'20 years in the making': Cai Cortez finishes college at 38 years old
Cai Cortez just earned her political science degree from the University of Makati two decades after she began her journey.
In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Aug. 5, the actress and Taytay, Rizal councilor announced the news with a special shoutout to her parents, seasoned actor Rez Cortez and his wife Candy.
"20 years in the making. Mom and Dad, sana proud kayo kahit it took this long to give you a diploma," Cortez, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science degree, Major in Local Government Administration, wrote in the caption of her post.
The councilor also expressed her gratitude to her alma mater for championing single working moms.
"Will forever be grateful to @umakph (University of Makati) for giving opportunities to people like me na gustong makatapos kahit [nagwo-work] and solo mother of 2," Cortez continued.
Cortez was part of the university's 53rd Commencement Exercises held on Aug. 5 at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center.
Cortez's showbiz friends were supportive of her, sending their greetings through her Instagram post. Among the actress' well-wishers were Sanya Lopez, Maxene Magalona, Dingdong Dantes, Jerald Napoles, Cassy Legaspi, Nikki Valdez, Eugene Domingo, Gian Magdangal, and Gelli de Belen.
The multi-faceted star, who also dabbles in comedy and modeling, has two children, 9 and 6. According to entertainment outlet PEP.ph, as of May 2026, she and her Tunisian ex-husband Wissem Rkhami were in the middle of a custody battle for their kids. Cortez and Rkhami got married in 2016 and split up in 2023.
As an actress, Cortez has several credits under her belt, including the films English Only, Please, Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2: #ForeverIsNotEnough, Ang Taba Ko Kasi, and the multiple award-winning Song of the Fireflies. On TV, among other projects she has appeared in were the series Ika-6 na Utos and the improv reality show Comedy Island Philippines.
