Benjamin Alves finds his true calling

ALVES. Began writing poetry in fifth grade.

These days, Benjamin Alves is busy getting in the way of Rocco Nacino and Lovi Poe’s romance on GMA 7’s drama series, “Beautiful Strangers.” But, away from the teleserye’s perfunctory convolutions, Piolo Pascual’s 26-year-old nephew reinvents himself as a model, indie-film actor, comic-book geek—and insightful poet!

You read that right—his fascinating poems are a good reason to check out his Instagram account. He’s easy on the eyes, all right—but, his revelatory thoughts are as appealing as his dashing good looks. He recalls, “I began writing poetry in fifth grade, because I had a crush on a girl who was unreachable (laughs)! I had a binder full of verses.”

The indies Alves appears in are nothing to scoff at: Whammy Alcazaren’s fabulous Cinema One flick, “Islands,” Jerrold Tarog’s Cinemalaya entry, “Sana Dati,” and the acclaimed biopic, “Heneral Luna,” where he portrays the young Manuel Quezon. The latter is the first in an intended trilogy that focuses on wartime stories involving Antonio Luna (John Arcilla), Gregorio del Pilar (Paulo Avelino) and Quezon (Alves).

Ben just wrapped up shooting production designer-turned-director Cesar Hernando’s 25-year “passion” project intended for the upcoming QCinema fest, “Gayuma,” an erotic thriller about UP art student, Mike (Alves), who’s haunted by the spirit of his grandfather’s mistress!

Our recent chat with this Beautiful Stranger at GMA 7’s executive lounge took longer than intended, because we had a great time discussing the comic-book superheroes Alves grew up reading, and how he juggled odd jobs to help defray the expenses that his scholarship at the University of Guam, where he graduated summa cum laude, couldn’t cover.

Misconception

Ben says it’s a common misconception that he comes from an affluent family. He explains, “We weren’t poor, but if I didn’t get good grades, I wouldn’t have been able to afford college. I’ve always been independent—I began working at age 15. I learned how to operate a forklift and unload containers. I worked at a movie theater selling tickets and became a projectionist. And, I tutored Korean and Japanese students.

“After high school, I decided not to go to college right away—because I didn’t know what I really wanted to do. I almost joined the US Marines, then realized it wasn’t something I was passionate about. I went back to school at 22, but I didn’t want to give my parents a financial problem.

“During my freshman year, the money I saved from modelling was good enough for only a semester. Deep down, I wanted to be an actor, because I’ve always been fascinated with acting and getting into character.

“I’m aware of the importance of getting better at acting, especially if what I’m after are longevity and durability. Now, I put the pressure on myself to deliver competent work. After some time, you can’t just wing it and bank on good looks alone!”

Does he engage his followers on Instagram? Ben quips, “Social media has its advantages. Initially, I had a hard time adjusting to it, because I grew up in a relatively ‘quiet’ place (Guam)

—and I wanted to keep a part of myself private.

“But, the more I interacted with my followers, the better I appreciated how social networking sites have allowed me to forge a unique relationship with them. You can’t let its negative aspects get to you—because everybody just wants to be heard. Sometimes, people will do anything to get your attention!”