LIST: Pinoy celebrities who graduated with Latin honors
It's graduation season for some schools and universities in the Philippines.
Inspiring stories about hard work, dedication, and perseverance are bound to be shared on social media. If you're looking for more to light that spark, take a cue from these celebrities who not only earned their college degrees but also graduated with Latin honors.
They were once in the shoes of students themselves, and their academic achievements didn't come easy, as some balanced demanding schedules in the entertainment industry, while others returned to school years after finding fame and still managed to finish with flying colors.
Their stories prove that with discipline and commitment, it's never too late to pursue your dreams. Meet the celebrities who snagged academic distinctions while making names for themselves in Philippine entertainment:
Benjamin Alves
Benjamin Alves graduated summa cum laude with a degree in English Literature from the University of Guam in 2012.
The actor previously shared that he worked multiple jobs to support himself while studying college at 21. He initially pursued a Marketing degree with a minor in Finance, but his flourishing showbiz career interrupted his studies with just one semester left. Years later, he returned to school and completed his degree with the highest academic distinction.
Carol Banawa
Singer-actress Carol Banawa earned her Associate Degree in Nursing as a summa cum laude from North Virginia Community College in the United States in 2018.
Known for hits like Iingatan Ka and Tanging Yaman, Banawa left showbiz after starring in the teleserye Bituin in 2002 alongside late actresses Nora Aunor and Cherie Gil and eventually settled in the US, where she pursued a career in healthcare.
Shamcey Supsup-Lee
Beauty queen Shamcey Supsup-Lee, a known academic achiever, graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Architecture from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 2008.
She later became the Philippines' representative at Miss Universe 2011, finishing as third runner-up, before serving as national director of the Miss Universe Philippines Organization from 2020 to 2023.
Yasmien Kurdi
Yasmien Kurdi completed her Political Science degree at Arellano University as magna cum laude in 2019 while juggling tasks as a mother and working student.
The actress first gained national attention after finishing as runner-up in the inaugural season of GMA's StarStruck. Years later, she achieved another milestone by graduating with academic honors.
Jhong Hilario
Actor-host Jhong Hilario graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Political Science from Arellano University in 2024.
Receiving his diploma at age 46, the It's Showtime host dedicated the achievement to his parents, saying it was his way of repaying their sacrifices and fulfilling their dream of seeing him earn a college degree.
Agot Isidro
Agot Isidro is a magna cum laude graduate of the Fashion Institute of New York, where she studied Interior Design.
She also earned an undergraduate degree in Interior Design from UP Diliman and later completed a master's degree in Communication at Ateneo de Manila University. Before becoming one of the country's respected actresses and singers, she performed as a backup singer on The Sharon Cuneta Show.
Carla Abellana
Carla Abellana graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from De La Salle University-Manila in 2004.
She became one of GMA Network's leading actresses after her breakout role in the 2009 GMA adaptation of Rosalinda and later earned acclaim as Lally for My Husband's Lover.
Rocco Nacino
Rocco Nacino graduated cum laude when he earned his Master of Arts in Nursing from St. Bernadette of Lourdes College in 2017.
The actor studied while taking up acting roles and business ventures. He finished his Bachelor's degree in nursing at Mapua University.
Myrtle Sarrosa
Myrtle Sarrosa completed her Broadcast Communication degree at the University of the Philippines Diliman as cum laude in 2017.
She finished college in six years after shifting across three programs while simultaneously pursuing a flourishing television career. She first rose to fame after winning Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition 4 in 2012.
Venus Raj
Beauty queen Venus Raj notched a "major, major" achievement when she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Arts from Bicol University.
The Miss Universe 2010 4th runner-up didn't stop there, as she earned her master's in community development from UP Diliman in 2017.