Dannyka Manangan

Manny Pacquiao, Jhong Hilario, Jake Ejercito, and more celebrities who earned their master’s degrees

Article (news)

Nikka Avegail Sabio

Push Team

<p>Behind their busy schedules and demanding careers, these Filipino celebrities proved that learning never goes out of style. With hard work, discipline, and perseverance, they pursued a higher education, earning their master’s degrees while juggling fame, family, and career.</p><div> </div><p>Here are 9 celebrities and personalities who pursued and finished their master’s degrees:</p><div> </div><div><strong>Cesar Montano</strong></div><p>Actor Cesar Montano reached a major milestone in 2023 after earning his master&#x27;s in public safety administration from the Philippine Public Safety College at the age of 60. Marking the achievement on Instagram, Montano proudly celebrated alongside his classmates.</p><div> </div><p>&quot;Congrats to all my classmates in MASTER IN PUBLIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (MPSA)! Mabuhay ang HAPSAY CLASS 2022-24! Mabuhay ang Phil. Public Safety College (PPSC)! Mabuhay ang DILG! Mabuhay ang Pilipino!&quot; he captioned his post. </p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-4" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cue6KDvPES7/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A4%2C%22os%22%3A4440516.300000001%2C%22ls%22%3A76626.39999999851%2C%22le%22%3A76634.89999999851%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="670" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-4" 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><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Jhong Hilario </strong></div><p>Balancing life as an <em>It’s Showtime</em> host, councilor, and family man, Jhong Hilario graduated and finished his master&#x27;s degree in public administration from World Citi College in 2024. The actor-dancer-turned noontime show host got the &quot;highest merits&quot; for his master&#x27;s program.</p><div> </div><p>“I took one year. It’s a modular program. Ipapadala sa ‘yo yung mga modules, and then you have to research the books that you’ll read. &#x27;Yung iba, kung saan-saan pa namin hinanap &#x27;yung mga libro,” Jhong said in an interview with ABS-CBN News.</p><div> </div><p>“Yung mga sacrifices, &#x27;yung minsan busy’ng busy, and siyempre hindi naman biro ang masteral din. Plus &#x27;yung mga ginagawa pa natin bilang konsehal at artista rin, ang sa akin lang hangga’t nandiyan, hanggang may opportunity go lang nang go,” he added.</p><div> </div><p>Prior to this, he also graduated magna cum laude in Political Science from Arellano University.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-5" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/CtlCpKiPbFY/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A5%2C%22os%22%3A4440564.300000001%2C%22ls%22%3A76626.39999999851%2C%22le%22%3A76634.89999999851%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="847" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-5" 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><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/2024/8/30/jhong-hilario-graduates-with-a-master-s-degree-in-public-administration-904"><strong>READ: Jhong Hilario graduates with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration</strong></a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Boy Abunda  </strong></div><p>The “King of Talk” Boy Abunda took his passion for communication further by earning a master’s degree in international relations in Public Diplomacy from Philippine Women’s University in 2011.</p><div> </div><p>&quot;Masayang-masaya ako, medyo emosyonal lang. Sabi ko nga, dalawang paraan lang para mag-express ng kaligyahan — it&#x27;s either umiiyak or tumatawa ka. But this is certainly... Yung luha ko kanina ay kaligayahan. I count my blessings, I&#x27;m so grateful to many people,&quot; he said in an interview with PEP.</p><div> </div><p>Boy shared that finishing his master&#x27;s degree was an important way for him to improve his interviewing skills back then. He later went on to complete his doctoral degree in 2019.</p><div> </div><p>&quot;Bahagi yun. I wanted to broaden my perspective as an interviewer. I want to be a better talk show host; I wanted to be a better teacher. Alam mo yun, dumarating sa buhay ng tao yung urge to push yourself to the edge, you have to be better, you have to be fair to your audience... Gusto ko pa ring matuto, gusto ko pa ring mag-improve, mag-share at magturo,&quot; he stated.</p><div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1775011399945Boy Abunda.png" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/2016/7/2/fresh-scoops/boy-abunda-graduates-with-a-doctoral-degree-from-p-101104"><strong>READ: Boy Abunda graduates with a doctoral degree from PWU</strong><br/></a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/2016/7/2/fresh-scoops/boy-abunda-graduates-with-a-doctoral-degree-from-p-101104"><strong> </strong></a></div><div><strong>Carol Banawa</strong></div><p>After stepping away from showbiz, OPM singer Carol Banawa received her Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner degree at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine last year. The singer moved to the US where she lives with her family.