IT’S always very touching to see and talk to Novaliches, Quezon City’s favorite tandem of brothers, former congressman and now 5th District Councilor Alfred Vargas and his only sibling and successor, Rep. PM Vargas.

Originally Bulakenyos from Sta. Maria, where The T-Zone also traces her roots, the Vargases are always shining examples that no matter where or how far a person goes in life, one should always bring and live out the principles on which one was raised.

That’s why the topic of family and its importance will always be a central topic with the Vargases.

“He’s my best friend, he’s the person who knows everything about me, and he’s the person whose ways I strive to emulate,” says Cong. PM of his “Kuya.”

While there were doubts if he could live up to his brother’s good name and brand of service when he won the last elections, Cong. PM is marking his first year as legislator with top marks from Councilor Alfred.

“He has definitely exceeded expectations, and I’m very proud of him,” declared the elder Vargas when asked how he would grade PM’s performance.

“In fact, this guy hasn’t slept for days. He’s been working 24/7 to oversee the quick relief operations his office organized for the Novaleños affected by the non-stop rains. He may even be doing a better job than me.”

PM’s rounded cheeks reddening from Alfred’s praise, he was quick to deflect attention from himself, declaring he only learned from the best.

“Even in my new role as a father, his influence and guidance have been so important to me,” the younger Vargas added.

It was then that the conversation went full throttle into family, with both boys sharing heartwarming insights into their roles as fathers and how being one brought them even closer.

“You might remember that I became a dad in the middle of last year’s campaign,” PM, who was a guest on The Manila Times’ “Lights, Camera, Boto” online program, said as a refresher.

“When my wife gave birth, I confided [to Alfred] I found it so hard to enjoy the moment like I should because of everything I had to do. But rather than tell me to keep up with the campaign, he told me to set all of it aside right then for what is now the most important part of my life--my newborn child.”

Heeding Alfred’s wisdom, PM — whose mini-me is now 15 months old and adorably named AM — was grateful for his brother’s reminder.

“Family first — that’s how we were raised by our parents. So even if they’re no longer with us, PM and I make sure to uphold everything they taught us,” Alfred explained.

Nodding earnestly, PM shared, “Watching Kuya all these years be a father to his kids has taught me so much about patience and understanding. I realize now it’s not always easy, but the love and bond I made sure to nurture with my son can’t compare to anything I’ve ever experienced before.”

Real quality time

Now that PM has experienced the joys and challenges of balancing his career as a public servant with his responsibilities as a parent, he completely comprehends the quality time Alfred keeps sacred for his family.

Alfred, whose Baby No. 4 with wife Yasmine is along the way, taught PM, “Whether I’m busy with the district or showbiz commitments, I always make it a point to spend time with my kids, even if it’s just a few minutes each day. Whether it’s playing games, reading stories, or simply having a heart-to-heart talk, those moments are precious.”

“And we’ve all seen the results, right,” PM proudly chimed in, referring to the large following Alfred’s family YouTube channel has amassed.

Non-negotiable education

Providing children with the best education possible from start to finish also high up on the brothers’ list of responsibilities and fathers.

“Not many may know this but even if we both studied in Ateneo through and through, we also experienced hardships growing up,” Alfred volunteered. “There were times when we’d be waiting for our mom [a lawyer who forged a successful career in government service] at dinner time with only rice ready on the table.”

Alfred explained their father’s business suffered a blow over a period in their childhood, adding, “So our my mom had to borrow money and buy food on her way home from work in Manila during those days.”

Despite the financial problems their parents had to overcome, the Vargas brothers will always value the fact and be grateful to their parents who made sure never to sacrifice their education.

“That was paramount to them over anything else so PM and I have vowed that we will also prioritize our children’s education,” Alfred averred.

“That, and to try out best never to put our children through such an experience, which is why we also live out the principle of hard work,” PM quickly chuckled.

‘Family movie’

Business partners besides being the best of brothers, Alfred and PM are likewise ready to support one another in varied endeavors still always related to taking care of family.

With neither brothers ever denying that it is Alfred’s showbiz career that opened many opportunities to them, PM is as much invested in his brother’s movie outfit, AV Cinema, whose aim is to give back to the industry and produce films that preserve the national culture and Filipino family values.

Best known for producing the critically-acclaimed “Kaputol” and “Supremo,” where Alfred played the lead, their next offering, “Pieta” is another compelling story of family, exploring a very unconventional relationship between a newly reunited son with a mother battling Alzeihmer’s disease.

Besides fulfilling Alfred’s dream of working with Philippine Superstar and National Artist for Film Nora Aunor in the Adolf Alix Jr. drama, it is the jobs the movie extended to many in the industry and the ultimate message of the movie the brothers consider more important with the production.

Hoping to qualify as a Metro Manila Film Festival entry for December, “Pieta” should prove to be another shining example of what the Vargas brothers hold dear.

“I’ve always counted show business as my family too, and so has PM,” Alfred, who is more than willing to help the ever-challenged industry survive, avered.

So if a project like “Pieta” will give camera men, clappers and extras a means to support their families, and at the same time serve as an inspiration for the families who will see it to take care of one another, one can bet the Vargas brothers have something to do with it.