MANILA, May 23 (Mabuhay) — 

Several well-known celebrities did not win in the recent municipal and national elections, indicating that popularity is no longer enough to get a post, according to political analysts. However, some lucky stars triumphed, such as actor and producer Alfred Vargas from District 5 in Quezon City.

Vargas, who graduated from Ateneo de Manila University in Management Economics in 2008 and broke his lawyer-mother’s heart by entering show business as an actor rather than law school, thanked his wife Yasmine Espiritu, their children Alexandra Milan, Aryana Cassandra, Alfredo Cristiano, Baby Aurora Sofia, and brother PM Vargas, who also won in District 5.

“I thanked them immensely, especially my wife. My family has sacrificed so much to support me these last 15 years in public service. So much of my time was spent serving others and sometimes, at the expense of my time with my family. But they understood me all the way and knew how much passion I had in trying to effect positive change. I have achieved so much because my wife and children supported me and for that, I am immensely grateful,” Vargas said. 

“Starting this July, we will start rolling out our ‘Alagang Vargas Scholarship Program 2.0, level up!’ This educational assistance program aims to provide one scholar for every Novaleño family. Isang pamilya, may isang iskolar. This scholarship is for elementary, high school and college levels and there is no grade requirement. Basta pasado ka, pasado ka na rin sa program! The scholarship will continue until the student graduates from college,” he pointed out.

He went on to share stories of the scholars under his office, saying, “So far, we have 20,000++ college graduate scholars already who are now accountants, managers, engineers, teachers, nurses and even elected barangay officials, among others.”

Like other candidates, the actor-politician had several challenges while campaigning. Despite being bombarded with fake news and disinformation, his district stood up for him. His brother, PM, accompanied him on the journey.

“Sa gitna ng napakaraming paninira, fake news, kataksilan, kasinungalingan, at pandaraya, nanatili kayong tapat at totoo at nanindigan para sa prinsipyo at tunay na serbisyo. Inilaban ninyo kami kahit mahirap. Sinamahan niyo kami hanggang dulo,” he claimed. 

“Dito natin naipakita na isa tayong tunay na pamilyang magkasama sa hirap man o ginhawa, at handang lumaban para sa tama at para sa isa’t isa at para sa bayan,” he passionately said.

Vargas, who is celebrating 15 years in politics, has pledged to stay truthful and committed to assisting his constituents.

“Ang inyong lingkod naman po, Alfred Vargas, ay patuloy na maglilingkod nang totoo at lalo pa nating pagbubutihin ang ating mga programa at lalong palalakasin ang ating pagsasama. Novaliches, mahal na mahal kita. Maraming salamat po sa inyong muling pagtiwala,” he wrote. 

Meanwhile, Vargas also shared his plans for the film he produced, “Pieta,” which stars Superstar Nora Aunor. It will be shown for free in select cinemas and is dedicated to all Aunor fans.

“As a tribute to our one and only superstar, I’m planning to show ‘Pieta’ in select SM Cinemas nationwide, for free, later this year. Para mapanood ng Noranians ang isa sa mga pinakahuling obra ni Ms Nora Aunor,” he previously said. (MNS)