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Kapamilya Snaps: Meet the 15 stars who’ll inspire you to pursue college

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Mary Ann Bardinas

<p>Our parents always remind us to be serious with our studies since education is the best thing that they can give to us, their children, and nobody can take it away from us, too. While we often hear this from parents in ordinary families, many well-known people also firmly adhere to it, such as some of our favorite celebrities.</p><p>The fame and fortune that show business offers could arguably make someone feel contented to be where he/she is at present, but there are some celebrities who still pursue their other aspirations in life, which include earning college degrees. Meet the 15 stars who will surely inspire you to graduate from college in this Kapamilya Snaps feature!</p><div><strong>Donny Pangilinan</strong></div><p>He may be one of the biggest stars of his generation, but he didn’t let his popularity stop him from reaching greater heights. During the pandemic, Donny and his sisters Ella and Hannah decided to complete their degrees together through online learning and had their joint graduation ceremony in October 2022. He earned a degree in Leadership from Washington State’s College for Global Deployment.</p><div><strong>Alexa Ilacad</strong></div><p>Despite being busy with her work commitments and all the obstacles thrown her way, Alexa was still able to ultimately obtain her marketing degree from Treston International College last 2022. And she finished strong as she even received a dean’s lister distinction by the end of her last term and an astonishing general weighted average of 1.0. Who would forget that she had her graduation pictorial inside the <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/pbbs10"><strong><u>Pinoy Big Brother</u></strong></a> house with the help of her Kumunity Season 10 housemates?</p><div><strong>Jodi Sta. Maria</strong></div><p>Even though she already has an adult kid and an award-winning actress, Jodi didn’t let her busyness at work and at home get in the way of her accomplishing her other personal goals. Jodi earned her degree in Psychology from Southville International School and College in June 2021 at 39 years old.</p><div><strong>Janine Gutierrez</strong></div><p>Before following the path of her famous relatives in the local entertainment scene, Janine was able to graduate from college first. Just in case you do not know yet, she took up European Studies from Ateneo de Manila University. Being a true-blue Atenean that she is, the <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/dirtylinen"><strong><u>Dirty Linen</u></strong></a> lead actress still has her favorite school jacket after all these years.</p><div><strong>Diego Gutierrez</strong></div><p>Just like her older sister Janine, Diego was able to complete his college education, too. The up-and-coming artist holds a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from the University of Asia and Pacific. During his stay, he was also part of the UA&amp;P Dragons basketball varsity team.</p><div><strong>Heaven Peralejo</strong></div><p>She might have a lot going on in her personal and showbiz life, but Heaven still managed to earn a degree in Business Management from Southville International School Affiliated with Foreign Universities in 2021. The <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/theironheart"><strong><u>The Iron Heart</u></strong></a> actress shared the momentous milestone in one of her YouTube vlogs since her graduation ceremony was held at their home because of the pandemic.</p><div><strong>Michelle Vito</strong></div><p>In March 2021, Michelle announced on Instagram that she finally got her diploma for her degree in Human Resources Management from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.</p><p>Michelle posted her graduation picture and wrote in the caption: “Although it took some time and some delays, my college life has now come to an end. I’ve always wanted to go to a regular school instead of doing online classes, even though I know that it would have been really hard, especially because I also have work. I wanted to live the life of a regular student.”</p><p>She also gave us a glimpse of her hectic college and work life and further stated: “My college life is not only about graduating, getting my diploma, and having a degree but also about the unforgettable and irreplaceable experiences in between.”</p><div><strong>Sharlene San Pedro</strong></div><p>As she accomplished her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from AMA University Online Education in 2022, Sharlene posted her photo cladded in toga and captioned it: “what she tackles she conquers”. A month prior to that, the <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/goinbulilit"><strong><u>Goin’ Bulilit</u></strong></a> alumna shared snaps of her thesis defense that happened at home.</p><div><strong>Robi Domingo</strong></div><p>While he’s one of the most sought-after hosts of his generation, it was actually not Robi’s dream nor plan to be part of the industry. In fact, he holds a degree in Health Sciences from Ateneo de Manila University, which he was able to finish while he was still part of <strong>Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Plus.</strong> The <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/thevoicekids2023"><strong><u>The Voice Kids Season 5</u></strong></a> host graduated alongside popular Atenean volleyball players Fille Cainglet and Gretchen Ho, as well as PBB Teen Edition 1 alumnus Mikee Lee.</p><div><strong>Christian Bables</strong></div><p>The <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/dirtylinen"><strong><u>Dirty Linen</u></strong></a> actor also finished college before pursuing a career in show business. In fact, he was actually discovered by one of his professors at De La Salle University Dasmariñas, where he took up Communication Arts. Years after his graduation, Christian’s alma mater continues to recognize his achievements as an actor.