There is no arguing that obtaining a good education is essential to securing a better future. It is a necessary tool in pursuing a professional career or a fallback should initial plans fail. This is why the frustration of not finishing school lingers even after an individual has established a good life.

In showbiz in particular, celebrities of all ages can start a career and make it big eventually. But the lure of fame and fortune, for many, overshadows the drive to earn a degree. Despite this, there are still a good number of celebrities who have successfully finished their studies.

Get to know these celebrities and be inspired by their educational achievements.

1.  Marian Rivera

Kapuso primetime queen Marian Rivera is indeed an inspiration, not only in beauty, style, business, and success. She is worth emulating for her values, especially when it comes to education. 

Before she dedicated her life to showbiz, the 38-year-old superstar obtained her psychology degree at De La Salle University Dasmariñas. She was also an honor student in high school.

In an interview years ago, she even talked about her trainee days at rival network ABS-CBN.

2. Janine Gutierrez 

Kapamilya actress Janine Gutierrez is another celebrity who checked a college degree off her bucket list. In an interview, she said that her mom, veteran actress Lotlot de Leon, was happy that she finished her studies first before pursuing showbiz. 

Gutierrez added that since many of her relatives worked early in showbiz, most of them have not finished school, and having one pursue a college education was something new.

The actress took up European studies at the Ateneo de Manila University. She graduated on March 25, 2011.

3. Carla Abellana 

Kapuso actress Carla Abellana is yet another epitome of beauty and brains combined. Having a showbiz pedigree, entering the industry isn’t surprising anymore for the 36-year-old actress, but she still managed to secure her college diploma and even graduated with Latin honors before she delved into acting. 

Abellana graduated cum laude with a degree in psychology from De La Salle University-Manila.

4. Jackque Gyl Gonzaga

There is so much more to note about Kapamilya television host Jackque Gyl Gonzaga other than being It’s Showtime’s “Ate Girl.” Not too many people know that the dancer-comedian is a degree holder in international studies with a minor in gender studies from Miriam College. 

She initially wanted to become a flight attendant, but her love for dancing landed her on a different path. 

5. Enchong Dee 

Kapamilya actor Enchong Dee did not only secure his diploma from De La Salle University in 2009 with a degree in political science with a major in developmental studies; he was also part of the UAAP school’s swimming team.

He also played for the national team at the 2006 Asian Games in Qatar and 2007 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. 

6. Kris Aquino 

Queen of All Media Kris Aquino is yet another celebrity who is worth emulating when it comes to her values in education. After finishing high school at Colegio de San Agustin in Makati, she pursued a degree in English literature from the Ateneo de Manila University and graduated in 1992. 

7. Nikki Gil 

Besides being a singer, actress, and former VJ, fans of Nikki Gil also praise her for her intelligence. She seems to have a never-ending hunger for learning because even after she earned her degree in English literature from the Ateneo de Manila University, she took up interior design at the Philippine School of Interior Design years later.

8. Giselle Sanchez 

They say that when you’re good at comedy, you are, no doubt, brainy. Comedian Giselle Sanchez boasts an impressive scholastic background after graduating magna cum laude from the University of the Philippines-Diliman with a degree in broadcast communication.

9. Myrtle Sarrosa 

Cosplayer Myrtle Sarrosa too finished her broadcast communication degree from the University of the Philippines, where she graduated cum laude.

10. Bernadette Allyson 

Actress and former teen star Bernadette Allyson is yet another celebrity who excelled at school. Back in college, she went to De La Salle University-Manila, where she received her psychology degree (cum laude). 

11. KC Concepcion

Singer-actress KC Concepcion grew up in the spotlight thanks to her celebrity parents, Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion. But her showbiz lineage did not hinder the Mega daughter from pursuing a college degree. 

She earned her degree in international corporate communications with a minor in theater arts from the American University of Paris.