Benjie Paras

Venancio Johnson Paras Jr. (born October 2, 1968), better known as Benjie Paras, is a Filipino actor, comedian, and retired professional basketball player who played for the Shell Turbo Chargers and San Miguel Beermen of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Known as "The Tower of Power" during his playing days, he is the only PBA player to win both Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player honors, in a single season. As its star center, Paras led the Turbo Chargers to four championship titles. He is also a five time First Mythical Team member, three-time Second Mythical Team member, a nine-time All-Star and two-time All-Star MVP, and also won a Best Player of the Conference award.

Early life and high school career Paras grew up playing basketball in barangay leagues in Santol, Sta. Mesa. He first learned basketball from Nic Jorge at the BEST Center when he was 11 years old. At 13 years old, he was 6'2". Among those who were invited to try out, he was the only one who made the team. In 1983, he led San Beda to a Metro Manila Basketball League (MMBL) championship.

Out of high school, Paras was heavily recruited. He also chose to play in the UAAP as San Beda had left the NCAA and was only playing in the MMBL and in inter-secondary school competitions. That season, the Fighting Maroons won the championship, beating the UE Red Warriors in the finals. They also won the National Inter-collegiate championship that year.

Professional career Shell Turbo Chargers (1989–2002)

Rookie MVP season (1989) Drafted by the Shell Turbo Chargers in 1989 with the first overall pick, Paras began his PBA career. Being drafted by Shell reunited him with Magsanoc once again. He then made his first appearance at the All-Star Game that season, although his team lost as Mon Fernandez scored the game-winner over him. Although Shell did not win any titles that season, his abilities were on full display as he averaged 25.8 points in 57 games, the most by a PBA rookie. He also scored 50 points twice that season, a point off the all-time mark of 51 for most points scored by a rookie, and a record held by Dennis Abbatuan since 1984. He also averaged 13 boards, and 2.6 blocks. As of 2026, he is the only PBA player to have accomplished this feat.

First title (1990–1991) In 1990, Paras would lead Shell to their first PBA title during the First Conference by defeating Anejo Rhum in a championship series that finished in six games, in a climax that featured a walkout by Anejo players. In 1991, Shell and Anejo (now known as Ginebra) would meet again in the finals of the Reinforced Conference. The Turbo Chargers seemed poised to beat the Gins once again after taking a commanding 3–1 lead, but the Gins made a dramatic rally, coming back from the 3–1 deficit and winning the title in a classic Game 7 encounter that featured Rudy Distrito's game winner. During this time, he lived with Robert Jaworski, and relied on him for his allowance. But after Shell rejected trade offers for their prized center, he decided to concentrate on his movie and TV career for six months.

Return to the team and resurgence (1993–1997) Paras came back to the team in the 1993 Commissioner's Cup, but the team did not made it back to the finals for a long time. They did make the semifinals in the 1994 Governors' Cup, and in the 1995 Governors' Cup, in which they denied the Sunkist Orange Juicers a grand slam. In the 1996 Commissioner's Cup, they made it back to the finals thanks in part to import Kenny Redfield and supporting casts such as Peter Naron, Richie Ticzon, Victor Pablo, and Jojo Lim. They battled the grand slam seeking Alaska Aces, then known as the Alaska Milkmen, in a seven-game series which Alaska won.

Paras missed most of the 1997 Commissioner's Cup due to surgery on his knee. He would re-enter the finals two years later in the 1998 Centennial Cup Finals, this time meeting the Mobiline Phone Pals. In a one-game title showdown, Shell came up short. Paras would get his revenge thanks to the help of Noy Castillo and Gerry Esplana as the rematch was set for the Governor's Cup finals of the PBA against Mobiline. Shell came back after trailing the series 3–2. Shell and Mobiline battled into a grueling seven games until Shell prevailed due to timely baskets by Paras and Esplana.

