The layups and laughs in Benjie Paras’ life

Venancio Johnson Paras, Jr., more popularly known as Benjie Paras, was glorious in his days in the basketball arena. After all, he was only on his third year of college when he was drafted by the Shell Turbo Chargers, and he’s the only basketball player who was named both Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the same season.

“Nag-enjoy ako. Sobrang saya ko sa trabaho ko (sa PBA). Kumbaga, natupad ang mga pangarap ko,” The Tower of Power told “Powerhouse” host Kara David during her visit to his house in Pasig.

But why did he retire? What made the PBA legend turn his back from shooting hoops and pursue something completely different from his craft?

Sacrifices and opportunities

Benjie suffered a great deal of injuries in the course of his basketball career. In fact, he underwent four surgeries because of these. Despite this, he did not complain and deemed the hurt as part of the game.

In 2003, however, he dealt with an injury that required another operation, which had to be done in another country. He had to get the procedure before he could play again.

Being divorced with ex-wife Jackie Forster, he was raising his two kids alone, so he decided to give up the game and take care of his children instead.

Despite the seemingly bitter end to his basketball career, little did he know that his life as a famous icon was only approaching its second course.

He found himself entering the doors of show business along with PBA player Alvin Patrimonio.

“Mahiyain ako noon eh, pero satisfied ako. Okay naman pala (ang pag-aartista),” he shared.

From shooting hoops to shooting takes

Benjie already starred in his first movie “Dunkin Donato” in 1993, but it wasn’t until he retired from PBA that he took acting seriously.

He ventured into the world of comedy and was very natural at it. “Never akong naka-attend ng mga acting workshops,” he said. Seeing his potential, several networks asked him to be a part of sitcoms. He appeared in GMA’s “Lagot Ka, Isusumbong Kita” and “Kool Ka Lang” with fellow comedian Joey Marquez and Raymart Santiago.

Later on, Benjie showed his versatility in acting as he also took on roles in drama and fantasy programs. He became part of the cast for “Encantadia” as Wahid, “Lupin” as Generoso (a gay inmate!), and “Bantatay” as Jace Ventura.

Like he did when he played basketball, Benjie Paras is also all out in his acting career. “Kapag umaarte ka, kailangan nasa puso,” he said.

Family Man

Aside from his career in show business, another thing that keeps the basketball legend busy is his family. In fact, he admitted that he doesn’t have any expensive hobby because he spends all his earnings on providing for his family and constantly improving their home.

His wife, Lyxen, helps him in housekeeping and in taking care of his two sons, Riley and Sam. Also living with them are his two sons from ex-wife Jackie Forster, Andre and Kobe.

Andre and Kobe are continuing what he missed, if any, as a basketball superstar. Like Benjie, Andre is also shaking the basketball ring as a UP Fighting Maroon, while Kobe wowed netizens with the video of him dunking in front of NBA superstar LeBron James. Both boys are also getting their toes wet in show business as they both recently signed talent contracts with GMA.

Benjie puts zero pressure on his sons when it comes to the young ones’ basketball careers. In fact, he seems weirdly relaxed when Andre or Kobe gets injured when playing. “Doon sila matututo eh! Part of the game ang masaktan!”

When asked if his sons are better basketball players than he is, Benjie’s answer was a quick “definitely”! “I’m proud of them, of course,” he said.

Coming full circle

But Benjie proves that first love never dies.

Aside from his acting career, Benjie now continues his passion for basketball as an assistant coach for the San Beda College basketball team.

His secret in reaching his life in full circle — dedication and hard work. “Hindi masamang mangarap at libre ang mangarap. Pero matutupad ang pangarap kung meron tayong gagawing paraan at kung meron tayong dedikasyon para makamit ito,” he said.

“Gano’n ‘yung ginawa ko — tibay ng loob at kapal ng mukha.” —Isabelle Laureta/CM, GMA News