SHOWBIZ BLOC – There’s a showbiz bloc of sorts in the House of Representatives, led by second termer Alfred Vargas (Quezon City). Members include Lucy Torres-Gomez (Ormoc, Leyte), Chiqui Roa Puno (Antipolo City), Monsour del Rosario (Makati), Edward Maceda and Yul Servo (Manila), Sol Aragones (Laguna), Strike Revilla (Bacoor, Cavite), Chris de Venecia (Pangasinan), Vilma Santos (Lipa, Batangas).
May as well include Imelda Marcos (Ilocos Norte), who is showbiz friendly.
Lani Mercado and Dan Fernandez used to be part of the showbiz bloc, but they are now the mayors of Bacoor and Santa Rosa (Laguna), respectively. Not to forget Manny Pacquiao who used to represent Sarangani in Congress, but is now a senator.
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LEGISLATIVE AGENDA – Alfred has been busy working on his legislative agenda as soon as he assumed his second term. He was recently appointed vice chairman of the powerful committee on appropriations, his reward of sorts for being a hardworking legislator.
He has a perfect attendance and authored no less than 100 bills, including giving senior citizens mandatory Philhealth coverage. Senior congressmen are impressed by the performance of Alfred, who has no political ancestry to back his climb up in politics.
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ONCE AN ACTOR – Always an actor. Alfred Vargas is topbilling “Ang Guro Kong Di Marunong Magbasa,” one of 10 finalists for the 2017 Cinemalaya full-length competition, written and directed by Perry Escaño. Alfred fell in love with the story, inspired by a true story of a farmer-teacher.
It’ll be recalled that Alfred won best actor for “Supremo” and was cited by FAMAS, MTRCB, Aliw, Urian, and Golden Screen. His name is in the Eastwood Walk of Fame along with great showbiz personalities.
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GRATEFUL – “At 27, I have a lot to be grateful for – my beautiful wife, Yasmine, whom I will marry again in Church next year, two wonderful daughters, and a career in public service that is surely one of the most fulfilling careers in one’s lifetime,” says Alfred.
Fatherhood also becomes Alfred. “I make sure I wake up early during weekdays so I can personally bring my kids to school, and I strive to be home by 7 p.m. every day so my family and I can have dinner together. Nothing beats spending quality time with the family.”