Second MVP (1999) In 1999, in a season which saw the influx of Filipino-American talent, some of whom were only faking to be Filipino-American, Paras dominated the league once again. He led Shell past San Miguel in the quarterfinals and Ginebra in the semis to another finals appearance in the All-Filipino Cup, this time against the Tanduay Rhum Makers. They were bannered by Fil-Am Eric Menk, who had just won Best Player of the Conference over him, and Sonny Alvarado, who would eventually be deported. He held his own against the two taller, stronger and more athletic Fil-Ams as he led Shell to another title, winning it 4–2. He also won the Comeback Player of the Year award that season. In 2001, he re-signed with the team for a max deal of P25 million for two years. However, he was only able to play in eight games during the 2002 season. Due to his injuries, in 2003, days before the season started, he decided to retire, serving the remainder of his contract on Shell's coaching staff.

San Miguel Beermen (2002–2003) However, Paras returned in May of 2003, suiting up for the San Miguel Beermen for two months and making his return during the quarterfinals of the 2003 All-Filipino Cup. During this time, he wore #14, a number that had previously been retired for Hector Calma. He retired once again at the end of the season to focus on raising his family as well as pursue acting full-time.

National team career Alongside Magsanoc, Paras were also included in the Philippine national team that won the 1986 Guam Invitational and the 1987 SEA Games. That team won the silver medal, as the team came up short against China in the gold-medal match.

Player profile Paras is known for his ball-handling, rebounding, deft mid-range shooting, well-timed shot blocking, and the uncanny ability for inside scoring. With his skillset, he could block a shot in mid-air, grab the rebound, dribble the ball up the court, and finish with a dunk. At 6'4", he was one of the tallest PBA players at the time. He and other PBA players also made appearances in the FPJ film May Isang Tsuper ng Taxi. He starred in the 1993 film Dunkin Donato. In 2003, while he was playing for the Beermen, he made appearances on the sitcom Kool Ka Lang.

Paras retired in 2003, ending his 14-year career with the PBA and became an actor full-time. Although he had never taken acting classes, he discovered that he had a talent in comedy. His son Andre would reprise the role of Wahid in 2016. Later that year, he appeared in his first Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) film, Exodus: Tales from the Enchanted Kingdom, as Tayho, the Earth elemental. He also flexed his acting muscles by playing offbeat roles in Lupin (as Richard Gutierrez's gay inmate) and Fantastic Man (as one of Mark Herras' villains). He also appeared in the comedy teleserye, Adik Sa'Yo with Marvin Agustin and Jolina Magdangal, until its end in 2009. He also worked with boxers Manny Pacquiao and Onyok Velasco in the sitcom, Show Me Da Manny and in the film Wapakman. Paras was back again on GMA Telebabad as a villain in the drama-fantaserye, The Last Prince. He also played as the best friend of Vic Sotto in the film Iskul Bukol 20 Years After: The Ungasis and Escaleras Adventure and the best friend of Vhong Navarro's best friend in the movie My Only U during this time. In 2010, he returned to comedy via the reality comedy program, Ang Yaman ni Lola. Benjie returned to drama again via Bantatay which he plays Jace Ventura, a pet detective.

In 2011, he played Frankie, a former basketball player who becomes a football coach alongside Paolo Contis in the family drama Futbolilits. He then was cast in Ang Panday 2, which was a MMFF entry and a box office hit. He then did the horror-comedy anthology, Spooky Nights Presents: The Ringtone and his fourth fantaserye Alice Bungisngis And Her Wonder Walis in 2012. In mid-2012, he returned to the drama again in a romantic teleserye One True Love.

In 2013, Paras co-starred in the romantic series Got to Believe on ABS-CBN alongside Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. He also joined the comedy show Lokomoko U. In 2016, Paras was featured in the comedy anthology film Lumayo Ka Nga Sa Akin.

