Jake Vargas

Jhake Angelo Cunanan Vargas (born July 9, 1992) is a Filipino actor and musician. He began his career as a cast member of the variety show Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman before rising to prominence through his roles in Reel Love Presents Tween Hearts, Pepito Manaloto (2011–present), and Alice Bungisngis and Her Wonder Walis (2012). He also appeared in films such as Tween Academy: Class of 2012 (2011), My Kontrabida Girl (2012), and Asintado (2014).

For his performance in Asintado, Vargas won the rising star award at the WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival and was nominated for Best Actor at the 2015 FAMAS Awards, and Movie Supporting Actor of the Year at the 2015 PMPC Star Awards for Movies.

Career Vargas commenced his career in 2008 after being discovered by television presenter German Moreno, who subsequently served as his talent manager. He then joined the cast of the variety show Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman, where he stayed for six years. In February 2010, he landed his first lead role in the television drama series First Time alongside Bea Binene. In September, he gained wider recognition after joining the ensemble cast of youth-oriented television series Reel Love Presents Tween Hearts as Jacob Vergara. In August 2011, he became part of the main cast in the teen comedy film adaptation Tween Hearts: Class of 2012 as Jepoy. That same year, he appeared in episode roles on the television anthology series Maynila. In September, he took on the role of Luke Velasco in the drama series Pahiram ng Isang Ina. In December, he further gained recognition for his role as Chito Manaloto in the sitcom series Pepito Manaloto, starring alongside Michael V., Manilyn Reynes, and Angel Satsumi. In January 2012, he joined the cast of the fantasy series Alice Bungisngis and Her Wonder Walis as Ace Fernandez, again with Bea Binene. In March, he appeared in the romantic comedy film My Valentine Girls, alongside Rhian Ramos, Aljur Abrenica, and Bea Binene. In October, he joined the supporting cast of the television drama series Cielo de Angelina, portraying Marco Sevilla. In December, he continued making episode roles in the anthology series Magpakailanman. He then joined the lead cast of the 2013 drama fantasy series Home Sweet Home as Benjie Caharian and later appeared in the supporting cast of the 2014 drama series Strawberry Lane as Gabriel "Gabo" Valentino.

Following the success of his early projects, Vargas transitioned to more mature and diverse roles, appearing in drama series such as Buena Familia (2015) as Kevin Acosta Vergara, Oh, My Mama! (2016) as Julio Sta. Ana, Encantadia (2016–2017) as Gilas, Ika-5 Utos (2018) as Carlo Manupil, and Ang Dalawang Ikaw (2021) as Lucas Javier. In 2022, he appeared as young Mark in a guest role in the drama series The Fake life.

In addition to acting, Vargas is a musician and singer. He released a self-titled album in 2010.

Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes 2009 Litsonero Itok Supporting role Patient X James 2010 Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote Udoy Extended cast; 36th Metro Manila Film Festival entry 2011 Tween Academy: Class of 2012 Jeremy / Jepoy Main role Ang Panday 2 Hamil Supporting role; 37th Metro Manila Film Festival entry 2012 My Kontrabida Girl Poy Main role Delusyon Teenage drug addict 2014 Asintado (Between the Eyes) Tonio Main role; 10th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival entry 2015 Liwanag sa Dilim NikoLead role Bahay Ampunan

Television Year Title Role Notes 2008–2016 Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman Himself (performer) 2008 Joaquin Bordado Baloy Gagambino Peter's son 2009 Sine Novela: Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin? Elmer Ramos Stairway To Heaven young Tristan 2009–2010 SOP Fully Charged Himself (performer) 2010 First Time Sebastian "Baste" Luna Ilumina Eliseo Montero 2010–2013 Party Pilipinas Himself (performer) 2010–2012 Reel Love Presents Tween Hearts Jacob Vergara 2011 Captain Barbell Alden / Spin Pahiram ng Isang Ina Luke Velasco 2011–present Pepito Manaloto Chito Manaloto 2012–2013 Cielo de Angelina Marco Sevilla 2012 Alice Bungisngis and her Wonder Walis Ace Fernandez 2013 The Ryzza Mae Show Himself (guest) Home Sweet Home Benjie Caharian 2013–2015 Sunday All Stars Himself (performer) 2014–2015 Strawberry Lane Gabby "Gabo" Valentino 2015 The Ryzza Mae Show Himself (guest) Buena Familia Kevin Acosta Beautiful Strangers Aldrin Frestame 2016 Laff Camera Action Himself (presenter) Lip Sync Battle Philippines Himself (contestant) Episode: "Jake Vargas vs. Ken Chan" Oh, My Mama! Julio Sta. Ana 2017 Encantadia Gilas 2018 All-Star Videoke Himself (contestant) Kambal, Karibal Darren Olivar 2018–2019 Ika-5 Utos Carlo Manupil 2021 Ang Dalawang Ikaw Lucas Javier 2022 The Fake Life young Mark Special participation

Discography

Studio album Album Tracks Year Records Ngiti "Ngiti" "Kahit Umiwas Pa" "Basta't Kasama Kita" "Miss You Like Crazy" "When I Look into Your Eyes" "Maghihintay Sa'yo" "Sana'y Ako Na Lang" "Can Be Mine" "Kiss Me, Kiss Me" "Ngiti" 2010 Dyna Records

Awards and nominations + Jake Vargas Year Association Category Work Result Ref. 2010 58th FAMAS Awards German Moreno Youth Achievement Award 2011 3rd PMPC Star Awards for Music New Male Recording Artist Ngiti Gingtong Kabataan Awards Special Citation 2012 32nd Seal of Excellence, Dangal ng Bayan People's Choice Awards Best Inspiring Male Young Celebrity 43rd Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation Box Office Entertainment Awards Most Promising Loveteam for Movies & TV 32nd Huwarang Ina Award Most Outstanding Male Teleserye Artist 2013 33rd Seal of Excellence Awards Outstanding Young Actor 15th Gawad PASADO Awards PinakaPASADOng Dangal ng KABATAAN 2014 Yahoo! Celebrity Awards Celebrity Couple of the Year 2015 WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival Rising Star Asintado 63rd FAMAS Awards Best Actor 31st PMPC Star Awards for Movies Movie Supporting Actor of the Year Eastwood City Walk Of Fame Philippines Celebrity Inductee Winner