#benjaminalves

(Left to Right) GMA Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angela Javier Cruz, GMA Network Excellence Award 2017 Ambassador Benjamin Alves, GMA Network Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon, Senior Assistant Vice President for Entertainment TV Gigi Santiago-Lara, and President and CEO of Mercator Artist and Model Management Inc. Jonas Antonio Gaffud. 

Kapuso leading man Benjamin Alves is once again the ambassador for the GMA Network Excellence Award (GNEA).

Alves recently signed the Memorandum of Agreement with GMA Network Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon, Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angela Javier Cruz, Senior Assistant Vice President for Entertainment TV Gigi Santiago-Lara, and President and CEO of Mercator Artist and Model Management Inc. Jonas Antonio Gaffud.

GNEA, now on its 15th year, is the Kapuso Network's CSR program that recognizes graduating students with outstanding track record in leadership and socio-civic activities while upholding academic excellence in their respective colleges or universities. The nationwide search is open to graduating students of Mass Communication, Multi-media Arts, Advertising, or any equivalent communication course, as well as Electronics and Communications Engineering (ECE).

Alves, aside from being one of the most sought-after Kapuso actors today, graduated summa cum laude in English Literature at the University of Guam before pursuing a career in showbiz. His exemplary academic performance and passion for his craft are the characteristics archetypal for a GNEA ambassador.

Gozon also validated how Alves is a very fitting choice for the job. “Benjamin is really qualified to be an ambassador because he is excellent academically. He is not only excellent behind the camera, he was also a scholar during his school days. He serves as a good example for the youth,” Gozon said.

Alves expressed his gratitude on being handpicked as this year’s lead advocate for excellence. “This is the second year that I’m involved with GMA Network Excellence Award and it’s a really good experience. I’m more  excited this year to find the candidates and finalists and also who’s going to be the Excellence Award winner. It’s a long process, but it’s really enjoyable and rewarding,” Alves assured.

With nominations for the academic year 2016-2017 currently open, the Pinulot Ka Lang Sa Lupa lead actor also gave an advice to aspiring students who are interested to submit their entries. “Whoever’s gonna apply for the GMA Network Excellence Award, I just encourage them to tell their story and to be really honest about it. From my experience last year, what really set some of the students apart was their personal story and how they used their story to help inspire and influence others,” said Alves.

For those who have any concerns related to GNEA, people can also reach out to Alves through his social media account. “I always make myself available to any student that has questions so they can always tweet me or send me a message on Twitter with the hashtag ‘Excellence Award’. I’m always very excited and engaged to interact with them because that’s where we get the first step to be interested. If they’re in school or if they’re very busy, I’m sure their counselors or their adviser will be able to help them,” he encouraged.

The GMA Network Excellence Award 2017 is in partnership with YesPinoy Foundation, Airfreight 2100, Inc. (Air21), University of the Philippines (Diliman) College of the Mass Communication, Don Bosco Technical College, and Angeles University Foundation.