Alfred Vargas joins the ‘younger self’ AI photo trend and leaves life lessons
The “meeting your younger self” AI photo trend has taken over social media feeds, with ordinary Filipinos and celebrities alike posting side-by-side images of their adult and childhood selves. More than just a digital throwback, the trend has become a way of reflecting on how far people have come — and what they’d say to the little kid they once were.
Sample AI-generated shots of Korean boy group BTS posted by Facebook page “Mama Che and family”:
Actor and public servant Alfred Vargas recently joined the bandwagon with a striking image: his grown-up self leaning casually against a wall, smiling down at a little boy in a school uniform — his younger self. But it was his caption, a letter titled “Para sa Batang Ako,” that truly stood out. Instead of simply looking back, Alfred used the moment to pass on timeless life lessons, not only to his younger self but to everyone reading.
Here’s the full Tagalog text:
“PARA SA BATANG AKO,
Maging matapang ka sa pagharap sa mga hamon ng buhay. Huwag kang matakot magkamali dahil doon ka matututo.
Huwag kang matakot sa sasabihin ng iba basta’t alam mo kung sino ka talaga at wala kang inaapakan na iba.
Lagi mong tandaan na ang tunay na tagumpay ay hindi nasusukat sa pera o posisyon, kundi sa naitulong mo sa kapwa at kung ikaw ba ay nakapagdala ng magandang pagbabago sa buhay ng iba.
Mahalin mo ang pamilya mo, lalo na ang iyong Nanay at Tatay. Hindi sila forever nandyan. Every moment counts.
Galangin mo ang lahat ng tao, anuman ang kanilang estado, at ipaglaban mo ang tama kahit mahirap.
Huwag mong kalimutan ang pangarap mo-isang araw, magagamit mo ang boses at talento mo para matulungan ang iba na maabot din nila ang kanilang mga pangarap.
Gawin mo ang lahat Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam… All for the greater glory of God (emojis)”
Here are the key takeaways from Alfred Vargas’ post — lessons worth carrying in today’s fast-paced world:
1. Be brave and embrace mistakes.
Life will throw challenges your way, and mistakes are part of the process. For Alfred, courage means facing setbacks head-on and learning from them.
2. Stay true to yourself.
Don’t let the opinions of others define you. What matters is knowing who you are and making sure you never step on anyone just to get ahead.
3. Redefine success.
Money and position don’t equate to real success. Instead, it’s about how much you’ve helped others and whether you’ve created positive change in their lives.
4. Treasure family while you can.
Parents and loved ones won’t always be there. “Every moment counts,” Alfred wrote, reminding us to cherish time with family before it’s too late.
5. Respect everyone and fight for what is right.
Regardless of status, every person deserves respect. Alfred also urges us to defend what is right, even when it’s difficult.
6. Pursue your dreams, but use your gifts for others.
Dreams are important, but so is using your voice and talents to help others reach theirs.
7. Keep faith at the center.
As an Atenean, Alfred closes with the Jesuit motto “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam” — all for the greater glory of God. For him, faith ties everything together.
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Alfred elevated the AI trend into something more meaningful. He provided a rundown of reminders that life isn’t about perfection, but about courage, compassion, and purpose. By blending a viral digital fad with heartfelt wisdom, he proves that looking back isn’t just about remembering where you came from — it’s also about guiding how you move forward in life, while embracing your inner child.
