Jhong Hilario graduates from college as magna cum laude

Jhong Hilario graduated with Latin honors from Arellano University at the age of 46.

The It's Showtime host and actor was overjoyed as he marched across the stage and danced at the Philippine International Convention Center last June 14.

"Ito yung bayad ko sa utang ko sa mga magulang ko," he told TV Patrol.

"Lahat ng parents ang gusto ay makatapos ng pagaaral ang mga anak nila and lahat ginagawa nila. Nagtatrabaho sila ng marangal para makapagpa-aral ng mga anak. And ito na yun. Kahit na late na at the age of 46, at least buhay pa yung parents ko."

Jhong found juggling his studies with his work as an actor, host, and politician difficult. However, he did not let that stop him. His advice to those who want to finish their studies is to make time for school, even when it's difficult.

"Sa lahat ng gustong makatapos ng pag-aaral, kahit late na na katulad ko, meron talagang pagkakataon. Meron talagang paraan para gawin ito kahit na sobrang busy tayo. Time management lang. For me napaka iksi ng buhay para walang gawin eh."

Jhong is part of the original Filipino boy group Streetboys, which was formed in 1993. He started acting in 1996 and appeared in several films and TV shows including Muro Ami, Caregiver, and Ang Probinsyano.

Aside from hosting ABS-CBN's noontime show It's Showtime, Jhong is also a city councilor of Makati.