Alfred Vargas prepares long and hard for ‘Dyesebel’

Alfred Vargas prepared long and hard for his role as a merman in “Dyesebel” where he plays the defender and secret admirer of Marian Rivera (as Dyesebel) in the new TV version of the Mars Ravelo classic that premieres on Monday, April 28, on GMA 7’s telebabad block.

“Character-wise, I prepared for my role. We all underwent a workshop. Masarap katrabaho si Direk Joyce (Bernal) sa taping. I even did a research on ‘Dyesebel.’ I was able to watch the movie done by Alice Dixson and I was able to view some scenes of the version done by Ms. Vilma Santos,” said Alfred in our interview at the presscon of Dyesebel held Monday night at the poolside of the Sofitel Hotel located at the CCP Complex along Roxas Boulevard.

What would he say is the most difficult aspect in portraying the role of a merman? “It’s hard to swim. We had to undergo training underwater. It’s hard to wear a tail and then swim because we need to do a dolphin kick. We also need to hold our breath underwater for about 30 seconds so that we could get a good shot. So far, the training given to us was okay, and I enjoyed it,” Alfred related.

“Our training took several months. Even before we started taping, we had been undergoing training. It helped that I was a swimmer when I was a kid so I didn’t really have much difficulty. I just tried to recall the things that I did as a swimmer when I was young. I enjoyed myself being part of ‘Dyesebel.’”

Alfred is big fan of “Marimar” so he was really pleased when he learned he will be joining the cast of “Dyesebel” that features the tandem of Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes. It also marks his return teamup with Marian after they did the afternoon series “Muli.” It’s a wish granted for Alfred that he’s once again working with Marian.

“I play the role of Erebus, the secret admirer of Dyesebel in the underwater world. I am also her defender kasi lagi siyang inaapi sa kaharian namin. In the end, ako pala ang matatakbuhan niya at magtatanggol sa kanya mula sa mga umaapi sa kanya,” said Alfred.

“Aside from being a challenge, I also enjoy playing the role of a merman because this is my chance for the young children to see me in a different way. I always do serious drama before. Now I am doing a fantasy-comedy. My character also has some drama in it and I am very glad GMA 7 gave me this role.”

Alfred even had to cut his hair short for his role as a merman. “When I previewed the first scenes that I did, hindi maganda kasi lumulutang ang hair ko kasi mahaba ito. Hindi guwapo at parang nakakatakot. Sabi ko, kung ano ang itsura ko underwater, dapat ganoon din ang itsura ko. They said I looked better in my short hair and I even look younger by four years,” shared the actor, who even went on a diet as part of the preparation for his role.

“Dyesebel” is Alfred’s third show under the Kapuso network. He’s in “Nuts Entertainment” (aired every Saturday) and “ESP” (aired every Thursday).

“I am doing horror and suspense in ‘ESP’ and comedy in ‘Nuts Entertainment.’ Now I’m doing fantasy and comedy in ‘Dyesebel.’ I feel that my versatility as an actor is being tested with the varied roles that I am playing in my three shows for GMA 7. These opportunities are slowly but surely making me a versatile actor. I am very grateful and I am enjoying everything that I am doing. I even feel that doing comedy is harder,” said Alfred.

After he broken up with LJ Reyes, Alfred is going out on group dates. He has no steady date as of the moment. For now, matters of the heart will have to take the backseat in favor of his career.

“I feel lighter now and I am enjoying my tapings more. I feel a lot better now because I am able to concentrate more on my work. I am also set to do a new movie within the year but not very soon because I want to concentrate first on ‘Dyesebel.’ But if a good movie role comes along, I would certainly do it,” said Alfred.

The last time he saw LJ was about three weeks ago at ‘SOP,’ the Sunday noontime show of GMA 7.

“Okay naman. I am very happy with everything and I think she’s also happy. If there’s such a thing as a perfect breakup, maybe this is it because we’re okay. Masaya kami para sa isa’t-isa. We both have moved on and it goes to show that we did the right decision. We really can’t say if there’s a possibility for us to reconcile but I feel we have moved on. I think she’s happy and I am happy for her.”

The press people noticed that Alfred has a more impressive physique, especially his chest, and that he’s definitely looking so much better now.

“Inaalagaan ko ang dibdib ko kasi iyan ang nagpo-protect sa puso natin, para hindi na masaktan,” Alfred said playfully in parting.