Jhong Hilario (right) with his partner Maia Azores and their daughter Sarina. Image: Instagram/@sarinahilario, @jhonghilario
After graduating magna cum laude in 2023, Jhong Hilario once again impressed fans as he finished his master’s degree in public administration with highest merit.
Moments from the TV host-politician’s graduation ceremony at the World Citi Colleges were shared through an Instagram page dedicated to his daughter Sarina, on Thursday, Aug. 29.
Sarina and her mom, Maia Azores, were present at the event.
“We are so proud of you, Daddy [Jhong]. Masters in Public Administration with Highest Merit,” the caption reads.
In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN reporter MJ Felipe, Hilario said he strived to earn a master’s degree so that when he is no longer in show biz and an opportunity in public service presents itself, he would be “ready.”
“‘Di ko sinasabi na tatakbo ako for higher position or what. I’m just ready lang, if ever na kailangan ako sa ganito o sa ganyan,” said Hilario, who is currently a councilor in Makati City.
Hilario graduated from Arellano University last year with a degree in political science.
“Ito yung bayad-utang ko sa mga magulang ko… Lahat ng parents, gugustuhing makatapos ng pag-aaral mga anak nila,” he said at the time. “Ang lahat ginagawa nila, nag-tatrabaho sila ng marangal para makapag-paaral ng mga anak.”
“Heto na ‘yon! Kahit late na, at the age of 46, at least buhay pa ang parents ko,” he added.
Aside from his role as a family man and a politician, Hilario is also one of the mainstay hosts of the ABS-CBN noontime show “It’s Showtime.”