Epy Quizon finally graduates after 30 years: 'It was never too late'

After three decades, Epy Quizon has finally earned his college degree. On February 17, Filipino actor and filmmaker Jeffrey “Epy” Quizon proudly shared photos of his graduation from De La Salle University. 

In a heartfelt graduation message, Epy Quizon, 53, reflected on leaving the university in 1996, just one thesis away from earning his diploma.

Personal circumstances forced him to prioritize survival and responsibility over finishing school. But he never forgot the promise he made to himself.

Quizon described his diploma as more than an academic achievement. For him, it represents a commitment fulfilled, a tribute to his late father and “King of Comedy” Dolphy Quizon, and a gift to his mother, who will turn 80. 

For Quizon, the diploma symbolizes a commitment honored, a prayer answered, and a legacy he now passes on to his children. “It was never too late,” he declared, celebrating not only the completion of his studies but the resilience that carried him back.

He also expressed gratitude to his university for welcoming him back after years away, thanking the institution for keeping its doors open while he found his way.

 He credited his partner for her unwavering support and offered thanks to God for guiding, what he described as, a long journey shaped by second chances, strength, and grace.

Meanwhile, Epy Quizon is also commanding the stage. The actor is currently performing in the stage adaptation of “About Us But Not About Us" at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Circuit Makati.

 The play runs from February 14 until March 8. About Us But Not About Us reunites actors Romnick Sarmenta, 53, and Elijah Canlas, 25, who reprise their roles from the 2022 film written and directed by Jun Robles Lana.

In the original film, Marcus is the third character who was never physically seen. In the stage version directed by Tuxqs Rutaquio, that absence becomes presence. Quizon and Andoy Ranay alternately portray Marcus, Eric’s (played by Romnick) late partner whose absence drives the emotional tension of the story.

The production also marks a reunion between Quizon and Rutaquio, who previously worked together in a 2004 staging of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Metropolitan Theater Manila, where Quizon played Puck while Rutaquio portrayed Flute.

In an interview, Quizon revealed that returning to theater was something he actively prayed for at the start of the year. The actor had been hoping and praying for an opportunity to perform live again, ideally in a play similar to his past work.

“I was telling people that I wanted to do a play. I wanted to perform live in front of people. Actually, I was hoping to get like a play, which I used to do with Repertory Philippines before.”

He shared that months later, the opportunity arrived. He received a call to audition for the stage adaptation of Us But Not About Us. Upon reading the material, he felt it closely matched what he had been looking for.

Audience response to the play has been extremely positive. Viewers have praised the cast’s powerful and excellent performances and the strength of the story and its adaptation, with some describing the experience as “mind-blowing.”