Alfred Vargas on quitting smoking

Rhea Manila Santos

<p>Having been exposed to smoking even as a student, Alfred Vargas said he slowly developed the habit because of the crowd he hung out with during his teenage years.</p><p>&ldquo;I was in high school when I first tried. Nadala ako sa peer pressure nun. Coming of age time. Nagbibinata and trying to discover things. Start ng mga gimik, soiree, and barkadahan,&rdquo; he shared.</p><p>Alfred, now a doting husband and father to three children plus one more on the way, hopes to inspire other people through his decision to give up the habit when he turned 21.</p><p>&ldquo;The way I did it was through cold turkey. I stopped instantly. I remember distinctly that on the night of August 23, 2003, twenty years ago, I smoked my last pack and it was not easy,&rdquo; he added.&amp;</p><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CvoWw4vp-7w/embed/?cr=1&v=14&wp=506&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fent-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A297629.10000002384%2C%22ls%22%3A296952.3000000119%2C%22le%22%3A297620%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="856" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-1" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwH--hDJvBY/embed/?cr=1&v=14&wp=506&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fent-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A1%2C%22os%22%3A297646.2000000477%2C%22ls%22%3A296952.3000000119%2C%22le%22%3A297620%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="722" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-1" scrolling="no" style="background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p><a href="https://push.abs-cbn.com/2023/7/22/alfred-vargas-reveals-getting-depressed-after-weight-gain-bumaba-talaga-ang-self-esteem-ko-1516"><strong>READ: Alfred Vargas reveals getting depressed after weight gain:&lsquo;Bumaba talaga ang self esteem ko&rsquo;<br/></strong></a></p><p>The 41-year-old actor said he already made the decision to quit once he entered showbiz.</p><p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve always wanted to quit from the start. Di ko lang napansin na naging habit ko na before. My dad was a chain smoker I didn&rsquo;t want to be like that. &nbsp;Nung nag aartista na ako and making a living na, I told myself that ayokong tumandang naninigarilyo. It&rsquo;s for my health and well-being, not for anything else.</p><p>&ldquo;(When I quit) I experienced a two-month extreme withdrawal. Nagkasakit ako. I got so hot-headed and easily irritated. I lost focus in everything I did I couldn&rsquo;t even read properly. I didn&rsquo;t go out at all during this time because I wanted to avoid temptations. I sacrificed my short-term fun for my long-term goal of really being healthy. I lost some friends along the way because &lsquo;hindi daw ako marunong makisama at KJ na daw ako,&rsquo;&rdquo; he admitted.</p><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwFSfdghYxD/embed/?cr=1&v=14&wp=506&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fent-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A297659.10000002384%2C%22ls%22%3A296952.3000000119%2C%22le%22%3A297620%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="856" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-3" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwbxJtlpELB/embed/?cr=1&v=14&wp=506&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fent-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A3%2C%22os%22%3A298664.40000003576%2C%22ls%22%3A296952.3000000119%2C%22le%22%3A297620%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="856" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-3" scrolling="no" style="background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p><a href="https://push.abs-cbn.com/2023/7/1/alfred-vargas-says-family-is-the-secret-to-his-career-1313"><strong>READ: Alfred Vargas says family is the secret to his career<br/></strong></a></p><p>As a devoted family man and civil servant, Alfred said he is motivated to stand by his decision to not smoke anymore even if the temptation to smoke is still there.</p><p>&ldquo;It remains a challenge until today. But it&rsquo;s a battle I intend to win every time. And so far, 20 years down the road, so far, so good. Whenever I feel tempted, &nbsp;I tell myself, &lsquo;been there, done that, and I don&rsquo;t want to be that old self of mine anymore.&rsquo;</p><p>&ldquo;Right now, I have this burning desire to try my best to live longer, healthier and happier for my family. I want to see my children graduate, have successful careers of their own, meet my grandchildren and spend time with them. I want to travel the world further with my wifey and family. My mother died of cancer kasi. And so did several of my relatives. Natatakot ako sa cancer because of this family history. And the best way to minimize my chances is to live a healthy life and stay away from stress,&rdquo; he explained.</p><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-4" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu3j8YtBUut/embed/?cr=1&v=14&wp=506&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fent-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A4%2C%22os%22%3A298709.40000003576%2C%22ls%22%3A296952.3000000119%2C%22le%22%3A297620%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="584" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-4" scrolling="no" style="background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>Counting his biggest advantage to becoming a non-smoker as having a healthier body and sharper mind, Alfred said he also noticed a lot of changes in himself after quitting.</p><p>&ldquo;I was able to lift heavier weights, run longer, sleep better, good state of mind, better mood, and I had a lot more energy after quitting smoking,&rdquo; he said.</p><p>Alfred also has advice for other men who are thinking of where to start when it comes to saying goodbye to smoking.</p><p>&ldquo;Do it now. There&rsquo;s no perfect time for quitting but NOW. You can do it. The first few days of quitting are manageable but it becomes more difficult as time passes. Hang out with people who don&rsquo;t smoke. With people who have the same life goals and health goals as you,&rdquo; he stressed.</p>

