At 48, multiplatinum Filipino singer Geneva Cruz is demonstrating what it means not to give up chasing one's dreams.
On August 15, 2024, Geneva announces through a Facebook post her decision to return to school and pursue higher education.
Looking back on her time at the University of Santo Tomas, where she pursued a degree in AB General Literature, she acknowledges that life took her in unexpected directions.
"I remember my college days at @ust1611official, where I took up #ABGeneral/Lit (Hi to all my batchmates and schoolmates if some of you follow me here!)," she begins.
"But life had different plans for me, and that’s to become a mother first."
Read: Geneva Cruz: "No one should be shamed for wearing proper swimwear."
GENEVA GETS MOTIVATION FROM HER DAUGHTER
When faced with the decision between education and motherhood, Geneva chose the latter and stood by it wholeheartedly.
Her 28-year-old son, Heaven Arespacochaga, whom she considers a beautiful gift, has enriched her life in ways words can hardly express.
Yet, it is her ten-year-old daughter, London Lee Cruz, who has reignited her passion for education.
"Having a ten-year-old daughter was the motivation I needed to prioritize finishing a degree," she shares.
"I strongly believe in setting a positive example for my children, which drives me to dedicate time to pursuing my educational goals.
"My favorite quote has always been, ‘If there's a will, there's a way,’ and it's true.
"You can always find time to prioritize and pursue what is important to you if you really want to."
Today, she restarts her pursuit for higher education at the Philippine Christian University.
Read: Geneva Cruz graduates as reservist with sergeant rank from Philippine Air Force
A COMMITMENT TO PERSONAL GROWTH
The celebrity mom's philosophy is anchored in the belief that personal growth knows no age limits.
"I live to grow because there's no age or judgment in personal growth as long as you keep pushing forward to finish what you start," she writes.
"Go after your goals—there's no such thing as being too late!"
Geneva also extends her gratitude to 1LT Ronnie Liang, PA, for their memorable conversation backstage at the Luneta Grandstand, where she was reminded of the powerful impact education can have on those who seek to uplift themselves.
She then acknowledges her family—her father, children, and sisters Aubrey Cruz, Ness Cruz, and Eliza Cruz—who have all completed their college education: "Para sa inyo rin Ito — para kay #angelmama!"
Her message serves as a reminder that an academic degree isn’t a guaranteed ticket to success. She emphasizes, "Don’t view your degree as a pass or a shortcut to a great life.
"The point is not that a degree is meaningless but that it should have great value or uphold something of great importance to you."
More importantly, the singer adds, "People hire or do business with you based on your skills, attitude, and work ethic rather than just your degree."
Read: Geneva Cruz "never hurt" by comments comparing her to mestiza cousins
GENEVA COMPLETES PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE RESERVIST TRAINING
In keeping with her purpose of living a meaningful life, Geneva has also become a sergeant for the Philippine Air Force Reserve Command on March 9, 2022.
She published on the day of her graduation: "Respect. Loyalty. Honor.
"Big words I learned as a kid but never really truly fully grasped—until now.
"I have always been fascinated by the mystique and allure of a soldier's charmed life. There’s something about their aura that’s appealing and engaging to me.
"On the outside, it's easy to romanticize the trimmings—the snappy uniform, the clockwork precision, the gut-busting physical training, and discipline—while at the same time trying to grasp the abstract concepts of heroism, patriotism, and courage on the one hand, and the gore and sheer horror of war and bloodshed on the other.
"I realized that you never really get to understand a soldier's life until you step in their boots.
"Today, I step in my boots and flaunt my badge as a proud member of the Philippine Air Force's reserve command.
"It's been said that the unexamined life is not worth living, and I agree."
Celebrating her achievement in time for women's month, she wrote: "Today, as I grow bolder, wiser, and take up the cudgels for women's empowerment, I say that a meaningful life is worth dying for."
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