Looks like former cong and now (QC's 5th) Councilor Alfred Vargas is spending his weekends reflecting on life and improvement as he reminisces on what advice he can give his younger self. In true makata fashion, he pens out a heartfelt message in Filipino signifying resilience, his fears, overcoming it, real success and how to achieve it.
He also tells the importance of love for family, honoring them, giving respect, and how to be of service to others. He also dedicates these lines to his faith. Here's his recent Instagram post:
His knack for words and urge to share what he has learned through life experiences is something that should be emulated.
We can't be just complacent, we need to continuously learn from our mistakes, improve ourselves and other people. We all need to work on that, and not forget to share because wisdom, is golden.
QC Councilor Alfred Vargas just graduated from the University of the Philippines School of Urban and Regional Planning (SURP). He attained GWA of 1.028, and was recognized as class Valedictorian, even given the Dean’s Medallion in this very same course.
As you may know, the showbiz industry is still grieving with the recent passing of Lolit Solis, manager to the stars and prolific entertainment scribe. She is also Councilor Alfred's manager for over 21 years, which is why he was extremely emotional upon accepting it.
During his speech at the UP Film Center, he didn't forget to dedicate his accomplishments to Ms. Lolit, cried on the podium and said "This is for you!"
He also gave thanks to his wife Yasmine and kids Alexandra Aryana, Cristiano and Aurora for the insurmountable support and sacrifice during this period. He emphasized how love and compassion plays when doing urban planning for a city. He also egged his classmates to do the same, with kindness, as it plays a crucial role with planning urban dwellings. He adds "It would be quite meaningless if we be unconcerned with others. We shouldn't abandon these principles and do what is right. We can't be blind or numb about the lies, corruption and poverty because it is a reality. It's not enough to use our hands, we need to use our hearts, and compassion. That and good governance will bring social justice and bring dignity for those living in the state."
He also stated how important their roles are in looking for solutions to address overpopulation, the housing shortages, lack of infrastructure, issues with the environment, health, safety, education and inequalities. He reiterated the importance of listening to the needs of the public, of every sector, especially the marginalized ones before executing plans in the industry. This is something that he has learned early being a public servant. He also cited the Quezon City Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) wherein it has bore fruit, with the passage of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act when he was still congressman of the same district. He encouraged them to use what they learned from the course to improve lives of those living in their city, one area at a time.
After his undergrad degree in AB Management Economics from Ateneo in 2002, Master’s degree in Public Administration from UP Diliman’s National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG) in 2021, he now plans to accomplish a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning at the same institution. Dedicating this to his late manager was an apt act, Ms. Lolit would have been mighty proud of his accomplishments as she was when she was still with us.
While we're all at the tail end of the elections, the good ones so far have made it. 5th District Councilor ALFRED VARGAS has made it to his second term in office and had his brother PM VARGAS win too as congressman of the same district. After a very challenging and grueling campaign (due to fake news spread on traditional and social media), the two guys welcome this double victory, and deem it a chance to continue to serve their constituents again.
Alfred says "We'd like to send double thank yous to every one who made this possible. It's a double victory for us and of course, we would like to get ourselves on the ground running especially in the matters of education which we wanted to start this July. This is part of the program we call "Alagang Vargas Scholarship Program Version 2.0", a leveled up educational help we provide in hopes of getting scholarships for one member of the family. This is for elementary, high school and tertiary educational levels that doesn't require specific grades to qualify. If they pass their subjects, they can get in the program. It will continue til they graduate from college and it has benefited over 20,000 students already. Some of which have become accountants, managers, engineers, educators, nurses and public servants."
Alfred sends his thanks to those who continued to support and believed in him all these years. Despite the lies heard online and offline, they believed in track record, service and his principles. He knows they fought for them, and for him, that felt like family. They will be men for others, and continue to help sincerely. They promise to help in their districts by continuing programs that could provide more jobs for their constituents, to change lives through education. He also attributes his win to his wife Yasmine, his kids Alexandra, Aryana, Alfredo and Aurora. They all were with him during his sorties around Novaliches too. This is his 15th year in public service, and wants to continue pushing for more reforms in this side of Quezon City.
I distinctly remember watching the film "PIETA" during its advanced screening a couple years ago at Sine Pop in Quezon City. If memory serves me right, it's the last film released prior to a horror flick "Mananambal" which was also done by prolific director Adolf Aix Jr. last year. ALFRED VARGAS played her son Isaac who least wanted to be recognized but it was a bit too late because of her mental state and the mystery surrounding their affinity with another character played by Direk Gina Alajar. That was iconic compared to the same movie with the same title done in 1983.
In recent events and her passing, Alfred says "My dear Ate Guy (Nora Aunor's moniker), working with you has been one of the greatest honors of my life. You have touched my heart in so many ways and have also given me so much without uttering a word. You have inspired and mentored me through our scenes and I won't forget about our time in PIETA, and I won't forget you. Her humility and generosity is only what true stars possess. I only felt this with you Ate Guy. Thank you for accepting me wholeheartedly, and to have the chance to work with you, to know you as the one and only SUPERSTAR, may you rest in peace and I love you!"
And as a tribute to the SUPERSTAR Nora Aunor, Alfred Vargas will be doing a screening of PIETA in SM.Cinemas nationwide later this year so that her adoring fans would be able to get a glimpse one of the last films of Ms. Nora.
A worthy tribute for a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts!
Lucky are those living in the communities within Quezon City's 5th district as they benefited from Congsi Alfred Vargas' livelihood programs these past few years. Through their efforts in several job fairs where community members have had access to employment, funding for those who would want to start businesses, also training and skills development.
Congsi Vargas has been able to work on these projects through the help of government agencies like DOLE and TESDA which so far has benefited over a thousand residents to get jobs, help 2500 individuals start their own small businesses which includes meat processing, bath soap production, even perfume and dishwashing soap.
He says "Our efforts began when we started to listen to our constituents needs. The need to have positive change is there, and we hope to have livelihood programs that would be able to directly benefit them and their families. We also have developed an effective mentorship system so that they would be able to support their needs in a more stable way. We don't want to just give them capital and not help them with managing the business. Thanks to PM Vargas for helping us out with that. We see how it brings joy in their eyes, and how it provides relief, hoping that their lives will improve as we continue these programs which we are so proud of!"
His knack for public service as a congressman in 2013-2022 and as city councilor to this date has certainly given him the gusto and experience to implement laws such as RA.11230, also called as Tulong Trabaho Act which got signed in 2019. Make sure to help if you can, by any means, and help Sir Alfred continue his successful ways here.
I distinctly remember watching re-runs of Pieta on television back in the day. It was made by Carlo J. Caparas, and stars Ace Vergel†, Charito Solis† and so many others. The other was for TV with Ryan Agoncillo and the iconic Ms. Cherie Gil†. I was looking forward to see this version of "PIETA" made by director Adolfo Alix Jr. which stars National Artist and Superstar Ms. Nora Aunor and former Congressman and now Councilor Alfred Vargas from Quezon City. During MMFF 2023, they didn't include this film in the lineup. It would have made history to see the legendary actresses battle it out in cinemas, but I guess fate had other plans.
Good news for those who wait as this film produced by Alternative Vision Cinema Inc. and Noble Wolf Films will be shown in January in cinemas nationwide. But before that happens, we got first dibs during the advanced screening last week at Sine Pop in Cubao, Quezon City.
First of all, the cast is a lethal combination. If you could measure acting prowess with a device, it would break if you put them together in one room. With the likes of Gina Alajar, Jaclyn Jose, Angeli Bayani, Bembol Roco, it would be a bit impossible not to see how rich their bench is. Also in the cast is Ina Raymundo, Allan Paule, Dan Alvaro, Elora Espano, and Tommy Alejandrino, who will all get themselves involved in the lives of Rebecca and Isaac (played by Nora and Alfred).
