Ruffa Gutierrez proved that anyone can go back to school at any age.
At 48, the model, host, and actress earned her bachelor's degree in communication arts after she returned to studying. Ruffa entered show business when she was just a teenager and focused on her career which caused her to postpone her college education.
"I'm very proud na talagang graduate na 'ko. I'm already a degree holder.
"I realized that you can graduate at any age. For me, education is very important.
"Gusto ko magsilbing inspirasyon sa mga anak ko, for Lorin and Venice. I'm a single mom, I work so hard.
"Nag-stop ako after high school kasi I made the most of my opportunities coming my way back then but it's never too late to go back to school."
Ruffa received her college diploma from the Philippine Women's University under its Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program.
And right now, Ruffa is busy unlocking another milestone: earning a master's degree.
"Kung sakaling gusto ko mag-quiit sa pagiging artista ko, I can do other things because I'm now knowledgeable."
Take a peek at Ruffa's return to student life in this gallery:
In an August 23, 2022 Instagram post, Ruffa Gutierrez revealed that she has graduated with a bachelor's degree in communication arts from the Philippine Women's University (PWU) under its Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program.
Ruffa proudly marched in her toga and cap to formally receive her college diploma at the Philippine International Convention Center where the PWU's 99th Commencement Exercises took place on September 2, 2022.
After taking online classes, Ruffa had the opportunity to bond with her fellow graduates in person before the graduation ceremony. She said in an interview, "I just feel really inspired not only me but the other students as well, my fellow graduates. Even half of them are younger than me pero proud na proud ako na kasama ko sila."
Ruffa excitedly stood in a queue, along with the other graduates.
Ruffa, 48, proved that anyone could return to school at any age. "I just want you guys to know that if I can do it, you can do it as well," she said.
Earning a college degree isn't an easy task to do, especially when juggling multiple jobs at the same time. And Ruffa wouldn't have done this without the constant support of her professors and loved ones.
Ruffa complied with her academic requirements which include internship and meeting deadlines. She does all these while performing her showbiz commitments and being a mother to her two children Lorin and Venice.
Ruffa's 18-year-old daughter, Venice Bektas, supported her mother as she marched on her graduation day. For Venice, her mom is a source of inspiration. She said, "I'm so proud of my mom, I know how hard she works. She would always be busy on the couch doing her school work and inspiring me to do my school work as well and I'm super excited to go to college just like my mom."
For Ruffa, education is not just a matter of pride and achievement but also a career backup plan in case she quits showbiz.
After earning her bachelor's degree, Ruffa is onto the next chapter of her academic journey: studying for a master's degree in communication arts."Because of my enduring commitment in continuously seeking knowledge and equipping myself with new skills that will help me prosper and fulfill my dreams in the ever-changing global scene, I also proudly share with you that I am officially an MA-ComArts student at PWU. The journey continues -- unstoppable!," she shared.
In an August 23, 2022 Instagram post, Ruffa Gutierrez revealed that she has graduated with a bachelor's degree in communication arts from the Philippine Women's University (PWU) under its Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program.
Among her first TV projects were 'That's Entertainment' and 'Eat Bulaga' where she served as host.
More opportunities put Ruffa in the spotlight when she became a beauty queen at the age of 17. At 18, she became the Binibining Pilipinas World 1993 and represented the country in Miss World 1993 where she finished second place.
Ruffa admitted that she regrets not finishing college at the right age because of working early.
It may have taken so long, but Ruffa is grateful that she was able to earn a degree even in her 40s. "It was a regret that I was able to accomplish, so I'm very proud about that," she shared in a TV show.