Netizens Continue to Swoon Over Danaya-Aquil Pairing

It's been years since Encantadiks had seen a whiff of what have been DanAquil, the love between Aquil who commands the army of Lireo and Danaya, one of the 4 Sanggres who controls the Gem of the Earth (played by Alfred Vargas and Diana Zubiri). These two live super happy and separate lives now, but recent videos of their 2005 series resurfaced and have been talked about on different platforms, bringing nostalgia to many Encantadiks the world over!

The two have been loved during the Etheria: Ang Ika Limang Kaharian Ng Encantadia (Etheria: The 5th Kingdom of Encantadia) and also the sequel Encantadia: Pag-Ibig Hanggang Wakas (Encantadia: Love Until The End). They proceeded to do several more projects under GMA including a reality show in mid 2006. They also had a film during the same year together with legends Eddie Garcia and Gloria Romero. It was directed by Nose Javier Reyes under Seiko films, plus a 2003 flick Liberated under Direk Mac Alejandro. In 2016, they had different roles for the second chapter of Encantadia as Alfred did Amarro, while Diana did the role of LilaSari, which were both so colorful. Rocco Nacino and Sanya Lopez then took on their Aquil and Danaya roles which catapulted their careers too. 

Alfred's appearance in Encantadia marked his comeback in GMA-7. Then in 2011, he started making several series in ABSCBN's stable, and then moved to concentrate on public service during that time.

Alfred reacted to the videos that came out on FB and TikTok and said "This may have happened a long time ago but I'm so glad to see that there are still a lot of people who still get "kilig" with our pairing. When I was tagged and sent this video, I was so elated how it still trended on the platform. Diana and I had a really good working relationship which is why we remain friends until now. I hope we can make more movies or be in a series soon. 

I hope GMA or ABSCBN would see how fans remain so happy to see them together after all these years. Will they be given the chance to reprise roles or maybe paired in new shows soon?!

ALFRED VARGAS' Message To His Younger Self

Looks like former cong and now (QC's 5th) Councilor Alfred Vargas is spending his weekends reflecting on life and improvement as he reminisces on what advice he can give his younger self. In true makata fashion, he pens out a heartfelt message in Filipino signifying resilience, his fears, overcoming it, real success and how to achieve it. 

He also tells the importance of love for family, honoring them, giving respect, and how to be of service to others. He also dedicates these lines to his faith. Here's his recent Instagram post:

His knack for words and urge to share what he has learned through life experiences is something that should be emulated. 

We can't be just complacent, we need to continuously learn from our mistakes, improve ourselves and other people. We all need to work on that, and not forget to share because wisdom, is golden.

QC Councilor Alfred Vargas Dedicates Recent Accomplishments to Manager Lolit Solis

QC Councilor Alfred Vargas just graduated from the University of the Philippines School of Urban and Regional Planning (SURP). He attained GWA of 1.028, and was recognized as class Valedictorian, even given the Dean’s Medallion in this very same course.  

As you may know, the showbiz industry is still grieving with the recent passing of Lolit Solis, manager to the stars and prolific entertainment scribe. She is also Councilor Alfred's manager for over 21 years, which is why he was extremely emotional upon accepting it. 

During his speech at the UP Film Center, he didn't forget to dedicate his accomplishments to Ms. Lolit, cried on the podium and said "This is for you!"

He also gave thanks to his wife Yasmine and kids Alexandra Aryana, Cristiano and Aurora for the insurmountable support and sacrifice during this period. He emphasized how love and compassion plays when doing urban planning for a city. He also egged his classmates to do the same, with kindness, as it plays a crucial role with planning urban dwellings. He adds "It would be quite meaningless if we be unconcerned with others. We shouldn't abandon these principles and do what is right. We can't be blind or numb about the lies, corruption and poverty because it is a reality. It's not enough to use our hands, we need to use our hearts, and compassion. That and good governance will bring social justice and bring dignity for those living in the state."

 

He also stated how important their roles are in looking for solutions to address overpopulation, the housing shortages, lack of infrastructure, issues with the environment, health, safety, education and inequalities. He reiterated the importance of listening to the needs of the public, of every sector, especially the marginalized ones before executing plans in the industry. This is something that he has learned early being a public servant. He also cited the Quezon City Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) wherein it has bore fruit, with the passage of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act when he was still congressman of the same district. He encouraged them to use what they learned from the course to improve lives of those living in their city, one area at a time.

After his undergrad degree in AB Management Economics from Ateneo in 2002, Master’s degree in Public Administration from UP Diliman’s National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG) in 2021, he now plans to accomplish a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning at the same institution. Dedicating this to his late manager was an apt act, Ms. Lolit would have been mighty proud of his accomplishments as she was when she was still with us.