MANILA, Philippines – After a decade filled with career changes, motherhood, a pandemic, and countless deadlines, former actress and singer Nikki Gil has finally reached another major milestone: earning her second college degree.
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| Photo courtesy: Instagram/Nikki Gil |
Gil recently shared her graduation journey on Instagram, revealing that she began pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Interior Design degree in 2016 without knowing how many unexpected chapters life would bring along the way.
“Ten years, two kids, one pandemic, countless deadlines, and a whole lot of ‘Lord, please see me through this’ prayers later,” she wrote.
The journey was not always easy. Gil admitted there were moments when she wondered whether she would ever finish her studies. However, she credited God for guiding her through every season, delay, and challenge.
Her perseverance ultimately paid off as she graduated from SoFA Design Institute with Highest Distinction and also received an award for Best Thesis.
Gil expressed gratitude to her family, friends, classmates, professors, and school staff who supported her throughout the years. She gave special thanks to her husband, BJ Albert, for consistently supporting her pursuit of the dream, as well as their two children, Finn and Maddie, whom she said “grew up alongside this degree.”
Before stepping away from the entertainment industry, Gil was a familiar face on Philippine television. She rose to prominence after appearing in a Coca-Cola commercial and later became a MYX video jockey. She went on to build a career as a singer, actress, television host, and theater performer.
Among her notable acting projects were Rounin, Pieta, Nagsimula sa Puso, The Red Shoes, and Mundo Man ay Magunaw. She also appeared in films such as One More Chance and And I Love You So.
Gil eventually stepped away from showbiz after marrying Albert in 2015, choosing to focus on her family.
Now, with another degree under her belt, Gil hopes to remind others that dreams do not have an expiration date.
“Let this be your reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams,” she said.
“Take it from Tita Nikki and her second degree before 40!” she added.
The first college degree was a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Ateneo de Manila University, earned in 2009.
At 38, Gil has shown that even amid life's busiest seasons, there is always room to learn, grow, and start something new.
Congratulations, Nikki!
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express
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