Pinoy Pride: Alfred Vargas makes historic three-peat win as Best Actor in Japan Film Fest

Alfred Vargas

Award-winning actor and public servant, Alfred Vargas makes another milestone for the Philippines as he seals 2024 with a historic “three-peat” win as BEST ACTOR for his latest film, PIETA. 

The acclaimed full-length film starring National Artist, Nora Aunor, and multi-awarded actress and director, Gina Alajar, directed by Adolf Alix, also won awards for Alfred Vargas as Best Actor in both the 72nd FAMAS Awards and the 3rd WuWei Taipei International Film Festival. 

Asked what it felt like to receive the award, Alfred answered, “I am very humbled and proud to receive this award! To God be the Glory! Ang daming nominees from other countries like Japan, Korea, Indonesia among others, at nakakataba ng puso na na-recognize yung performance natin for PIETA. I am very honored kasi international recognition ito at kahit papano ay narepresent natin ang Pilipinas dito at naiwagayway natin ang ating bandila together for other Pinoy awardees. Kayang-kaya talaga nating makipagsabayan sa world stage at ang creativity at talent ng Pilipino ay walang kaparis! 

"I want to thank our superstar Ms. Nora Aunor for accepting this project. Kay direk Gina Alajar for guiding me and always supporting me pagdating sa improvement ng aking craft. And kay direk Adolf Alix for bringing everyone together for this film. Kung wala sila, wala ako dito ngayon.” 

Alfred Vargas and son Cristiano

His third “Best Actor” Award for the mother-son suspense drama, PIETA, for 2024 from the Ima Wa Ima Asian International Film Festival in Osaka Japan, certainly displays the positive momentum of his film and Alfred’s entry into the rare and exclusive list of “3-peat-in-one-movie-best-actors” such as Piolo Pascual, Christopher de Leon, Allen Dizon, and Coco Martin, to name a few. 

The event was organized by the Global Maharlika in Kansai, the Philippine Community Coordinating Council, Korean Residents Union in Japan, and the Kyomigaru Creative Collective Group, Japan. The award-giving body intends to recognize remarkable Asian creativity and talent. The Entertainment Special Awards extend this objective to, not only filmmaking, but also in television and new media content. 

Alfred Vargas and son Cristiano

The awarding ceremony last December 1, 2024 at the massive Sumiyoshi Main Hall at the heart Osaka, Japan’s prestigious City Hall. 

In his speech, he uplifted, acknowledged, and praised the film workers responsible for his wins. He also thanked his wife and family for their heartfelt and invaluable support. 

A tender and endearing moment was witnessed by the audience and can be spotted in viral videos from the event, when Alfred Vargas called his son, Cristiano, onstage—to inspire him and offer the award to him. 

“Anak (Cristiano), para sa iyo ang award na ito. Pinaghirapan ito ni Daddy. Always remember that I will always be by your side no mater what. Reach for your dreams. At kung mangangarap ka na rin lang, mangarap ka nang malaki. Don’t forget, balang araw when you’re successful at nasa rurok ka na ng tagumpay, nasa itaas ka na, huwag mong kakalimutan na lalong tumulong sa mga mas nangangailangan, yung mga nasa baba huwag mong kalimutan. Tsaka family is everything, anak,” Alfred’s emotional message to his son as he accepted the award onstage. 

Aside from their “Best Actor” win, PIETA also bagged the “Best Screenplay” Award for screenwriter, Jerry Gracio. 

Other Asian stars graced the awards night alongside the massive Filipino, Korean, and Japanese community. Japanese actors: Shun Shioya (the original Red Power Ranger), Adone Kudo, Son Yong Kuk and Kim Ji Soo from South Korea, were other popular Asian stars that were awarded at the event.