Former congressman Alfred Vargas has said he was deeply honored to receive a special recognition from the 5th EDDYs Award organized by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) recently.
Vargas said that he wad thrilled to receive The Isah V. Red (IVR) from the entertainment editors. Red is the founding president of the SPEEd.
In presenting the award, Eugene Asis, president of SPEEd, and entertainment editor of People's Journal, said: “This recognition is given to individuals like him (Konsi Alfred)— a dynamic and spirited renaissance man with a deep love for God, country and community — who beyond the realm of entertainment has so enriched and made a difference in the lives of many, in his most colorful, gregarious and inimitable way.”
Vargas joined the league of Gretchen Barretto, Kris Aquino, ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya and GMA Kapuso Foundation as recipients of the IVR award this year.
“Big honor for me ang award na ito. And to be included in the ranks of Gretchen Barretto, Kris Aquino, ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya at GMA Kapuso Foundation, is just so inspiring and meaningful to me. Wow! It’s such an honor! Thank you! said the former politician.
Vargas added: “Totally unexpected ang IVR Award na ito. Tuwing tumutulong ako, wala naman tayong ine-expect na kapalit. Turo sa akin ng nanay ko, helping others is its own reward. Totoo naman.
(Whenever I help, I don't expect anything in return. My mother taught me, helping others has its own reward. It's true.)
"Napakasarap ng pakiramdam kapag nakatutulong ka sa tao, ‘di ba? Kaya ako siguro inilagay ni Lord dito sa public service para mas marami pa tayong matulungan along the way.
(It's a great feeling when you help people, isn't it? Maybe that's why the Lord put me here in public service so that we can help more people along the way.)
“Turo sa school noong bata pa ako, ‘to give and not to count the cost… to labor and ask not for reward.
(I was taught in school when I was young, 'to give and not to count the cost… to labor and ask not for reward.)
“Mas ganado pa ako ngayon na lalong paigtingin ang mga project sa distrito because of this award,” Vargas said.
(I am even more excited now to intensify the projects in the district because of this award.)
Vargas also said that he became emotional when he watched the in memoriam segment of the awards ceremony that featured media personalities who passed on recently.
"Grabe, naiyak talaga ako sa tribute part lalo na when I saw Ricky Lo, Ricky Calderon, Shalala and the others, sobrang nakalulungkot,” he said.
(I really cried during the tribute part especially when I saw Ricky Lo, Ricky Calderon, Shalala and the others, it was so sad.)
Vargas said that he will resume her showbiz career in 2023 following his stint in politics.
“Balik-pelikula ako next year and I’m very excited about this. I’ll do at least one film next year and kung swertehin, baka tatlo pa.
(I'm going back to movies next year and I'm very excited about this. I'll do at least one film next year and if I'm lucky, maybe three more.)
'“I even got more inspired seeing the likes of Kuya Ipe (Phillip Salvador), Ms. Alma Moreno, Roi Vinzon, Ms. Divina Valencia, dedicate their lives and careers for the love of Philippine cinema.
“Ang dami nilang nagawa. Nakabibilib ang body of work nila. I hope one day magaya ko sila. Lalo ang sarap mahalin ng industriya because of great examples like them,” Vargas added.
(They have done so much. Their body of work is impressive. I hope one day I can imitate them. It's especially nice to be loved by the industry because of great examples like them.)