MANILA – Some men captivate you instantly with their good looks. Others leave an impression with their eloquence. And then there are those who enchant you with their irresistible charm.

Actor and politician Alfred Vargas embodies all these qualities. A graduate of Management Economics from Ateneo de Manila University, Vargas is on track to complete his Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) at the University of the Philippines this year.

Fulfilling his master’s degree is a commitment he made to his late mother, lawyer Susana “Ching” Vargas. She once served as deputy executive secretary for finance and administration in Malacañang, working under three presidents: Corazon Aquino, Fidel Ramos, and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. His father, Alfredo Vargas Jr., was a businessman who passed away in 2011.

Initially, Vargas’s mother envisioned him following her footsteps into law. However, the lure of acting shifted his path. Despite her initial disappointment, his mother eventually supported his career decision.

“My mom was an excellent finance lawyer,” Vargas shares. “The plan was for me to attend law school right after college and continue the Vargas legacy in the legal field.”

Before graduating from college, Vargas joined Star Magic Batch 10, alongside stars like Bea Alonzo and Dennis Trillo. He made his debut in Pangako Sa ’Yo, portraying Dyno, which marked the beginning of his acting career.

“When my mom saw how happy I was in showbiz, she eventually accepted it,” Vargas recalls. “She told me, ‘You don’t have to go to law school as long as you promise to pursue graduate studies.’ That’s why I kept my word.”

A Christmas Gift

The eldest son in a family of four siblings, Vargas is married to Yasmine Espiritu, a Filipino-Italian from Trento, Northern Italy. Together, they have three children: Alexandra Milan, Aryana Cassandra, and their youngest, a son named Alfredo Cristiano, born three days before Christmas in 2018.

“My wife picked all the beautiful names for our children,” Vargas says proudly. “Our son was truly a perfect Christmas gift.”

Yasmine’s pregnancy journey wasn’t easy, marked by complications that required hospital stays. “She struggled through all trimesters,” Vargas shares. Despite challenges, the couple was overjoyed when their son arrived healthy, albeit two weeks premature.

“She gave birth at St. Luke’s Hospital,” Vargas notes. “It was a quick labor, just three hours, and Yasmine handled it like a champ.”

Love at First Sight

Vargas met Yasmine during a fiesta in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, in 2008, while she was visiting her ancestral home in Lumban. “She stood out immediately,” Vargas recalls. Their love story blossomed despite initial skepticism from Yasmine’s family, who were cautious about her dating an actor.

To prove his love, Vargas even traveled to Italy, where Yasmine lived. “I crossed not just mountains but oceans to be with her,” he says with a laugh.

The couple maintained a long-distance relationship until Yasmine finished her Fine Arts degree in Trento. She eventually left her life in Italy to support Vargas as he entered politics in 2010.

 Balancing Roles

In his downtime, Vargas enjoys simple pleasures like reading and spending time with family. Despite his political career, he remains deeply grateful for the opportunities acting provided.

“I owe so much to showbiz,” Vargas admits. “It opened doors for me and gave me the platform to serve the public.”

Reflecting on his journey, Vargas expresses no regrets. “While disappointments are part of every actor’s career, I’ve learned to embrace them and focus on my achievements.”

A Family Man

For Vargas, being a devoted husband and father is his most fulfilling role. “Finding the love of your life is one of life’s greatest achievements,” he says. “I’m blessed to have Yasmine and our family.”

As he juggles his roles as an actor, politician, and family man, Vargas continues to be inspired by the people he loves most.