Reward in uncertainty: Ben’s realization while living in a pandemic

Benjamin Alves

Benjamin Alves can be meticulous on the set; he makes sure he knows what he needs to do, when to do it and how to do it. But if there’s anything he has realized while living amid a pandemic, it’s being more relaxed or acknowledging the fact that some things are just out of our control.

And he hopes to continue adopting this mindset in 2022. “It’s healthy thinking about changes you can do to improve yourself. For next year, my resolution is to just go with the flow. During tapings, I want to know the breakdown—what I’m supposed to shoot at what time,” he said in a virtual conference for his recent contract renewal with GMA Artist Center.

“Now, I’m getting more relaxed. If I’m told there’s going to be a bit of delay or they’re going to shoot something else, it’s OK. I no longer get rattled or nervous. You can try to control things, but life will throw something else at you,” he added. “Sometimes, there’s reward in uncertainty.”

Recharged

Same goes when it comes to projects and job offers. In the first quarter of 2022, Ben will star in the courtroom drama “Artikulo 247” with Rhian Ramos and Mark Herras. He’s also in talks for two movies later that year. “I hope all these come into fruition. But I’m getting used to going with the flow and enjoying the ride. In any case, I’m blessed to be in this position,” he said.

The 32-year-old artist is currently on a break and expects to reenter—recharged—to the taping bubble of “Artikulo 247” in the first week of January. “We were blessed to have at least a month to be with our families during the holiday season. I’m glad I get to spend time with loved ones. And then, we go back to work,” he said.

As its title suggests, the upcoming drama series tackles controversial Article 247 of The Revised Penal Code, which states that a legally married person who catches his spouse having sexual intercourse with another person may be exempt from punishment, should he or she inflict physical harm on them.

“I’m excited that this controversial law will be given a show,” said Ben, who plays Noah Borromeo, an assailant who manages to get away because of Article 247. “It’s a heavy character … He has a drug dependency. And just when he was about to turn his life around, another incident pushed him back.”

Deeper respect

This role was a surprise to him, Ben admitted, because he thought the creative team would make him play a lawyer. “I assumed I was going to play a lawyer, but I ended up doing a heavy, troubled character … But the network sees something different in me. It’s a challenge for me, but I’m excited to show a different side of me,” he said.

The show has him working with Rhian as an onscreen pair for the first time. “I loved doing scenes with her. I love her eyes—I get to draw a lot of emotions from them. We can do ad libs, so no two takes are exactly the same … We have that playfulness,” he said.

Ben is also reunited with Mark, whom he last worked with in the 2013 fantasy series, “Unforgettable.” “Despite not being able to see each other for a long time, the bond was still there when we got on the set. I worked with him eight years ago. But the bond you create with your coworkers doesn’t go away,” he said.

Projects like “Artikulo 247,” Ben said, keeps him on his toes as an actor. “I love challenges because it’s hard being complacent. Being signed [with a network] doesn’t mean OK ka na. With maturity comes a deeper respect for the job and craft,” he said. INQ