Young actor Javier ‘Javi’ Benitez left the corporate world to pursue his passion for acting. And to show everybody that he has made the right decision, he gives his 100 percent effort and dedication to his craft.
The 22-year-old Star Magic talent, who is unmistakably Pinoy with his moreno complexion towers at 6 feet. Adrenaline junkie and sports enthusiast, he considers his height and his sporty frame as his strong advantage in his chosen genre — action.
Currently, he is working on a movie titled Kid Alpha One. It is directed by Richard Somes, who is best known for horror and action films.
In an interview with Manila Standard, the young actor was eager to show the trailer of the film, which he described as an action romance movie.
“It’s just a teaser. We will release the final trailer soon,” he said.
“I believe it’s a kind of project that both local and international audience will appreciate. We are used to seeing romantic films all the time that’s why there’s a strong demand for action movies, something really different,” he carried on.
The independent film made him train for five months, mastering arm combat and Filipino martial arts.
“I used arnis, knife, sticks and Muay Thai. I was part of Muay Thai Association before. I have gun training – shotgun, pistol and riffle. I’m quite familiar with guns,” beamed the young actor who grew up watching Chinese action films that starred Jet Li, Jackie Chan, and Bruce Lee.
The action movie also stars Sue Ramirez as his leading lady and he promised that fans and moviegoers will definitely appreciate the kind of team-up the movie has prepared for them.
Javi was born in Quezon City and raised in Manila. He studied in Xavier School until high school (and graduated with honors) and went to Santa Clara University in California where he graduated with a degree in political science. He was a member of his school’s badminton and football teams, an active go-kart racer from Grade 4 to senior high, and played in the 2008/2009 Asian Karting Open Championships (AKOC).
“After graduation, I went corporate for a few months. I felt that the drive wasn’t there. I am not challenged anymore. And then I was offered to join show business. I didn’t think of it as a full-time job until after workshops,” Javi shared.
After dipping his toes in showbiz, opportunities have started to come his way and a lot of doors have opened.
“I’m just grabbing every opportunity that comes my way. I’m a very competitive person so I’ll try my best to excel in this field,” he ended.