Being a celebrity entails hectic schedules. One has to choose whether to continue an academic course or pursue the dream to appear on television and in movies.
Some of the younger generation chose a showbiz career over school. They reason out that they need to help their parents financially or they simply enjoy performing and entertaining Pinoy audiences. Other young stars take on showbiz and school at the same time, saying it's just matter of proper time management.
This being graduation month for Pinoy students everywhere, PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) asked some young local celebrities about their dream job and what they are doing to achieve it.
Maxene Magalona. The 22-year-old daughter of the late King of Pinoy Rap Francis Magalona dreamed of becoming a teacher when she was a kid.
"Ever since gusto ko talagang maging teacher," she told PEP. "Noong bata ako tinuturuan ko 'yong baby sister ko, si Saab, tinuturuan ko siyang magbasa, ganyan. Doon ko nare-realize na nahihiligan ko talaga ang pagtuturo. And when I was a kid gusting-gusto ko talaga 'yong playing teacher, may black board, 'tapos 'yong mga kapatid ko, kunwari sila 'yong mga estudyante ko."
The young actress, a fourth year student at the Ateneo de Manila University, once said in an interview that, "I shifted from Theater Arts to Social Sciences dahil gusto kong maging teacher o magkaroon ng Day Care Center na parang Gymboree." (Click here to read related article)
Empress Schuck. This teen Kapamilya star seems to be enjoying the life of a celebrity. Since she's busy doing the weekly show Your Song Presents Underage and the daily comedy series Parekoy, Empress just has her regular schooling in ABS-CBN's Distance Learning Center. She's currently in third year high school.
When asked what course she wants to take in college, the 16-year-old actress was still unsure. "Kasi, alam ko na mas mahihirapan ako kapag nag-college na. 'Yon ang feeling ko na mas marami na akong gagawin, mas maramin akong magiging projects, madadagdagan ang work ko," explained Empress.
Since she dreams to become a movie director, "Hindi ko alam kung magma-Mass Comm ako. Kasi, di ba, kapag artista ka, mag-Mass Comm ka na lang or gusto ko business management or magche-chef na lang ako."
Matt Evans. The Pedro Penduko actor was known for his "happy-go-lucky" attitude when he was still one of the teen housemates in Pinoy Big Brother. Now, he's starring in the weekly show Your Song Presents Underage.
Like Empress, Matt has also stopped going to school. Given the chance to go back, he'll take a culinary course. "Nagbabalak akong mag-Culinary. Mahilig kasi akong magluto," he told PEP.
What's his specialty?
Matt proudly answered, "Iba-iba, may bopis, sinigang. 'Yong bopis lagging request nila sa set. 'Tapos 'yong laing pinag-aaralan ko pa lang."
Jiro Manio. This 16-year-old multi-awarded actor is a graduating high school student at San Felipe Neri Parochial School, Mandaluyong City.
When Jiro gets to college, he plans to take up Hotel and Restaurant Management. The Tayong Dalawa actor further said that he's into cooking lately, so, he may get a major in Culinary at the De La Salle University.
Like Matt Evans, Jiro is also experimenting on new foods to serve during family gatherings. His favorites are chopsuey and salads.
Enchong Dee. This Bench endorser really knows how to balance his time with work, studies, and his passion for swimming.
In a recent interview, Enchong said that he will be finishing his course in Developmental Studies at the De La Salle University by July this year.
His eagerness to learn from school doesn't stop there as he plans to take a Master's degree afterwards. "Mas maluwag kasi 'yong time kapag nagma-Masteral ka. Mas flexible kasi ang masteral, so madali kong ma-accommodate 'yong working time."
Enchong will still be a swimmer, of course, even after graduation.
Mikee Lee. This freshman student from Ateneo de Manila University is one of the "multi-asking" young celebrities. Aside from his regular show on TV5 titled Lipgloss and regular hosting in the gospel music program Soul Mix, he's also busy studying management engineering.
He said that it's possible to do showbiz and studies at the same time only if the person really wants it.
"I think someone has to study at his own time, you know, when he's a teenager. You know, that's a studying age, e. So, I think the real challenge for artists like us is not just to study but to do well in it, because that's what we have to do at this time we're given, e," he previously told PEP.
Geoff Eigenmann. The newest Kapuso star said he stopped attending school after his first year in Medicine at the De La Salle University.
Geoff had long been planning to go back to school to finish his course, but, as he explained, "Actually, ilang beses na naudlot 'yong babalik na dapat ako. Kaso biglang magkakaroon ulit (ng project) at mag-iiba ng schedule, hindi lang natutuloy. Every time I decided to go back, may gano'ng nangyayari."
Was being a doctor really his dream as a child?
Geoff said, "Unang-una, gusto kong maging pilot when I was a kid. Gusto kong maging ninja. 'Tapos no'ng nagkaisip ako I wanted to become a fireman talaga. While watching movies, na-influence ako sa mga fireman movies, mga rescue-rescue, so it's fun to do that. At saka noong kids naman kami we always envisioned na we will end up in the United States."
When he finds time, Geoff promises to go back to school.
They are just few of our young stars today who value a different profession, aside from being a celebrity. Some may be taking time to finish their course, but at least they're making an effort be on stage getting their diploma.
Meanwhile, here are other stars that should be given a round of applause for their achievements.
Chris Tiu and Nikki Gil will be graduating in Ateneo with degrees in Management Engineering and in English Literature, respectively. Iya Villania graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Major in Psychology, from De La Salle University in Manila.
May these young stars serve as role models to their fellow celebrities and to the Filipino youth.