cum laude graduate from Arellano University, having nailed her political science degree with flying colors! The GMA actress celebrated her achievement on Instagram, proudly flaunting her magna cum laude medal and reflecting on the hard work that made this moment possible. “I am beyond grateful and humbled.
All the hard work for many years in college paid off,” she shared , urging working students to keep chasing their dreams and to stay positive despite life’s challenges. Kurdi, who previously studied foreign service and nursing, is thrilled to have completed her degree while balancing her roles as an actress and mother. Neri Naig .
igframe iframe{background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;height: 967px;}@media screen and (max-width: 760px){.igframe iframe{height: 710px;}u} Neri Naig snagged a milestone, graduating with a Business Administration degree from the University of Baguio at 36. In 2022, the proud mom and entrepreneur went to Instagram to share her graduation photo, which features an unexpected photobomber — her husband, Chito Miranda.
It showcased her in full cap-and-gown glory, with Chito flashing a cheeky peace sign in the background. In her caption, she summed up her achievement with a simple yet triumphant “Finally.” – with additional reports from Zulaikha Palma/Rappler.
com Zulaikha Palma is an intern under Rappler’s Lifestyle and Entertainment section..
