Alfred Vargas only has good words his brother Patrick Michael or PM, current representative of the fifth district of Quezon City.
According to him, PM was able to achieve what he did several years as congressman in a relatively shorter amount of time.
“He is doing a good job, saludo ako sa kanya,” the actor, who is now councilor of the same district, told us during a recent gathering.
“I am certain that he will be able to accomplish more great things for the fifth district of Quezon City. He’s a visionary. He’s a man of action,” he added.
PM was quick to acknowledge Alfred’s help.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do those things without his help, his guidance,” he said. “He actually made it easy for me, hanggang ngayon, sinusuportahan pa rin niya ako in so many ways.”
At first glance, the brothers look very much distinct.
But Alfred insists they share a lot in common.
He told us, “We share the same interests, we share the same passions. The same type of music, films.”
“Actually, he was the first to dabble in acting,” said Alfred of PM. “Nagli-lead yan sa mga school plays dati. Nag-model din.”
Asked why he didn’t pursue acting, PM said, “Well, destiny siguro. It wasn’t in the stars for me. I was drawn to other pursuits.”
As Alfred pursued his passion for acting, PM, an AB Political Science graduate of Ateneo de Manila, concentrated on business.
They have since collaborated on several films with PM as co-producer.
“Hindi ma-i-aalis na like our commitment to serve the public, nasa dugo namin ang passion for the arts and I’m happy kasi with my brother’s help I get to do the roles I love,” said Alfred.
“I think these pursuits, ‘yung sa public service, arts, it served to strengthen our bond as brothers,” added PM.
But doesn’t it bother him that people will always compare him to his brother?
PM smiled and said, “There are pros and cons to that. While there are people who think we are both good looking, there are some who see it otherwise.”
Turning serious, he added, “I have no problem being compared to my brother. I look up to him. He is my mentor. Yes, there’s pressure, but I’m up for the challenge. In my line of work, which is public service, tina-try nating bawiin lagi yan sa performance, di ba?”
Among the legislations he has passed is House Bill (HB) No.1680, or the proposed National Apprenticeship Program. It is geared toward addressing the long-standing job-skills mismatch in the labor market.
PM is also among policymakers who pushed for HB No.7370, which seeks the creation of a tripartite council to address unemployment, underemployment.
