Many celebrities have surprised fans by stepping into the classroom, proving that their influence goes beyond fame and the spotlight. Some pursued teaching before their big break, while others returned to education out of passion for learning and service.
Before becoming a familiar face on television in the late '80s, TV host Ruby Rodriguez worked as a preschool teacher. Journalists Kara David, Marisol Abdurahman, and Steve Dailisan also spent years in the classroom, sharing their expertise with students.
These celebrity-teachers remind us that education can be a calling as powerful as fame, and that the skills used on stage or screen like creativity, discipline, and communication are just as valuable in the classroom.
Explore the gallery of local stars who have a heart for teaching.
Did you know that Ruby Rodriguez used to be a teacher before she became a celebrity? In her 'Tunay na Buhay' interview, the actress-host said that she does want to go back to teaching. Her inspiration? Her son who was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia. Ruby hopes to teach kids with special needs.
The dancing queen took her love for her craft to the next level. Regine is now a Zumba Instructor. She even participated during Quezon City's attempt to make it into the Guinness World Record for the Biggest Zumba Class.
Eat Bulaga's HBD Girl graduated with a Degree in Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Education, Minor in Special Education. The bauty queen hopes to run her own pre-school one day.
Camille opened her own pre-school last 2008. She got the idea of building Divine Angels Montessori in Cainta when the actress studied Montessori teaching while she was in the U.S.
Radio DJ and love guru was one a Polytechnic University of the Philippines instructor in the College of Communication.
Ciara took her love for dancing to the next level by teaching pole dancing to her celebrity friends and other hobbyists. Sarah Geronimo even tried attending Ciara's class.
Before becoming the Ramon Bautista we all know, the host-slash-internet-superstar started as a professor at the University of the Philippines.
Radioactive Sago Project vocalist and writer was once a teacher at the De La Salle University.
Talented musician Bullet Dumas is actually a math teacher.
Film director Quark Henares co-founded Shift, together with Team Manila and The One School. Shift is a multimedia school specializing in 'graphic design, web development and video production.'
Award-winning documentaries Kara David shares her knowledge in young journalismt as she is a professor in the University of the Philippines - Diliman.
In "Bawal Judgmental" segment of 'Eat Bulaga,' GMA News reporter Marisol Abdurahman revealed that she was a teacher at the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City.
Former GMA News reporter Steve Dailisan is a part-time lecturer at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, where he graduated valedictorian in Bachelor in Journalism.
Before joining Binibining Pilipinas, Miss International 2016 titleholder and actress Kylie Verzosa used to be a preschool teacher. She said, "Working with kids brings me so much joy and energy."
Former SexBomb leader Rochelle Pangilinan recently opened her summer dance class. Among her first students were Sparkle artists.
A psychology graduate, Marian Rivera once taught children with special needs before her career took off, a passion later mirrored in her roles in the GMA series Super Ma'am and film Balota.
A Doctor of Philosophy in Social Development with a communication degree, TV host, publicist, and talent manager Boy Abunda shared his expertise by teaching Radio and Television Practices and Principles at Philippine Women's University. The King of Talk is also a sought-after coach and mentor in public speaking. Among his mentees is Gabbi Garcia, whom he guided during her hosting stint at the Miss Manila 2024 coronation night.
Mom of three Isabelle Daza, a graduate of De La Salle University with a degree in Early Childhood Education, dedicated two years to working as a preschool teacher. Passionate about raising values-driven kids, she wrote a children's book inspired by her longtime nanny, whom she lovingly calls Yaya Luning, in 2021. She has since shared that she's considering doing a book tour, visiting different preschools.
Early in 2026, Unang Hirit host Suzi Entrata-Abrera began a new semester teaching Advocacy Communication at Ateneo de Manila University. This marks her second year teaching the subject.
After opening a weightlifting academy in 2024, Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz is now a lecturer at the University of the Philippines Diliman's College of Human Kinetics. According to an article posted on the national university's website, Hidilyn will handle two PE 2 sections in weightlifting this second semester of AY 2025-2026. She attended the Teaching Effectiveness Course at the UP Diliman School of Economics in preparation for her teaching stint.