</p><div> </div><p>The then 44-year-old singer recalled how she started studying for her master’s degree in 2020.</p><div> </div><p>“When I began my master’s degree, the world was shutting down. The pandemic had just begun, and I was pregnant with Bella. Balancing pregnancy, parenting, and a rigorous academic program during such uncertain times was far from easy. There were sleepless nights, long study sessions, missed gatherings, and so many moments where I had to say, &#x27;not now, I have to study.&#x27; There were also moments of doubt, exhaustion, and wondering if I could really keep going. But the dream was stronger—and I just kept going,” she wrote.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-6" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DUpQipTDicQ/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A6%2C%22os%22%3A4440584.800000001%2C%22ls%22%3A76626.39999999851%2C%22le%22%3A76634.89999999851%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="889" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-6" 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><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/5/20/carol-banawa-graduates-with-master-of-science-in-nursing-degree-in-the-us-dreams-take-time-1316"><strong>READ: Carol Banawa graduates with Master of Science in Nursing degree in the US: ‘Dreams take time!’</strong></a></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Jake Ejercito </strong></div><p>Actor Jake Ejercito finished his master&#x27;s degree in marketing from Northumbria University in the UK. In a post shared by his sister, Jerika, she expressed how Jake made them proud with his achievements.</p><div> </div><p>“No one could ever ask for a better Mortal Enemy! I promise to drive you up the wall and get on your last nerve for as long as I live!” she wrote. “Congratulations JakeBoy, for graduating with Honours and for keeping our standards in check! I love you like how you love ketchup on tikoy! 👨🏻‍🎓”</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-7" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/BkZO2j7BqEB/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A7%2C%22os%22%3A4441504%2C%22ls%22%3A76626.39999999851%2C%22le%22%3A76634.89999999851%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="719" 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><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/life/06/25/18/look-jake-ejercito-now-a-masters-degree-holder"><strong>READ: LOOK: Jake Ejercito now a master&#x27;s degree holder</strong></a></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Mela Habijan </strong></div><p>Sparks Camp host Mela Habijan, also called as Mother Sparker, achieved not one but two master’s degrees in 2025 such as Master of Business Administration and a Master&#x27;s in Creative Direction, Content, and Branding in 2025.</p><div> </div><p>“TO GOD BE THE GLORY! AFTER 19 MONTHS, WE FINALLY EARNED TWO MASTER’S DEGREES: MBA AND MASTER IN CREATIVE DIRECTION, CONTENT, AND BRANDING,” she wrote.</p><div> </div><p>Mela was grateful for her beloved alma mater, the IE University in Madrid, for fully embracing her as a proud trans woman, adding: “But what’s more meaningful: I, a trans woman from my beloved Philippines, was loved, embraced, and cheered on by my IE University community. They gave me a true sense of belonging that every trans and queer person in the world dreams of.”</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-8" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DMaBdO0IEYx/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A8%2C%22os%22%3A4441566.8999999985%2C%22ls%22%3A76626.39999999851%2C%22le%22%3A76634.89999999851%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="884" 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><div><strong> </strong></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/7/22/mela-habijan-earns-two-masters-degrees-in-spain-dedicates-achievement-to-the-queer-community-2327"><strong>READ: Mela Habijan earns two masters degrees in Spain, dedicates achievement to the queer community</strong><strong> </strong></a></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Celine Lim </strong></div><p>Star Circle Kid Quest alum Celine Lim celebrated a major milestone after completing her dual master’s degrees in supply chain management and project management from the University of Wollongong in Australia in 2025.</p><div> </div><p>“I’ve wholeheartedly given my all, pouring blood, sweat, and (so many) tears while conquering my fears. Now that it’s reaching an end, my emotions are all over the place as I try to soak it all in. Grit. Realising that this isn’t just for Celine today and in the future, but especially for Potpot and the dreams we share. I am made of everything my younger self had to endure, and I dedicate this to her—for holding on, believing, and keeping the faith through it all,” she wrote.