This piece is totally different from the Caparas film, and is not in any way related to it. PIETA is written by heavily awarded Jerry Gracio known for his work in several movies, MMK on TV, screenplays and great literary work in Filipino. He's also a Palanca awardee, so you could sense there's great expectations in actually having this written for the silver screen.
Alfred Vargas' character Isaac lives in troubled times. Having spent years in incarceration, he was given a second chance to live a good life. He was in for murder, but remained oblivious about what happened. When he arrived home, his Mom had supposed Alzheimer's disease or some form of dementia. Nora's character Rebecca used to religiously visit him in jail but suddenly stopped, and they attributed it to the condition which he found out after arriving at the ancestral home/farm. He found her there almost completely blind, unaware of who he is, with Beth (played by Gina Alajar) providing care for her.
He was set on now dividing his time in finding out the truth, and see ways on how he could at least get to be recognized by his own Mom. He also knew how his own brother stood witness against him, but he couldn't figure out why. This and all the other complications in his new life happens, right when he thought he was doing good.
The film discusses a lot of social issues, but its main essence lies on the relationship of the Mother and Son. This is their journey to discovering how even if the mind won't recognize who he is, her heart would eventually know. Their attempts to reconnect treads cute to dark poetry, dance and even folk songs. Her singing? Can't tell if she did (as it might spoil things), but it'll fit right with Rebecca's silent moments which you'll find essential. Director Adolf Alix Jr. knows how to set up things on the plot, a lot of which you'll find flipped and reversed.
Putting Ms. Nora Aunor in a film is like an automatic masterclass of sorts. It felt like a treat to see her in PIETA. There's a Filipino term "mata-mata acting" which connotes acting with just the eyes... and how powerful she could encompass emotions with it (let alone do it while blind). She's literally known for that in the industry; and how even without words, she could do it with ease. That's one of the reasons she's adored, and highly regarded by peers. Direk Adolf also emphasized how Ms. Nora doesn't fear CHANGE, they've absolutely done remarkable work and let the eyes talk lengthily in this film. They did the same for Alfred Vargas' scenes and close up shots. Make sure you watch it in cinemas because it'll feel a lot different. They're planning to release this also in streaming platforms so it could get to Noranians around the world.
Here's Director Adolfo Alix Jr. talking about his experience with the cast:
PIETA will be released during the 1st Quarter of 2024. I like what I saw. This acting piece didn't go to the wrong people. It's rare to see an ensemble cast of this caliber to happen in a film.
There are still a lot of Filipinos who are still struggling to quit smoking. According to recent statistics (via Euromonitor International), 19.5% of those over the age of 15 are tobacco users. Others include those who induce second hand smoke, and a lot of them suffer health issues (due to tobacco related disease) of a whopping 112,000 deaths a year. Actor, former Congressman and now Councilor Alfred Vargas is no stranger to these issues as he was part of the statistic a couple years ago. He shared his story and why he ultimately wanted to quit last 2003 which I think would be something good to share for those who wish to do the same.
Congsi Alfred says "Back in high school, it was peer pressure that got me into trying it. I was curious, always wanted to try new things especially when I was amongst friends, started to go out to events and parties. When I entered showbusiness, I told myself that I wanted to quit it because I wasn't aware of how much it was already being a habit. I've seen my Dad often and he did it for years, I didn't want to be like that because I've always wanted to improve my health. To tell you honestly, it wasn't easy. I really had the worst withdrawal symptoms and it made me sick, hot tempered and also get irritated fast. It was already affecting my work, my capacity to read, so imagine how I'd do scripts and scenes while I was in that stage. I really had to stop going out so I wouldn't see people do it in front of me, I was thinking I had to do it for my long term goal of being healthy. I've heard friends noticing these changes, calling me killjoy for most of the times I couldn't go out with them because I was so serious about it.
