Arnell Ignacio graduates at 55…and so do other stars

It’s never too late.

Look at Arnell Ignacio who, at 55, graduated recently from the University of Makati with an AB Political Science (major in Local Government Administration) degree.

“I am proud that I finished college at my age,” said Arnell who prefers to be called “Citizen Arnell” after he quit his job at PAGCOR. “Hindi dapat ikahiya; dapat ipagmalaki. Hindi pa huli ang lahat.”

It was an emotional day for Citizen Arnell as he received his diploma. He may have returned to his civilian, celebrity/entrepreneur life but his heart is still clearly in the service of Filipino people.

During his stint as a public official, serving as the AVP for Community Relation and Services Department at the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and then as the Deputy Administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA), Arnell has been known for his incorruptible values and his focus on helping Filipinos in need. He helped bring home numerous OFWs in countries like Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. His clean record as a government servant speaks for himself and earned his unquestionable integrity.

And it is the same values that he found in the representatives of Juan Movement namely Jun Llave, Nico Valencia and Mark Boado that made him decide to support their cause to create better Filipinos. Incidentally, it was these very same friends that encouraged him to pursue his studies.

Showbiz guys like Arnell who never turned their back on their studies (since they were already earning big bucks) deserved to be emulated. There are more like Arnell who should be looked up to (especially by fans) as role models.

Bianca Umali: Senior high school at Veritas Catholic School in Parañaque City

• Bianca Umali, 19, who finished senior high school  as a working student at Veritas Catholic School in Parañaque City. Bianca lost both her parents at a young age and it was her paternal grandmother who raised her, training her to be independent. Bianca plays the titular role in the GMA series Sahaya.

Renz Valerio: BSBA Marketing Management magna cum laude from Our Lady of Fatima University in Antipolo City

• Renz Valerio, 20, graduated magna cum laude with a BSBA Marketing Management degree from Our Lady of Fatima University in Antipolo City, and an award for Best in Marketing Research Academic Excellence. In 2006,  Renz started his career as a child actor, along the way winning Best Child Actor (for The Road) at the 60th FAMAS Awards in 2011. He’s in the cast of the GMA soap Inagaw na Bituin.

Yasmien Kurdi (with husband Rey Soldevilla Jr., their daughter Ayesha Zara and mom Miriam Ong-Yuson)

• Yasmien Kurdi graduated magna cum laude from Arellano University with an AB Political Science degree, witnessed by her husband, Rey Soldevilla Jr. (a pilot), their daughter Ayesha Zara and Yasmien’s mom Miriam Ong-Yuson. Yasmien thanked Rey for his love, understanding and inspiration. She posted this on her Facebook account: Life is hard but you have to keep pushing forward. Feed your mind with positivity like ideas of success, not failure. Let life be a learning experience and always believe in yourself! Thank you, Arellano University. To God be the Glory.

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