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-9" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCWyIy_yxbU/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A9%2C%22os%22%3A4441623.699999999%2C%22ls%22%3A76626.39999999851%2C%22le%22%3A76634.89999999851%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="823" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-9" 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><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/2024/11/15/celine-lim-graduated-with-a-dual-master-s-degree-in-australia-1222"><strong>READ: Celine Lim graduates with a dual master’s degree in Australia</strong></a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Manny Pacquiao </strong></div><p>Boxing legend and former senator Manny Pacquiao earned his master’s degree in Management, Major in Public Administration from Philippine Christian University in 2022. He graduated alongside Senate employees during the university’s commencement exercises. He was accompanied by his wife, Jinkee Pacquiao, during the ceremony. </p><div> </div><div><strong></strong><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=315&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.facebook.com%2FabscbnNEWS%2Fvideos%2F1720695004961956%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=560&amp;t=0" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> <strong></strong></div><div> </div><p>“Former Senator Emmanuel &#x27;Manny&#x27; Pacquiao (5th from left) poses w/ fellow members of Batch 2022. Pacquiao, together w/ about 30 Senate employees, received their master&#x27;s degree in Management, Major in Public Administration,&quot; a post by Senate of the Philippines said. “They graduated from the Philippine Christian University during its 79th Commencement Exercises which was held Saturday, August 27, 2022, at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.&quot;</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-twitter-extracted-i1775011171295226796="true"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Former Senator Emmanuel &quot;Manny&quot; Pacquiao (5th from left) poses w/ fellow members of Batch 2022. Pacquiao, together w/ about 30 Senate employees, received their Master&#x27;s degree in Management, Major in Public Administration. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SenatePH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SenatePH</a> 1/2 <a href="https://twitter.com/MannyPacquiao?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MannyPacquiao</a> <a href="https://t.co/2WDeiNywq9">pic.twitter.com/2WDeiNywq9</a></p>— Senate of the Philippines (@senatePH) <a href="https://twitter.com/senatePH/status/1563538012667285506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2022</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charSet="utf-8"></script><div><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/08/28/22/look-pacquiao-earns-masters-degree-from-pcu"><strong>READ: LOOK: Pacquiao earns master&#x27;s degree from Philippine Christian University</strong></a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Venus Raj </strong></div><p>Miss Universe 2010 fourth runner-up Venus Raj received her master’s degree in the College of Social Work and Community Development (CSWCD) at the University of the Philippines - Diliman.</p><div> </div><p>“Battles are won in His strength, not ours. Wisdom comes from above, not within. His power is perfected in our weakness. We are simply vessels. Without Him we can do nothing (Chris Tiegreen). #PadayonCSWCD2017 #BlessedAndForeverGrateful,” she said.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-10" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/BVyNQujga-k/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A10%2C%22os%22%3A4442132.699999999%2C%22ls%22%3A76626.39999999851%2C%22le%22%3A76634.89999999851%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="719" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-10" 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><p>“To those who became instruments in making this journey possible, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I can never boast of this moment, this is all by the grace of God,” she said in another post. </p><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-11" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/BVCq9g1ANBC/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A11%2C%22os%22%3A4442263.199999999%2C%22ls%22%3A76626.39999999851%2C%22le%22%3A76634.89999999851%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="719" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-11" 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><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>“Sa lahat ng magsisipagtapos (To all of the graduates), let us still consider ourselves students of this life. Never stop learning. When we stop learning, we stop growing. There are far more lessons that we have to discover. Don’t be afraid of the process, God is with you.”</p><div> </div>