Former child actor John Manalo and non-showbiz girlfriend Erika Rabara are now college graduates! In an Instagram post yesterday, May 21, the "Goin' Bulilit" alumni penned a message for his girlfriend, mentioning how important "priority, sacrifice, and faith" are in their relationship and studies.
According to a story by PUSH today, May 22, John and Erika graduated from University of Santo Tomas, with John having an AB Communication Arts degree, and Erika as a Cum Laude in BS Medical Technology.
John said that he knew Erika's priority was her studies so he never demanded too much from her, instead, he supported her every step of the way. "Kagaya nga nang palagi kong sinasabi sa'yo, hindi ko babaguhin ang landas ng iyong paglalakbay kundi sasamahan kita sa pangarap na matagal mo nang gustong makamit."
He continued, "Dugo’t pawis, puyat, at pag-iyak. Ito ang lagi mong tatandaan nandito lang ang panyo ko para sa iyong mga luha, ang balikat ko na handang umalalay pag hindi mo na kaya, at ang bibig ko na hindi magsasawang sabihin sayo na 'Kaya mo yan, love.'"
The proud boyfriend also said "Nakaya mo ang lahat ng paghihirap dahil sentro ng relasyon natin si God. Maraming mas nakatatanda ang nagsasabi na ang relasyon ay maaaring makasira ng pag-aaral ngunit salungat 'yun sa mga nangyari sa atin, hindi natin hinila ang bawat isa pababa, bagkus hinatak natin pataas ang bawat isa. Congratulations, Erika Cecilia Rabara, my CUM LAUDE. "
Today, Erika also posted on Instagram to say that her relationship with John was never a distraction to her studies!
"And if @manalojohn was a distraction? Never. He was my inspiration, my support system, my cheerleader. So if anybody ever tells you to not go into a relationship because this will stop you from getting your dreams? It's a lie. You just need the right guy."
Congrats, you two!
Here are articles about John and Erika!
John, nag-alay ng spoken word poem para sa GF
Watch John Manalo and GF's epic Mt. Ulap travel vlog!