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GMA Network
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
From a literature major and summa cum laude to an actor: The many facets of Benjamin Alves
Benjamin Alves is no stranger to transformation. In fact, it seems to be his trademark. Whether he's embodying the formidable presence of President Manuel L. Quezon in Jerrold Tarog's 'Bayaniverse' trilogy, taking on the role of a single father in GMA Afternoon Prime's "Akusada," or a flamboyant yet misunderstood husband in the Kapuso murder-mystery series 'Widows' War,' Ben proves time and again that there is far more to him than meets the eye. A full circle moment with 'Quezon' Wrapping up 'Quezon" this year, the third installment in the 'Bayaniverse" films, was a full-circle moment for Ben. The Kapuso actor reflected on a journey that began almost a decade ago with 'Heneral Luna,' where he played the young Quezon, a lieutenant who would later on become the President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. 'I can't help but feel nostalgic,' he shared to GMA News Online. 'When I first did the role of Teniente Quezon sa 'Heneral Luna,' I also was, kumbaga, teniente is almost like a rookie, no? It was also my first year in showbiz. So, it has a weird correlation in that sense, so I can't help but feel nostalgic." From being Quezon, Ben currently plays the role of Wilfred in 'Akusada" alongside Andrea Torres. The character, a single dad to a 16-year-old daughter (Ashley Sarmiento), was one that required more imagination and emotional groundwork from the actor. 'Well, I'm not a dad myself, pero 'yun nga, I just tried to study, especially playing, having a child na 16 years old,' he shared. For Ben, the real challenge was not simply playing a father, but capturing the depth and emotional complexity of a deeply rooted parent-child relationship. 'It was a big jump,' he admitted. But if 'Akusada' tested Ben's paternal instincts, 'Widows' War' pushed his creative limits. In the murder-mystery series, Ben played Basil, a man married to a woman (Carla Abellana), yet harbored a fluid gender identity. 'Surprised, of course. I've never done that before,' he said of the role. Calling it 'edge work,' Ben saw Basil's character as an opportunity to expand his craft. 'I knew I was a short stint with the show. I knew that my fate was to be murdered. I decided to jump. I decided to... Ang tawag namin sa acting workshop was 'edge work,'' he shared. 'Really edge work, really push myself. It was the only soap I was gonna do for the year kasi I had just gotten married, so I wanted something fun, different, and memorable." From styling choices—animal prints and curly hair—to nuanced emotional work, Ben embraced the complexity and visual flamboyance of Basil by collaborating with stylists to express his identity. 'What ended up happening was, we all, even the writers, all jumped in. Parang sabi ko when I was working with the stylist, si JP, try nga natin kulot 'yung buhok. Try nga natin ito, tapos, sabi ko, 'JP, paano natin mapapakita na may ganoon siyang package?' Ayun, nagsuot siya ng may leopard, lagi may leopard, and flamboyant 'yung clothes niya,' he described. There is no role too big or too small for Ben, and he makes sure to leave a mark in each one he takes on, regardless if he's working on an afternoon or primetime series, a film, or a single episode for an anthology. In 2023, the actor delivered a powerful performance in a "Magpakailanman" episode, "Ang Mister na Walang Misis," where he portrayed a man who was abandoned by his wife and left to raise their children alone. Just this July, Ben was nominated for Best Single Performance by an Actor at the 37th PMPC Star Awards for Television for his portrayal in the episode. "Thank you PMPC for the nomination," he had said on Instagram. "Truly, I'm humbled to even be seen." A scholar and a summa cum laude Before making a name in showbiz, Ben actually tried to walk away from the industry. 'When I first went back to school, I was trying to make it here sa GMA as a model turned actor. And then I decided to go back to school instead kasi it wasn't working or I wasn't panning out the way I wanted. I didn't have the traction that I wanted, so I went back to school,' Ben said. When his career momentum slowed, Ben made the difficult decision to go back to school. He started out studying Marketing with a minor in Finance at the University of Guam, where he was a scholar, but everything shifted when he took an English class taught by a professor who truly inspired him. 