Benz Sangalang of Vivamax addressed criticisms on May 14 regarding his title during a press conference for his latest film, ‘Balinsasayaw,’ at Viva Entertainment office in Pasig City.
Sangalang acknowledged dissenting opinions, including those from an unnamed director, regarding his deservingness of the title. Despite this, he maintains a respectful stance, understanding that everyone has their own tastes and perspectives within the industry.
“Iniintindi ko na lang ang part nila kasi nakagawa na rin sila ng pangalan sa industriya eh. Mayroon din silang…tingin nila ‘yung pinaglalaban nila siyempre eh may kanya-kanya tayong taste eh.”
“Tingin ko dahil hindi nila ako masiyadong—tingin ko okay naman [kasi] nakatrabaho ko na sila dati, hindi lang ako ‘yung gusto nila dito sa posisyon na ito. Eh okay lang naman, wala namang ano sa akin. Kasi mahirap na may kaaway sa showbiz. Love love lang tayo lahat,” he said.
While there may be disagreements, Sangalang is grateful that the issue hasn’t escalated. He views the criticisms not as a setback but as motivation to improve further.
“Baka pinag-isipan lang nila ako na ang yabang-yabang ko doon sa post ko pero hindi ko nga ramdam na king eh. Kasi hindi naman ako pinagkakaguluhan. Parang titulo lang, dagdag motivation lang,” the actor explained.
Does he feel like a Vivamax King?
Addressing whether he feels like a ‘Vivamax King’, Sangalang candidly admits that the title is merely a label. He acknowledges that while some may recognize him, he sees himself as relatively unknown compared to the popularity of Vivamax Queens.
“Sakto lang po. Hindi naman ako ‘yung namumukhaan lagi eh. Pero siyempre, merong mga instances na nakikilala ka. Pero ang difference ka kasi kapag Vivamax King ka tapos Vivamax Queen ka, ‘yung babae talaga ang mas pinapanood dito eh.”
“Kaya kapag ikaw, Vivamax Queen ka, matik mas malaki ang popularity mo kaysa sa lalaking counterpart mo. Kaya hindi ko kinukumpara ang sarili ko,” Sangalang pointed out.
He added, “Hindi ko ganoon ramdam na ramdam. Ako alam ko naman ang lugar ng lalaki sa Vivamax eh.”
Directed by Roe Pejemma, ‘Balinsasayaw’ is now available for streaming on the Vivamax app, starring Sangalang alongside actresses Angel Dy and Aiko Garcia.
