Mikee Quintos is filled with excitement after successfully defending her thesis, bringing her one step closer to earning her college degree after ten years of hard work. The Kapuso actress, who is studying architecture at the University of Santo Tomas, shared her journey through her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, April 22, documenting moments from her thesis defense – from the preparation to the actual presentation.
In her posts, Mikee admitted to feeling “shaky” as she stood before the thesis panel, overwhelmed with nerves and anticipation. ” [Point of view]: Your thesis jury just gave you your final grade and you’re finally graduating after 10 years in college,” she captioned a video of herself beaming with joy after receiving her grade.
The actress took a moment to express her heartfelt thanks to her thesis adviser, whom she called “the best.” “Thank you for everything, Miss!” she wrote in a separate post, showing her immense gratitude for the guidance and support she received throughout her academic journey.
In another emotional video, Mikee can be seen wiping away tears of happiness, overwhelmed by the realization that her long academic journey was nearing its end.
Mikee has been balancing her studies and acting career since 2016. In 2019, she paused her studies when she was cast in a project but returned to school in 2020. In a 2021 interview, she shared her commitment to finishing her architecture degree, saying, “I was already studying architecture when I entered showbiz. That’s the path I would have taken if it weren’t for acting. But I still want to pursue that because I know that being an actress isn’t forever.”
Mikee’s determination to complete her education despite the demands of her acting career has been a long-standing priority for her. The actress has always been clear about her passion for both fields, and she has expressed her desire to finish her degree to ensure that she has a stable career to fall back on when her acting days come to an end.
However, her academic journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In 2021, Mikee became the subject of controversy when a blind item was posted by a University of Santo Tomas (UST) student, accusing a thesis mate of “getting good grades without having to work for it.” The student further suggested that the celebrity in question was a GMA talent, which led some netizens to speculate that Mikee was the person being referred to.
The actress addressed the issue in 2023, clarifying that architecture thesis work is always an individual effort, and not a group project, as the blind item suggested. “Because of that incident din medyo naapektuhan po ang aking mental health,” she admitted. “Because of that experience also I realized na ‘yung pag-aaral, ‘yung pagpapatapos ng school, I shouldn’t do it for anyone else. I should do it for myself.”
Mikee’s honest admission about how the experience affected her mental health resonated with many of her followers. She shared how that moment made her realize the importance of pursuing her degree for her own sake, not to meet others’ expectations. It was a turning point in her journey, teaching her to stay focused on her personal goals rather than the opinions of others.
Throughout her academic career, Mikee has shown resilience, balancing the pressures of both school and showbiz. She’s constantly reminded her followers that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams, no matter what stage of life you’re in.
Her ability to handle such a demanding schedule and remain focused on her goal of graduating after a decade-long journey is a testament to her dedication and hard work. She has proven that it’s possible to succeed in multiple fields, and her accomplishments are an inspiration to many who might be juggling their own academic or career aspirations.
In addition to her personal achievements, Mikee’s story also highlights the importance of mental health and the pressures that can come with public scrutiny. Despite the criticisms and doubts from some quarters, she has persevered and continues to move forward with her goals intact.
As Mikee prepares for the final steps in her college journey, she remains grateful for the support from her family, friends, and followers. Her story reflects not only her passion for architecture and acting but also her commitment to personal growth and overcoming obstacles. The next chapter in her life is certainly one to look forward to, and fans are excited to see what she will accomplish next.
Mikee’s perseverance is an example of how important it is to stay true to yourself and pursue your goals, regardless of the challenges that may arise along the way. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that success comes from dedication, hard work, and the willingness to keep moving forward, even when things get tough.
Mikee Quintos, born Mikaela Marie Javier Quintos on December 18, 1997, in Sampaloc, Manila, is a Filipino actress, singer, and model affiliated with GMA Network’s Sparkle Artist Center. She gained prominence for her portrayal of Lira in the 2016 reboot of Encantadia, a role that marked her breakout in the entertainment industry. Her acting career includes notable roles in Onanay, The Lost Recipe, Apoy sa Langit, and Slay, showcasing her versatility across various genres.
In addition to acting, Mikee is a talented singer with several released singles, including “Awit Ni Lira,” “Panaginip,” “Tadhana,” and “Just Enough.” She is currently hosting the cooking show Lutong Bahay on GTV. Mikee is also pursuing a degree in architecture at the University of Santo Tomas. She is the daughter of Eduardo “Wardee” Quintos XIV and Jocelyn Javier, both of whom are politicians. Her family includes three sisters: Loisa Marie, Denise, and Jodee.
