Awra Briguela’s Message to Bashers and Promise to Family After Graduation

Awra Briguela, a beloved Filipino actress, comedian, and social media personality, has recently made headlines with her inspiring journey of resilience, personal growth, and academic achievement. On July 14, 2025, Awra proudly announced her graduation from senior high school at the University of the East (UE) in Manila, a milestone that marked not only the culmination of years of hard work but also a testament to her determination to rise above challenges, including public scrutiny and personal setbacks. In a heartfelt Instagram post, accompanied by radiant graduation photos, Awra shared a powerful message addressing her bashers and outlining her promise to her family as she embarks on the next chapter of her life. This article explores Awra’s journey, her response to critics, and the promises she made to her loved ones, reflecting on the significance of her achievement in the context of her life and career.

A Journey of Resilience

Awra Briguela, born McNeal Neri Briguela on March 26, 2004, first captured the hearts of Filipinos as a child star in the primetime television series FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano (2016–2019), where she played the role of “MakMak.” Her comedic timing, expressive reactions, and vibrant personality quickly made her a household name. She further solidified her place in the entertainment industry by winning the first season of Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids in 2017. Beyond her on-screen success, Awra’s openness about her identity as a trans woman and her advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community have made her an inspiring figure for many.

However, Awra’s path to her recent academic milestone was far from easy. In her Instagram post, she candidly shared that she took a five-year hiatus from formal education due to the COVID-19 pandemic and personal challenges. “Ang hirap ng pagbabalik ko sa pag-aaral. Halos limang taon akong nahinto simula noong pandemya. Akala ko napag-iwanan na ako,” she wrote, reflecting on the feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy that plagued her when she returned to the classroom. Joining classes late and struggling to catch up with her peers, Awra admitted to feeling awkward and out of place at first. Yet, her determination to overcome these obstacles shone through. “Pinatunayan ko sa sarili ko na kaya ko, at ang pagdududa lang talaga ang kalaban,” she declared, emphasizing that self-doubt was her greatest hurdle.

Addressing the Bashers

Awra’s journey has not been without its share of criticism and controversy. In June 2023, she made headlines for her involvement in a brawl at The Bolthole Bar in Poblacion, Makati, which led to her arrest and charges of physical injuries, alarm and scandal, direct assault, and disobedience to a person in authority, among others. The incident drew significant public attention and criticism, with some netizens targeting Awra with derogatory comments, including calling her “Bronny James” in a mocking reference to her appearance. Despite the negativity, Awra has consistently chosen to rise above her detractors, focusing on personal growth and accountability.

In her graduation post, Awra indirectly addressed her bashers by sharing a powerful lesson she learned: the importance of self-belief and resilience. “Isa sa mga natutunan ko na gusto ko ring ipabaon sa iba ay kahit gaano pa karaming tao ang gustong tumulong sa’yo, kung hindi mo tutulungan ang sarili mo, wala ring mangyayari,” she wrote. This message serves as a subtle yet impactful response to those who have criticized her, emphasizing that external validation is secondary to self-determination. Awra’s words reflect her refusal to let negativity define her, a sentiment echoed in an earlier open letter she penned in May 2024, where she apologized for her past mistakes and vowed to correct them. “Alam kong hindi ako perpekto. Nagkakamali rin ako. Pero hindi ko hahayaang ang mga pagkakamali ko ang magpapakilala kung sino ako,” she stated, reinforcing her commitment to growth and redemption.

Awra’s response to her bashers is not one of confrontation but of grace and maturity. By focusing on her achievements and the support of those who believe in her, she sends a clear message: her worth is not determined by the opinions of detractors but by her ability to rise above challenges and stay true to herself. This approach has earned her admiration from fans and fellow celebrities alike, with personalities like Zeinab Harake and Sassa Gurl flooding her comment section with messages of support. Zeinab wrote, “Super proud ako sayo… palagi lang andito si ate para sayo,” while social media personality Bea Borres defended Awra against online bullies, stating, “Labyu Awra, im so proud of your growth as a person. you are beautiful inside and out.”

A Promise to Family and Supporters

Central to Awra’s graduation message was her heartfelt gratitude to her family and mentors, particularly comedian and TV host Vice Ganda, who has been a pivotal figure in her life. Awra credited Vice Ganda for not only supporting her education but also believing in her when she doubted herself. “At syempre, kay Meme Vice, salamat po sa patuloy na suporta at pagtulong para makabalik ako sa pag-aaral. Isa po kayo sa mga dahilan kung bakit ko narating ang lahat ng ito,” she wrote. Earlier in 2025, Awra shared a touching moment when she showed Vice her grades, expressing pride in making her mentor proud. This gesture underscores the deep bond between the two, with Vice serving as both a manager and a guiding figure in Awra’s journey.

Awra also extended her gratitude to her family, who stood by her through thick and thin. “Hindi rin magiging posible ang lahat ng ito kung wala ang aking pamilya. Salamat sa inyo sa walang sawang suporta, sa pang-unawa, at sa pagdamay sa lahat ng hirap na pinagdaanan ko,” she said. Her family’s unwavering support has been a cornerstone of her success, particularly evident in her own contributions to their education. In 2019, Awra funded her father Oneal Brian’s college education, and in 2024, she celebrated his completion of a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the Philippine Christian University. These acts of familial support highlight Awra’s commitment to giving back to those who have shaped her life.

As she prepares for college, Awra made a promise to herself and her supporters to approach her studies with a renewed mindset. “Ang dating mindset na ‘okay na basta makapasa,’ hindi na pwede ngayon. Sipag at tiwala sa sarili lang ulit at alam kong magagawa ko ulit ‘to,” she declared. This promise reflects her determination to excel academically and honor the faith that her family, Vice Ganda, and her supporters have placed in her.

A New Chapter Begins

Awra’s graduation is not just a personal victory but a beacon of hope for others facing similar struggles. Her journey—from a child star navigating fame to a young woman overcoming personal and public challenges—demonstrates the power of resilience, self-belief, and the support of loved ones. By sharing her story, Awra inspires others to persevere despite setbacks and to embrace their authentic selves unapologetically.

Her message to her bashers and her promise to her family encapsulate the essence of her character: a blend of humility, strength, and gratitude. As she embarks on her college journey, Awra carries with her the lessons of her past and the aspirations for her future. “Simula pa lang ito ng mas malalaking pangarap,” she wrote, signaling that this milestone is just the beginning of even greater achievements. With her talent, determination, and unwavering support system, Awra Briguela is poised to continue making a positive impact, both in the entertainment industry and beyond.

In a world quick to judge, Awra’s story reminds us that mistakes do not define a person; rather, it is the courage to rise, learn, and grow that shapes who we become. Her graduation is a testament to this truth, and her words resonate as a call to action for anyone striving to overcome their own challenges: believe in yourself, work hard, and never let the noise of critics drown out your dreams.