He adds "I knew back then, it would result to have a long, healthier and happier life. I wanted to see my kids finish their studies, and be there to see them grow, have families of their own. I also wanted to travel without shortness of breath, and be with my wife and whole family."
For those who don't know, Congsi Alfred Vargas' Mom passed of Cancer. He's also got several relatives who had it so there is medical history. He's afraid to become part of that which is why he chose to live a healthier less stressful life. He also did it cold turkey and still remembers August 23, 2003 so vividly. One of his secrets was staying with those who don't smoke, and also have goals that are the same with you. He also started working out, became a runner, and have lots of sleep. He also was in a great place mind-wise. He also got into a better mood, so now he's got more energy to spend on with his wife and kids after he decided to quit the habit. It was a challenge, but he's now on his 20th year, and plans to never go back to it anymore.
Congsi Alfred also says "I'm so lucky I have a wife that takes care of the household even if she's doing bed rest. I also have house help and staff that makes it easier to manage everything at home. I pick up the kids and also spend time with Yasmine at home, with rubs and foot massages. I also love doing groceries, I feel it's therapeutic. I try not to veer away from the allotted budget she puts on paper, otherwise I'm grounded! My kids also help their Mom with chores without us even asking. We really take care of each other. But really, just do anything for your family. The love we get from them is priceless!"
It must have been so hard for Alfred Vargas to have gained weight over time especially with, causing him to have lower self esteem and depression. As an actor, he was always seen being that guy who had over and beyond machismo, huge muscles when he was still making movies back in the day. He admitted this on one of the videos on his YouTube channel. The councilor for the 5th District of Quezon City admits "It was something that I didn't know I would go through, but in one morning, when I looked in the mirror... I just said I didn't know who I was when I got to 251 lbs. It was a wake up call, people started to call me Tito when they approached me. I didn't know it was getting worse, so I decided to change and do it not for vanity or projects, but for my kids, my family, so I could live longer for them."
He adds "I've lost a lot of weight, from 251, I am now 201 lbs. It's been 3 years, I've documented my struggles as well on my YouTube channel. I decided to share a few things that made me lose weight, plus a few things like parkour with the help of Ms. Kate Robles. She's a single mom that had the same problem as me. With our coach Raven Cruz, we've started to share how we were able to do it."
The series is called "Vargas Tries, pwede? pwede!". He also gets Cong. PM Vargas in some episodes. What's good is that fans and subscribers can ask them questions or request, even do odd jobs just to try it out. He's also going share what he learns about it. A new episode will be uploaded every 2 weeks, and pretty soon it'll become a weekly thing.
So make sure you head on to Alfred Vargas' YouTube channel here (youtube.com/@VargasTries), start subscribing, like and share!
I've been keeping this article on draft for the longest time as this will be a part of Cinemalaya 2017, a local film festival held annually specifically for non commercially released independent films set at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The festival encourages the creation of new films, made by Filipino film makers and hasten new breed of Directors, writers and people in the industry. The release of this film will be on August and is hosted by the Cinemalaya Foundation Inc.
When I heard the title of this film written and directed by Perry Escano, I was a little dumbfounded about how a Teacher would be able to teach kids when he wasn't able to read. This is actually a very interesting premise. I mean there could be ways to do it, it's probably how they adapt to their condition, their economic status and life. Though I think this is exactly why they did made it with this title, so people would ask why, make it controversial, an interesting point of conversation right from the moment you see it in a movie poster. That's pretty smart.
