Three celebrities recently celebrated a major personal milestone after completing their college education, earning their Bachelor of Science in Office Administration degrees following years of juggling careers in the entertainment industry and academic pursuits.
Among them was actor and talent manager Wilbert Tolentino, who shared a heartfelt message on Facebook about finally finishing college at the age of 50.
“At 50 years old, I have finally earned my Bachelor of Science in Office Administration degree,” Tolentino wrote, reflecting on the long road that led to his achievement. He revealed that he had to start working at just 14 years old after growing up in a broken family, taking a job at a grocery store before eventually starting his own business at 18.
Tolentino also expressed gratitude to the people who supported him throughout his journey, including the employees he considers family.
“I made a promise to take care of the people who trusted me — my employees. Through the years, they became more than staff. They became my business partners, my travel companions, and my family,” he wrote.
Wilbert also thanked his mentors, supporters, and loved ones, especially his eight-year-old son, Willard King, who encouraged and guided him in returning to school and completing his studies.
“Being a single father has not always been easy. There were many challenges and sacrifices, especially in balancing time and responsibilities. But I want you to know that with dedication, hard work, and perseverance, anything is possible,” he wrote to his child.
Wilbert added that the achievement is only the beginning, sharing plans to pursue a second degree and eventually earn a master’s degree.
“This milestone is not the end of my journey. I will continue striving for more. I plan to pursue my second degree, so that one day I may also achieve my Master’s degree. With all my love, gratitude, and prayers — thank you for being part of my journey,” his post concluded.
Joining Tolentino in the milestone are fellow celebrity batchmates Geneva Cruz and Sachzna Laparan, who also shared their academic achievements on social media.
For Geneva, completing her degree was a dream decades in the making. The singer-actress dedicated her accomplishment to her younger self, who had to prioritize motherhood at an early age.
“As I approach my golden age in less than a month, I realize that some of my dreams are still coming true. Thirty-three years in the making, but I finally did it! Look, ma, I’m now a college graduate!” Cruz wrote on Instagram.
“This is for nineteen-year-old Gen, who had to grow up fast and work hard after choosing to become a young mom. Thank you for being brave and for finally learning to love yourself,” she added.
Meanwhile, Laparan described completing her degree as her “proudest achievement,” recalling the sacrifices she made to reach the milestone.
“Sa lahat ng achievements ko sa buhay… dito ako pinaka-proud,” she wrote on Facebook. “Hindi madali maging CEO, actress, content creator, at student at the same time. Pero i’m so proud of myself kasi kinaya ko at kinakaya ko palagi. Habang nakikita ninyo ako sa harap ng camera, palihim kong tinutupad ang isa sa pinakamahalagang pangarap ko — ang makatapos ng pag-aaral.”
Laparan shared that she started working at 13 and had to stop studying at 16 after becoming a breadwinner for her family. Despite the challenges, she promised herself she would one day return to school and finish her studies.
“Pinangako ko sa sarili ko na matatapos ko ang pag-aaral ko no matter what happens… kahit anong edad pa ’yan at kahit ano pang accomplishments ang na-achieve ko na. Walang deadline ang pangarap,” she said.
She also dedicated the accomplishment to her mother, saying she is the first member of their family to graduate from college.
“At higit sa lahat… para sa’yo ‘to, Mama. May kauna-unahang Laparan na nakapagtapos sa pamilya natin!”, the content creator wrote.
Following the announcement of her achievement, however, Laparan also addressed online allegations claiming she had “bought” her diploma.
“Sa kabila nito, may mga negative pa rin at hindi masaya sa achievements ko. […] Nasasaktan ako sa ibang articles na nababasa ko na sinasabing binili ko daw ang diploma ko, reacted Sachzna.
In a separate Facebook post, she denied the claims and defended her university, explaining that she completed her degree through the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), which recognizes prior work experience for academic credit.
“Una sa lahat, hindi ganun ang pagkakakilala ko sa Philippine Christian University. Isa sila sa mga university na pro-working student at may magandang program para sa mga taong sobrang busy pero gusto pa rin makapagtapos ng pag-aaral. Pangalawa, parang ini-invalidate ninyo yung pagod, effort, at dedication ko para makapagtapos,” Laparan said.
She further emphasized that the ETEEAP program still required qualifications and numerous academic submissions, adding that professors treat all students equally.
“Patas pa rin ang mga professor. May pera ka man o wala, kilala ka man o hindi, pwede ka pa ring ibagsak. Napakarami ring submissions — parang makakabuo ka na ng isang libro sa dami,” Sachzna stressed.
Despite the criticism, Laparan encouraged the public to celebrate one another’s achievements instead of spreading misinformation.
“Sa mga pages na nagpapakalat ng fake news, sana magbago na kayo — 2026 na. […] I hope mas maging masaya na lang tayo sa achievements ng isa’t isa. Napakadami na masyado nangyayari sa Pilipinas. Gawin natin inspiration ang bawat isa,” she wrote.
