Benjamin Alves, excited with his new role as 2016 GNEA Ambassador
Ben is glad that his home network is giving recognition not only those who are brilliant in the arts but also the ones that show great promise and excellence in the academic field.
By FELIX ILAYA
Over at "Books and Borders," a quaint coffee shop along Tomas Morato, GMANetwork.com was able to have a sit down interview with the cafe's co-owner who also happens to be a very popular actor in the country, Benjamin Alves. Ever so articulate, Ben graciously answered questions pertaining to his new role as an advocate for the 2016 GMA Network Excellence Awards (GNEA).
A photo posted by benjamin alves (@benxalves) on
Ben graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Guam in 2012. He took up English Literature. When he re-entered show business that same year, Benj never had a chance to combine his two passions together; showbiz and the academe. When he found out that he was chosen as an advocate for the 2016 GNEA, he immediately accepted.
"I was excited.. ever since I started showbiz I've known about the program. When I heard that they were looking for a new [ambassador] I was glad that they considered me because for the longest time since I've been in showbiz I haven't been able to really announce that I graduated in this and that, I wasn't able to use it [his degree] yet. I feel like this is probably the best platform as far as being able to take care of our showbiz responsibilities but also being an advocate for something that I actually believe in," the young actor said.
Ben is also looking forward to meet the applicants of the award.
"I'm excited for it, I'm excited to see the students, and I'm really excited for the campus tours. I told them that as much as I can, I will be available because it's nice to hear not only my story but to hear everyone else's story."
Although outstanding grades are important, Ben believes that a GMA Network Excellence Awardee is someone who possesses great character.
"The grades, everything, and all of that, they're [the nominees] pretty much all going to be equal there. What's going to set them apart is their story behind it. The character is what we're really looking for; I am personally looking for it. They all probably have good grades so a good character is really what's going to push them even after their school. When you go to a job interview, all the applicants are pretty much on the same playing field but it's the character that they are going to remember. That's what is really important," he said.
Lastly, Ben is glad that his home network is giving recognition not only those who are brilliant in the arts but also the ones that show great promise and excellence in the academic field.
"It's excellent that we have something like this [GNEA] because it's hard work, it really is. When they say that fame doesn't come overnight, I think that excellence doesn't come overnight; it's not natural. It's something that you work hard for, you stay up late at night studying, and it's decisions that you make. Are you going to go out with your friends or take care of your responsibilities? And that's just the academic aspect, some of the applicants are going to have stories where their family isn't doing well and there other unique stories like that. It's important to recognize hard work because it's not an easy journey but it doesn't make it horrible, it's a rewarding and a great experience and it should be rewarded."
MORE ON BENJAMIN ALVES:
READ: Benjamin Alves, new ambassador of GMA Network Excellence Award
LOOK: Benjamin Alves signs as GMA Network Excellence Award ambassador
