MANILA  -- "It’s Showtime" host Jhong Hilario graduated and finished his Masters Degree in Public Administration from World Citi College.

Accompanied by his mother, wife, and daughter, Hilario proudly marched and received his diploma from his alma mater during the commencement exercises held at the PICC Plenary Hall, on Thursday afternoon.

Speaking to ABS-CBN News after the program, he shared how he was able to finish his Masters program.

“I took one year. It’s a modular program. Ipapadala sa ‘yo yung mga modules, and then you have to research the books that you’ll read. 'Yung iba, kung saan-saan pa namin hinanap 'yung mga libro,” he said.

“Yung mga sacrifices, 'yung minsan busy’ng busy, and siyempre hindi naman biro ang masteral din. Plus 'yung mga ginagawa pa natin bilang konsehal at artista rin, ang sa akin lang hangga’t nandiyan, hanggang may opportunity go lang nang go.”

Hilario was elated after getting the "highest merits" for his master program.

“Bonus na 'to. Maka-graduate lang ako,” he said.  

Time management was the key, according to Hilario -- juggling his schedule from being a councilor in Makati City, hosting duties in "It’s Showtime," and being a father, wife, and student -- all at the same time.

“Kung talagang gusto, mero lang talagang paraan. Thankful lang ako na napaka-supportive ng mayora namin sa Makati, Mayor Abby Binay. Ang dami kong natutunan sa kanya lalo na sa public administration,” he said.

“Siyempre ang ‘Showtime’ family na talagang sobrang suporta and my family, Hilario family. Kapag lahat ng tao sumusuporta sa yo, parang ang sarap gawin lahat kahit na mahirap.”

But why was it important for Hilario to finish his Master's?

“Hanggang kailan ba ko sa pag-aartista? Maganda na rin siguro na may bala ka. Hindi ka habang-buhay artista, if ever na may opportunity na maibigay sa akin bilang public servant at least nakaready ka,” he explained.

But he clarified that he isn’t gunning for a higher position in the next elections.

“Di ko sinasabi na tatakbo ako for higher position or what. I’m just ready lang, if ever na kailangan ako sa ganito o sa ganyan,” he said.