Rep. Alfred Vargas (Quezon City, 5th District) admitted that he still gets movie and television offers these days, but he turned them down because he is focused on public service.
"Sa ngayon hindi ko kaya tumanggap ng acting roles na sunod-sunod or that would require me to be on lock-in taping for a long period of time. This year tumanggi na ako ng 5-6 projects both on TV and Film. Wala akong time kasi naka-focus ako sa pandemic, and I don’t think I will be filming anytime soon dahil delikado pa talaga ngayon," said Vargas in an interview.
Vargas, 39, said he became a part-time actor now when he started to prioritize public service.
"Part-time actor na lang ako kaya kung tatanggap ako ng project, pipiliin ko na yung talagang gusto ko. Madami na akong nagawang roles, ayaw ko na umulit kaya gusto ko ‘yung mga hindi ko pa nagagawa. Gusto ko yung mga roles na tutulong sa akin bilang artist and as a person," he added.
Twelve years since he decided to lie low in showbiz, Vargas reiterated that public service will never be sacrificed, especially now that there's a pandemic.
"Unang-una, public service is always my priority. Kung may free time dun lang ako makakasingit ng shoot. Public service will never ever be sacrificed. But marami akong natutunan sa paglilingkod na nakatulong sa acting ko. I was able to identify more with the people. Ang dami kong nakasalamuha at mas lumalim yung empathy ko sa iba. Sa acting ang armas ko ay puso. Sa paglilingkod, ang gabay at koneksyon ko sa mga tao ay puso," he said.
Vargas added: "I have to feel what they feel. I have to assume their situation. This allows me to understand them with compassion and then see everything from a larger perspective. Kapag tumatanggap ako ng role, pakiramdam ko kilala ko na ‘yung gagampanan ko kasi I have been with these people. Ito yung nasa palengke, ito yung lumapit sa opisina ko para humingi ng tulong, ito yung nasa ospital, ito yung taong mga nakasalamuha ko. Public service enriches my experience as a human being."
Asked about a memorable scene in one of his showbiz projects that really touched him, Vargas said: "Marami akong experience na akala ko akala ko okay ang eksena, pero nung napanuod ko na, hindi pala. Mayroon ring akala ko ang pangit ng eksena ko pero nung lumabas sobrang ganda. Iba ang na-experience ko habang nasa moment and iba sa film."
"Minsan we can never be a judge of our own work talaga. Pero when it comes to TV, Encantadia talaga ang na-enjoy ko at sobrang satisfied ako. Sa film, sobrang satisfied ako nung nagawa ko yung five-page monologue ko sa Supremo in just 1 take. Sobrang satisfying nun and feeling ko talaga gusto kong lumaban at makipagdigmaan," Vargas said.
He also talked about the roles he chooses in mainstream and indie movies. "Hindi ko tinitignan kung mainstream production ba or indie production. Indie and mainstream are both part of one cinema, Philippine cinema. Roles lagi ang basehan ko para tanggapin ang pelikula. Kapag maganda ang gustong sabihin at inspiring para sa mga Pilipino, I would always love to accept it. Minsan nga kahit walang talent fee basta gusto ko ‘yung role, ok sa akin eh and nagawa ko na ‘yun a couple of times."
Vargas, who just finished his Master of Public Administration from the National College of Public Administration and Governance of the University of the Philippines in July, counts "Stand by Me" starring River Phoenix and "Before Sunset" as two of his favorite flicks.
"Bata ako nung napanuod ko yun and hanggang ngayon hindi ko pa rin nalilimutan. Sobrang timeless nung pelikulang yun. Doon ko natutunan as a young kid ang friendship, camaraderie, and bravery. Another one is 'Before Sunset,' sobrang na-feel ko ang pain doon, and kahit ganoon yung kwento, may something in it na parang gusto mo pa ring ma-inlove and mahanap ang true love. Sobrang brilliant ng mga ganoong film," the politician said.
Despite being in politics, Vargas said that he still loves show business.
"I will continue doing roles that I want. I’m doing this as my passion naman kaya no pressure na kung marami pa ba akong raket or wala. I’m acting para mapuno ulit ang puso ko kasi kailangan ko to. It feeds my soul," he said.
"Di ko na iniisip kung sisikat ba to, or kikita ba to. I’m just purely an actor and masaya ako na ginagawa to. But in every role na tatanggapin ko, I’ll do my best, and I assure you that you’ll be seeing me acting until I’m 80 years old, hanggang pahintulutan ng Panginoon," Vargas added.
Vargas said he is also thrilled that his recent movie "Tagpuan" was recognized at the virtual 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival.
"Happy ako kasi ang daming magandang movie line up that time, we were very honored na mahilera sa mga films na iyon. As an actor siguro ay 3rd or 4th Metro Manila Filmfest Entry ko na ang 'Tagpuan' but as a producer it was my first. And kapag nakatanggap ng awards yung pelikulang pinroduce mo, it means you’re on the right track."