Longtime talent manager and businessman Arnold Vegafria is making his most high-stakes career move yet — running for mayor of Olongapo City in the 2025 elections.
Widely known in the entertainment industry as ALV, Vegafria is leveraging his decades-long experience in talent management, advertising, and events production as he seeks to rebrand himself as a public servant. Now calling himself the “Manager ng Bayan,” Vegafria said his leadership style is suited for navigating the complexities of local governance.
“I’ve dealt with high-pressure situations and strong personalities for over two decades,” Vegafria said during a press forum at the Kamuning Bakery Café’s Pandesal Forum hosted by Wilson Lee Flores. “Managing a city requires similar skills—strategic planning, people management and creative thinking.”
Running under the “Anak ng Gapo” local party, Vegafria is presenting a platform focused on economic revitalization, tourism development, job creation, health care, education reform and infrastructure modernization.
During the forum, Vegafria unveiled a campaign audiovisual presentation narrated by Korina Sanchez outlining his plans for Olongapo. He also acknowledged Korina and socialist Small Laude for supporting his run.
A native of Olongapo, Vegafria said his bid is rooted in nostalgia and hope. He recalled the city’s past when it was hailed as the “Cradle of Pinoy Rock.”
“This is my most fervent wish — to bring back the glory days of Olongapo,” he said. “We need to rebuild our infrastructure, attract investors and restore the city’s status as a key tourism and economic hub.”
Vegafria is also drawing support from his celebrity network. He cited actor David Licauco, one of his talents, who surprised him with a visit at a recent campaign rally. Licauco, currently popular through the “BarDa” love team with actress Barbie Forteza, was met with enthusiasm by locals.
Beyond showbiz, Vegafria’s resume includes roles as a talent agency head, advertising executive, sports organizer and franchise holder of Miss World Philippines and Miss Grand Philippines.
He previously served as business manager and political strategist for Senator Manny Pacquiao, and has worked closely with national figures including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., former presidents Rodrigo Duterte and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