<p>&ldquo;The way I did it was through cold turkey. I stopped instantly. I remember distinctly that on the night of August 23, 2003, twenty years ago, I smoked my last pack and it was not easy,&rdquo; he added.&amp;<iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CvoWw4vp-7w/embed/?cr=1&v=14&wp=506&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fent-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A297629.10000002384%2C%22ls%22%3A296952.3000000119%2C%22le%22%3A297620%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="856" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-1" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwH--hDJvBY/embed/?cr=1&v=14&wp=506&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fent-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A1%2C%22os%22%3A297646.2000000477%2C%22ls%22%3A296952.3000000119%2C%22le%22%3A297620%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="722" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-1" scrolling="no" style="background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p><a href="https://push.abs-cbn.com/2023/7/22/alfred-vargas-reveals-getting-depressed-after-weight-gain-bumaba-talaga-ang-self-esteem-ko-1516"><strong>READ: Alfred Vargas reveals getting depressed after weight gain:&lsquo;Bumaba talaga ang self esteem ko&rsquo;<br/></strong></a><p>The 41-year-old actor said he already made the decision to quit once he entered showbiz.<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve always wanted to quit from the start. Di ko lang napansin na naging habit ko na before. My dad was a chain smoker I didn&rsquo;t want to be like that. &nbsp;Nung nag aartista na ako and making a living na, I told myself that ayokong tumandang naninigarilyo. It&rsquo;s for my health and well-being, not for anything else.<p>&ldquo;(When I quit) I experienced a two-month extreme withdrawal. Nagkasakit ako. I got so hot-headed and easily irritated. I lost focus in everything I did I couldn&rsquo;t even read properly. I didn&rsquo;t go out at all during this time because I wanted to avoid temptations. I sacrificed my short-term fun for my long-term goal of really being healthy. I lost some friends along the way because &lsquo;hindi daw ako marunong makisama at KJ na daw ako,&rsquo;&rdquo; he admitted.<iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwFSfdghYxD/embed/?cr=1&v=14&wp=506&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fent-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A297659.10000002384%2C%22ls%22%3A296952.3000000119%2C%22le%22%3A297620%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="856" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-3" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwbxJtlpELB/embed/?cr=1&v=14&wp=506&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fent-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A3%2C%22os%22%3A298664.40000003576%2C%22ls%22%3A296952.3000000119%2C%22le%22%3A297620%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="856" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-3" scrolling="no" style="background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p><a href="https://push.abs-cbn.com/2023/7/1/alfred-vargas-says-family-is-the-secret-to-his-career-1313"><strong>READ: Alfred Vargas says family is the secret to his career<br/></strong></a><p>As a devoted family man and civil servant, Alfred said he is motivated to stand by his decision to not smoke anymore even if the temptation to smoke is still there.<p>&ldquo;It remains a challenge until today. But it&rsquo;s a battle I intend to win every time. And so far, 20 years down the road, so far, so good. Whenever I feel tempted, &nbsp;I tell myself, &lsquo;been there, done that, and I don&rsquo;t want to be that old self of mine anymore.&rsquo;<p>&ldquo;Right now, I have this burning desire to try my best to live longer, healthier and happier for my family. I want to see my children graduate, have successful careers of their own, meet my grandchildren and spend time with them. I want to travel the world further with my wifey and family. My mother died of cancer kasi. And so did several of my relatives. Natatakot ako sa cancer because of this family history. And the best way to minimize my chances is to live a healthy life and stay away from stress,&rdquo; he explained.<iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-4" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu3j8YtBUut/embed/?cr=1&v=14&wp=506&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fent-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A4%2C%22os%22%3A298709.40000003576%2C%22ls%22%3A296952.3000000119%2C%22le%22%3A297620%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="584" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-4" scrolling="no" style="background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>Counting his biggest advantage to becoming a non-smoker as having a healthier body and sharper mind, Alfred said he also noticed a lot of changes in himself after quitting.<p>&ldquo;I was able to lift heavier weights, run longer, sleep better, good state of mind, better mood, and I had a lot more energy after quitting smoking,&rdquo; he said.<p>Alfred also has advice for other men who are thinking of where to start when it comes to saying goodbye to smoking.<p>&ldquo;Do it now. There&rsquo;s no perfect time for quitting but NOW. You can do it. The first few days of quitting are manageable but it becomes more difficult as time passes. Hang out with people who don&rsquo;t smoke. With people who have the same life goals and health goals as you,&rdquo; he stressed.

<p>Having been exposed to smoking even as a student, Alfred Vargas said he slowly developed the habit because of the crowd he hung out with during his teenage years.<p>&ldquo;I was in high school when I first tried. Nadala ako sa peer pressure nun. Coming of age time. Nagbibinata and trying to discover things. Start ng mga gimik, soiree, and barkadahan,&rdquo; he shared.<p>Alfred, now a doting husband and father to three children plus one more on the way, hopes to inspire other people through his decision to give up the habit when he turned 21.

Actor turned politician Alfred Vargas hopes to inspire more people to quit smoking through his own experience and health journey.

Alfred Vargas on quitting smoking: ‘I experienced a two-month extreme withdrawal!’ | PUSH.COM.PH