In 2018, Paras had a voice role in the basketball anime Barangay 143. In 2019 he had main roles on Daddy's Gurl and appeared in an episode of Ipaglaban Mo!, a legal drama anthology. In 2020, he pitched his own series, Ghost Adventures, a horror comedy for the Sari-Sari Channel. He also starred in it alongside Empoy Marquez. In 2023, he acted alongside Dingdong Dantes in the murder mystery drama Royal Blood as Dantes' best friend Napoy. In 2024, he was part of the main cast of the Viu miniseries How to Spot a Red Flag.

Television In 2004, Paras co-hosted NAKS!, a magic-based reality show, alongside Bearwin Meily. He was also the host of ABC's local version of Guinness Book of Records in 2006. In 2007, he was also the main host for the short-lived late night ABC 5 (now TV5) game show, WinWinWin. In 2024, he co-hosted the business show Negosyo Goals on All TV and GTV.

Paras was included in the Christmas reality show, Puso Ng Pasko: Artista Challenge in 2010 which he was a challenger.

Paras has also been a basketball commentator and analyst. When NBA games were being broadcast on S+A during the 2010s, he and Magsanoc commentated the games. Paras also co-hosted the PBA AKTV Center, with Magsanoc sometimes making appearances on the show. In 2022, he became a NCAA analyst for GMA Sports. His son Andre also became a NCAA analyst, and they did several segments together. They also commentated Pilipinas Super League games together in 2023.

Businesses Throughout his career, Paras has been an endorser for numerous companies and products such as Dunkin' Donuts, Handyman, Mang Tomas, and PalawanPay. As an endorser for Puma, he was given his own shoe the "Tower of Power" in 2000. In 2018, Ronald Mascariñas gave him a Chooks-to-Go franchise, as he and the Paras family were endorsers of the company. He had previously owned a franchise of Brothers Burger alongside Eric Altamirano and Altamirano's wife.

Coaching and grassroots In 2012, Magsanoc was hired as the head coach of the San Beda Red Lions. He then became an assistant coach for the UP Fighting Maroons alongside Magsanoc and Guanio. In 2021, he was hired as a consultant for the Blackwater Bossing.

In 2025, Paras became the commissioner of the Philippine Youth Basketball Championship, a grassroots basketball league for student-athletes that provided them with advanced performance analytics and age-based player rankings.

Personal life Paras is married to Lyxen Diomampo, a former pre-school teacher and commercial model. They have two sons, Riley and Sam, and a daughter, Georja. He raised both Andre and Kobe as a single parent. and professionally for the Niigata Albirex BB in Japan.

Paras is the godfather of Magsanoc's eldest daughter.

