Melanie’s hard-earned victory

Excitement was in the air at the lobby of Manila Hotel as Melanie Marquez entered, black cap in one hand, a toga covering her Miss International figure. The well-heeled crowd, used to seeing her in casual clothes, was unprepared to catch her in graduation garb.

After all, it was her graduation day from the International Academy of Management and Economics, where Melanie completed her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree, cum laude. And there was no mistaking the sparkle in her eyes.

The young stars she’s working with on TV may have given up or put their studies on hold to pursue their showbiz dreams. Melanie did that too, years back, when the shows and the movies proved too much for her to handle.

But at the back of her mind, she knew she will finish her education, no matter what.

And so, on Nov. 20, she did what other stars failed to do: stand on that stage together with the school’s bigwigs and get her diploma.

"It’s a dream come true," Melanie gushes while cameras clicked and people stared.

"I finished all my modules on time, in-between my work sked."

Her secret of graduating on top of the heap?

"Experience," Melanie replies. "I’ve been producing fashion shows, remember."

But experience alone is not enough for the go-getter former Miss International. She just had to plunge into her studies – especially her favorite subject (marketing) – to learn more.

As commencement speaker, Sen. Edgardo Angara, standing beside her, notes, "Education is a continuing process. And Melanie should be an example to everyone."

As it is, the endorser of New Placenta looms as inspiration to eldest son Manuelito (by Sen. Lito Lapid), who flew all the way from Las Vegas to attend the graduation rites (mother and son are in the US as of press time).

"My mom is intelligent," the 25-year-old Manuelito says with pride.

Melanie is equally proud of Manuelito, to whom she dedicates her latest achievement.

Manuelito dropped everything in Las Vegas, not to pursue his mom’s bid for support from his dad, but just to witness Melanie get that well-deserved medal from the prestigious business school (Joey Marquez was also around).

Melanie will surely feel proud when she hears Manuelito say, "I want to talk to my dad not necessarily to ask for (financial) support. I already have my savings and investments in mutual funds."

And get this. Manuelito may have inherited his parents’ good looks. But he’d rather focus on his career rather than run after girls.

"I don’t have a girlfriend because "I’d rather focus on my work," he says in flawless English.

His mom, known for her Melanisms (read: broken English), is not about to dump her amusing way of speaking the King’s language, academic honors and all.

"It’s part of my charm!" Melanie, as irrespressible as ever, winks.

Those who have guffawed, forgotten their problems and viewed the world in a lighter way, thanks to the Melanisms, know what she means.