Actor Benjamin Alves is pressing pause, at least for a little while. After a packed year that saw him star in the afternoon drama Akusada and the historical biopic Quezon directed by Jerrold Tarog, the actor said he plans to take a short break to spend more time with his wife, Chelsea Robato.
“It’s been a very busy 2025,” Alves said. “I told Chelsea this would be a hectic year, but I promised her that after these projects, we’d go on vacation and try to have a baby before our second wedding anniversary.”
The couple, who wed in 2024, appear to be enjoying their marriage even with their demanding schedules. Alves credits Robato’s support for helping him manage his career. “It really helps that she’s very understanding,” he said. “She allowed me to have that adventure even if it meant being away from her for long periods. I really owe her a vacation.”
As for questions about starting a family, Alves said they’re not rushing but are ready. “People have been asking when we’ll have a baby since we got married,” he said. “My reply has always been, ‘In God’s perfect time.’ But now, we feel that we’re ready. It would be nice if a baby will be on the way by our second anniversary.”
While the couple has yet to finalize plans, a beach getaway seems likely. “Europe was fun, but it was tiring. This time, we want something laid back,” Alves said. “We love the sand, sun, and sea. We just want to chill.”
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Meanwhile, Andrea Brillantes is entering a new phase in her career. The actress, who recently signed with MQuest Ventures, the entertainment arm of TV5, is shifting her focus to film.
“I’m really excited,” Brillantes said. “I’ve done a lot of television, but I think it’s time for me to explore the big screen. It’s a different kind of storytelling.”
Now under the Kapatid Network, Brillantes hopes to explore a range of genres, including action, romance, and comedy. “I feel I can be an effective comedienne,” she said. “Before, I was known for drama and crying scenes as a child star. Now I want to do lighter roles. I feel I can be funny.”
Brillantes hinted that several projects are already in the works but kept details under wraps. “The public will have to see,” she said with a smile. “I promise there are a lot of firsts that people will see in me now that I’m with TV5.”
