Behind the bright lights of the stage and the polished on-cam presence we often see on MYX, lies the inspiring story of Ameers Almamari—known to many as VJ Eya. On July 2025, Eya officially added another title to her growing list of achievements: cum laude graduate of Bachelor of Science in Biology at UP Manila and a proud DOST scholar.

But her story is not just one of academic excellence—it is a powerful testament to resilience, self-belief, and the sacrifices often hidden behind success.

“Kung wala ang UP, baka hindi ako nakapag-kolehiyo,” she begins in a heartfelt post. “Lumaki ako nang walang pribilehiyo, generational wealth, at kumayod ako para sa sarili kong oportunidad.”

Growing up without the cushion of financial security, Eya’s college journey wasn’t just about passing exams—it was about navigating life’s harsh realities while chasing a dream. From juggling long commutes and back-to-back responsibilities, to arriving at shoots right after lectures, she never once took her education for granted.

“Mukhang glamorous lang ang ginagawa ko, pero dugo’t pawis ang inalay para makamit lahat ng ‘yon.”

Throughout her four years in UP Manila, she lived the dual life of a student and a working professional—often commuting for hours, changing clothes in between locations, and managing deadlines with the same intensity as she delivered her lines on-screen.

And yet, she never lost sight of the bigger picture.

“Sa kabila ng lahat ng balakid, nakarating ako rito. Isang nagtapos sa UP Manila.”

More than a degree, her diploma carries the weight of countless sacrifices—for her family, for her future, and for every student who’s ever felt unseen. Eya’s story is for every working student who prioritized responsibility over rest, who commuted through rain and exhaustion, who stayed even when it would’ve been easier to give up.

In her own words, “Ang diplomang ito ay hindi lang pansariling tagumpay. Isa itong alay.”

To her family, to the University of the Philippines, to the DOST that gave her a lifeline, and most of all, to herself—the version of her that kept going even when it felt impossible.

Though her path may not immediately lead to medical school, Eya is grounded in something just as important: a life she’s slowly, bravely building for herself—on her terms.

“Natutunan kong mabuhay nang totoo.”

With her voice, her vulnerability, and her victory, VJ Eya isn’t just a media personality—she’s a symbol of what’s possible when talent meets tenacity. And as she walks off stage into a future she once only dreamed of, one thing is certain:

She didn’t just survive—she soared.