Denise Barbacena finishes college after 10 years; Xyriel Manabat graduates from high school

It took 10 years before singer-actress Denise Barbacena got her college degree.
She shared on her latest vlog that she only found out about graduating last March.
Denise said she was from batch 2010 but a year after starting college, she joined GMA talent show "Protégé." Because she was juggling school and work, she only took three subjects per semester instead of seven.
"So 'yung isang semester kinukuha ko siya ng isang buong taon," she explained.
The Kapuso talent turned emotional looking back on her journey as student.
"Bawat failure, bawat delay sa subject, bawat mababang score sa quizzes, sa exams, 'yung kaba na baka hindi ko 'to maipasa dahil wala akong masyadong aral dahil galing ako sa taping or may inaral akong kanta para ma-perform ko rin ng maayos. After all the delays, I wanna believe God has a plan in his own timing."
Denise congratulated graduating students, even those who aren’t able to attend the march.
"Congratulations you made it. Hindi nabawasan ang tagumpay mo dahil hindi ka nagkapagmartsa. This is just the beginning. Celebrate your success with or without graduation march or graduation picture. With faith and with people who truly love you, care for you, and believe in you, nothing is impossible. And of course, you have to be the first person na nag la-love at nag ke-care, nag be-believe sa sarili mo."
She said that despite not knowing what the future holds, she will continue to walk in faith.
"I'd like to thank my family, dear friends, and loved ones who supported me and cheered for me every time things were a bit heavy to handle," she wrote as a caption on Instagram where she posted her graduation picture. "To my beloved professors and to my artist center family, thank you. You all made this journey possible. I am beyond blessed to be able to work and go to school at the same time."

Meanwhile, child star Xyriel Manabat finished high school at the Golden Faith Academy.
She uploaded her graduation picture on Instagram with text that read: "All for You!"
The 16-year-old artist started in showbiz in 2009 when she placed third runner-up on "Star Circle Quest: Search For The Next Kiddie Idol."