Screen actor Benjamin Alves considers his recent contract renewal with GMA Artist Center as a wonderful Christmas gift and a better way to end 2021.
The 32-year-old actor, known for his roles in the series Owe My Love, Kapag Nahati Ang Puso, and Pinulot Ka Lang Sa Lupa, to name a few is celebrating his ninth year in GMA and 15th year in the business.
“Everytime I would sign up with them, they let me feel my importance in the network. I’m very grateful. Actually, it’s surreal. There are moments in an actor’s career that you wake up and there’s a contract for you to sign. You need to sign it right away and allow the ink to dry up,” he told Manila Standard Entertainment in an interview.
In the passing of times, the actor always feels excited whenever he inks a contract with the Kapuso Network considering having a home network a dream come true.
“It still is every day. When I get on the set of a show I’m doing like Artikulo 247, which I’m currently taping, it’s the same feeling I had during my younger days when I wanted to be in front of a camera and play a part,” Benjamin said.
“I don’t think it will go away. It’s the reason why I’m still here, that’s the reason why I love it. I love to act. I’m glad that I can still call GMA my home. I want to give something different—surprise the management and viewers alike. I just prayed and wished. I’m a product of everyone else believing in me and good timing. I can say that I’m very blessed to be in a good position,” he added.
Interestingly, with everything that he has gone through just to reach his present stature in the ‘biz, what tips can he give to those who are just starting out a career as an actor?
“They really have to be ready for all the challenges awaiting them here. If you have this showbiz dream, try to make it happen. For one, you have to be prepared both physically and mentally. You should also stay hungry all the time and never stop learning,” he said.
Meanwhile, because he is in the lock-in taping of GMA’s upcoming soap Artikulo 247 where he shares stellar billing with Rhian Ramos, Kris Bernal, and Mark Herras, he postponed his supposedly vacation in Guam last Christmas to be with his mother.
“Yes, that was one thing I had to sacrifice. Our lock-in taping will end by February. It hurts that I couldn’t go home to spend time with my mom whom I haven’t seen personally for two years now. But I will ask for a one-month vacation on March which is also my birth month so I can fly to Guam and see my mom,” ended Benjamin.
