Alfred Vargas impressed by young co-stars in AraBella

After doing brief yet remarkable appearances as the son of an Imam (Muslim religious leader) and the scientist behind a human cloning project in Legal Wives and Unica Hija, respectively, Alfred Vargas is seen as part of the ensemble cast of AraBella. His character is Ariel, the good neighbor, who also plays a significant role in the family drama that intertwines and intersects the paths of Ara, Bella and Roselle, portrayed by Shayne Sava, Althea Ablan and Camille Prats, respectively. The latter’s character is in search of her long-lost daughter.

“I’m just so grateful to be part of this project full-time,” said Alfred, who, away from the klieg lights, serves as the councilor of Quezon City, in a virtual group interview for the GMA Afternoon Prime show. “First, I’m thankful that I can do the two things that I love the most — serving the people and acting. For me, sobrang laking bagay nitong pagbabalik ko rin (this return to acting is a big thing) in many sorts. In AraBella, my role is full-length.”

Alfred gets to show his mettle in acting and revisit the craft whenever his schedule as a public servant allows him to do.

“We get the script in batches. I got the first four weeks out of the 16 weeks,” recalled the Kapuso actor during the chat. “Wow, GMA creative department does it again. Sabi ko mukhang hindi sila nauubusan ng mga magagandang kwento (I told myself that they have never run out of good stories to tell).”

He added that more revelations will unfold every week, based on what he has already known, and the script surprises him every time.

“I’m just so happy to be part of this very, very meaningful and big project,” said Alfred, who enjoys working with Shayne and Althea, touted as the GMA afternoon drama princesses.

“Bilib na bilib talaga ako sa kanila (I admire how they work),” shared he. “They are very professional and sobrang galing (very good at what they do)… malayo ang mararating nila (They will go far in the industry).”

His Ariel is a father figure to Shayne’s Ara. When they do scenes together, Alfred said, “You can feel her (Shayne’s) sincerity in acting. Kahit ako na wala naman sa script na umiiyak ako, napapaiyak na rin ako (Even if my character is not supposed to cry, I get carried away).”

With Althea as Bella, Alfred shared that she has shown her acting range in AraBella, “Ang dami niyang kayang gawin (she can do a lot in terms of acting) and she’s only 18, pero ang lalim na ng acting niya.”

Alfred is glad to have worked with fellow actors like Camille, Wendell Ramos, Nova Villa, Ronnie Lazaro and Klea Pineda.

“Well, first and foremost, masarap pumunta sa set ng AraBella (I enjoy going to the set of AraBella)… naramdaman ko talaga yung chemistry (with everyone),” said Alfred, who was referring to the production and creative people and co-actors. It’s safe to say it has created a collaborative working environment.

His being a family man has helped him essay Ariel. This can be seen in the nuances of his every scene. Alfred also acknowledged the sense of camaraderie and community that the actors have formed on set.

“Here, we help each other,” said he. “I have never felt any bad vibes, super sarap pumasok sa set na ito (You look forward to and enjoy each working day on set).”

Alfred added that it feels good to have acted again like a newbie, picked up new insights about the craft — and to be challenged anew.

“I’m just happy and thankful to the Lord and GMA that I’m able to do the two things that I love the most — makapaglingkod atsaka makapag-arte (to serve the people and to act),” he concluded.

Catch AraBella weekdays at 3:20 p.m.