For Kapamilya singer and actress Angeline Quinto, graduating from college was more than just receiving a diploma, but a fulfillment of a promise she made to her late mother, Mama Bob.
In her recent vlog. Angeline shared a glimpse of her graduation day and the surprise celebration prepared by her loyal supporters.
“Today ay napakaspecial na araw for me. Excited na excited ako. Late na ako nakatulog para makapagprepare ng mga ginamit ko. Sobrang excited ako kasi ngayong araw po ay graduation ko na,” Angeline shared.
“I’m so proud of myself. Alam kong proud ang Mama Bob at happy ang Mama Bob. Kung nasaan man ang Mama Bob ngayon, malay mo nasa stage din siya later,” she added.
Angeline attended the commencement ceremony with her husband, Nonrev Daquina, and their children, Sylvio and Sylvia. During the ceremony, she also got to introduce some of her fellow classmates and even performed for them.
What Angeline thought would be the end of her special day turned out to be another memorable surprise. Her fans welcomed her with a jeepney decorated with a congratulatory tarpaulin for her graduation.
Together with Nonrev and several supporters, Angeline hopped on board for a mini celebration and question-and-answer session about her journey back to school.
“Thank you guys kasi seryoso super nagulat ako kanina kasi akala ko diretso na akong sasakyan. Nagulat ako pagtingin ko may jeep. Thank you guys! Ang effort niyo talaga!” Angeline expressed.
Angeline opened up about her decision to pursue higher education despite already having a successful career in entertainment.
“Naniniwala ako sa kasabihan na walang pinipiling edad ang pagtupad ng mga panagrap natin. Siguro, noong time na pinag-aaral talaga ako ng Mama Bob, hindi pa ganoon kabukal sa puso ko yung pag-aaral dahil ang gusto ko talaga noong time na iyon ay kumanta,” Angeline said.
“Siguro, may purpose talaga si Lord for me kaya Niya ako binigyan ng talento sa pagkanta na siguro kasi para maibigay ko muna yung maayos na buhay sa Mama ko bago siya mawala and ngayong mayroon na kaming dalawang anak ni Nonrev, bilang nanay gusto ko maging best example para kay Sylvio at Sylvia,” she further explained.
Angeline earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, majoring in Marketing Management, a course she chose because of its connection to her late mother's profession and her own dream of building a business outside showbiz.
“Bago nawala ang Mama Bob, isa iyon sa mga pinagako ko sa kaniya,” she said. “Kahit medyo mahirap, nailaban naman natin.”
The singer also recalled the challenges she faced while balancing school, work, pregnancy, and motherhood, all while keeping her studies private and secret from everyone.
“Nagstart ako magstudy noong bago ko nalaman na buntis ako kay Sylvia and kasabay noon ginagawa rin namin yung What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim,” she said.
She admitted that there were times when the demands of work and family made it difficult to keep up with academic requirements.
“Ang hirap kasi di ako puwedeng magtrabaho nang buntis. Doon yung pinaka-struggle talaga kasi umabot na sa point na every week nale-late ako sa pagpasa ng mga exam ng mga modules ko na to the point na nakiusap ako sa ibang mga prof, sa ibang matataas sa school namin,” she added. “Sa awa ng Diyos ginawa ko lahat para masabay ko.”
The celebration continued as the jeepney ride brought Angeline and her fans to the house where she once lived with Mama Bob. They shared a boodle fight, took photos, and spent time reminiscing.
“Hindi ko ma-explain ang feeling hanggang ngayon. Gabi na pero kasama ko pa rin ang mga supporters ko na nandito na sinurprise ako sa Bulacan Convention Center pa lang. Di ko inexpect iyon. Ngayon, nandito kami sa dating bahay ng Mama Bob at iba talaga yung pakiramdam. Ngayon na lang ulit ako nakabalik dito after ilang taon at damang-dama ko pa rin ang presence ng Mama,” she said.
Before ending the celebration, Angeline thanked everyone who had been part of her journey.
“Congratulations, guys! We made it. Good luck sa ating lahat and may God bless us sa mga tatahakin pa nating mga pangarap,” she said