Erich Gonzales is one of the few young celebrities who believe they can do their showbiz commitments and continue with their studies at the same time. 

Ever since she joined show business, the 2005 Star Circle Teen Quest grand questor never left behind her chance to get a diploma.  This has been her main motivation to get a degree in Mass Communication at the Trinity University of Asia in Quezon City, where she's currently enrolled as a junior student.

"Gusto ko po talaga makapagtapos," said Erich firmly during the press launch of her new Silka endorsement yesterday afternoon, June 15, at the 9501 Restaurant, ABS-CBN compound in Quezon City.

This semester, the 19-year-old actress took 12 units, which require her to report to school only on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

Erich doesn't think that it will be hard to juggle her time with work and school.  She said, "Kapag absent po ako, kapag may free time, pupunta po ako sa school to (check) 'yong mga na-miss ko."

The incoming Magkaribal actress added, "I make it a point po na kapag may time... Let's say ang call time ko mga hapon pa naman, punta ako ng school ng morning, hindi ako matutulog.  Gusto ko po talaga makapagtapos."

Unlike other young celebrities, Erich thinks that it's better to finish the course slowly than putting it aside to focus solely on work.

"Ako talaga, gusto kong makapagtapos ng pag-aaral, e.  Kahit na mahirap, kahit na pakonti-konti lang," she said.

Erich has also become a good influence to some of her close friends in showbiz.  Whenever there's a chance, she also encourages her fellow celebrities to go back to school.

She related, "Ini-inspire ko talaga sila, 'yong mga kaibigan ko to go back to school.  Kasi, kahit naman nasa showbiz ka, you're earning, it doesn't mean na kalimutan mo na 'yong pag-aaral mo."

The young actress also noted:  "Education talaga is really important.  Itong showbiz, it's not forever.  Kailangan mo talagang may matapos.  Iba rin 'yong feeling na may natapos ka.  'Yon ang something na panghahawakan mo na nobody can take away from you."

NO CONFLICT WITH CHIURIGOGOBASHU.  Speaking of friends, Erich also clarified rumors that she had a conflict with her close friends in ABS-CBN, her group of girl friends called Chiurigogobashu composed of Kim Chiu, Melissa Ricks, Kitkat, Beauty, Empress Schuck and herself.

"Hindi totoo 'yon.  Pinagtatawanan lang namin 'yon," she said laughing. 

The former Tanging Yaman actress said she still meets the group occasionally.  "Like, kapag meron kaming free time, nagkikita-kita kami, tawagan, like, 'Saan tayo magdi-dinner, movie,' ganyan.  We get to hang out lately talaga kapag hindi busy," she said.

Sometimes they talk about the separation issue when they're together.  "Parang laging sinasabi na, 'O hiwalay ka na raw sa amin.  Hindi ka na raw sumasama.'  Samantalang magkakasama kami," she related.