Diskarte or diploma? For many young artists, the best answer is both. While the entertainment industry can offer early success and public recognition, many seasoned performers still stress the importance of finishing school. A diploma is often seen as a safety net — something to fall back on when opportunities slow down or career paths change. In today’s fast-paced world where diskarte (street smarts) is often pitted against formal education, initiatives that allow young talents to pursue both are becoming increasingly valuable.
Left to Right: Sparkle Artists Kayla Davies, Sabrina Cuervo, Lauren King with Sparkle GMA’s AVP of Talent Management Vic Del Rosario, President of ICC Marcelino Agana, Sparkle’s AVP of Talent Recruitment and Development Jenny Donato, and Sparkle Artists Aya Domingo, Kzhoebe Baker, and Angel Cadao
Recognizing this need, Sparkle GMA Artist Center and Immaculada Concepcion College (ICC) have partnered to launch a scholarship program that allows promising young artists to continue their education while actively building their careers in show business. The collaboration highlights both institutions’ shared mission of shaping not just performers, but well-rounded individuals prepared for leadership and life beyond the spotlight.
Leading the first batch of Sparkle scholars are Angel Cadao, who will enter Grade 10; Sabrina Cuervo and Kayla Davies, both incoming Grade 9 students; and Lauren King, who is set to begin college. They are joined by additional scholars Kzhoebe Baker, Aya Domingo, and Meg Montgomery, who have also been welcomed into the ICC academic community.
“At ICC, we believe that quality education should be accessible to everyone,” said ICC President Marcelino Agana. He noted that the partnership aims to help young artists succeed not only in their creative pursuits but also in their personal development, guided by strong values and academic discipline.
The partnership was formalized during a ceremonial signing attended by ICC executives Marcelino Agana, Ferdinand De Leon, Paola Cambel, Elimore Abad, Marcelo Batiduan, and Hazel Mea. They were joined by Sparkle executives Jenny Donato, Vic Del Rosario, Tracy Garcia, and Jan Navarro, signaling strong support from both institutions’ leadership.
Sparkle First Vice President Joy Marcelo emphasized that talent development goes beyond managing careers in entertainment. She said education remains a key pillar in preparing artists for long-term success, adding that the organization is grateful to ICC for providing opportunities for their talents to continue their studies while pursuing their passions.
To support students with demanding work schedules, ICC offers flexible learning options such as modular programs, hybrid classes, homeschooling modules, and traditional in-person learning at its Caloocan campus. These options allow scholars to balance academic responsibilities with tapings, rehearsals, and other professional commitments.
Beyond basic education, ICC also provides TESDA-accredited programs and free courses, as well as academic tracks designed to equip students with practical and career-ready skills that can serve them both within and outside the entertainment industry.
As a Christian values-oriented institution, ICC focuses on forming students who are not only academically competent but also guided by integrity, faith, and leadership. Central to this mission is the school’s commitment to affordability, including its zero-based tuition program for college, which helps make higher education more accessible regardless of financial status.
Agana reiterated ICC’s mission to remove barriers to education, saying that through flexible schedules and zero-tuition scholarship opportunities, the school hopes to give every student the chance to grow, learn, and reach their full potential.
Those interested in ICC’s Basic Education and Tertiary programs, as well as its scholarship offerings, may visit www.immaculada.edu.ph or check its official social media pages on Facebook (icccaloocan) and Instagram (@immaculadaconcepcioncollege) for more information.
