That supporter was Abby Agwas Watabe, a Filipina businesswoman who helped build Japan's leading karaoke chain with hundreds of outlets across the country, but had never finished college herself.
While helping lead presidential campaign of the Robredo, now mayor of Naga City, Watabe found herself inspired by something she kept noticing during the former vice president’s speaking engagements.
“Nai-inspire ako kasi lagi siyang, nakikita ko kasi lagi siyang guest speaker, lagi siyang nakatoga,” she recalled in an interview on the sidelines of an event she organized with DivinaLaw.
(I was inspired because I often saw her speaking at events wearing an academic gown.)
It was a reminder of something Watabe had wanted for herself for years, but had put aside while paying for her nieces’ and nephews’ education.
“Kasi dream ko talaga yun. Dahil lahat ng pamangkin ko, pinaaral ko. Sabi ko, this time ako naman,” she said.
(It was always my dream. I paid for all my nieces’ and nephews’ education, so I told myself, this time it’s my turn.)
Four years in the classroom
Watabe took advantage of online classes during the pandemic to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management at Holy Cross College, studying remotely from Japan while helping manage the family business.
“So sabi ko, naku, dream ko talaga ’to. So, hindi pa huli,” she said.
(I told myself, this really was my dream, and it wasn’t too late.)
Her goal was to graduate before turning 50, even if some people wondered why she still needed a diploma when she was already financially successful.
Others even joked that she could simply buy one from Manila’s Recto Avenue, long associated with counterfeit documents, but Watabe wanted the experience of studying and earning the qualification herself.
“Although sinasabi nila hindi na need, pero fulfillment yun eh, na parang iba kasi yung mag-aral,” she explained.
(They said I no longer needed it, but there’s a different sense of fulfillment in studying.)
The commitment lasted four years, culminating in her graduation in April 2026 at the age of 49.
“It wasn’t easy. There were tired nights, doubts, and sacrifices,” Watabe wrote in a Facebook post after graduating.
She also reflected on the challenges of studying while living thousands of kilometers away from the Philippines.
“Even far from home, the door to education remained open and I chose to walk through it,” she wrote.
Another degree in mind
Watabe also delivered a commencement speech, a fitting assignment for someone who had spent much of her adult life pursuing a business career before returning to school.
For her, the degree carried a significance that went beyond career advancement, particularly since she was already an established businesswoman when she enrolled.
“Education is something no one can ever take away,” she wrote in her Facebook post.
And she may not be finished with school just yet, with plans to pursue a master’s degree if she can gain admission at the University of the Philippines.
"Pero next year. Kasi medyo busy," she said.
(Perhaps next year. It's a busy time)
—Edited by Miguel R. Camus
