Actor-politician Alfred Vargas was disappointed when his film Pieta was excluded from the official lineup of the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival in December. This film earned Alfred the Best Actor award at the 2024 Famas Awards, which took place at the Manila Hotel on May 26.

Alfred made the revelation during a Thanksgiving lunch for the entertainment press in Quezon City on Thursday, June 6.

"I'd be honest, nasaktan ako noong hindi ito nakapasok sa filmfest. Many people believe in this movie. Kakaunti pa lang talaga ang nakakapanood nito. Ang tanong nila ay kung bakit hindi ito nakapasok sa MMFF?

(I'll be honest. I felt hurt when it didn't make it to the film festival. Many people believe in this movie. Only a few people saw it last year. Their question is why it didn't make it to the MMFF.)

"Masakit pero I have accepted the fact na ang hirap talagang makapasok sa MMFF. Parang dumaan ka talaga sa butas ng karayom. I had my share of MMFF films. So ganun talaga. Sometimes you make it, sometimes you don't. Nasasayangan talaga ako na hindi siya nakapasok sa MMFF," the Quezon City councilor said.

(It hurts but I have accepted the fact that it's really hard to get into the MMFF. It's like going through the eye of a needle. I had my share of MMFF films. So it's like that. Sometimes you make it, sometimes you don't. But I was disappointed when it did not enter the MMFF.)

The actor-politician said his team has no plans to join the MMFF this year. "I am focused on public service," he said.

On his political ambition in 2025, Alfred: "Nothing is final until we file. But for now, I want to commend my brother, Patrick Michael, who is doing a great job as a congressman. Aaminin ko mas magaling siyang congressman kesa sa akin. We will let the people decide. Actually si Nay Lolit (manager) na rin ang nagsabi na i-enjoy ko muna ang pahinga ko."

(I will admit that he is a better congressman than me. We will let the people decide. Actually, Nay Lolit (manager) said that I should enjoy my rest first.)

Alfred also announced that Pieta - also starring Gina Alajar and the late Jaclyn Jose - would not be shown on any streaming platform. 

"Pieta will be shown exclusively in SM cinemas. We will tour the movie through exclusive screenings. As of now, we have fully booked screenings across the country. In one of the screenings, Nora Aunor will be there," the hunk actor said.

He added: "Late June talaga ang special screening with Ate Guy. Tribute rin ito sa pagiging artist niya. July onwards start na ng tour for 'Pieta."

After winning a prestigious acting award, Alfred said he would be selective about his roles.

"Yes magiging choosy na ako sa role. But hopefully, I can do one project a year. Hindi na talaga ako gumawa ng mga roles na hindi ko gusto," he said.

Alfred also mentioned that he wants to create another family-oriented film that his children can enjoy.