Councilor Alfred Vargas has shared the limelight with several personalities in the entertainment industry because of his goal of challenging himself as an artist. Last February, he announced the fulfillment of his dream of working with Philippine cinema icons Nora Aunor and Gina Alajar in Pieta.
Still, the cast keeps shining brighter as other veteran actors join to complete the roster. These A-list actors include Jaclyn Jose, Bembol Roco, Ina Raymundo, Angeli Bayani, and Tommy Alejandrino.
“‘Yung concept pa lang, talagang nagustuhan ko na ‘yung kwento ng Pieta. Hindi ko inexpect na magiging ganito siya kaganda with the cast members na ganito kahigante and I feel so humbled talaga,” the councilor said during an intimate press conference held last February 26, Sunday, in Quezon City.
When asked by the press how he feels about working with such veteran actors, Alfred admitted that he’s a novice among the cast in the project. His excitement about working with them has traces of nervousness, but his emotions are balanced because he’s open to learning new things from his co-stars.
“Alam ko naman marami pa akong bigas na kakainin pero ‘yun ‘yung nag-eexcite sa akin. For someone like me, tingin ko lang naman lahat ng artista ganito, pangarap na magkaroon ng ganitong project,” Alfred said, also noting his excitement for the start of shooting and the outcome of the film.
Despite being the film’s producer, Alfred defers to the director’s creative perspective to allow a better outcome that brings out the best of each actor.
Ina shares the same sentiments as the councilor. She only knew about working with Nora and Alfred when she first accepted her role in Pieta. During the press conference, Ina admitted that the realization has just set in, and she’s both excited and nervous to share the spotlight with them in scenes.
She describes her role as minuscule yet relevant, making her a pivotal character in the movie’s progression.
Alfred plays Isaac, a man trying to reconcile with the past. After years of incarceration for patricide, Isaac returns to his mother, Rebecca (Nora), to discover the truth about his father’s passing since he believes he’s innocent of the crime. Unfortunately, Rebecca has Alzheimer’s and vision problems. She can barely remember her son let alone the past. Her loyal friend Beth (Gina) has devoted herself to caring for Rebecca.
Despite Isaac’s efforts to connect with his mother, Beth urges him to let go of the past and spend this new chance with Rebecca. Yet his past will catch up with him and cause unwanted trouble.
The film, written by Carlos Palanca awardee Jerry Gracio and directed by internationally acclaimed Urian Best Director Adolf Alix Jr., follows an unconventional tale that will test the audience’s perception of love and its boundaries.
Alfred is grateful to Alix for assembling the star-studded cast and turning his dream of working with icons in Philippine cinema into reality. Alfred and Alix are also working together in the GMA drama series AraBella.
Pieta begins filming this March.
