Why Benjamin Alves fits the bill as Herlene Budol’s leading man

Benjamin Alves is one actor who can hold his own in the presence of veterans and blend well with newbies. GMA Afternoon Prime viewers can see that again as Magandang Dilag premieres today, June 26, at 3:20 p.m. and airs weekdays thereafter.

In this project, Benjamin is paired up with Herlene Budol as her leading man. Part of the Kapuso actor’s initial preparations before reporting for duty on set is establishing a working relationship with co-actors.

“It matters to build a rapport with the person (my screen partner). We were given the chance to do workshops and get to know Herlene in a personal level,” said he in a recent virtual one-on-one with The STAR.

Prior to that, Benjamin had known Herlene through her social media presence and media interviews. He had an impression that she’s an easy-to-work-with and “what-you-see-is-what-you-get” kind of person.

“She was like that when we had our one-on-one workshops,” recalled he. “She’s open, very honest and aware that she was given a big project.”

Since his latest project, GMA 7’s Magandang Dilag, is also Herlene Budol’s launching pad as a dramatic talent, Benjamin fi ts the bill as her onscreen partner. He takes on the role of Eric, a lawyer with interest in fencing.

Asked what’s interestingly different and exciting about his lawyer character named Eric in Magandang Dilag, Benjamin said, “What seems new to me is, when it comes to (the story of) love triangle. Eric is determined to have Herlene’s character Gigi only in his life. Wala (siyang) kaagaw sa puso ni Eric (She is not competing with anyone in his heart) and Gigi is the only person he loves. Usually, there’s a layer in which a character has a past (relationship with another female character) or (whose) ex is coming back in his life and reaches out.”

The actor added that Eric is into fencing, as among the character’s personal facts that, if one may add, might pique one’s interest and add a different dimension to his personality.

Magandang Dilag, by the way, is a series that launches Herlene as a dramatic actress. Given his years of experience in the genre, Benjamin fits the bill — as the beauty queen-comedienne’s leading man.

“I think drama would be the comfort zone,” said he. “When you put me perhaps in a comedy, medyo dun ako kinakabahan (I would feel a bit nervous). It’s a comfort zone only because of (my) years working (in it). I think marami pa rin akong (acting genres na) hindi pa ako komportable (there are still genres of acting that I’m not comfortable doing), which I like because it means there’s still growth (and something I can look forward to).”

The comedy program he starred in so far, based on his recollections, was the weekly show, A1 Ko Sa’Yo, with Solenn Heussaff, Gardo Versoza and Jaclyn Jose.

“It’s a different art form,” said Benjamin, who grew up and studied in Guam, about the endeavor of having and keeping people in stitches. “For me, I still have the language barrier in Tagalog, especially if I make people laugh in Tagalog. I think my mind still thinks (in) English.”

Delivering dialogues and doing ad-lib in the vernacular are his concerns in comedy. But if a comedy project will present itself soon, Benjamin is up for the challenge.

For now, what keeps him busy is the drama Magandang Dilag.

“It has nothing to do with your (a woman’s) features for me,” said Benjamin of what makes a woman beautiful or a magandang dilag. “It has little to do with how you look.” He continued saying that having a good heart and getting along with everyone are qualities that make a woman attractive and appealing. Having good looks is just an added factor. “Kahit anong ganda mo physically kung masama ang ugali mo walang point yun para sa akin,” shared he.

As for his work schedule as Eric on the Magandang Dilag set, Benjamin shared he had few taping days to fulfill from the time of the interview. As an actor, he does the “bookkeeping” of his work, and studies the script and the scenes ahead. So, when he reaches the shooting location, he is ready and in the zone.

Getting the sequence break down a day or days before also allows him to have a full grasp of Eric’s arc.

“Whatever is given to me (like if I’m asked to make) any adjustments, I will be able to do it,” said he. “Perhaps, that comes with age, but more or less preparation and knowing the character.”

In his line of work, Benjamin shared this saying or belief among actors that “(in the) first two weeks (being) on set, talagang naninibago ka (you’re learning your way around and still finding your foothold with your character) because you haven’t gotten to know your character. But come week five, week six, I have known him already… wherever you bring Eric, I know how to react as my character. Just give me a dialogue,” added he.

Come Jan. 28, 2024, Benjamin and fiancée Chelsea Robato will tie the knot. These days, they are attending to wedding details and pre-wedding activities. Sometime in August or September, the couple will have their prenup shoot and the concept is different, said he. According to reports, the wedding venue is the Santuario de San Antonio Parish Church.

“Just this one. I’m hoping that I would be blessed to have another one because I’m getting married in January. I’d like to wind down. Come January, I’d like to focus on that,” answered Benjamin when asked about any ongoing projects or future assignments in the pipeline.

“Every day, there’s a new detail about the wedding (that comes up), something to schedule, something to decide on. I try not to think about it so much kasi alam ko naman na darating at darating siya every day. Hindi naman siya nakakapagod… it’s a lot of learning (new things like) colors scheme and whatever. We have a great team behind us, so they’re taking care of it… it’s fun,” said he.

After the wedding, Benjamin would like to take a break with Chelsea for a few months, to have time for their honeymoon and start a family, and shared that “timing is everything,” when it comes to making milestones in life such as getting married.

“As far as roles, I would like to do something more action talaga,” said he of other acting territories Benjamin intends to foray into. “Probably, it will give me the reason to get back in tip-top shape.”

The artist in Benjamin would also like to get involved in other aspects of TV work such as “brainstorming and conceptualizing… and even on the technical side, like (working as an) AD (assistant director, you know) just to learn and (doing an) apprenticeship… (I see myself) doing something creatively on the production side,” concluded he.