Benjamin remainsGNEA ambassador

MANILA, Philippines - Just by listening to him share his stories from his childhood years, one can easily tell that Benjamin Alves knows what he wants in life and how to make it happen.

Case in point: He dreamed about entering the acting scene when he was just six years old and he has now succeeded in getting into the local showbiz industry.

His mom, he said, had wished to see him graduate in college. And Benjamin did more than that. Although he confessed that there were times he felt “uninspired and tamad pumasok” during his younger days, the Kapuso actor graduated summa cum laude at the University of Guam with a degree in English Literature.

“The reason why I have summa cum laude honors for college was because I would not otherwise be able to afford college if I didn’t become a scholar,” began Benjamin during a pocket interview held recently. “I know my parents would do everything for me to be able to graduate but at that time I didn’t want to put a burden on them anymore because I started too late. I entered showbiz beforehand and then I went back to school so nasa edad na ako ng mga late 21 when I started college. I had saved some money from modeling that was (to pay) for my first semester and after that sem, I became a scholar because I got high performance marks there. Since then, I never asked my parents for tuition and I took a lot of jobs to pay for my books like I worked in a warehouse.”

It is an admirable feat, indeed, and at the same time a tough act to follow for many. Some even felt intimidated by him after learning about his scholastic achievement, he related. “But I tell them not to, because they can talk to me, I also speak Tagalog. They can tell me anything.”

He continued, “I want people not to be blinded by the thought na, ‘Ay, summa cum laude s’ya’ but (look at) what’s behind that — the hard work, the determination and the focus.”

Benjamin is humble enough to say that everyone, who has the passion and determination, can realize his/her dream and excel in the field one wishes to pursue. No wonder, he remains up to the task of being an ambassador of the GMA Network Excellence Awards (GNEA). Now on his second year, he promises to discover more of the Filipino youth’s exemplary performance in academics and leadership.

“The search is open to all, regardless of social standing or school,” said Benjamin. “As long as they are a graduating student of Masscom, advertising, multimedia arts and electronics communications engineering, with honors and active in social civic activities, they can join.”

Candidates must submit the Entry Book, which includes the accomplished application form, related work, transcript of records, certificates of graduation and certificate of good moral character. Seven finalists will be chosen but only one will be named this year’s GMA Network Excellence awardee and will receive P50,000 cash and a plaque.

Benjamin is set to tour around the country in search for candidates. The thought of selecting the winner excites Benjamin no end. It was last year when he experienced having to choose only one winner among the thousands who submitted their entry forms. He, too, together with Dingdong Dantes, sat in the jury panel.

“It was a very hard process last year because they were pushing for one then I was pushing for another. Naisip din namin na baka pwede share sa award pero ultimately, isa lang talaga.”

This year, Benjamin hopes to find the most deserving student who will be able to use the GMA Network Excellence Award as a tool to inspire others.

“We prefer someone whose story is full of determination to succeed. Ayaw naman namin na parang kinulekta lang yung award para maisulat sa resumé n’ya or worse, he or she gets the money then nothing good comes out of it. We want to make sure how he or she is able to advance and inspire others through the award. That’s why we really devote time and sit on the panel to interview the aspirants.”

Asked if it’s fine with him to have a brainy girlfriend who is always up for long arguments, Benjamin said that kind of girl would be fun to be with “rather than a girl who would always say yes. It’s boring and I don’t think a modern woman would allow that and no modern man should want that kasi parang hindi na partner ‘yun. A partner is supposed to help you think and make you realize that you’re wrong.”

But Benjamin added that having a degree is not a requirement in love. “For me, a girl has to have a good heart, loves her family and she believes in God. Di naman requirement yung degree. I’ve been with people who are carefree and it’s always been fun.”

Perhaps, most people already know by now that Benjamin is exclusively dating Julie Anne San Jose, his co-star in the GMA afternoon soap Pinulot Ka Lang sa Lupa. They are not yet “officially on” but the actor said that they are “officially together.”

“What I like most about her? She’s very understanding and given our age gap (Julie Anne is five years younger), ako ‘yung mas natututo sa kanya,” Benjamin revealed. “I listen to her more.”

(For more details on GNEA, visit gmanetwork.com/excellenceaward.)