It Deserves to Be Seen: PIETA with NORA AUNOR and ALFRED VARGAS

 

I distinctly remember watching re-runs of Pieta on television back in the day. It was made by Carlo J. Caparas, and stars Ace Vergel†, Charito Solis† and so many others. The other was for TV with Ryan Agoncillo and the iconic Ms. Cherie Gil†. I was looking forward to see this version of "PIETA" made by director Adolfo Alix Jr. which stars National Artist and Superstar Ms. Nora Aunor and former Congressman and now Councilor Alfred Vargas from Quezon City. During MMFF 2023, they didn't include this film in the lineup. It would have made history to see the legendary actresses battle it out in cinemas, but I guess fate had other plans.

Good news for those who wait as this film produced by Alternative Vision Cinema Inc. and Noble Wolf Films will be shown in January in cinemas nationwide. But before that happens, we got first dibs during the advanced screening last week at Sine Pop in Cubao, Quezon City.

First of all, the cast is a lethal combination. If you could measure acting prowess with a device, it would break if you put them together in one room. With the likes of Gina Alajar, Jaclyn Jose, Angeli Bayani, Bembol Roco, it would be a bit impossible not to see how rich their bench is. Also in the cast is Ina Raymundo, Allan Paule, Dan Alvaro, Elora Espano, and Tommy Alejandrino, who will all get themselves involved in the lives of Rebecca and Isaac (played by Nora and Alfred). 

This piece is totally different from the Caparas film, and is not in any way related to it. PIETA is written by heavily awarded Jerry Gracio known for his work in several movies, MMK on TV, screenplays and great literary work in Filipino. He's also a Palanca awardee, so you could sense there's great expectations in actually having this written for the silver screen.

 Here's some scenes before the advanced screening:

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Alfred Vargas' character Isaac lives in troubled times. Having spent years in incarceration, he was given a second chance to live a good life. He was in for murder, but remained oblivious about what happened. When he arrived home, his Mom had supposed Alzheimer's disease or some form of dementia. Nora's character Rebecca used to religiously visit him in jail but suddenly stopped, and they attributed it to the condition which he found out after arriving at the ancestral home/farm. He found her there almost completely blind, unaware of who he is, with Beth (played by Gina Alajar) providing care for her.

He was set on now dividing his time in finding out the truth, and see ways on how he could at least get to be recognized by his own Mom. He also knew how his own brother stood witness against him, but he couldn't figure out why. This and all the other complications in his new life happens, right when he thought he was doing good.    

The film discusses a lot of social issues, but its main essence lies on the relationship of the Mother and Son. This is their journey to discovering how even if the mind won't recognize who he is, her heart would eventually know. Their attempts to reconnect treads cute to dark poetry, dance and even folk songs. Her singing? Can't tell if she did (as it might spoil things), but it'll fit right with Rebecca's silent moments which you'll find essential. Director Adolf Alix Jr. knows how to set up things on the plot, a lot of which you'll find flipped and reversed.     

 

Putting Ms. Nora Aunor in a film is like an automatic masterclass of sorts. It felt like a treat to see her in PIETA. There's a Filipino term "mata-mata acting" which connotes acting with just the eyes... and how powerful she could encompass emotions with it (let alone do it while blind). She's literally known for that in the industry; and how even without words, she could do it with ease. That's one of the reasons she's adored, and highly regarded by peers. Direk Adolf also emphasized how Ms. Nora doesn't fear CHANGE, they've absolutely done remarkable work and let the eyes talk lengthily in this film. They did the same for Alfred Vargas' scenes and close up shots. Make sure you watch it in cinemas because it'll feel a lot different. They're planning to release this also in streaming platforms so it could get to Noranians around the world. 

 

Here's Director Adolfo Alix Jr. talking about his experience with the cast:

PIETA will be released during the 1st Quarter of 2024. I like what I saw. This acting piece didn't go to the wrong people. It's rare to see an ensemble cast of this caliber to happen in a film. 

It needs to be seen.

