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Against all odds: Dingdong Dantes, Ruffa Gutierrez, Diana Zubiri, more stars who went back and finished college
They say education is one of the things no one can ever take away from you. This adage rings true even for these celebrities, who persevered to return to college later in life amid their success, fame, and hectic schedules in the entertainment industry.
Recently, Geneva Cruz announced that she is back in university. In an Instagram post, the singer and actress shared that she was once a literature student at the University of Santo Tomas, but had to pause her education so she could focus on being a mother.
Now, Geneva is working towards a bachelor's degree in business administration at the Philippine Christian University. Her nudge to her followers? "Go after your goals — there's no such thing as being too late!”
It's a reminder that echoes the sentiments and advice of other Filipino stars, who, like Geneva, strove to return to school even after they'd already become famous.
Here are six inspiring celebrities who returned to college — and earned their academic degrees against all odds.
1. Dingdong Dantes
Dingdong earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from West Negros University in 2014, the same year he and Marian Rivera tied the knot!
Back in college, the Kapuso Primetime King was taking up interdisciplinary studies at the Ateneo de Manila University. An irregular student, he attended class three times a week while balancing his hectic schedule taping for GMA.
While he had to pause his education for his showbiz career, the actor eventually returned to school in Bacolod and earned his bachelor's degree 10 years ago.
"I wanted to finish my school. And not just my own education but pati yung mga kapatid ko," Dingdong said in an interview with GMA News Online, proudly sharing that he was among the many people who helped send his four younger siblings to school.
2. Ruffa Gutierrez
In August 2022, Ruffa proudly marched in her toga and cap at the Philippine International Convention Center to receive her college diploma.
The actress and former beauty queen earned her bachelor's degree in communication arts from the Philippine Women's University, under the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP).
Ruffa's academic journey doesn't stop there. She is also currently taking up her master's degree in communication arts in the same university.
She shared that her decision to go to graduate school is because of her "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."
3. Diana Zubiri
It took Diana five years to earn her applied arts degree (major in theater) — and it was all worth it!
Amid her busy schedule for GMA's drama anthology "Karelasyon" in 2015, the "Encantadia" star accomplished her dream and graduated from Miriam College in the same year.
On Instagram, the actress shared a photo of her in her toga and cap, holding her diploma proudly.
"Thank you for amazing 5 years Miriam College (including tutorials and summer school)," Diana wrote.
4. Juancho Triviño
Juancho began his college journey in 2009 at De La Salle University Manila. The Kapuso actor, however, stopped his studies midway through so he can pursue his acting career.
In 2021, the "Maria Clara at Ibarra" star officially graduated from the university, earning a bachelor of science degree in entrepreneurship. A year later, Juancho attended his face-to-face graduation ceremony at PICC.
On Instagram, Juancho shared to his followers that he decided to earn his degree against all odds because he "wanted to finish what my parents worked so hard for me to go through, to put me in a good school and to provide for us."
5. Yasmien Kurdi
Yasmien finished college in 2019 with flying colors!
The Kapuso actress graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in political science from Arellano University. Yasmien's daughter Ayesha and husband Rey also attended her graduation ceremony at PICC to show their full support.
In an Instagram post, Yasmien encouraged working students to never give up on their goals and dreams in life.
"Life is hard but you have to keep pushing forward. Feed your mind with positivity like ideas of success, not failure. Let life be a learning experience and always believe in yourself!" she said then.
6. Ronnie Liang
Ronnie is the quintessential lifelong learner!
The singer went on to earn his master's degree in 2022 after earning his bachelor's degree in elementary education (major in general science) from Holy Angel University in 2006.
Ronnie graduated from PCU with a master's degree in management (major in national security and administration) after more than a year of studies.
On Instagram, he shared that "obtaining a higher education is an empowering tool that will provide us with many opportunities."
Ronnie was also among the people that Geneva recently thanked, primarily for reminding her of the powerful impact education can have on those who strive to educate themselves.
Prior to finishing graduate school, Ronnie received his private pilot license in 2021, thereby fulfilling his childhood dream.
Ronnie is currently pursuing his doctorate in development administration (major in security development) at PCU.
— CDC, GMA Integrated News
