Benjamin Alves: From honor student to actor
From honor student to actor
Having graduated Summa Cum Laude at the University of Guam, Benjamin Alves could have been part of any academe. But his passion led him to a totally different profession – acting.
Benjamin’s initial attempt to enter showbiz didn’t pan out. It was only after finishing school that he made strides.
“I didn’t want that resentment in me na hindi ko sinubukan (uli). I was graduating from college when I came here and I didn’t know what I’m going to do after college. ‘Babalik ba ako or hindi?’ I came back May 2012,” he said.
The English Literature graduate always gets asked why he went into acting instead of pursuing a Masters Degree or the academe. The reply is template: Benjamin has always wanted to do acting.
“We moved to Guam when I was six. Wala kasing media doon eh. There are stage actors pero walang TV or movie industry sa amin.
Nagau-audition ako for acting but I’ll always end up being crew, which was fine. I ended up doing arts din, background
sa theater. Mahiyain talaga ako noong bata ako, I still am. I’ve always wanted to do it.”
His cousin, actor Piolo Pascual, also inspired him. “I think I was 10 or 14 years old na nababalitaan ko na si Kuya Piolo was slowly gaining traction with his acting. I wasn’t able to meet him that time kasi I was still very young. Bihira kami makauwi kasi ang mahal ng pamasahe.
“When I graduated in high school, I was able to take a vacation. I was supposed to enter college but I ended up not going. I was supposed to join the army but didn’t. Nakapagusap kami ni Kuya Piolo, during The Hunks time, got inspired and I was able to watch ‘ASAP’ that time,” Benjamin recalled.
For greater good
While he didn’t end up as professor, Benjamin is happy to use his degree and education in some ways. He is grateful to have been chosen again to help out with the GMA Network’s Excellence Award, which recognizes outstanding students in academics and leadership.
“What we do is welcome any of the students from any university that is in Communication and Engineering to apply for this award. There’s a cash prize for the top finalist and plaques for the rest from GMA. Madami po sa nagta-trabaho sa GMA ay awardee ng GMA Excellence Award. Makikita niyo talaga ang focus at dedication nila dahil naging awardees sila,” he said. Benjamin inspires students with his stories, especially having finished his studies with honors. He encourages everyone to study hard and reach for their dreams amid life’s challenges.
“This year, I want to make the finalists tell their stories. Hindi para i-padding ’yung accomplishments nila. Although mahirap makahanap ng accomplishments, it’s really not the accomplishments that set them apart.
“I don’t want them to get the misconception na dahil Summa Cum Laude ako eh mayaman ako, or because I speak English na I came from a privileged family. Pinaghirapan ko siya. The reason I graduated Summa – I wouldn’t be able to afford college kung hindi ako nag-honor student or scholar,” he said.
As GMA Network Excellence Award ambassador, Benjamin is involved with the selection process. He also helps in providing awareness about the campaign especially through social media. He will tour the country to search for candidates, and he will be part of the panel.
Worth the wait
Benjamin stars on GMA’s new teleserye “Pinulot Ka Lang Sa Lupa” with Julie Anne San Jose, whom he has been exclusively dating. While at it for eight months now, Benjamin clarified they are not officially a couple yet.
“What we count is when we first started talking but as a couple wala pa naman kaming dapat i-amin na ganoon. We just count the times that we are together but as far as a couple, if there’s something to announce, we’ll make sure that everyone knows. I mean, I don’t think na kailangan ko itago ’yon,” he said. There’s also no exchange of “I love you’s” yet. Clearly, both are in no rush to be a couple as they enjoy each other’s company and the kind of relationship they have now.
“I wouldn’t feel comfortable saying ‘I love you’ to somebody that I couldn’t say na she’s my girlfriend or she’s the one. Parang that’s within the boundaries of relationship. I don’t wanna step over sa boundaries na hindi pa naman dapat,” he said. Benjamin revealed they don’t get to spend time together as much as they want because they’re both busy with work. During their breaks, Benjamin visits Julie at her home with permission from her parents, of course. “Eight months kaming magkakilala pero still not enough time na kami lang dalawa. The eight months kasi parang iniisip mo napakatagal, pero ang bilis lang po sa amin noon. Wala kasi kaming parang kailangan after 12 months maging kami.”
Both are taking their sweet time as they want to make sure if they enter a relationship, it won’t just end up in separation.
“It’s always sad when you hear people breakup because it’s tough. Mahirap ’yung ganoon eh. You want people na always masaya. Basta kami ni Julie, we are just happy that the time we share together is special and memorable. If I’m in a relationship, I’m not thinking of it to end. “Kaya siguro we’re taking our time, sobrang ingat namin, patient. Kasi we don’t want to get into something na mag-end lang pala, or separation. Kung may aaminin man siguro, siguro aaminin muna na naging kami. Hindi ’ yung magbabacktrack.” For Benjamin, Julie is worth waiting for. He doesn’t see the need to date anyone else right now as Julie remains his focus.
“For me, if I could stay single for how many years na, I think I can wait for somebody much longer. If I’m fine by myself being single, kahit ano pang rumors ang sinasabi sa akin because I stayed single for how many years, there is no problem for me waiting for somebody for however long it is. Okay naman kami. I’m just happy, we’re both happy,” the actor said.
Benjamin looks very inspired just talking about Julie, whom he said is very kind and understanding. “Sobrang mabait, sobrang understanding sa trabaho po namin. Iyon naman ’yung masaya sa aming dalawa, walang masyadong expectations. Walang pabigat. We continue to inspire each other. We build each other up. “Siguro dahil sa pagod or sa stress, it’s very healthy for people to have conflict. Pero naaayos din naman kaagad. I think it’s very important when you’re getting to know somebody na makita mo din na ’yung mga bagay are not always pleasant.”
‘I don’t want people to get the misconception na dahil Summa Cum Laude ako eh mayaman ako, or because I speak English na I came from a privileged family. Pinaghirapan ko lahat.’