A handful of our favorite celebrities prove that life is not really a race, and that it is *never* too late to reach your goals—especially when it comes to higher education. Read on if you're curious about their stories and who they are!
Filipino Celebrities That Graduated College In Their 30s:
1. Yasmien Kurdi
At exactly 30 years old, Yasmien Kurdi got her college degree. And she did it with flying colors! Yasmien graduated Magna Cum Laude from Arellano University. She managed to complete her political science degree while working as an actress. In an Instagram post, she calls on every working student out there to never stop reaching their dreams. No matter how long the journey took, it was all worth it for Yasmien.
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2. Hidilyn Diaz
It took 16 years for Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz to get her diploma. She fought against all odds to finish college at 32, even while preparing for the Olympics. She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Management and graduated from De La Salle - College of St. Benilde.
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3. Sunshine Cruz
Sunshine Cruz firmly believes that it's never too late to go back to school. Right before she turned 40, the actress finished studying Psychology at Arellano University in 2017. She posted a video of her receiving her diploma onstage with the caption, "I did it!'
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4. Rica Peralejo
Many were curious whether Rica Peralejo finished college or not. To end everyone's curiosity, she posted her graduation pics! She was 31 and already married when she got her diploma in AB Literature at Ateneo De Manila University.
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5. Neri Naig-Miranda
It's not an easy job to be a mom, a wife, and a student—all at the same time. But Neri Naig-Miranda did it all at the age of 37! She studied Business Administration at the University of Baguio. Neri even shared a really cute graduation pic where her husband, Chito Miranda, was an official photobomber!
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6. Valerie Concepcion
Valerie Concepcion is a celebrity mom and a Magna Cum Laude honors recipient. Yes, she got her degree in Psychology at Arellano Univeristy by graduating with flying colors!
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7. Jhong Hilario
Jhong Hilario didn't earn his diploma in his 30s—instead he got it in his 40s! Jhong was 46 when he finished college as a Magna Cum Laude honors student at Arellano University. He studied Psychology, and in his YouTube vlog, he shared his journey from taking weekend classes to his final thesis defense—and of course, his graduation day!
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8. Baron Geisler
Life starts at 40, they say—and for Baron Geisler, it was really a beginning of a new journey as he finished studying Theology. Baron graduated from All Nations College, and shared this milestone on his Instagram with the caption, "My journey has reached its goal, and opened a way before me. Thank you Lord!"
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9. Ruffa Gutierrez
Two years before she turns 50, and Ruffa Gutierrez can now call herself a college graduate! She studied Communication Arts at Philippine Women University. It seems like learning never stops for her, because she's currently pursuing grad school. Go, Ruffa!
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10. Dingdong Dantes
At 33, Dingdong Dantes was already one of the biggest and brightest stars in the industry when he finished college. He graduated with a degree in Business Administration in Marketing from West Negros University.
11. Jodi Sta. Maria
It was a lifelong dream for award-winning actress Jodi Sta. Maria to finish college. So right before she turned 40, she achieved her goal of getting a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Southville International School and Colleges. Jodi said in her graduation post, "Remember, it is never too late, and you are never too old to reach your stars."
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Congratulations to all these celebrities, and thank you for inspiring us to never stop reaching our goals!