Actor-politician Alfred Vargas was over the moon with joy and surprise when he was announced as the Best Actor for his role in 'Pieta' at the 72nd Famas Awards. 

The event, held at the Manila Hotel on Sunday, May 26, was a star-studded affair that left Alfred feeling truly honored.

When he arrived home, Alfred embraced the trophy and used it as a pillow until he fell asleep for a few hours. Upon waking up, the actor placed the trophy on the dining table and hugged his son Cristiano, whom he also considered his lucky charm. "Wala pa akong tulog. I want to celebrate," said Alfred one day after he won the award. (I haven't slept yet. I want to celebrate.)

"It's an honor to share the Best Actor award with Piolo Pascual. Piolo even told me that we should do a movie together," said Alfred during an interview at B Hotel in Quezon City on May 27. Despite previous nominations, it was Alfred's first Famas win.

Alfred mentioned that he had no idea what would be the best material for him and Piolo to star in a film together. 

When asked if he was pressured to do well in his future projects, Alfred said: "Not at all. This recognition taught me to give my best in showbiz."

The Quezon City councilor disclosed that the production company had altered its plans for "Pieta." Instead of a traditional commercial release, the drama film would embark on a nationwide tour.

In his acceptance speech at the Famas, Alfred expressed gratitude to the cast of "Pieta" and the individuals who supported him throughout his showbiz journey.

"Andito po ako dahil ako ay Pilipino mahal ko ang bansang Pilipinas. At mahal na mahal ko ang pelikulang Pilipino. Hanggang sa huling araw ko ito ang pangarap ko na ginagawa ko dahil ito ang first love ko.

"Inaalay ko itong award na ito sa Panginoong Diyos, sa aking pamilya, sa aking asawa: si Yasmien at sa aking apat na anak, lalo na sa aking only boy na si Cristiano.

"Nagpapasalamat din ako kay Direk Adolf Alix for putting up this very humble film at kay Jerry Gracio na nominated din kanina. Imagine napag-sama sama nila si Nora Aunor, Gina Alajar at Jaclyn Jose. Nagpapasalamat ako sa kanilang tatlo dahil dream come true na makagawa ng pelikula na kasama sila.

"Inaalay ko rin ito kay Jaclyn Jose. Ito yata ang huli niyang pelikula. At doon sa scene na magkakasama kami nila Nora, Gina at Jaclyn, nag-uusap kami ni Ms Jane sa tabi at ang dami kong natutunan sa kanya. Ms Jane, para rin sa inyo ito.

"Gusto ko rin magpasalamat sa lahat ng nagtiwala sa akin through the years. From my Tanghalang Ateneo days. Sa aking ABS-CBN talent center kay Mam Charo, Mr. M, Mam Malou, Direk Rolly Quintos. Doon ako nag umpisa sa 'Pangako Sa 'Yo.' Hanggang sa Seiko Films. Boss Robbie Tan. At sa aking manager na si Nanay Lolit Solis. Thank you so much. Para rin sa iyo ito. Thank you rin sa GMA 7 kay Mr Felipe Gozon and Ms Lilybeth Rasonable.

"Gusto ko rin ialay ito sa lahat ng staff ko. They are so hardworking. Kaya pa rin ako makakapag pelikula at acting kasi ang galing ng staff ko. Nababalanse ko ang lahat. Thank you," Alfred ended.

After "Pieta," Alfred said that there were no plans for him to shoot another movie. Aside from serving his constituents, he will focus on his upcoming inspirational drama series "Forever Young" with Nadine Samonte and Euwenn Mikaell, the child sensation from "Firefly," on GMA Network.