Benjamin sleepless over Guam’s fate

MANILA, Philippines - Like the more than 162,000 residents of Guam, Benjamin Alves is worried about the North Korean threat.                   

“It keeps me up at night,” admitted Benjamin who graduated summa cum laude with an English Literature degree from the University of Guam before he moved to the Philippines to join showbiz. “All members of my family are there. I keep in touch with them every day. I call them before I go to sleep and as soon as I wake up.”                                                                

The last time Benjamin visited Guam was in September last year. His work here keeps him from going there as often as he wants to. As usual when he’s in Guam, Benjamin spends quality time with his family. The previous year, according to a GMA Pinoy TV report, he had fun playing basketball with his nephew Noah after he pitched for the GMA Pinoy TV by being interviewed by Pacific Daily News and guesting on the TV shows Cruising with Kuan and Kumusta Kabayan, and KTKB Megamix 101.9FM where he was interviewed by his deejay brother Arnold Sapida.                                

“I also paid a courtesy call on Consul General Mariano de Borja at the Philippine Consulate in Tamuning,” recalled Benjamin. Aside from regular calls to his family, Benjamin is kept posted on developments by newscasts. “There’s reason to worry and to be scared,” said Benjamin. “You just never know what will happen. I just want to make sure that all my loved ones are safe.”                                                

Last Sunday, report from Guam said that some 100 residents joined a “Rally For Peace” in the capital Hatagna while at the island’s main church, the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica, more residents heard Mass where Fr. Paul Gofigan told the congregation to be prepared in case North Korea does launch its missiles.

“What would you do if you have only 14 minutes left?” Fr. Gofigan asked. “The thing to do is pray and reflect. Prioritize your life. This is a wake-up call, no matter what happens.”              

“I am praying along with them,” assured Benjamin. “We hold on to our faith in God.”