Former beauty queen and actress Lara Quigaman, 42, is embracing a new chapter—not on the pageant stage or movie set, but in a classroom.
She recently marked a meaningful milestone in her life abroad, proudly completing a Diploma in Early Childhood Education with distinction in Vancouver, Canada.
Lara, who was crowned Miss International in 2005, posted a graduation photo on social media, Saturday, June 22, 2025, expressing her gratitude and joy for achieving this milestone.
In her caption, Lara looked back on a line from a commercial she did two decades ago—and how it surprisingly came true today.
Lara writes, (published as is): "Hi! I’m Teacher Lara. I remember doing an ad 20 years ago where I said, 'I want to have 12 children!' Well, guess what? Now I have over 70+—and that’s not even including my own!"
Having just completed her Early Childhood Education diploma from Langara College, Lara expressed deep gratitude for the chance to work closely with children every day.
"God truly gives more than we ask for or could ever imagine.
"I’m so, so grateful that I get to do what I love—work with children, help shape their lives, and point them to Jesus," she wrote.
She also quoted Ephesians 3:20, a verse that reflects her personal journey of faith and purpose:
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” —Ephesians 3:20. All glory to Him!"
Lara’s decision to move to Canada
In a separate post, Lara reflected on her family’s decision to move from the Philippines to Canada, sharing how their faith guided them through the transition.
She has been based in Canada with her husband, actor Marco Alcaraz, and their three children.
Read: Lara Quigaman, mom of 3 boys, says drinking coffee has become a luxury
"Our family has always prayed that God would lead us to a place where we could be closer to one another and to Him—wherever that may be, no matter how difficult the path.
"Today, as I attended my convocation ceremony, we also celebrate His goodness and faithfulness.
"I’m teary-eyed typing this, because today is the beautiful result of every sacrifice and challenge we’ve faced and overcome by His grace," she wrote.
Lara admitted that the journey wasn’t easy—especially since they had to leave behind their careers and the familiar life they knew in the Philippines.
But she emphasized that moving to Canada had always been a dream deeply rooted in their hearts.
"Leaving behind our careers and the life we knew in the Philippines was not easy, but we chose to follow a dream that had been in our hearts long before our boys were born.
"God has not only answered that prayer—He has done far more than we could have imagined, and He continues to work in us and through us."
She ended her post with a heartfelt message of gratitude:
"We’re so thankful to God for carrying us through every step. All this is because of Him. To Him alone belongs all glory, honor, and praise. Thank You, Jesus!"
Congratulatory messages
Meanwhile, celebrity friends and fans were quick to congratulate Lara on this new milestone in her life.
Mikee Cojuangco commented, "Congratulations, Teacher Lara!"
"Congratulations!!!! Sending lots of love and good energy to the family!!!!" Iza Calzado wrote.
Dimples Romana added, "My Dilag!! How beautiful!!! So proud of you always!!"