Derrick Monasterio
Gabbi Garcia
Gabbi Garcia 2
Miguel Tanfelix
Miguel Tanfelix 2
Renz Valerio
Charee Pineda 2
Charee Pineda
Miggy Jimenez
Ruru Madrid
Show business may seem to be all about glitz and glamour. But what is often unknown to many is that life in the showbiz industry is tough. The long work hours, sometimes crazy schedule, and the hard work needed to pull off a good performance can really take up an artist’s time and energy.
However, despite the demands of the industry, a number of GMA Artist Center stars still manage to prioritize their education. Meet these Kapuso artists who recently celebrated their graduation, and get to know their thoughts on how taking the extra mile to finish school while juggling with work is worth it.
For teen idol Ruru Madrid, he considers education as the primary thing he should be focusing on. He devotes his time on studying, and it helps him develop a sense of self-discipline. This has become useful to him at work since he knows how to manage his time wisely. He shares, “Para ka ring nag-aaral kasi ‘pag nasa work. You have to memorize your lines and dapat maintindihan mo talaga yung instructions and yung gusto ninyong ma-achieve sa eksena. In a way, may similarity yung discipline ng acting and studying.”
School also taught Ruru a sense of achievement. He believes that dreams can only be achieved if one works hard for it. “Lahat naman siguro kami ito ang pangarap, yung pumasa at maka-graduate. Pero hindi mo makukuha ‘yun ng basta-basta. Kaya ang sarap pala ng feeling na nakamit mo yung goal mo sa buhay because of hard work and perseverance. It makes your achievement sweeter kasi alam mong pinaghirapan mo. Kaya, ito rin yung gagamitin kong motivation sa work ko as an artist. I really have to work hard and develop my craft para maging isang mahusay na actor.”
Ruru’s on-screen partner Gabbi Garcia also finished high school recently. Gabbi, who has been a consistent member of her school’s student council, wants to continue with her studies and to fulfil her dream of being a pilot.
She admits that time management can be a bit challenging for her, but her parents are always there to guide her. She shares how they appreciate all of her achievements and at the same time, keep her feet on the ground, and she wants to impart something with her fellow celebrities who are studying and working at the same time.
“I was taught that it is important to respect each and every one, as well as to be God-fearing. Being in the industry isn’t forever. Iba pa rin ‘pag nakapag-aral. If you really want to study while working, there will always be a way. You just have to be focused and determined in reaching your goal, and that is to graduate,” affirms the Kapuso actress.
Miguel Tanfelix, who also finished high school this year, shares his secret in maintaining balance between work and school.
“You have to plan your schedule for the week para alam mo kung kelan ka nasa work at ano yung time mo para mag-aral. Marami ka ring sacrifice na dapat gawin. Walang imposible pag ginusto mo, so you got to have to the right motivation to make it work. Pag nasa taping naman ako, I focus myself dun sa mga eksena ko and the way I act. I guess the key is, you have to focus on what you do,” the Kapuso actor recommends.
It is a big help for Miguel that he didn’t get special treatment in school. He takes pride in having a normal life in school, and he feels glad to have a set of friends who supports him in both school work and celebrity-related commitments. He claims that having this set-up in school taught him how to deal with different people and develop self-discipline.
Both Derrick Monasterio and Miggy Jimenez take their modules to work as they study in between takes. And their hard work finally paid off as they are now ready to take the next step.
Derrick is planning to take up Law at San Beda College. And since he is busy with work, he knows that this will not be easy, “Nothing worth having comes easy, so if you want to achieve something, you have to work hard for it.”
Miggy, who was recognized in school as the most talented and most behaved, believes that celebrities should still know the value of education. “This is something you cannot exchange for anything, and you should never give up on your dreams. Strive hard so you can make it,” the teen actor shares.
Renz Valerio did not only graduate, he was even given a special academic citation and academic excellence awards. On learning one significant lesson from school, he shares that it is only ourselves who can lead our way to success. He claims, “Success starts with you. I had to struggle my way to finishing high school because there were lots of trials, but I am thankful to have had them because they have given me the opportunity to know who my true friends are. It revealed people who will always be there for me, such as my family. With these challenges, I managed to strive harder and finish high school with flying colors.”
Renz also shares that priorities should be well thought of, and education should always be on top of the list, “While your career may be something great, education will always be the greatest thing you will ever have. Always remember to have faith in yourself, because no one else will make the move for you. Lastly, have faith in God, because He always got good plans for each of us. It is just up to us on how we will reach the finish line.”
Finally, Charee Pineda shares her joy and pride after finishing her bachelor’s degree in Political Science. Aside from several showbiz commitments, Charee keeps herself busy in public service as she is currently a councilor in Valenzuela City.
For the Kapuso actress, being able to finish college amidst work difficulties is already an achievement and considers herself lucky to have supportive people in her life. “Communicating well and having an efficient support system, which are my family and staff, were and will always be best for me in dealing with work and school,” Charee closes.
The importance that these Kapuso artists give to having a good education serves as a much needed breath of fresh air to the industry. May they serve as an inspiration not only to their fellow celebrities but also to the rest of the young people to always keep their eyes on the prize.
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