BB Gandanghari, formerly Rustom Padilla, graduates summa cum laude from Los Angeles Film School—marking a powerful chapter in her journey from matinee idol to advocate and academic achiever.
LOS ANGELES, CA — Former Filipino actor and television personality BB Gandanghari has proudly marked a new milestone in her journey of personal reinvention. On July 10, Gandanghari announced on Instagram that she had graduated summa cum laude from the Los Angeles Film School, completing a Bachelor of Science in Entertainment Business.
Clad in a black toga and beaming with pride, she wrote:
“To God be the glory! SUMMA CUM LAUDE it is!!! With perfect attendance, Student of the Month, and Honor Society member — what more can I ask for?”
From celebrity to student: A second degree earned
This is Gandanghari’s second degree. She previously earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Saint Louis Universityin Baguio City, Philippines.
The matinee idol years as Rustom Padilla
Before transitioning, Gandanghari rose to fame in the 1990s as Rustom Padilla, a matinee idol and member of the well-known Padilla acting family. She starred in hit films such as Mistah (1994), Maruja, Kadenang Bulaklak, and Nandito Ako, often paired with top leading ladies of the era.
In 1998, she married actress Carmina Villarroel. The marriage was annulled in 2002.
Coming out and embracing her truth
In 2006, Gandanghari came out as gay on Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Edition. Three years later, in 2009, she publicly identified as a transgender woman and adopted the name BB Gandanghari—a stylized moniker blending beauty and strength.
In 2016, a California court legally recognized her name and gender marker. In 2022, she became a naturalized U.S. citizen.
“Rustom is dead. That person no longer exists,” Gandanghari once stated in a televised interview, emphasizing her full embrace of her true identity.
Life in the U.S.: A fresh start
After relocating to the United States, Gandanghari took on everyday jobs—including as a ride-share driver and caregiver—while continuing to advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility and authenticity.
She later enrolled at the Los Angeles Film School, where she studied Entertainment Business, focusing on brand strategy, production management, and entrepreneurship in the creative industries.
Graduation with honors
Gandanghari’s graduation was marked by multiple academic recognitions. In her Instagram post, she mentioned:
“A second degree under my belt… now equipped with tools and purpose to tell stories that matter.”
While the summa cum laude distinction is typically awarded to students with high academic achievement, the Los Angeles Film School does not publicly disclose specific GPA thresholds for honors.
A Platform for Representation
Following her graduation, Gandanghari expressed her desire to create inclusive, meaningful content, reflecting her journey as a transgender woman and immigrant.
“This is a personal victory that I dedicate to all dreamers,” she said. “Never stop evolving.”
From spotlight to summa: A story of resilience
From her heyday as a Philippine film star to her quiet determination as a student in Los Angeles, BB Gandanghari’s story is one of courage, reinvention, and grace. Her academic achievement adds a new dimension to a life already marked by bold transformations—and a deep commitment to telling stories that uplift and include.
