“Act, act, act.”
This is what actor Benj Manalo advises actors who want to cross over from theater to TV and the movies, emphasizing that there is always room
for talented people in the industry.
In Manalo’s case, it’s true that talent runs in the blood.
Two members of his family are in showbiz: his father, Jose Manalo of “Eat Bulaga!” and his brother, Nicco.
The 31-year-old actor had his theater debut in 2015 when he played Tolits for the hit musical, “Rak of Aegis.”
After that stint, more opportunities to appear in ABS-CBN TV series were offered to him. He played Axl, James Reid’s sidekick in the 2015 hit primetime teleserye, “On the Wings of Love.” He also portrayed Pinggoy, the funny cameraman in the top-rating action series, “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.”
On the big screen, he recently starred alongside Jolo Revilla in Imus Productions’ action movie, “Tres.”
Here’s more of what we found out about the talented actor:
Interviewing Benj Manalo
How was your transition from theater to TV and the movies?
Okey naman siya, since I started with theater. Pag shift ko sa showbiz talaga it is actually not the same. ‘Di ko kasi siya pinapasok sa ulo ko ang mga sinasabi sa akin ng tao in terms of popularity or whatnot. I just do what I do. I am just a working actor. I just want to inspire people na there are room for actors talaga in the showbiz industry. Hindi kailangan ng puro pogi o whatnot. I am happy and having a great time.
How and when did you start in theater?
I started as a dancer talaga. I’m a professional dancer tapos my brother (Nicco) kasi is a theater actor talaga. Tapos there was this stint talaga na
I did which gave me a break which is “Rak of Aegis.” That was 2015 to 2016 ‘yung run na ginawa ko. Doon ako na- discover ng mga soap (operas). That was my first ever play then I transitioned to mainstream.
What are you doing right now aside from “Tres”?
I am doing another movie. Actually, I am doing two movies right now. ‘Yung isa action tapos ‘yung isa fantasy. Tapos, I am doing a “Wansapanatym” episode in ABS-CBN and I am waiting for another project from ABS-CBN.
If you were to choose, what film genre do you want to work on in the future?
Actually wala akong pinipili. I really see myself as an actor talaga. I actually do a lot of roles. I do not limit myself in doing certain roles lang. Ngayon lang na stereotype ako sa pagiging comedian and sidekick ng bida. So itong action film (“Tres”) na ‘to nag-iba sa akin ng perspective and the past and previous shows na ginawa ko for ABS-CBN. I am enjoying a lot of things and I am trying to explore my craft as an
actor. Halos lahat na-enjoy ko. Every time na bibigyan ako ng character mas na e-enjoy ko siya. Hindi ko kailangan na ganito lang ginagawa ko.
How was your experience in doing the “Tres” movie?
If you watched me on “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” it is very slapstick. Sa “Tres,” it is a serious note hindi ako nagpapatawa. So hindi siya effort sa akin if you watch it, okey, kaya pala siya naiiba. Iba lang ‘yung atake and the only difference is mas nagkaroon ako ng comfortability na mag-support sa isang tulad ni Jolo. Kasi puro mga babae nasusuportahan ko before. Eto ‘yung first na lalaki na sobrang maton and action. For me, that is so different.
Any dream project or role?
Actually kahit ano, eh. Kahit anong character role. ‘Di ko kasi pinangarap ‘yung pa pogi-pogi at pa-cute-cute. I just want to be like sina tito Joel Torre, Pen Medina, at Mon Confiado. Sila ‘yung gusto ko maging. Kung role, kung ano man ang nakikita ko sa kanila, I wish magawa ko rin ‘yun.
Who is Benj behind the camera?
A simple guy and who is really up for inspiring a lot of people through talent. I do not know if a lot of people know this, pero if not, meron akong pool of productions na puro kaibigan ko ang ginagawa ko when it comes to music and online stuff. Sila mga kasama ko, everything that I do. Gusto ko lang
i-share sa kanila ‘yung anong nararanasan ko. I’m a warm-hearted guy.
What do you do during your downtime?
I spend time with my family. I have one kid, and ‘yung partner ko, si Lovely Abella, she has one as well. Watch movies or eat out, okey na ako doon.
Do you want your children to take the same path as yours?
I do not want to pressure them pero sa akin si Nathan Rafael nasa kanya ang talent ‘eh. Same with my step- daughter, Chrisha Kaye, nasa kanya talent ng mom niya, kasi actress din. Parang nasa dugo. Ayaw lang namin i-pilit kasi baka hindi nila gusto. Pero kapag binibigyan ng opportunity they try to grab it. We see it as early as now na they want it pero we just want to take time.
What is your advice to theater actors who want to join mainstream showbiz?
Just do what you do. Alam natin ‘yung discipline na meron tayo sa theater. It is actually a big factor that a lot of companies and big names in the industry are looking over doon sa theater actors. In due time, sabi nga sa amin ni tito Joel Torre, salamat kasi binuksan niyo ‘yung doors para sa mga new theater actors para maka-penetrate sa mainstream. Just do your best. Kasi alam namin, ikaw kunwari pag nasa production at nag-aalok sila ng supporting roles automatic mga theater people hindi lang sila kumukuha ng talent. They want quality. So keep that quality. Just have fun.