Filmography Television Year Title Role Note(s) 1987–1998 Palibhasa Lalake 1989 Last Two Minutes: The Sitcom Ang Tabi Kong Mamaw Young Love, Sweet Love Various roles 1990–1992 Estudyante Blues Just the 3 of Us 1993–1998 Oki Doki Doc Haybol Rambol 1998–2003 Kool Ka Lang Jie 2003–2004 Narito ang Puso Ko Boyong Kakabaka-Boo Kakabakaba Adventures 2003–2007 Lagot Ka, Isusumbong Kita Junior Guinness Book of World Records Philippine Edition Naks! Wag Kukurap Various roles GMA Telecine Specials Campus Romance Mikee Dear Mikee Sa Dako Pa Roon Gags Must Be Crazy 2005–2006 My Guardian Abby 2005 Encantadia Wahid 2005–2006 Etheria: Ang Ikalimang Kaharian ng Encantadia 2006 Encantadia: Pag-ibig Hanggang Wakas Family Zoo Love to Love 2007 Lupin Generoso/Jenny Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang Higanteng Amok Fantastic Man Gobo Magic Kamison Pancho Boys Nxt Door Badong Kamandag Haring Dinggol 2007–2020 Maynila Various roles Finish Line Win Win Win 2008–2014 Maalaala Mo Kaya Various roles 2008–2009 Gagambino Stalin 2009 Adik Sa'Yo Benjo Clear Men Future League 2009–2011 Show Me Da Manny Oscar Paredes 2010 The Last Prince Rizayo Ang Yaman ni Lola Benjo Cabagnot Puso ng Pasko: Artista Challenge Challenger Bantatay Jace 2011 Spooky Nights Presents: The Ringtone Futbolilits Harrison Fortunato Manny Many Prizes Himself (co-host) 2012 Alice Bungisngis and her Wonder Walis Timoteo/Tim One True Love Douglas Toda Max Benjo 2013 Wagas Various roles Got to Believe Chito Tampipi Video Incredible 2013–2016 Wansapanataym Various roles 2014 Tunay na Buhay Himself (guest) 2015–2019 NBA Sabados sa Dos Himself (sports commentator) 2015 Nathaniel Abner Bartolome The Half Sisters Peter Uncredited Sabado Badoo Himself (guest) And I Love You So Joey Ramirez 2016–2020 Dear Uge Various roles 2016 Tsuperhero Makutoks 2016–2017 Trops Coach Fred 2017 The Promise of Forever Geoffrey Madrid The Lolas' Beautiful Show Himself (guest) 2017–2019 Ipaglaban Mo! Various roles 2018 Bagani Bernardo Carpio Victor Magtanggol Erwin Bravo Barangay 143 Abdul Daddy's Gurl Tom 2019 The Boobay and Tekla Show Himself (guest) Ipaglaban Mo! Various roles 2019–2022 Prima Donnas Agaton Salazar 2020 Mars Pa More Himself (guest) Fill in the Bank Himself (celebrity player) Sunday 'Kada Himself (guest) Lunch Out Loud Iba Yan! 2021 Wanted ang Serye I Can See You: The Lookout Kapitan Sing Galing Himself (celebrity player) 2021–2022 Agimat ng Agila Sgt. Wesley Dimanahan 2022 Start-Up PH Himself (guest) Jose and Maria's Bonggang Villa Mr. Rico Nero Cusin Regal Studio Presents: Most Valuable Daddy Emerson 2023 The Iron Heart Aphroditus "Aphro" Viray Royal Blood Napoy 2024 How to Spot a Red Flag Ime 2025 Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre Kapre Ghosting Kiko Rainbow Rumble Himself (celebrity player) 2026 A Secret in Prague Tintin Salazar

Radio Walang Bolahan (DWIZ) (2026–present)

Film Last Two Minutes (1989) May Isang Tsuper ng Taxi (1990) Bulag, Pipi at Bingi (1993) Dunkin Donato (1993) Mga Siyanong Parak (1993) Greggy en' Boogie: Sakyan mo na lang, Anna (1994) Exodus: Tales from the Enchanted Kingdom (2005) Resiklo (Imus Productions, 2007) My Bestfriend's Girlfriend (2008) My Only Ü (Star Cinema, 2008) – Doc Hector D. Doctor Iskul Bukol 20 Years After: The Ungasis and Escaleras Adventure (2008) Wapakman (2009) Ang Panday (2009) Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote (2010) Ang Panday 2 (2011) My Lady Boss (2013) Ibong Adarna: The Pinoy Adventure (2014) Past Tense (2014) Papa's Boy (2015) Wang Fam (2015) Lumayo Ka Nga sa Akin (2016) - post production Dear Future Husband (2017) - post production Barbi: D' Wonder Beki (2017) Mang Kepweng: Ang Lihim ng Bandanang Itim (2020) Hello, Universe! (2023) Sinagtala (2025)

Awards and achievements PBA 4x PBA Champion (1990, 1992, 1998 & 1999) 2-time Most Valuable Player (1989 & 1999) Rookie of the Year (1989) 5-time Mythical First Team Selection (1989, 1990, 1991, 1995 & 1999) 3-time Mythical Second Team Selection (1992, 1994 & 1996) Best Player of the Conference (1999 Commissioner's Cup) Comeback Player of the Year (1999) Eight-time PBA All-Star 2-time PBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player (1994 & 1999) PBA 25th Anniversary Team PBA Hall of Fame

Philippine national team Member of the 1990 Asian Games national team (silver medal)