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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider How Alfred Vargas battled depression due to weight issues

How Alfred Vargas battled depression due to weight issues

Published Jul 24, 2023 12:38 am

Councilor Alfred Vargas of Quezon City


Councilor Alfred Vargas candidly admitted that he battled with weight problems for three years, which took a toll on his mental well-being, leading to depression and a significant blow to his self-esteem. In a recent YouTube episode of "Vargas Tries," the handsome actor opened up about his journey, sharing that he hit a staggering 251 lbs on the scale. “May aaminin ako sa inyo. There was a time bumaba talaga ang self-esteem ko. Nag-iba ang buhay ko. I was so depressed. (I have something to confess to you. There was a time when my self-esteem really dropped. My life has changed. I was so depressed.) “Hindi ko nahalata isang umaga pagharap ko sa salamin kahit ‘yung sarili ko hindi ko nakilala ‘yung taong nasa salamin. And doon parang gumuho ang mundo ko and doon parang iyon ang pinaka-wake-up call ko. Unti-unti umabot na pala ako sa 251 lbs," Alfred recalled.
(I didn't realize one morning when I looked in the mirror, even myself, I didn't recognize the person in the mirror. And that's when my world seemed to collapse and that was my biggest wake-up call. I gradually reached 251 lbs.) Alfred also said that his life changed as his body grew. That's when he felt his old age. “Dati kapag nasa mall ako ‘yung mga tao tatawagin ako at lalapit pa sa akin, ‘Papa Alfred’ tapos lately medyo lumaki na ako. ‘Yung iba hindi na ako nakikilala tapos ‘yung iba naman nakikilala pa ako pero ang tawag sa akin Tito Alfred na. (Before, when I was at the mall, people would call me and come up to me, 'Papa Alfred,' but lately I've grown up a bit. Others don't recognize me anymore and others still recognize me, but they call me Uncle Alfred.) So what’s funny about this hindi ko nahalata, isang umaga, pagharap ko sa salamink, kahit sarili ko hindi ko nakilala ‘yung taong nasa salamin. And doon parang gumuho ang mundo ko and ‘yun ang pinaka-wake-up call ko.

Alfred Vargas (center) engages in Parkour training


(So what's funny about this I didn't realize, one morning when I looked in the mirror, even I didn't recognize the person in the mirror. And then my world seemed to collapse, and that was my biggest wake-up call.) “Sabi ko dapat magbago ako and this time around nag-decide ako na I will not do this for vanity, I will not do this for projects. I will do this for my children and para maipakita ko sa aking mga anak kung gaano ko sila kamahal by trying to live the longest that I can," he added. (I said I should change and this time around I decided that I will not do this for vanity, I will not do this for projects. I will do this for my children so that I can show my children how much I love them by trying to live the longest that I can.) “From 251 lbs now I am 201 lbs,” Alfred said. Alfred said he exercised. In his online show, he showed routine exercises that would help him reduce weight. Alfred also engaged in Parkour, an athletic training discipline or sport, with coach Raven Cruz and Kate Robles.

With coach Raven Cruz (center) and Kate Robles


"Vargas Tries" is Alfred and Cong. PM Vargas's gift to their supporters who are active members of the Solid Friendship fan club for 18 years now. Alfred also encouraged their fans to suggest topics for the YouTube show. “Nasubukan ko na maging tatay on cam, at ngayon off cam na rin. Nasubukan ko nang maging sundalong diwata at naging sireno na rin at naging bayani na rin ako. Pati ang paglilingkod pinasok na rin natin. Samahan n’yo akong subukan ang iba’t ibang larangan dito lang sa ‘Vargas Tries, pwede? Pwede!" Alfred added. (I tried to be a father on cam, and now off cam as well. I have tried to be a fairy soldier and I have also become a mer-man and I have also become a hero. We have also entered the service. Come with me to try different fields right here at 'Vargas Tries. Can you? Possible!) For the full YouTube show, click: [https://youtu.be/QJz1P2w6E-Q](https://youtu.be/QJz1P2w6E-Q)
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