When you see Sabrina San Diego holding the microphone and looking effortlessly cool as a courtside reporter for the Shakey’s Super League (SSL)—interviewing top collegiate volleyball stars—you’d likely assume she spent four years in university studying journalism, communication arts, or broadcasting.
Photo: Sabrina San Diego
But she wasn’t. Sabrina graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a degree in Information Systems in 2018.
In reality, her college degree had nothing to do with sports, reporting, production, or hosting. Today, at 29 years old, she is thriving as a true multi-hyphenate creator: working as a TV commercial model, event host, content creator, and high-profile sports reporter. Her real-life journey will resonate with many young people and recent graduates, proving that your college major never has to dictate or limit the rest of your life.
The college hustle
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Even though her field of study was completely separate from media—the exact industry she felt called toward—Sabrina was determined to find a way in. She had always felt a natural spark in front of the camera, a passion that began years earlier when she attempted a career as a child actor.
To support her family and cover school expenses, she worked non-stop on auditions and commercials while managing a heavy academic workload. Her persistent efforts paid off during the height of the viral “AlDub” era, when she successfully auditioned as a body double for Maine Mendoza.
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“So okay siyang raket, nafu-fund ko na ‘yung sarili kong needs n’ung time na ‘yon,” Sabrina shared, reflecting on how those early opportunities provided both financial independence and invaluable industry exposure.
As a natural hustler and ambitious future media practitioner, San Diego accepted every gig that came her way simply because she loved the creative energy on set.
”I just really wanted to be in the media industry. I just didn’t know kung ano talaga ‘yung gusto ko, pero alam ko lang na gusto ko ‘yung feeling kapag parte ako ng ‘lights, camera, action,'” she said.
Why taking a “detour” works
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In today’s fast-paced world, many students and young professionals feel trapped in degrees or fields they don’t enjoy—whether because of family expectations, financial constraints, limited options, or simply figuring out their passion later in life.
Regardless of where you stand in your career, Sabrina offers straightforward, empowering advice: don’t be afraid to take the detour.
”Mag-detour ka lang. Just really do it,” she emphasized. “Humanap ka ng way para mapasok mo ‘yung industry na gusto mo talaga. And you have to start small, ganon talaga. Hindi naman puwedeng ikaw kaagad ‘yung big name, ‘yung star ng show.”
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Instead of dwelling on regret over her choice of major, she redirected her energy toward self-improvement. She used her free time to hone her craft, build networks across the industry, and make strategic moves step by step. Whether taking on small social media projects, brand activations, or entry-level production roles, those small steps steadily compounded over time.
Sabrina’s metamorphosis
For Sabrina, her personal and professional growth resembles a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly.
”I would say that I’m like a butterfly—ang tagal ko bago maging butterfly, so ang dami-dami ko pang pagdadaanan to know what I really want to do,” she explained.
After years of trying various side gigs, she realized her core passion: hosting and interviewing people.
Fast forward to today, and she has achieved her goals. She hosts events for a major personal care brand and an online shopping platform, and even had the opportunity to hold the mic for NBA player Austin Reaves.
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Reflecting on her career progression, Sabrina advises Gen Zs to never be afraid to step away from their college degree, stop overthinking, and simply go for it.
”Don’t ever think that it won’t happen to you,” Sabrina says. “It sounds so delulu, pero okay lang na maging delusional ka, because magugulat ka na lang na it’s finally happening to you.”
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