'He told me, 'It's your undergrad lang naman. If you're planning to get [a] master's [degree], which you might as well, get your undergrad somewhere you like kasi you can still go into marketing,'' he recalled. The advice resonated with Ben and he eventually shifted his major to Literature. From there, a new dream emerged: to become a teacher, even a professor. The plan was to teach English in Japan while pursuing a master's degree—mirroring the path of his English professor who offered to help him make that move. 'I wanted to become a teacher or a professor. The plan was to get a master's or go to Japan after getting my English degree kasi 'yun 'yung pinakamadali para makapunta ka ng Japan to teach English. And then you can get your master's in Japan,' he said. But fate had other plans. Just one semester shy of graduating, Ben returned to the Philippines for a vacation. During that trip, he was introduced to GMA Network Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes and the rest, as he puts it, 'is where we're at now.' He recalled the pressure of being presented by his manager as someone on track to graduate summa cum laude—a distinction that meant maintaining no grade lower than a B. 'I remember thinking, 'Wait, I still have to finish this course' and at the same time, I was flying back and forth to do PR and media rounds in Manila just to stay relevant,' he said, referring to his return to showbiz while finishing school. After two years, a few summer classes, and the challenge of juggling academics with showbiz, Ben finally earned his college degree, graduating summa cum laude. From literature to the big screen Ben's path from literature to acting unfolded over time. 'As you get older, it kinda shows itself, kung saan ka naka-linya. It took a while,' he said. His journey in acting wasn't made in a sudden leap nor was it a rejection of writing but a gradual process of discovering where he felt most equipped, most fulfilled. 'I think I said it before that I only consider myself as an actor the last few years. [But now], I feel like I'm more equipped to say, 'Oh, okay, I'm an actor.' Dati parang... Isa akong artistang binibigyan ng projects. That's a very different attitude than saying, I'm an actor,' Ben shared. Today, he feels more confident in his capabilities, no longer hoping to simply manage roles, but to embody them fully. 'Parang ngayon... I feel like I'm well-equipped to do whatever they give me. Rather than dati parang, 'Oh my gosh, I hope they give me something na kakayanin ko,'' he added. But while acting has taken center stage in his career, Ben has not let go of writing. 'I still write. I still can write,' Ben said. He once considered publishing and even had meetings about compiling a body of work, but he has since realized that much of his writing is for himself. 'There was a time, there [were] talks with Sparkle. I've sat down to come up with a compendium of what I can write and hopefully publish it,' he recalled. 'In hindsight, parang buti na lang 'di nangyari kasi nga parang... It would've been... Masyado siyang naka-timestamp sa buhay na 'yun eh. Kumbaga... I don't know how I would accept that it's out there. It's public property at that point.' Now, he sees writing not as a public pursuit, but a private sanctuary for reflection, something he cherishes just as deeply, even if it never finds its way to an audience. 'I've realized now getting older that my writing is very for myself or private. It's private as opposed to before na parang, 'Ah, kailangan marinig ng mundo 'to.'' Still, if given the chance, he would love to write a script—perhaps a meta-narrative about the entertainment industry. 'Something that shows the other side. Not just the glamour. The grit, the realness,' he shared. And if he were to write a book about himself, Ben said it would explore both his failures and successes, revealing the many facets of who he is. His background in literature has also been advantageous in his career as an actor, as it helps him approach roles with a deeper understanding. 'It's easier to write a character study or come up with a backstory,' he said. His academic background allows him to filter a script through the writer's intent—recognizing not just what a character says or does, but why they were written that way. 'It's not always what I would agree to, but again, as an actor, I kinda try to stick with the tools I have as far as I can, rather than messing kasi they have their own,' he explained. For Ben, the script is a product of long hours of brainstorming and deliberation—a process he respects. 