LOOK: Aiko Melendez earns bachelor degree at 47
Aiko Melendez is now a graduate.
The veteran actress on Instagram shared how she juggled showbiz, public service, and her studies as she finally finished college at age 47.
“It may have taken me years to finally finish my degree but despite a lot of hurdles and heavy workloads from being an artist and a public servant, I made sure to still make it,” she wrote on her July 29 post.
Aiko was seen in all smiles while donning a maroon toga for the graduation ceremony at the Philippine International Convention Center. She described her feat as “the best gift I can ever give my mother and my children.”
“I may have achieved a lot already in life, but nothing comes close to this. Thank you, Lord!” she added.
In a separate post, the Wildflower actress looked back on her journey before getting the coveted diploma.
“Mukhang madali ang lahat pero sa totoo lang naiisip ko ngayon paano ko napag sabay sabay lahat? Paano nga ba?” she wrote. “Kasi natuto akong pahalagahan ang mga bagay na dapat nuon ko pa nabigyan ng pansin.”
She went on to share why she earned her degree at age 47, detailing the sacrifices she made when she prioritized more on providing a better life for her children, Andre and Mathena.
“Inuna ko muna tuparin ang mga pangarap ko para sa pamilya ko. Ang mabigyan sila ng kumportableng buhay. Ngayon na maayos at meron silang simple at di kumplikadong buhay pangarap ko naman ang tinupad ko ang makatapos ng pag aaral,” she wrote.
Aside from being a full-time mom, Aiko also works as a councilor in Quezon City. She is also active in taking roles in television shows, which has been her job for decades.
She went on to express her gratitude to people who helped her achieve the feat, including her manager Ogie Diaz, partner Cong. Jay Khonghun, her mom, her children, and her alma mater, Philippine Women’s University.
“This is Aiko Melendez officially! Graduate na po ako,” she wrote. “Ito ang patunay na ang edukasyon walang pinipiling edad basta matuto ka lang alamin ang gusto mo,” she added, while also baring her plan to take up a master’s degree soon.
Aiko started her show business career in the 80s. She eventually became a blockbuster leading lady to big stars.
She is currently part of the latest GMA tv series, Mano Po Legacy: The Flower Sisters. She is also best known for her roles as Governor Emilia Ardiente in Wildflower with Maja Salvador and as Kendra in GMA’s Prima Donnas.