Still fabulous at 60

CEBU, Philippines - Award-winning actor Alfred Vargas, the newly elected congressman of the 5th District of Quezon City, met with the members of the Entertainment Press Society yesterday, for a thanksgiving lunch for his victory in the May 13 elections before he goes on a week-long vacation in Italy with wife Jasmine and their two kids.

Being a newbie in Congress, Alfred said he is kind of pressured since he is representing a new district (covering the area of Novaliches and Fairview) but he added that he thrives more under pressure. When he was asked what would be areas of his concern in Congress, Alfred said he wants to focus on housing, education, and livelihood.

“We want to help small and medium scale industries kasi maraming masisipag sa Novaliches. We want to give them a level playing field – yung mga tindera sa palengke, yung mga vendors, the small businessmen, the small establishments. They should have more access to credit and entrepreneurial education,” said the award-winning actor-turned-public servant. “On the education side, we’d like to provide more scholarships and by way of republic acts, we’d also like to provide for more study now-pay later program.”

When the session in Congress starts, Alfred is also looking into joining committees on social services, health, poverty alleviation, just to name a few. “The average number of committees that a lawmaker could join is 12 to 15. I am bringing my staff when I was a councilor. I will just add some more. Matagal ko na silang kasama, sa hirap at ginhawa kaya sila ang dadalhin ko sa Congress. And to prepare me for my job in Congress, I am finishing my Masters in Public Administration and I am taking up a specially-designed course in UP in preparation for Congress, a crash course in being a congressman. The subjects were tailor-made for me like parliamentary procedure. Although I already have knowledge in parliamentary procedure, I still would want to strengthen it,” he said.

The actor is very excited in his new job as a lawmaker. “Yes, I am excited but also pressured because we made history in being the first congressman in the 5th district of Quezon City. Besides, my political rivals were saying na artista lang ako. Parang minamaliiit nila ang artista. For me, that is a wrong notion to belittle the craft of an artista (actor). It’s hard to be an actor because to be one, you have brains and heart. You cannot be an artista kung puro puso ka lang. Hindi rin puwede kung puro utak lang pero walang puso. I believe my supporters were more inspired na ipaglaban ako. They even said that I am more educated compared to my political rivals. I didn’t expect that I’d win convincingly but the exit polls showed the trend and I am very thankful,” added Alfred.

Now that he has a new job as a lawmaker, Alfred said he will have to limit his showbiz commitments to the minimum but he would love to do at least one teleserye a year. “I won’t turn my back on showbiz because I owe what I am now to showbiz,” said the actor-turned-congressman.

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The Kapatid Network TV 5 prepared a fabulous 60th birthday bash for the one and only Superstar Ms. Nora Aunor held Tuesday at the Meralco Multi-Purpose Hall. Even the loyal fans of Ate Guy, around 250, were invited by TV5 to witness the grand birthday celebration of the one and only superstar. According to Ms. Peachy Guioguio, PR of TV 5, Ate Guy deserves such kind of tribute because of her stature in the industry.

The venue was designed well, with blown-up photos of Ate Guy depicting the various stages of her career in display. She came up onstage escorted by Ricky Lee, who wrote Ate Guy’s iconic film “Himala.” Her daughter Matet, who led the prayer, could not hold back her tears. Even Ate Guy’s fans shed tears.

A VTR presentation showed the life of Ate Guy, from the time she sold water at the Iriga train station, her joining contests like Darigold Jamboree and Tawag ng Tanghalan (where she emerged as champion) and which became her passport to showbiz. She was paired with Tirso Cruz III and their tandem as Guy and Pip became the most popular teen tandem in local film history. The video also showed Ate Guy’s metamorphosis from a teen singing idol to a multi-awarded actress, winning awards both locally and in the international scene.

Among Ate Guy’s well-wishers who greeted her on video were her eldest son Ian de Leon, her ex-husband Christopher de Leon, her balae Pilita Corrales, Victor Laurel, Geleen Eugenio, Boy Abunda, Dawn Zulueta, Gabby Concepcion, Eric Quizon, Dante Mendoza, Alice Dixson, Gary Valenciano, Judy Ann Santos and the hosts ng “Good Morning Club.”

TV 5 contract stars Vin Abrenica, Nadine Samonte, Eula Caballero, and Edgar Allan Guzman, who have worked with the actress, performed a dance number while her friend John Rendez also rendered a song.

This was followed by a song number from Kanta Pilipinas winner Chadleen Lacdoo and Star Factor runner-up Morisette Amon who sung “People” (Nora’s signature song) and 60 Noranians went up on stage to each hand their personal gift to Ate Guy. After the gift giving, Jaya appeared and continued singing “People”.

Also on hand to greet Nora were Direk Joel Lamangan and producer Joann Banaga who announced that Nora will be reunited with Tirso in a movie, “When I Fall in Love”, to be shown in TV5’s “Pilipino Espesyal” that will be showing original movies made for TV.

When asked of her birthday wish, Ate Guy said, “No more wishes. Wala na akong mahihiling pa. Gusto ko lang pasalamatan ang TV5 kasi napakabait nila sa’kin. Inaalagaan ako ng husto. Tinatanaw kong malaking utang na loob sa kanila ang pagbabalik ko sa showbiz.”

Also joining the occasion was current TV5 boss Rey Espinosa who personally greeted Ate Guy while the incoming TV5 boss Noel Lorenzana and TV5 top honcho Manny V. Pangilinan greeted her on video. The event was hosted by Arnell Ignacio.

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Appearing in tonight’s episode of Bubble Gang are Mark Herras, Chyna Ortaleza, Bubbles Paraiso, Sef Cadayona and Chariz Solomon.

Among the features are spoofs on Carb Trim, San Marino and Magic Flakes commercials, gags on falls, giants, and lazy persons, a famous old man gives wise but double meaning advice to the people in “Tatalino,” a man calls for an albularyo because he believes his car is possessed by an evil spirit.

Mr. Assimo, the man filled with angst strikes again. This time, he complains about the salesman inside the mall and a lot more.

Bubble Gang features Michael V, Rufa Mae Quinto, Boy 2 Quizon, Maureen Larrazabal and is directed by Uro dela Cruz.