'So, for me, to go there and try to change it, parang 'yung pinagpuyatan nila, parang now, enhancing it is different. So, that's like putting my own interpretation or spiking it, kumbaga, in the scene. That falls in our responsibility, our role as an actor,' Ben said. This perspective helped him portray complex roles such as Quezon, Basil, and Wilfred, where a character's narrative purpose is just as crucial as delivering the performance. A loud and proud K-pop stan Surprising to some, one of Ben's biggest passions is K-pop—particularly second-generation icons like BIGBANG, SHINee, and IU. 'I've watched [BIGBANG] ever since they debuted,' he revealed, naming former member TOP as his bias. A self-proclaimed fanboy, he once dreamed of covering BIGBANG's 'Bang Bang Bang' on the now-defunct Kapuso show 'Lip Sync Battle' and proudly refers to himself as a "VIP," the official fandom name of the group. He also hopes to catch the group's 25th anniversary reunion concert live one day. Life behind the cameras When he's not acting, Ben wakes up early, walks his dogs, goes on runs, and enjoys the peace and quiet of domestic life with his wife Chelsea Robato. 'I don't eat until 2 p.m. I watch YouTube a lot—K-pop concerts, travel vlogs," he told GMA News Online. He also helps run their family's real estate and boxing gym businesses. Ben is a living paradox—a scholar and a star, an avid K-pop fan, a statesman on screen, and an introvert with a deep love for storytelling. Whether he's running laps, reading Charles Bukowski and Raymond Carver, or stepping into the shoes of national heroes, he approaches these all with quiet conviction and relentless curiosity. And with his many facets, this is what's clear—whatever's next for Ben will be anything but ordinary. —CDC, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
a day ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Is Pancho Magno still in love with ex-wife Max Collins? Kapuso actor answers
Pancho Magno found himself in the hot seat after Boy Abunda asked him: is he still in love with his ex-wife, Max Collins? On Tuesday's "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda," the Sparkle star opened up about his current relationship status, sharing that he is not dating anyone at the moment. "I wish. Pero wala. Wala pa eh," Pancho said. Pancho was then pressed about Max and was asked if he still has love left for her. "Max and I started talaga na, of course, we're both Christians, so 'yung foundation namin, 'yung love and respect, kahit sabihin mo nang may mga arguments and—wala akong sinasabing perfect. Wala talagang perfect," he said. "Anyway, 'yung love na 'yon, siyempre 'yung friendship namin," Pancho added. "As a friend, oo naman. Best friends. Oo naman." Pancho tried to expound that as best friends, they really try to maintain their closeness. But Pancho got caught off guard after Tito Boy's straightforward question: "Pancho, are you still in love with Max?" "Hindi siya gano'n kadali. Wait lang. Nagke-credits na! Best friends, oo naman. Love and respect. Hi, Max!" Pancho said. Max and Pancho got married in 2017 and welcomed their son, Skye, in 2020. They have a co-parenting setup. In 2023, Max revealed they had separated years before, and their split was amicable. In November, Max confirmed that she and Pancho are now divorced. Pancho currently stars in GMA Afternoon Prime series "Cruz vs. Cruz" starring Vina Morales, Gladys Reyes, and Neil Ryan Sese. —Carby Rose Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Are Lexi Gonzales, Gil Cuerva ready for marriage? Actress answers
Lexi Gonzales and Gil Cuerva have been together for three years. But are they ready to settle down? In Tuesday's episode of "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda," the Kapuso actress acknowledged she has been in a relationship with Gil for quite some time now, but that they are still "far from marriage." "Although we want our relationship to go somewhere, definitely, but I think we are just at a place right now where hindi pa namin kaya," she said. According to Lexi, they keep an open and honest communication to continuously improve their relationship. "We adjust with each other every time kasi nagbabago talaga ang buhay," she said. "Palitan lang kami ng energy." Meanwhile, Kristoffer Martin, who has been married to AC Banzon since 2022, advised Lexi not to rush things regarding marriage. "Kasi ganyan din kami ng asawa ko, akala namin ready na kami magpakasal before, hindi pa pala," he said. "'Yun pala may mga bagay na kailangan dumating or mangyari para mas makita niyo 'yung importance niyo sa isa't isa na kung kayo talaga, kayo talaga," he added. Lexi and Gil met when the actress guested on "Taste Buddies." She admitted to making the first move on Gil. Lexi and Kristoffer star in the Kapuso series "Cruz vs. Cruz," top-billed by Vina Morales, Neil Ryan Sese, and Gladys Reyes. It airs on GMA Afternoon Prime from Mondays to Fridays at 3:20 p.m. — Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Camille Prats to focus on family, take break from teleseryes as she signs off from 'Mommy Dearest'
