Alfred gives back

MANILA, Philippines - “I really owe a lot to the entertainment industry. That’s why I want to give back,” said Alfred Vargas, actor and co-producer of the film Separados, one of the entries in this year’s Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.

The actor-politician is a neophyte when it comes to indie films; Alfred is one of the co-producers of Adolf Alix Jr.’s Busong and the 2012 historical drama Ang Supremo. 

But he considers Separadors extra special. Alfred decided to co-produce and star in the film while he was still mourning over the death of his mother, who succumbed to cancer. It’s a movie, he said, worthy of his “comeback of sorts,” after leaving showbiz for a few months to concentrate on being the congressman of the fifth district of Quezon City.

“I just love the script. I fell in love with the character I’m playing,” Alfred said. “Although it’s an ensemble effort, I still believe in the project. It’s a comeback of sorts for me. I think it’s a good comeback for me.”

The film, directed by GB Sampedro, also stars Victor Neri, Ricky Davao and Jason Abalos, among others. Separados tells the intersecting stories of six men who have to deal with the separation from their wives. 

“So far, I’ve produced good, quality and internationally-acclaimed films. The fulfillment there is the whole filmmaking process itself,” Alfred said when asked what fulfillment he gets from producing indies. “I’m learning a lot. Being behind the camera makes me appreciate myself as an actor, too.”

He added, “Before when I was just an actor, there were things that I didn’t see. It was so actor-centered, my approach. But when I started producing, that was when I understood the ways and realities of production.” 

It was Alfred’s experience with indie films that helped him realize that he would only want to do projects he is passionate about. After being in the business for over 10 years, Alfred believes he is already in that stage of his career wherein he should be more meticulous when it comes to choosing roles.

He said, “I think every actor goes through this. Yung kapag nagsisimula ka, they just make you do what they want you to do and you’re doing it just to establish a name for yourself. It’s the uphill battle of a rising actor and I went through that — I became an extra, support, eventually a leading man, tapos medyo hindi maganda yung material pero kailangan mo gawin para visible ka.”

Alfred further explained, “I think I’m done with that. After 10 years in showbiz, I think I’ve been able to establish my name kahit papaano. Now, I’m at the phase of my acting career where I can choose projects I want to do.”

Acting is his passion, he said, the reason he’s able to support his family. It’s also the reason why he’s a congressman now. So, he wants to continue his passion — but work on it only when he believes in the project or the role. 

He is confident independent films are “on their way to the top.” “I think right now, the audience is not yet prepared for these kinds of narratives. But we’ll get there,” Alfred said.

“In terms of creativity, I think we’re at par with Korea, with Bollywood, or even Hollywood. And I think in terms of talent, I think we’re the best in Asia pag dating sa acting, directing,” he further said.

“But of course, one day, in a few years, I think magme-meet na rin yung level of creativity and expectations ng tao when it comes to quality films.”

This is why he is hopeful for Separados to succeed. “I’m planning to produce plenty more films but I won’t be able to do that kung hindi kumita itong Separados kahit konti,” he quipped.