This student-celebrity reminds us that strong desire and persistence leads to excellence
Earning a diploma is no walk in the park. Being a student is difficult, made even harder by the ongoing health crisis. Learning in general requires great effort and diligence. The thought of the pandemic induces anxiety in everyone, especially in the developing minds of the young. This is why in these trying times when a lot of stressors make studying a struggle, having good grades and being on the honors list are something to be applauded more than usual.
Netizens praised young actor Zaijian Jaranilla after his alma mater, Colegio de San Juan de Dios Inc., published his academic achievement online. The post, uploaded on Jan. 22, 2022, simply shows that Zaijian is an Academic Excellence Awardee. But it has since gone viral on Facebook with over 50,000 reactions and 13,000 shares.
We can learn a thing or two from the young artist who manages to balance his life both as a student and celebrity. Even with his busy schedule, the actor passed the semester with flying colors.
Zaijian is known for his iconic role as Santino in the Filipino TV show May Bukas Pa (There’s Still Tomorrow) in 2009. Today, he has grown into a fine young man. He is currently in senior high.
It wasn’t always smooth sailing for Zaijian. He stopped schooling after his sophomore year in high school, and for him to continue his studies in the year level he was supposed to be in, Zaijian had to pass the Philippine Educational Placement Test of PEP Test from the Department of Education. He passed the exam allowing him to go straight to Senior High School.
Despite being in the limelight and given his hectic schedule as a television personality, Zaijian was able to further his education. This goes to show that excellence can be achieved regardless of age and career.
The Broken Marriage Vow Poster 
Zaijian is currently in the cast of the drama series The Broken Marriage Vow. He’s playing the role of Gio Ilustre, one of the protagonists. Gio is the son of Dr. Jill Ilustre portrayed by Jodi Sta. Maria. Apart from this, he is also set to be part of the upcoming TV series Darna along with Jane de Leon, Joshua Garcia, and Janella Salvador.
He may be a well-known personality but he’s still a normal human like us. If he can do it, so can we.
At a very young age, it seems that Zaijian is blessed with “Bro’s” grace as he already has the things that most people his age are dreaming of—good looks, brains, and a colorful career. Netizens would poke fun at Zaijian by writing “prayer reveal” on the comment section, but on a serious note, it is no secret that proper time management and setting your priorities straight are some of the things to consider to be successful in any path we’re taking. Hard work pays off.
Commitment will help us surpass any tribulations. In these trying times, let us look at someone like Zaijian for inspiration. He may be a well-known personality but he’s still a normal human like us. If he can do it, so can we.
—Pam Rapal