Camille Prats has signed off as her character, Olive, in "Mommy Dearest" and now plans to take a break from doing teleseryes so she can focus on her family. On Instagram, the Kapuso actress shared several photos of herself with her co-stars and crew while on the set of the show. "When GMA offered me this role, it wasn't a difficult decision to make. What I didn't realize was how much I had been longing—as an actress—to take on a character different from the ones I usually portray: the kind-hearted, often oppressed protagonist," she wrote. According to Camille, Olive's character revitalized her passion for acting and allowed her to discover her creativity differently. In her heartfelt post, she extended her gratitude to directors Ralfh Malabunga and Gina Alajar, her co-stars, and crew, as well as the creatives who have been part of the show. She also thanked GMA Network, writing, "Thank you for entrusting me with the roles of Olive and Jade, and for believing that I am the right fit for the role." Per Camille, "Mommy Dearest" is special to her now that she has decided to step away from teleseryes for the meantime. "This project is especially close to my heart as I've decided to take a break from doing seryes for now, to devote more time to my growing children and family. Turns out, hindi ko pala kayang hatiin ang katawan ko," she wrote. She added that while she's grateful for the support the show has received, her priority is to be a wife and mom first. "Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart. Hanggang sa muli. Olive Caparas, signing off." In "Mommy Dearest," Camille played the role of twin sisters Olive and Jade Caparas. The series follows the life of Mookie (Shayne Sava) who tries to navigate life despite her serious illnesses since childhood. However, her overprotective mother Olive (Camille) refrains her from going out and discovering the world, making Mookie seem like a prisoner in their own home. Also part of the show are Katrina Halili, Amy Austria, Winwyn Marquez, and Dion Ignacio, among others. "Mommy Dearest" is now on its finale week. It airs weekdays at 3:20 p.m. on GMA Afternoon Prime. —CDC, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Will Ashley ready to help Jillian Ward, Sofia Pablo settle reported rift
Will Ashley is willing to be the instrument to help Jillian Ward and Sofia Pablo settle their reported rift. In his GMA Integrated News interview with Nelson Canlas, which aired in "24 Oras" Tuesday, Will shared he is not in a position to say the reason behind Jillian and Sofia's feud. "Kasi honestly hindi rin naman po ako 'yung makakapag-ayos nun kundi silang dalawa lang naman din po," he said. However, Will is ready to help Jillian and Sofia bury the hatchet if they are both open to talking to each other. "Kung mabibigyan ako ng pagkakataon at pareho po silang bukas para mag-usap or maayos kung ano man po talaga 'yung pinagmulan po talaga or ano po 'yung napakaraming rason po nun, gagawin ko po," he said. In January, Sofia opened up on the reported feud between her and Jillian in an interview with GMA Integrated News. According to Sofia, their conflict started in the first season of their GMA Afternoon Prime series "Prima Donnas," which started airing in 2019. However, she did not say the reason behind the rift. Sofia added that she does not want her and Jillian to have an issue since they are both at the peak of their careers. Following Sofia's remarks, Jillian gave her reaction, saying she does not have time to fight with anyone. She also said that she does not know where the narrative that she and Sofia are fighting came from. Will also confirmed in January this year that he had a rift with Sofia in the past, but they had already resolved it. Per Will, he and Sofia got to talk about their misunderstanding before they started taping "Prinsesa ng City Jail." "Kumbaga isang tinik ang nabunot after how many years. Totoo naman po 'yon kasi parang nagkaroon lang din ng misunderstanding. Kumbaga hindi kami nagkaroon ng chance makapag-usap nang gano'n katagal kasi nga pareho din kaming na-busy," he had said. Will is fresh from his "Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition" journey where he and his duo Ralph De Leon finished as second big placer on Big Night. The duo of Mika Salamanca and Brent Manalo were hailed the big winners. —CDC, GMA Integrated News
