Body Talk with Benjamin Alves

He’s every inch (every sound, and every angle) a dead-ringer for Piolo Pascual (they even laugh the same way). It’s not surprising because Benjamin Alves and Piolo happen to be relatives. Benjamin’s father is Piolo’s cousin.

“But I’d rather cultivate my own identity than capitalize on my being related to Tito Piolo,” insisted Benjamin, who is under contract with the Kapuso network. Rightly so, since besides good looks, Benjamin has impressive credentials: A summa cum laude AB English (major in Literature) graduate from the University of Guam in that island US territory where he was raised (but he was born in the Philippines). He writes stories and poems. “I would love to do a screenplay,” he said, “and try to direct it myself, with a cast of my choice.”

That’s the long-range plan of Benjamin who gets his big break as the lover of Lovi Poe in Regal Films’ Guni-Guni, a suspense-thriller about a girl (Lovi) possessed by the restless spirit of her long-dead twin, which marks the directorial debut of Tara Illenberger, opening nationwide on Aug. 22 as the outfit’s double-celebration special offering (Regal Matriarch Mother Lily Monteverde’s birthday and Regal’s 51st anniversary).

An Arian (March 31, 1989), Benjamin is 5’10” tall; weighs 160 lbs.; and wears small/medium shirt and briefs, and size-10.5 shoes.

What kind of diet do you follow?

“I don’t really follow a specific diet but I do watch what I eat, especially if there is an upcoming pictorial or show that requires me to be topless, like the Bench Universe show this September.”

What’s usually for breakfast, lunch and dinner?

The Bench endorser gets his big break as the lover of Lovi Poe in the Regal thriller Guni-Guni

“I usually wake up early, like 7 a.m., and take a banana and oatmeal. After going to the gym, I’d take a heavy lunch of a sandwich or burger. Dinner is where I usually try to eat protein. Of course, healthy snacks in between, just to keep the metabolism going.” 

What food do you always crave for, what food do you avoid?

“I have a notorious sweet tooth. My dad, when we lived here, worked at Magnolia so we always had ice cream. Unfortunately, these are the types of food that I avoid come pictorial time.”

Any snacks between meals?

“Always, almonds and fruits or fruit shakes.”

How much water do you take per day (soda, coffee, tea or energy drinks)?

“A lot! Usually water, I rarely take energy drinks but I am a big coffee and tea person.”

What vitamins do you take?

“A daily multi-vitamins.”

What workout do you do?

“I run…I love to run outdoors. I play basketball every week with my friends who are also from GMA. When I’m at the gym, I usually just do cardio exercise and light weight lifting. I really don’t want to get too defined. I would rather get my definition naturally from being outdoors.”

What part of your body needs improvement?

“My chest. I want a more defined chest, hehehe!”

What part of your body is most vulnerable?

“If we’re talking about weakness, I think my back is the first to go. I really have to make sure that I stretch my back before any physical activity. My ankles, too — that’s due to years of basketball.”

What part of your body is your favorite?

“My abs! Hahahaha! I am gifted with abs.”

What part of a girl’s body do you notice first?

“Legs. I have a weakness for legs. Hehehehe!”

What else in a girl turns you on?

“If she has a voice, if she’s down-to-earth and family-oriented.”

And what’s in a girl that turns you off?

“Girls who think too highly of themselves. The line between confidence and over-confidence is very thin.” 

How’s your love life?

“Non-existent, but I’m happy.”

Do you have a night life?

“I usually give myself a night every week to see friends and just relax, be myself.”

How much sleep do you get per night??

“I’m not too big on sleeping. I usually get about four to six hours per night and I’m good.”

Favorite sleepwear??

“Seriously, Bench underwear.”

Do you snore??

“I have to sleep next to a girl to find out! Hahahaha!”

Do you talk in your sleep?

“Again, we need to ask her. Hahahaha!”

Do you sleepwalk?

“Yes…every morning when I have to go to work. Hahahaha!”

How many pillows do you sleep with?

“I have two since I’ve been here, but I need more!”

Last thing that you do before you go to sleep?

“Text somebody ‘Good night!,’ read The Bible and then pray.”

First thing that you do as soon as you wake up?

“Pray, read The Bible and eat!”

How do you unwind, cope with stress? Massage or meditation? What sport do you play?

“Thankfully, I can read and watch movies and I’m able to de-stress with it. If they are available, I usually try to get a massage during tapings and shootings. Again, I play basketball.

“I’m an avid runner. Also, I’m getting into boxing; it’s really interesting.”

Favorite city?

“Makati. I love Makati.”

Favorite hideaway?

“My room, minus the cell phone.”

How long does it take you to fix yourself??

“It depends where I’m going. On regular days, I could be out the door in 30 minutes.”

Are you vain like most good-looking men??

“Hahahaha! I don’t think so.” 

Name three men that you think have nice bodies.

“Brad Pitt (in Fight Club), Justin Timberlake and Paul Walker.”

And three women that you think have nice bodies.

Jessica Biel, Natalie Portman and Jessica Alba.”

Using only body language, how would you make a girl know that you admire her?

“Wink. Hahahaha! I’m kidding. Ummm, probably smirk. I’m a minimalist, the smirk works, guys! Hahahaha!”

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