Yasmine Vargas, wife of Quezon City District 5 Councilor Alfred Vargas, took to Instagram to celebrate the successful return of her son, Cristiano, to competitive swimming after what she described as months of challenges and setbacks.
A proud mother, Yasmine shared that Cristiano recently competed in the Milo Swim Competition, his first major meet after an extended absence from the sport.
“After months of serious challenges, setbacks, and deprived opportunities, Cristiano was finally able to compete in swimming once again. And what a comeback it was,” Yasmine wrote on the social media platform.
According to Yasmine, the young swimmer delivered his strongest performances to date, recording personal best times in all of his events. “Returning to the pool at the Milo Swim Competition after a long absence from the sport he loves so much, he delivered his best performances yet, improving in every single event and posting personal best times across the board,” she said.
The achievement was made even more meaningful, according to Yasmine, by Cristiano’s ability to compete against older swimmers. She said, “What made it even more special was seeing him race with the bigger kids in the 9–10-year-old division and show his strength in the pool.” Yasmine praised her son for remaining determined despite difficulties he encountered over the past several months.
“Cristiano persevered and never gave up despite all the noise, obstacles, and distractions. He stayed focused, trusted the process, and rose to the occasion,” she raved online. The boy’s efforts paid off when he was named the most outstanding swimmer during the competition.
“On his long-awaited return to competition, he earned Most Outstanding Swimmer (MOS), Category A, making it his second consecutive year as a Most Outstanding Swimmer at the Milo Competition,” Yasmine proudly shared.
The achievement comes months after Cristiano became the subject of a public dispute involving his parents, actor and former congressman Alfred Vargas and Yasmine Vargas, and fellow swimming parents Rob Sy and Juvelle Bacosa.
Earlier this year, the Manila Prosecutors’ Office dismissed a criminal complaint filed by the Vargas couple. The couple has since filed a Motion for Reconsideration, arguing that prosecutors allegedly applied the wrong law and failed to fully consider evidence they submitted. The motion remains pending. Sy and Bacosa, for their part, have publicly addressed the controversy in a detailed interview with showbiz reporter and Youtuber Ogie Diaz.
In her post, Yasmine also expressed gratitude to those who helped Cristiano make his return to the pool. She gave special recognition to retired coach Manny Thruelen for mentoring her son during a difficult period. “Our deepest gratitude to Coach Manny Thruelen for taking Cristiano under your wing even though you are already retired from coaching,” she expressed. “Thank you for welcoming him, believing in him when he needed it most, and generously sharing your time, knowledge, and heart. Your guidance, patience, and unwavering support helped make this comeback possible. We will always be grateful for the impact you have made on Cristiano’s journey.”
Yasmine likewise thanked members of the swimming community, Cristiano’s former teammates, and his previous coaches for their encouragement.
“Thank you as well to the swimming community for the warmth, support, and love we received that day. Thank you to our former Brittany Swimming Team for cheering Cristiano on,” she said. “And thanks also to his former coaches, Coach Gary and Coach JM, for their continued support and for cheering him on despite no longer being his coaches.”
As part of her reflection, Yasmine said the experience reinforced the value of perseverance and character. She reminded, “Hard work always rewards those who persevere and trust the long and arduous process. The stopwatch never lies. Genuine character transcends distortion & distractions. And God really protects and blesses the good and faithful hearted.”
She ended her message with a heartwarming note to her son, “We are so proud of you, anak!”
