Adonic Alfred

Alfred Vargas got even hunkier in iGMA’s eyes after we talked to him. Because aside from those six-pack abs (which we assume he has), we found out that he actually has an equally appealing brain to match. An Adonis with brains is a catch indeed! In the first of a special two-part series, Alfred tells us all about the roles he's played that have brought him to where he is now - a star that the media and his peers look up to with respect. Text by Jillian Q. Gatcheco. Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio. “Adonis ba ako?” Recently called “Hunk ng Bayan” and the "Adonis of Philippine Cinema," Alfred admits that although those names may be flattering, oftentimes he finds himself staring at the mirror and thinking, “Adonis nga ba ako?” “Wala lang, it’s fun to hear and I’m grateful and flattered. Then I just put it aside after that,” says the 25-year old star. The media gave him these titles after he launched his self-titled coffee table book, which opened an opportunity for the actor: a lead role in the afternoon drama Muli, opposite Malaysian actress Carrie Lee. But just as he finished the last taping day of the telenovela, he already had another project lined up. In Impostora, Alfred plays Carlos, a young businessman who becomes Lara/Sara’s (Iza Calzado) confidante and protector. Alfred regards Carlos as a “whole new challenge,” saying that the character and story involve more emotions than his previous projects. He explains that “this one, may social realism pa. You can expect a further dramatic Alfred Vargas.” Prior to Muli, Alfred shares that his career milestone would have to include the movie Bridal Shower (2004). “Let’s just put it this way – my career wasn’t doing really well that time, (but) when I did Bridal Shower, I won an award (Golden Screen Award for Breakthrough Performance for an Actor), then GMA got me. Doon nakita ng tao na I can do something pala, and it’s a big break for me.” After the movie, he landed a role in Marinara (2004), opposite Rufa Mae Quinto. But the greatest break of all was his role in Encantadia (2005), the phenomenal GMA telefantasya that Alfred describes as “sobrang spectacular.” His dream role Alfred’s dream role is Richard Gomez’s character in Hihintayin Kita sa Langit (1991) with Dawn Zulueta. “It was one of the few Filipino films that I saw when I was younger, and it really touched me. I wanna play that role, kahit sa sinenovela. (Gusto ko ‘yung) eksena ni (Richard) with Dawn Zulueta, ‘yung binuhat niya (sa ending). Ganda, sobra! Dream role ‘yun!” He’s also proud of the Magpakailanman episode he did with Katrina Halili, which proved to be the highest rater of the show! “Nagulat nga kami, after ng showing nun, ang taas ng ratings. We were hoping na mataas, pero we weren’t expecting na ganoon kataas. Kasi usually, mga 16, 17, 18 lang. Tapos kami, nag-24!” The controversial episode was about the travails of a couple who worked as entertainers at night clubs. As expected, the scenes were sexy and provocative, but acceptable for general viewing, of course. Says Alfred, “Usually, I would only do it for a movie, but when they gave me the script, sabi ko okay naman, it’s Magpakailanman, the flagship show of GMA. I (also) did it with Katrina, who was my partner din in Gigil (2006), so comfortable na ako with her.” (For an exclusive clip of Katrina and Alfred in their roles, click here!) While Alfred is taking it one step at a time towards him dream role, he tells us why his current project is a must-watch: “Of course, there’s drama, there’s mystery, there’s fantasy, and there’s heart. May puso talaga ito. Nasa kwento. It’s a refreshing story for everyone. And feeling ko, the audience can relate themselves to any of us.” Tune in to Impostora every weeknight to see more of Alfred! You can also text ALFRED to 4627 to ask him your personal questions, at 2.50 per message. Don’t forget to visit iGMA again for Part 2 of Adonic Alfred, where he’ll talk about acting for the first time, investing in businesses, and his ex-girlfriend LJ Reyes! Click on the link for Part 2 of Adonic Alfred! Talk about Impostora in the iGMA forums!