The film is starred by Alfred Vargas, a great actor who by the way is also a Congressman for the 2nd District of Quezon City. I was a little excited to talk to him since he's been in several projects included in Cinemalaya (Colorum in 2009) and a bunch of independent films in his belt. He's still got that charm, a smooth talker, quite pleasing to be with even if it's the first time I've seen him. During this visit, they were shooting several scenes in a forest in Quezon City (location will not be disclosed) and will contain several action sequences as this is partly a story that's got half of its foot inside Philippine rebel forces. Here's a short talk with the good looking man from Quezon City:
As you may have heard, the film is set in a war torn place in Mindanao. Some of these kids are child warriors, employed by rebellious movements which I know happens in real life. At a very young age, how do they learn to read and write? The answer is they don't. These are Filipinos who neither read or write and they grow up with that, incapacitated, not able to proceed and attain educational levels like what normal people do in the city. I bet this is where Alfred's character Aquil will come in, no matter how that sounds so Encantadia, they didn't know nor did they have that name all figured out before filming. It was just as the Director had written it.
We also talked to Perry Escano after the scenes were shot, one interesting thing he told me about was the group that is supposedly involved in this film. It's not mentioned if it's NPA, or MILF, MNLF, or Abu Sayyaf, but he says you'll learn about the group by listening in to their lines. As you may understand there are one or more of these groups present down south and they do exist until now. In a nutshell, there are still some socio-political discussions included in it. These deem important points to discuss for the film to remain relevant, I totally understood that part. Listen in:
Director Perry Escano also mentioned how he chose these kids Miggs Cuaderno, Marc Justin Alvarez and Micko Laurente. Mind you, these kids are no strangers to film projects and already have awards to prove it. When they were already in the cast, and working, they only had very few takes. He felt it was even daunting to choose who to concentrate the most in each scene as they were all good. The Director also touched on how it is difficult to send educators, professors, teachers to war torn provinces, a case that is still existent now. How do you teach these children the basics? When you fear for your life, when you don't even know if you could fall victims to these groups, get kidnapped and be at the pages of newspapers the next day? Would you want your kids to even live in the midst of these people? How important is education to have been even put in a situation that it might even cost your life? Would this film warrant attention? I guess it should, as the writer wanted it to be.
Alvin Barcelona is also part of this film, he confirms these incidents happen as he hails from the area where this occurs. It's not some horror story, or a figment of imagination, he confirms this is real life and worked in the region for years. He knows how education, livelihood and means to live a normal life would end years of armed struggle, because people have no means to live or put food on their table. Here's our interview:
Handpicked for the role months back is Kiko Matos. I talked to him while it was raining hard that evening, but I was glad he wasn't as what media depicted him in his fights with Baron Geisler. He was cool, calm, reflective of the man he wanted to depict, an officer of the Philippine Army. He did shy away from his character and says it was a film about the plight of the kids and how they lived in conflict torn areas. He also tells the story on how he ended up getting the role, and how this film bested about 200 entries for Cinemalaya. He quirps this should be a subject that media hopefully wil discuss lengthily after watching the film.
Here's our interview with Kiko:
This would definitely be a promising thing to watch during Cinemalaya 2017 in August. I just also learned they finished filming yesterday (photo below by Erickson Dela Cruz) and I'm sure I'm not the only one excited to see the final product. I hope it does wonders when it shows in CCP and at least stir some interest about the problems they presented in the movie. Aside from Alfred Vargas, the film also includes James Blanco, Mon Confiado, Lou Veloso, a stellar cast and production.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to talk to you, the people behind ANG GURO KONG DI MARUNONG MAGBASA. Honestly, it was my first time to see a Cinemalaya film being worked on and it was not just a set, I saw passion run through the veins of the actors, the Director and writer, the staff and crew that put these things together. It was an honor to be in the midst of hard working people, I really appreciate how you took care of us from the moment we arrived to the hard rain when we bid goodbye.
I hope this film does what it's supposed to do, to move minds and make the viewers know how important education is to everybody. I also fervently hope someone acts on it, because more than the cause and the issue at hand, there are people who continue to live like this until now.
This is fascinating, and I wish "Ang Guro Kong Di Marunong Magbasa" all the best! Cinemalaya will start around August, make sure you watch this entry along with the final 10 who got in!
