Flonique Guimary

Ruffa Gutierrez, Marjorie Barretto, and more Filipina celebrities who proved it’s never too late to graduate

Article (news)

Alyana De Guzman

Push Team

<p>As graduation season unfolds, stories of perseverance take center stage not just from fresh graduates, but also from individuals who chose to return to school later in life. </p><p>In the world of entertainment, several Filipina celebrities have proven that age is no barrier to achieving academic dreams. Whether in their 30s, 40s, or even 50s, these women went back to school, finished what they started, and wore their caps and gowns with pride. </p><div>  </div><p>Here’s a look back at their inspiring journeys: </p><div>  </div><div><strong>1. Marjorie Barretto </strong></div><p>At 51 years old, Marjorie fulfilled her dream of earning a Bachelor of Arts Major in Communication Arts from Philippine Women’s University, graduating last August 2025. </p><p>Reflecting on her long-awaited milestone, she shared: &quot;At 51 years old, I finally wore this cap and gown. 🎓 For years, finishing college was a dream tucked away — paused for show business, raising children, public service, business, and building a life. But God never forgot. In His perfect time, He gave me the courage to return, the strength to push through, and the joy of crossing this finish line.&quot; </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-7" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DNR-qhJvJ2x/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A7%2C%22os%22%3A6444999.5%2C%22ls%22%3A134427.59999990463%2C%22le%22%3A134686%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1356" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-7" scrolling="no" style="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"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>She also credited her “dear friend” Ruffa Gutierrez for encouraging her to go back to school. Adding to the special moment, her son Leon Barretto graduated in the same year. </p><div>  </div><div><strong>2. Ruffa Gutierrez </strong></div><p>Ruffa graduated at 48 years old in 2022 with a degree in Communication Arts from Philippine Women’s University under the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP). At 51, she took things further by enrolling in a masteral program at the same university. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-8" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/Chld58hBGWr/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A8%2C%22os%22%3A6445537.099999905%2C%22ls%22%3A134427.59999990463%2C%22le%22%3A134686%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1253" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-8" scrolling="no" style="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"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Just last February, she successfully defended her master’s thesis proposal.  </p><p>&quot;I&#x27;m living proof that balancing work, family, and school is not easy, but it is worth every moment. This journey continues to remind me that it’s never too late to chase your dreams and finish what you started.&quot; </p><p>She added, &quot;Growth doesn’t stop, no matter your age or the season you’re in. I’m proud of myself for choosing to learn again, to challenge myself, and to keep evolving. To anyone out there who feels like it’s too late, you’ve got this!&quot; </p><div>  </div><div><strong>3. Princess Punzalan </strong></div><p>The former kontrabida took a different path from acting when she earned her nursing degree at 45 years old from Santa Monica College in California in 2013. Now a practicing nurse in the U.S., she expressed her gratitude in taking a new role through an Instagram post last year.  </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-12" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DKDnCKIyBc8/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A12%2C%22os%22%3A6620624.899999857%2C%22ls%22%3A134427.59999990463%2C%22le%22%3A134686%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1104" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-12" scrolling="no" style="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"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>“I am incredibly grateful for the privilege of being a nurse. It is a role that has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, fostering a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose. The ability to advocate for patients, collaborate with a team of dedicated healthcare professionals, and continuously learn and adapt is something I cherish every day.” </p><div>  </div><div><strong>4. Jodi Sta. Maria </strong></div><p>Jodi marked a personal milestone in June 2021 when she graduated at 39 years old with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree from Southville International School and Colleges.  </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-13" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQdDvjIh0fu/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A13%2C%22os%22%3A6620631.699999809%2C%22ls%22%3A134427.59999990463%2C%22le%22%3A134686%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1293" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-13" scrolling="no" style="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"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Five years later, she took another step forward by enrolling in a master’s degree program. </p><p>&quot;After the setbacks and delays… it&#x27;s finally happening 🥹 Officially enrolled in my MA in Psychology with Specialization in Family Life Development.&quot;</p><div>  </div><div><strong>5. Sunshine Cruz </strong></div><p>Sunshine completed her Psychology degree at Arellano University in 2017 at the age of 39. Having entered showbiz in 1992 as a teenager, she had to pause her studies due to the demands of her career, later proving that it’s never too late to return. </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774925329056900_675_19Main_Image1000x750-updated0717__20180418172021.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div>  </div><div><strong>6. Hidilyn Diaz </strong></div><p>The Olympic gold medalist earned a degree with Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Management from De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde in 2023 through its School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPaCE). </p><p>“Nakakaiyak din pala. Not an ordinary day. Inabot din ng 16 years, nagshift ng courses, nagtransfer ng school, nagLOA dahil ang hirap pagsabayin ang pagwe-weightlifting at pag-aaral,&quot; she wrote on Instagram.  </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-14" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu_j1_nuaYa/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A14%2C%22os%22%3A6620637.299999952%2C%22ls%22%3A134427.59999990463%2C%22le%22%3A134686%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1221" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-14" scrolling="no" style="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"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>She also completed the Teaching Effectiveness Course at the UP Diliman School of Economics and is now teaching PE 2 weightlifting classes at the UP College of Human Kinetics for Academic Year 2025–2026. </p><div>  </div><div><strong>7. Yasmien Kurdi </strong></div><p>Yasmien graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor&#x27;s Degree in Political Science from Arellano University in 2019. She is currently continuing her academic journey as she pursues a law degree at the same institution. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-15" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv8O5WRF7GY/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A15%2C%22os%22%3A6621093.799999952%2C%22ls%22%3A134427.59999990463%2C%22le%22%3A134686%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="929" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-15" scrolling="no" style="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"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>8. Rica Peralejo </strong></div><p>Rica earned her AB Literature degree from Ateneo de Manila University at 31 years old, while already married. In 2023, she addressed questions about her graduation, confirming she completed her studies. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-16" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cr2vCpZpaj3/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=642&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A16%2C%22os%22%3A6621450.099999905%2C%22ls%22%3A134427.59999990463%2C%22le%22%3A134686%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="920" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-16" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:658px;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"></iframe></div><script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>“Morning of my grad, I hiked Mt. Maculot and when I got down from the mountain, I just dressed up and went straight to March,” she explained.  </p><p>Her husband, Joseph Bonifacio, was present during her graduation. According to Rica, she got married when she was in her final year.  </p><div>  </div><div><strong>9. Neri Naig-Miranda </strong></div><p>At 37 years old in 2022, Neri completed her degree in Business Administration from the University of Baguio, juggling life as a mom, wife, and student. She even shared a lighthearted graduation photo with her husband, Chito Miranda, who playfully photobombed the moment. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-17" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ccrdhror37d/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A17%2C%22os%22%3A6621566.5%2C%22ls%22%3A134427.59999990463%2C%22le%22%3A134686%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1041" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-17" scrolling="no" style="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"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div>  </div><div><strong>10. Arlene Muhlach </strong></div><p>Arlene graduated at 55 years old in 2024 from Philippine Women’s University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication degree. Looking back, she said: &quot;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.&quot; </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-18" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_ZeQIKT0Xo/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A18%2C%22os%22%3A6621761.099999905%2C%22ls%22%3A134427.59999990463%2C%22le%22%3A134686%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1275" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-18" scrolling="no" style="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"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>She concluded with a powerful reminder, saying, &quot;Age is just a number, determination and passion are what truly matters.&quot; </p><div>  </div><div><strong>11. Geneva Cruz </strong></div><p>Geneva, at 49 years old, recently graduated earlier this March from Philippine Christian University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.  </p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.facebook.com%2Fgenevacruzofficial%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0CBgjxHkAQFp6WhkaKtBPX9nULWSy4aRiHnfe7jw8FLSUEmSEXgnnNgS3i8qGx3CBl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="250" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Reflecting on her journey, she wrote: “This is for nineteen-year-old Gen, who had to grow up fast and work hard after choosing to become a young mom. Thank you for being brave and for finally learning to love yourself. 🫡♥️.” </p><div>  </div><div><strong>12. Melanie Marquez </strong></div><p>The Miss International 1979 earned her Business Administration degree as a Cum Laude at 42 years old from the International Academy of Management and Economics (IAME).  </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774925308198melani-marquez-graduation-photo.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><p>These stories serve as powerful reminders that education is not bound by time. Whether driven by unfinished dreams, personal growth, or new aspirations, these women prove that it is never too late to start again and succeed. </p><div> </div><div> </div>

<p>These Filipina celebrities showed that education has no age limit. This graduation season, we look back at inspiring stories of stars who earned their diplomas later in life.</p>

These Filipina celebrities showed that education has no age limit. This graduation season, we look back at inspiring stories of stars who earned their diplomas later in life.