Filipino singer and former actress Carol Banawa has reached a new milestone—not on stage, but in the world of healthcare. Now based in the United States, Banawa proudly announced that she has officially earned her Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine.
In a heartfelt Instagram post shared on May 19, the “Iingatan Ka” hitmaker opened up about the long and emotional journey that led to this academic success. “On May 10, 2025, I received my master’s degree… It’s hard to put into words what this moment means to me,” she wrote.
A Journey of Grit, Growth, and Gratitude
Carol’s nursing journey began nearly two decades ago in 2005, when she worked as a certified nurse aide in Arizona. Over the years, she steadily climbed the ladder: earning her LPN license in 2010, associate’s degree in nursing in 2018, and bachelor’s degree in 2020.
Her master’s program, however, came with unique challenges. “When I began my master’s degree, the world was shutting down. The pandemic had just started, and I was pregnant with Bella,” she shared.
Balancing school, pregnancy, and parenting during a global crisis was no easy feat. Carol described many nights filled with study, fatigue, and doubt. “There were sleepless nights, long hours, and missed social events… But the dream was stronger, and I just kept pushing forward.”
A Family Effort
Banawa was quick to credit her husband Ryan Crisostomo for being her pillar of support. “Thank you for working tirelessly behind the scenes so I could dedicate myself to my studies,” she wrote.
She also thanked her children, Chelsea, River, and Bella, for their patience and love. “Your hugs and kisses were everything,” she said, adding a special shoutout to her mother for helping take care of her kids during the toughest times.
“It truly takes a village,” she emphasized. “And most importantly, to God Almighty—thank You for this journey… You gave me strength when I had none.”
Inspiring Others to Keep Going
Carol ended her post with a message of encouragement: “To anyone on a long and difficult path—keep going. Take it one step at a time. Dreams require time, sacrifice, and faith. But they are worth every moment.”
From Music Icon to Healthcare Hero
Carol Banawa rose to fame in the late ‘90s and early 2000s with hits like “Bakit ‘Di Totohanin,” “Muntik Na Kitang Minahal,” and “Iingatan Ka.” She was part of Star Magic Batch 4 and starred in several TV shows and films, including Ang TV, Mara Clara, and Tanging Yaman.
In 2003, she stepped away from showbiz to care for her ailing father and later relocated to the U.S., where she pursued her nursing career. Though she left the spotlight, her music continues to resonate—most notably when “Bakit ‘Di Totohanin” was featured in The Vampire Diaries in 2016.
Today, Carol Banawa balances her role as a dedicated operating room nurse, loving mother, and former pop sensation—proving that it’s never too late to chase a new dream.