Many showbiz celebrities have passed through this crossroad, the tough choice of pursuing a career or their studies. Most of the time, they've opted to prioritize their careers and put their education on hold. And there are those who manage to find success in showbiz and go back to school at the same time.
These celebrities have proven that education has no age limit and it's never too late to finish your studies.
Sunshine Cruz
In April 2017, she graduated with a degree in psychology from Arellano University under an alternative program called Expanded Tertiary Education, Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), which allows working professionals to complete their studies without going through the usual route.
The mom of three and 39-year-old star exclaimed, "It's never too late to go back to school."
Anne Curtis
The ABS-CBN actress has always wanted to be a preschool teacher. In order to achieve this dream, she decided in 2013 to take up a few units at the Open Universities Australia, an online higher education organization based in Melbourne, Victoria.
She told PEP.ph, "Alam mo ‘yon, alam kong hindi ko naman siya matatapos in four years, which is when you’re full-time. But that’s the whole point na they encourage you to continue i-pursue 'yung studies mo... kahit ilang units lang ang kukunin mo."
Jodi Sta. Maria
Jodi was already 35 when the Kapamilya actress decided it's time to achieve one of her life-long aspirations: a college diploma. She officially went back to school on June 6, 2017, and is now finishing a bachelor's degree in Psychology at the Southville International School and Colleges.
When asked what inspired her to pursue her studies, the Sana Dalawa Ang Puso actress told PEP, “It really all started with this dream that I never let go of. Siyempre dumating ako sa point ng life ko wherein I decided to pursue that dream. And then once that I have decided, I really made time for school.”
Early this year, Jodi proudly revealed that she made it on the Dean's List, while juggling her showbiz commitments and being a hands-on mom to son Thirdy.
Kim Chiu
She has been busy with projects after projects since she emerged top winner in Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition in 2006.
In 2011, Kim received her high school diploma after passing the Department of Education's Alternative Learning System (ALS).
In 2015, she enrolled at the University of the Philippines - Open University with a goal to finish a degree in Business Management. Kim revealed to Giselle Sanchez for the latter's column in The Manila Bulletin that she wanted to further her knowledge especially now that's she's in the restaurant business.
The 27-year-old actress said, "I am so happy I got accepted in UP Diliman, I took the entrance exams last August and passed and I have already enrolled. I chose business management because I own several business franchises including Julie’s Bakeshop and Potato Corner. My sister Lakam has been managing these for some time now, but I want to try and manage one myself someday, like a restaurant or something."
Kathryn Bernardo
Kathryn has also opted to enroll in an alternative learning system via Enderun Colleges' home school program. She is taking Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Fashion Marketing.
In a March 21, 2016 interview, at the launch of her book, Everyday Kath, Kathryn said, "Kino-continue ko talaga siya. Mahirap pero nandiyan 'yung mama ko. Para siya magpu-push talaga sa akin and Enderun naman is—supportive sila. It’s team work between me and Enderun para matapos ng school."
Meryll Soriano
Actress Meryll Soriano remains optimistic that she will finish her degree in Product Design at the Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London.
In 2016, Meryll had to take a leave from her studies after three years to go back to work and save money for her final year in college. She told the PEP.ph and other members of the press, "Kailangan pag-ipunan ko muna. Kaya heto, trabaho muna tayo."
Coleen Garcia
The Sin Island actress is also determined to finish her studies through the Blended Learning program of Southville International School. She is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology.
In an Instagram post in September 2015, Coleen expressed how glad she was to have found a flexible college program for celebrities like her.
She wrote, "I value education soooo much. And the busier I get, the more I yearn for it to still be a part of my life. I miss challenging myself academically and I have been constantly looking for it! I've been trying to search for a flexible degree program for years now, and who knew that I would find it right where I left off?"
"It's perfect for me because it means I still get to work as much as I do now, but at the same time, I'll be able to pursue a college degree of my choice!"
LJ Reyes
In 2012, the Kapuso star went back to college to finish her degree in Economics at the De La Salle University in Manila. At that time, she told PEP.ph, "Kailangan ko mag-invest for, not only for my future, but also for Aki's future. Kasi, siyempre, alam naman natin na ang pag-aartista, hindi naman ’yan lifetime, di ba? So, gusto ko rin naman na makapagtapos ako. Gusto ko maging example din ako sa anak ko—na nag-finish ako ng school."
Angelica Jones
The actress-turned-politician finished her Leadership and Development Management course for Young Legislators at the Asian Institute of Management in 2011.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Angelica said, "Hindi hadlang ang anumang limitasyon para makapag-aral ang isang tao, kaya nga tayo binigyan ng Diyos ng utak at kamay para gamitin at mapabuti natin ang ating buhay."
Carmi Martin
The actress obtained a certificate course in interior design at the Philippine School of Interior Design (PSID) in 2003. A few years later, she pursued a degree in Interior Design at the Philippine Women's University, which she finished in 2011.
She told Lhar Santiago of GMA News in an interview after her graduation, "Nakakatuwa kasi akala nila nagma-master ako nung makita ako sa graduation… At the same time kasi, isipin mo naman Lhar, at the age of 47, ngayon lang ako nagkaroon ng college degree."
Marissa Delgado
Two years ago, the actress was 64 years old when she finished Business Administration major in Human Resource Management from the University of Visayas in Cebu.
This story originally appeared on Pep.ph.
* Minor edits have been made by the Femalenetwork.com editors.
