Young star and World Vision Ambassador for the Youth Nikki Gil joined the World Vision graduates in a special celebration last March 31 at the Petron Mega Plaza in Makati.

Themed “Flying High,” the event is World Vision’s tribute to its graduates for their perseverance in education. Every year, since it started more than 50 years, an estimated 2,000 underprivileged children graduate under World Vision’s Child Sponsorship Program.

Recognized during the event were 21 selected elementary and high school graduates who graduated with honors and received special awards. Nikki Gil has been very privileged in joining these children celebrate a milestone in their lives.

A double celebration

The event was indeed a double celebration for World Vision graduates and for Nikki who is also a graduate herself. Last March 28, Nikki graduated with a degree in English Literature from Ateneo de Manila University.

Nikki’s graduation is a big thing for someone like her who studied while in being in showbiz at the same time. She related that a director once told her that she cannot be studying and working in showbiz at the same time, that she has to choose between the two. Nikki proved that doing both is possible as long as you have a determined purpose.

Records would show that being a public figure and a student at the same time could hardly be accomplished. Nikki related, “There were times when I would cry and would say to my mom, ‘why am I doing this to myself?’ But after a while, I started seeing the purpose why I was put into this. I think that’s what kept me going - the realization of my purpose. Like, many were waiting to see what will happen when this girl who promised the world that she will finish her education despite being an artista.”

Nikki enjoins others “to find that meaning in what you do. Create a change in someone’s life with what you are doing.” She encourages the youth to keep on dreaming big, “Don’t stop believing in yourself. Trials and hindrances will come to those of you who are dreaming big. But remember that if I can do it, mas lalong kakayanin n’yo yan. Don’t be afraid to dream big. Enjoy the journey.”

A precious surprise

World-renowned singer and Broadway actress Lea Salonga graced the occasion to personally congratulate the World Vision graduates and to surprise Nikki. The very surprised Nikki confessed to being an ultimate Lea-fan.

Nikki expresses great admiration for Lea. “I’m such a big fan of hers. Not only because of her achievements but because she’s an example of what a lady should be like. Even in having a relationship, she was very private about it. The way she carries everything, she’s so decent and so elegant and so intelligent and so beautiful. And I want to be like her really,” she exclaimed.

Lea is also a World Vision child sponsor. She related, “World Vision is a wonderful organization. The vision of this organization is something worthwhile especially in our country that needs education. My husband and I actually have a sponsored child, a seven-year-old girl in Misamis. And I would love to be here again when she graduates.”

And to Nikki and the other graduates, she said, “Congratulations! Every graduation is a start of something new. It’s a start of something different, a start of something even bigger, something even better. So keep on dreaming and dreaming bigger! And to all of you here who are child sponsors, God bless you… every single one of you for opening your hearts to children,” Lea expressed.

Lea was flattered with Nikki’s admiration of her. “I’m honored. I’m glad that she actually made the effort to finish school because I have not finished it yet. And it’s something that I need to work on. But it’s a good thing that she’s someone who made it balanced,” she said.

Nikki sang “I Believe I Can Fly” with some World Vision-sponsored children. Before the celebration was over, Lea and Nikki assisted in awarding each graduate with a plaque of appreciation.

Now that Nikki has already finished her studies, “I wanna see how showbiz will treat me now that I’m a full-time showbiz girl. The reason I took English Lit was because it was supposed to be a pre-Law course. I’m now thinking about it, if I’ll continue to take up Law. But for now, I’ll see first what showbiz has to offer,” she said.