A visibly slimmer Alfred Vargas faced members of the press yesterday, January 27, for the press conference of his upcoming show Mutya.

The event was held at the 9501 restaurant of ABS-CBN. The Kapamilya network's fantasy series will air after Noah on the Primetime Bida block starting this Monday, January 31.

This project marks the return of Alfred to ABS-CBN after seven years. He was last seen on the Kapamilya network for the teleserye Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan.

Alfred explained that he did not renew his contract with GMA-7 when it expired in July 2010.

"Nakapagpaalam naman tayo nang maayos na maayos and my friends and bosses in GMA are very supportive pa rin sa akin.

"I haven't signed any contract [with ABS-CBN]. For now, I'm not comfortable rin signing any exclusive contracts kasi may commitment muna ako sa tao.

"I am very happy to be here at sobrang saya ng tapings. I am so happy to work again after winning the elections. Sobrang perfect ng show na ito," said the former GMA-7 contract artist with a smile. 

What made him accept this project?

"This is a comeback project of sorts for me. I think Mutya is the perfect comeback show for me," he replied.

Will this affect his work as a Quezon City councilor?

"Hindi naman. Ang schedule naman, as long as you take time for each of your priorities, maaayos at maaayos yun."

When asked to describe his role in this show, he replied: "Mutya is about family. It's about the sadness of being alone and how you long for  your family.

"Sa Mutya, ako ang head of the family. Ako ang prinsipe ng dagat at kasama ko si Precious Lara [Quigaman] at mai-in love ako sa kanya.

"Magbubunga ang aming pagmamahalan at iyon ang napaka-adorable at napaka-endearing na si Mutya [Orquia, the four-year-old star of the fantasy series]." 

"Super-dami naming underwater scenes and dramatic scenes."