LIST: Filipino celebrities who wear other hats beyond showbiz—from psychology coach to pilot
Working in show business is not an easy job, but these celebrities prove that they can shine in other careers outside the limelight.
From acting to hosting, many Filipino celebrities have made their mark in front of the cameras or on stage. But beyond their roles on TV, several stars have stepped beyond the spotlight to pursue other passions and professions.
From becoming a pilot to being a medical professional, these multi-talented personalities prove that there's more to them than just glitz and glam.
Jodi Sta. Maria
Outside of her acting prowess in drama, comedy, or horror, Jodi Sta. Maria has been expanding her expertise in psychology. In a recent Instagram post, where she looked back on her academic journey and growth, she shared that she is now a certified positive psychology coach.
“There were days I questioned myself, my timing, my worth, my path. But the dream never left. Between healing, working, and showing up for life, I chose to grow, quietly and consistently,” she wrote.
Before this, the actress became an Ear Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist and an Interpersonal Psychotherapy Level A Practitioner. She noted that the titles “are more than achievements; they are alignment.”
“You’re not too late. You’re not too broken. Start small. Start scared. Just start,” she concluded.
Jodi earned her bachelor's degree in psychology in 2021. She is working on earning this master's degree in Counseling and Psychotherapy and becoming a Grief Support Practitioner.
Amid studying, she is still actively involved in acting. She recently starred in the horror film Untold, which was released in April.
Xian Lim
Xian Lim first shared a glimpse into his aviation journey in September 2024. He has since been sharing photos and videos from his flights in the pilot's seat on Instagram.
He became a private pilot in January this year and earned the Commercial Pilot License in June.
In his Aug. 26 Instagram post, he reflected on his journey as the first pilot in his family.
"Ground school was tough. I didn’t know what to expect... It was daunting stepping into the unknown. The deeper the lessons went, the more I asked myself why I [chose] this path or maybe… why did it choose me?” Xian wrote.
He admitted that training for his private pilot license pushed him to his limits, and "at times felt impossible."
“But I learned to take it one day... One step at a time,” he said. “I had to push myself. Commit. Take that leap of faith. The plan was simple. Get my PPL. But after my first checkride, I knew deep down I wanted more. I wanted to keep learning, keep growing, keep flying.”
"The road ahead is far from over, and I’m here to stay," he continued. "Staying inspired, staying hungry for knowledge, and chasing the dream."
Apart from being an actor and pilot, Xian also dabbled in filmmaking. He made his directorial debut in 2019 with the psychological thriller Tabon and 2023's fantasy comedy Hello, Universe. His recent work was Kuman Thong, which premiered in July 2024. It was produced and co-written by his girlfriend, Iris Lee.
Louise delos Reyes
Other than acting, Louise delos Reyes has been making her mark in the culinary world as the Head Pastry Chef of Paper Moon Cafe.
She is known for her roles in the hit GMA teen series Reel Love Presents Tween Hearts and the 2012 film Tween Academy alongside Barbie Forteza, Bea Binene, Joshua Dionisio, and Kristoffer Martin, among others.
She also starred in other teleseryes and films such as The Road, Alakdana, One True Love, and the hit film Deleter starring Nadine Lustre.
She is also a part of the upcoming film, I Love You Since 1982, starring Heaven Peralejo, Jerome Ponce, and Joseph Marco.
John Prats
John Prats has been busy working as a director for events, including the concerts of P-pop artists TJ Monterde, K Brosas, Klarisse De Guzman, SB19, and Korean singer 10CM.
Prior to this, he's known for his roles in classic Filipino films and series, including G-mik, Jologs, and sketch comedy show Banana Sundae.
Beauty Gonzalez
Beauty Gonzalez just achieved a milestone as she completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training course in India last July.
In her interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, the actress shared that she lived in the middle of a jungle for a month, which was a "life-changing" experience.
“I’m proud to say I did a 200-hour teacher training sa India… Doing this all alone for one month—sobrang life changing talaga. I’m really amazed and thankful na natapos ko siya kasi hindi ka maimagine na magawa ko,” she told the outlet. She shared that she underwent a “rigorous” program where they practiced yoga twice a day, with one day of rest.
“I really chose India because I know pag sa Bali ko ginawa, tatakas lang ako. Doon kasi, walang takas–– my school is in the middle of a jungle. Pag dating ng gabi, bawal kami lumabas kasi may mga tigers, may mga elephants. It’s wild there, so you just can’t go out by yourself,” she told the outlet.
She is currently starring in an iWant series Tropang G.O.A.T as Coach Toni. She also played roles in films such as Outside, Kampon, In My Mother's Skin, and Abandoned, among others.
Many celebrities are also busy as entrepreneurs, like actress Andrea Brillantes, who is the founder and CEO of beauty brand Lucky Beauty, TV host Pokwang with her Mamang Pokwang Gourmet food business, David Licauco with his Sóbra Café, and Bea Alonzo with her travel and lifestyle brand BASH, among others.