The Time To Quit According to Alfred Vargas

There are still a lot of Filipinos who are still struggling to quit smoking. According to recent statistics (via Euromonitor International), 19.5% of those over the age of 15 are tobacco users. Others include those who induce second hand smoke, and a lot of them suffer health issues (due to tobacco related disease) of a whopping 112,000 deaths a year. Actor, former Congressman and now Councilor Alfred Vargas is no stranger to these issues as he was part of the statistic a couple years ago. He shared his story and why he ultimately wanted to quit last 2003 which I think would be something good to share for those who wish to do the same.

Congsi Alfred says "Back in high school, it was peer pressure that got me into trying it. I was curious, always wanted to try new things especially when I was amongst friends, started to go out to events and parties. When I entered showbusiness, I told myself that I wanted to quit it because I wasn't aware of how much it was already being a habit. I've seen my Dad often and he did it for years, I didn't want to be like that because I've always wanted to improve my health. To tell you honestly, it wasn't easy. I really had the worst withdrawal symptoms and it made me sick, hot tempered and also get irritated fast. It was already affecting my work, my capacity to read, so imagine how I'd do scripts and scenes while I was in that stage. I really had to stop going out so I wouldn't see people do it in front of me, I was thinking I had to do it for my long term goal of being healthy. I've heard friends noticing these changes, calling me killjoy for most of the times I couldn't go out with them because I was so serious about it.

He adds "I knew back then, it would result to have a long, healthier and happier life. I wanted to see my kids finish their studies, and be there to see them grow, have families of their own. I also wanted to travel without shortness of breath, and be with my wife and whole family."

For those who don't know, Congsi Alfred Vargas' Mom passed of Cancer. He's also got several relatives who had it so there is medical history. He's afraid to become part of that which is why he chose to live a healthier less stressful life. He also did it cold turkey and still remembers August 23, 2003 so vividly. One of his secrets was staying with those who don't smoke, and also have goals that are the same with you. He also started working out, became a runner, and have lots of sleep. He also was in a  great place mind-wise. He also got into a better mood, so now he's got more energy to spend on with his wife and kids after he decided to quit the habit. It was a challenge, but he's now on his 20th year, and plans to never go back to it anymore.    

Congsi Alfred also says "I'm so lucky I have a wife that takes care of the household even if she's doing bed rest. I also have house help and staff that makes it easier to manage everything at home. I pick up the kids and also spend time with Yasmine at home, with rubs and foot massages. I also love doing groceries, I feel it's therapeutic. I try not to veer away from the allotted budget she puts on paper, otherwise I'm grounded! My kids also help their Mom with chores without us even asking. We really take care of each other. But really, just do anything for your family. The love we get from them is priceless!"

Hope you learn from his experience!

Alfred Vargas Shares Struggles and Fitness Journey

It must have been so hard for Alfred Vargas to have gained weight over time especially with, causing him to have lower self esteem and depression. As an actor, he was always seen being that guy who had over and beyond machismo, huge muscles when he was still making movies back in the day. He admitted this on one of the videos on his YouTube channel. The councilor for the 5th District of Quezon City admits "It was something that I didn't know I would go through, but in one morning, when I looked in the mirror... I just said I didn't know who I was when I got to 251 lbs. It was a wake up call, people started to call me Tito when they approached me. I didn't know it was getting worse, so I decided to change and do it not for vanity or projects, but for my kids, my family, so I could live longer for them."

He adds "I've lost a lot of weight, from 251, I am now 201 lbs. It's been 3 years, I've documented my struggles as well on my YouTube channel. I decided to share a few things that made me lose weight, plus a few things like parkour with the help of Ms. Kate Robles. She's a single mom that had the same problem as me. With our coach Raven Cruz, we've started to share how we were able to do it."

The series is called "Vargas Tries, pwede? pwede!". He also gets Cong. PM Vargas in some episodes. What's good is that fans and subscribers can ask them questions or request, even do odd jobs just to try it out. He's also going share what he learns about it. A new episode will be uploaded every 2 weeks, and pretty soon it'll become a weekly thing.

So make sure you head on to Alfred Vargas' YouTube channel here (youtube.com/@VargasTries), start subscribing, like and share!