Once again, Dante Balboa, also known as Elmer Anisco in real life, has proven that he is indeed the “Educated Hunk” of Philippine showbiz. Last school semester, he graduated with a master's degree in Filipino at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
Balboa completed his master's degree after 2 1/2 years with a high total average of 1.13 or equivalent to summa cum laude, despite having a hectic schedule with his tourism advocacy, teaching, showbiz events, theater, modelling projects, and managing his food business.
“Actually, I've spent 34 years of 'continuous' or 'non-stop' years of studying. Ten years in elementary and high school, 17 years in undergraduate, 5 years in BS Architecture at PUP. Then I pursued my studies at UP Diliman, with additional two years each in BA Film and Audio-Visual Communication, BA Anthropology, and BA Philosophy, with additional one year each in BS Landscape Architecture, BA Communication Research, BA Linguistics, and BA Psychology. Then I took up MA Anthropology and MA Philosophy for three years as well. I went back to PUP. I took up MA English Language Teaching and MA Communication (non-thesis) for four years, and lastly MA Filipino for 2 1/2 years, including thesis. I even took up plenty of certificate and short courses every semester break,” Dante revealed.
So why did he take up lots of courses?
“I devour knowledge, I felt that the more you know many things, the more you feel empty. I mean, no one can grasp the entirety of knowledge. The universe is so big, and we’re so little to know everything. But I am not saying that knowledge is the key to success because I still do believe that “strategy in life” and 'God’s will' or destiny will always prevail. All of us can manufacture our successes, but God will choose who will prosper or not. I felt like I am Superman. Because I can do multitasking. At the same time, I accepted showbiz, theater, modelling and architectural projects, and still manage my own food and sewing business. Probably, it’s just a matter of time management because since I was a kid, I always plan my life. Literally speaking, I always have a goal per week, per month, per year and per decade. Hahaha.”
Dante shared his future goals.
“I still have many goals in life. I won’t stop my studies until I finished my doctorate degree. I’m planning to take my PhD in Filipino in Malikhaing Pagsulat in UP Diliman this coming school year, still do my advocacy for our country. Not only that, but I want to hold a photography exhibit, do an informative tourism book, and accept university and colleges speakerships, and theater and showbiz projects. Or I might direct a play or film someday. Life is too short. I want to live my life to the fullest. I want to have a meaningful legacy when I'm gone, and my primary goal is to be included in the Guinness Book of World Records, become a national artist someday, and physically fit and sexy forever. Hahaha,” he said.
"To those who want to get me for speakerships, or to those local government units, private, tourism-based agencies, or individuals who want to help me with my tourism advocacy, you may contact me through my Facebook account Elmer Anisco and cellphone number 09178968287.''