How actor-politician Alfred Vargas successfully juggles career and being a family man
Quezon City Councilor Alfred Vargas is busier than ever. Aside from juggling a career in public service and showbiz, his being the head of his family takes top priority. The actor-turned-politician is expecting his fourth child with wife Yasmine. The announcement was made on Instagram two days ago with Vargas paying tribute to his wife by recounting the details of her difficult pregnancy. The doll-faced missus is now 13 weeks pregnant. Their three other children are Ching, Aryana, and Alfredo.
In a touching message on the caption, Vargas told his wife:
“With immense gratitude to God, the Vargas family is elated to share that my Amore, @yasmine_vargas2307 is now 13 weeks pregnant with our fourth child! ❤️😊🙏🏽
God has blessed me with a wonderful life. This is mainly because He has not only given me a beautiful wife, inside and out, but a brave one as well. Yasmine is truly a fighter.
Kung alam lang nila, Amore ko, ang matinding paghihirap na pinagdaanan at pinagdaraanan mo…
It’s her 4th pregnancy suffering with Hyperemesis Gravidarum all day with severe nausea and vomiting.
She can’t even drink water nang hindi nagsusuka after. She lost several kgs in the first 3 weeks.
This is her 2nd pregnancy with GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder). And she experiences relentless anxiety and panic attacks (without any triggers).
Bedrest siya buong first trimester. She even had mulitple days with IV just to get enough vitamins and treatment.
We are hoping that things will get better each day that passes. So far, with God’s grace and the reliable support system that we have (doctors, experts, friends and family), Yasmine is able to steadfastly beat every challenge that arrives.
We humbly ask for your prayers for Yasmine’s and our little baby’s great perfect health and well-being.
We’re also counting on your support and understanding on this journey of ours as we welcome the newest member of the family this coming January.
Truly, family is love. And our family just got bigger. There’s bigger love to share soon!
To the mother of my children (now four children!), Yasmine, I love you with all my heart. The world is much a better place with mighty mothers like you!
I’m here for you always. Mahal na mahal kita.
Love,
Alf”
On being an actor
“Sobrang saya ng AraBella reunion namin. It was good to see everyone again after some time. Dito mo makikita na hindi lang kami professionally nagsama para sa isang project, naging parang family talaga kami,” Vargas enthused as he talked about his recent meetup with co-stars in the recently concluded GMA afternoon series AraBella. He starred alongside Camille Prats and young artists Althea Ablan and Shayne Sava.
Vargas shared that the bond began on Day 1 of their taping and everyone in the cast really meshed well with the production crew. He recalled, “Puro tawanan kapag break pero seryoso kapag eksena na. Siguro nakatulong din yung success ng show at naging top-rating siya. Proud din kami sa producting ginawa namin.” When asked about the possibility of having a part 2 of the drama series, he seemed unsure but open to the possibility. Vargas giggly said, “Tingin ko yung part 2 medyo suntok sa buwan na yan. Pero syempre who knows diba? Depende na sa network yan at kay Lord. Marami ding nagmemessage sa akin ng part 2. Pati sa mga ibang actors ganun din ang clamor. We’ll see. Huwag tayong magsara ng pinto. Anything is possible.”
Mixing showbiz and public service
From his recent showbiz work, it was inevitable to touch on his work as one of the councilors of Quezon City. As a public servant, he is blessed that his showbiz supporters get to join in the fun of helping others. Vargas explained the whole concept of what is known as his “Solid Friends.”
“Ito yung fans club ko ever since. My solid fans established it noong July 4, 2005, panahon ng Encantadia. They have supported ever since kahit noong baguhan pa lang ako. They believed in me anuman ang panahon. From 20 members noong simula, ngayon 40,000 members na. Later on, nag-evolve na rin into a community volunteer organization na siya na tumutulong sa mga nangangailangan,” Vargas proudly detailed. He went on to share that they have yearly projects like ZumBayan, linis-barangay, youth concert, leadership trainings, medical missions, and many more. He feels blessed to have his supporters stick with him through thick and thin. “Swerte ako dahil meron talaga akong supporters na nandyan para sa akin through my ups and downs in life,” he said.
“‘Yung kapatid ko, si Cong PM, member din siya na Solid Friends. Actually, siya ang pinakaunang solid friend ko since pinanganak siya. Idol niya kasi si Kuya [Alfred] niya ever since,” Vargas laughingly joked about his brother’s active participation in the fan club-turned-volunteer organization. “Siya ngayon ang official president ng Solid Friends. Meron kaming special anniversary celebration sa SM Novaliches this July 16 to celebrate our anniversary.”
Working with the Superstar Nora Aunor
When asked about his experience as a producer and co-actor of the country’s National Artist and Superstar Nora Aunor, Vargas had nothing but pleasant things to say. “Superstar talaga siya. Yung husay niya at talento, highest level talaga. And she’s very professional. Walang naging any aberya during the whole shoot,” he said. To illustrate how wonderful the experience was, he added, “I’m thinking na nga of doing another project with her next year kung pwede. Ganun ka-okay!”
“Meron kaming eksena na kaming dalawa lang. Magkaharap. Tahimik lang pero napakameaningful at naramdaman ko ang lalim at soulful emotion. Dahil ito sa acting ni ate guy. Nadala ako,” Vargas enthused as he expressed how impressive it was to work with Aunor. “Parang naging loving mother ko talaga siya noong moment na yun sa eksena at ako naman parang long lost son niya talaga. It was a magical experience for me as an artist. Swerte ko naranasan ko yun,” he gushed.
On hosting
When asked about how he feels that he’s being tapped once again to host the Star Awards, he expressed enjoyment over hosting. “Yes. Super enjoy ko maghost. Maraming hindi nakakaalam, I’m always invited to host different kinds of events. I love celebrating special moments and gatherings ng mga tao,” Vargas shared. He added that he is also working as a trainer of young leaders and aspiring professionals, working on excelling in their fields.
“I learned hosting from none other than, THE Boy Abunda. I was part of the first batch of his hosting workshop. Sa kanya ko talaga natutunan ang hosting na may sincerity at katuturan,” Vargas established his credibility as a host even before anyone could question it. He volunteered one of the valuable lessons he learned from the King of Talk, “One of his lessons, I remember, is that if you want to be a good host, you must first become a good and genuine listener. Pakinggan mo ang taong kausap mo at dun mo makikita ang puso niya.”
Darling of the press
“Actually nagulat ako. Di ko expected. I’m grateful na ma-recognize this way by being nominated,” Vargas said about being surprised that he’s nominated for the “Darling of the Press” award. It is given to a celebrity who is well-loved by the members of the press. He started to share how the showbiz writers are already like family to him. “Para sa akin, family na rin talaga ang mga press friends ko whom i met along the way in my 20++ years in showbiz. Through thick and thin talaga nakasama ko kayo. From beginning until now,” Vargas said.
Turning a bit emotional, Vargas added, “Grabe senti nako. Haha I would never be where i am today if it were not for the friends who helped me along the way.” He shared how personal his relationship to journalists has been. “Masarap kasi sila kasama at sasabihin nila sayo ang totoo and they will look after you. Marami sa mga advisers ko sa buhay ay mula sa mga writers and journalists. For those who know me talaga, alam nila na kung sino ako noong nag uumpisa ako, i’m still the same Alfred na kilala nila ngayon,” Vargas expressed gratitude.
“Medyo mas nagmature lang ngayon at hindi ko na kayang mag coffee table book ulit!,” Vargas was referring to the underwear brand coffee table book years ago, when he was younger and taking on daring projects. He ended the interview with a laugh.
