'Graduate Na, Magna Cum Laude Pa!' Dad Jhong Hilario Graduates At 46

Actor-dancer and host Jhong Hilario has proven that parents can still reach for their dreams as he graduated magna cum laude with the degree AB Political Science from Arellano University.

The dad of one shared his graduation photo on Instagram today, and shared his story on his YouTube vlog.

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A post shared by Jhong Hilario (@jhonghilario)

How Jhong Hilario earned his college degree

In his vlog, he documented his journey from enrollment to his graduation. He enrolled in an Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation (ETEEAP) last August 2022.

He also documented his weekend online classes, while fulfilling daddy duties. His struggles include attending classes with his toddler Sarina, who loves playing music and singing in the background.

RELATED: Ang Cute! Ganito Ang Kulitan Nina Jhong Hilario At Smokey Manaloto Sa Kanilang Mga Anak

In his one-year course, he took up minor and major subjects online, completed practicum and thesis. He proudly memorized the Preamble and the 18 articles of the Philippine constitution.

During his toga fitting day, he said he was determined to finish his studies for his family, "Nauna lang yung pagiging dancer, actor, host, bago matapos ang pag-aaral. At least mareregaluhan ko sila."

His graduation ceremony took place on June 14 at the Philippine International Convention Center.

He proudly told Sarina, "Gumraduate na si daddy!"

At the end of his vlog, Jhong said, "Madlang pipol. Graduate na, magna cum laude. Para sa future ni Sarina. Ito ang aking kuwento."

In an interview with TV Patrol, Jhong said that he dedicated his graduation to his parents, both of whom are doting and loving grandparents to his daughter.

"Ito 'yung bayad ko sa utang ko sa mga magulang ko. Lahat ng parents ay gustong makatapos ang mga anak nila and lahat ginagawa nila. Nagtatrabaho sila ng marangal para makapagpa-aral ng mga anak and ito na 'yon," he said. 

He added that even at age 46, it's never too late to achieve your dreams, "Kahit na late na, at the age of 46, buhay pa 'yung parents ko."

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A post shared by Jhong Hilario (@jhonghilario)

Jhong also shared an advice to those who are inspired by his feat, "Sa lahat ng gustong makatapos ng pag-aaral, kahit late na katulad ko, mayroon talagang pagkakataon, mayroon talagang paraan para gawin ito kahit busy tayo," he said. "Time management lang. For me napakaiksi ng buhay para walang gawin eh."

Jhong is also serving as a councilor in the first district of Makati City, inspired by his father who was a former politician.

Congratulations, Jhong!

Read the story of a mom who passed the bar at age 65 here.