</p><div><strong>Joj and Jai Agpangan</strong></div><p>They surely amused us with their adorable personalities and the characters they portray on TV and movies. But celebrity twins Joj and Jai impressed us when they shared that they successfully finished their degree from the University of the Philippines Open University in 2018. They imparted the momentous milestone on IG, with Jai posting their picture during their graduation that took place at the Los Baños branch of UP and captioned it: “Sometimes miracles come in pairs”.</p><div><strong>Erik Santos</strong></div><p>Amidst his busy schedule as one of the sought-after Kapamilya performers, Erik still managed to accomplish his college degree in Psychology from Centro Escolar University in 2010. In a previous interview, the <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/asap"><strong><u>ASAP Natin ‘To</u></strong></a> mainstay and King of Teleserye Theme Songs imparted that his degree is so beneficial to him since he meets and interact with different people.</p><div><strong>Enchong Dee</strong></div><p>Enchong has a bachelor’s degree in Developmental Studies from De La Salle University. During his time as a Lasallian, Enchong was part of the varsity swim team and even won multiple championships. He was even recruited to join the national team to represent the country in different international competitions.</p><div><strong>Trina Legaspi</strong></div><p>She was indeed one of the most notable cast members of <strong><u>Goin’ Bulilit</u></strong> and among the promising young actresses of her generation. But instead of pursuing her showbiz career, she opted to focus on her education and successfully graduated in 2016 with a degree in Communications from Miriam College.</p><div><strong>Neri Naig</strong></div><p>Aside from inspiring a lot of women out there on how to be a <em>“wais na misis,”</em> Neri also amazed us when she got her degree in Business Administration from the University of Baguio in 2022 at the age of 36. And she didn’t stop there as she also enrolled in Harvard Business School’s online program for Entrepreneurship Essentials.</p><p>The <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-photos/14040518-throwback-star-circle-quest-2004-14313"><strong><u>Star Circle Quest</u></strong></a> alumna has her husband, Parokya Ni Edgar frontman and <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/idolphilippines2022"><strong><u>Idol Philippines Season 2</u></strong></a> judge Chito Miranda to unwaveringly support her. She shared a few pictures from her graduation and wrote in the caption (written as is): “Thankful <em>ako sa asawa kong palaging andyan</em> for me to support me. <em>Masaya lang siya kahit nasa gilid lang at pinapalakpakan ako sa mga</em> achievements <em>ko. Mas magaan ang buhay kapag may nag</em> eencourage <em>sa&#x27;yo at naniniwala sa kakayanan mo</em>. Thank you, <em>asawa ko. Mahal na mahal kitaaa</em>.”</p><p>Let these Kapamilya stars inspire you to pursue a college degree!</p><style rel="stylesheet" type="text/css">.scroll-wrapper {-webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;}.scroll-wrapper iframe {border: none;}</style><div class="scroll-wrapper"><iframe id="MegaControllerIframe-1680653835104" src="https://controller.megaphonetv.com?m=c30fv&amp;iswebpoll=true&amp;poll_id=642cbd40f1b2e0000a1375a9" style="width:100%;min-height:480px"></iframe></div><script type="text/javascript">!function(){class e{constructor(t,s=null){this.type=null,this.fieldName=t,this.fieldValue=s,this.originMessageID=`${(new Date).getTime()}_${Math.random()}`,this.systemID=e.SYSTEM_ID}toPlainObject(){return JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(this))}}e.GET='GET',e.SET='SET',e.RESPONSE='RESPONSE',e.LOCAL_STORAGE_CHECK='LOCAL_STORAGE_CHECK',e.SYSTEM_ID='MP_FIRST_PARTY_DATA_BRIDGE';class t extends e{constructor(t,s,a=null){super(t,s),this.status=a,this.type=e.RESPONSE}}function s(){try{if('undefined'==typeof localStorage)return!1;try{return localStorage.setItem('testkey','testvalue'),localStorage.removeItem('testkey'),!0}catch(e){return!1}}catch(e){return!1}}if(window&&window.addEventListener){const a=document.getElementById('MegaControllerIframe-1680653835104');new class{constructor(){this.targetOrigin='*',this.bubblingMessages=new Map,this.beginListeningForMessages()}beginListeningForMessages(){window.addEventListener('message',this.messageListener.bind(this),!1)}messageListener(a){if(a.data.systemID!==e.SYSTEM_ID)return;let i=a.data.type,n=a.data.fieldName,r=a.data.fieldValue,g=new t;if(g.originMessageID=a.data.originMessageID,i===e.GET)g.fieldName=n,s()?this.handleGet(n,a.source,g):this.checkForBubble(a.data,a.source,g);else if(i===e.SET)s()?this.handleSet(n,r):this.checkForBubble(a.data,a.source,g);else if(i===e.LOCAL_STORAGE_CHECK)s()?this.handleLocalStorageCheck(a.source,g):this.checkForBubble(a.data,a.source,g);else if(i===e.RESPONSE){const e=this.bubblingMessages.get(a.data.originMessageID);null!=e&&(this.bubblingMessages.delete(a.data.originMessageID),e.source.postMessage(a.data,this.targetOrigin))}}handleGet(e,t,s){s.fieldValue=localStorage.getItem(e),s.status=200,t.postMessage(s.toPlainObject(),this.targetOrigin)}handleSet(e,t){localStorage.setItem(e,t)}handleLocalStorageCheck(e,t){t.status=200,e.postMessage(t.toPlainObject(),this.targetOrigin)}checkForBubble(e,t,s){!function(){try{return window.self!==window.top}catch(e){return!0}}()?(s.status=403,s.fieldValue=null,t.postMessage(s.toPlainObject(),this.targetOrigin)):this.bubbleMessage(e,t)}bubbleMessage(t,s){this.bubblingMessages.set(t.originMessageID,{message:t,source:s}),t.type!==e.GET&&t.type!==e.LOCAL_STORAGE_CHECK||setTimeout(this.handleBubbledMessageTimeout.bind(this),4e3,t,s),window.parent.postMessage(t,this.targetOrigin)}handleBubbledMessageTimeout(t,s){this.bubblingMessages.has(t.originMessageID)&&(this.bubblingMessages.delete(t.originMessageID),t.status=404,t.type=e.RESPONSE,s.postMessage(t,this.targetOrigin))}};window.addEventListener('message',function(e){e.data.hasOwnProperty('height')&&(a.style.height=(parseInt(e.data.height)+1).toString()+'px')},!1)}}();</script>

Find out who among our favorite celebrities were able to earn their college degrees before and while in showbiz through this Kapamilya Snaps feature.