Alfred Vargas fulfills promise to late mom
"This is a promise fulfilled to my mom."
This is how actor Alfred Vargas described his latest achievement--a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of the Philippines (UP) National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG).
In an interview with GMANetwork.com and other select entertainment media, the Quezon City District V representative related one of the reasons he pursued graduate studies despite being successful as an actor-producer and public servant.
He said, "Noong pa-graduate ako sa Ateneo noong 2002, imbes na mag-law school ako, dumiretso ako sa pag-aartista.
“'Yung mother ko, lawyer. Medyo bumigat yung loob niya. Medyo nagalit siya sa akin, as in nagkaiyakan pa kami before.
“Pero sabi ng mom ko, noong napanood niya ako, lalo na sa Encantadia, sabi niya, 'Sige, okay lang. Basta, kahit hindi ka mag-law school, anak, just promise me you will pursue graduate studies.'
"Prinomise ko sa kanya 'yon."
Alfred's mom, Atty. Susana “Ching” Vargas, took pre-law in UP. Then, she continued her law studies in Ateneo de Manila University.
Unfortunately, Atty. Vargas was not able to see her son fulfill his promise as she succumbed to cancer in March 2014.
Alfred said this made him emotional during his virtual graduation held on Sunday, July 25.
“Kanina, nang kumakanta na kami ng 'UP Naming Mahal,' saka nung nanunumpa na ako, medyo emotional ako, naiiyak ako.
“Sabi ko, sayang, super sayang, sana nandito si Mom at saka yung daddy ko rin. Sana nandito sila, buhay sila para makita ito. Doon ako naiyak, honestly.
"Mag-isa ako dito sa office. Yung mga anak ko nagre-ready sila, meron kaming maliit na graduation party dito sa bahay. Yung mga anak ko, naghanda ng balloons, saka cake.
"'Yung feeling ko, I'm proud, at the same time, masayang-masaya. Pero 'yun lang ang ikinalungkot ko ngayon kasi wala yung nanay ko." the 39-year-old actor said.
Despite being sad about not having his parents around during his graduation, Alfred still feels proud about this new milestone.
“May master's degree na ako and this is a very big deal for me kasi hindi madali," he said.
"Napakalaking challenge pero talagang bawat minuto, bawat segundo ng buhay ko, inilaan ko sa mga importanteng bagay sa buhay ko.
“Finally, after a few years, I'm able to graduate na from UP, and dream ko naman talagang maka-graduate sa University of the Philippines."
After his master's degree, Alfred said he plans to continue his studies. "Pero baka hindi na public administration. I'm planning next year, after the elections siguro, mag-aaral ako kasi gusto ko magkaroon ng doctorate degree sa urban planning."
According to the actor-politician, a public servant must always be hungry for new knowledge.
He said, "We must recognize the fact that even in public service, it's still a continuing process of learning.
"Kailangan tuloy-tuloy ang education mo, hindi lang sa school, kung hindi sa actual experiences.
"Ako, since 2010, councilor ako, 'tapos noong 2013 congressman ako, I still learn every day."
Meanwhile, check out these celebrities in their graduation photos: