Dennis Padilla says he refuses to let heartbreak define him as he continues to hope for the day he can rebuild his relationship with his children, even after some of them chose to legally drop the surname “Baldivia.”

Speaking with reporters, the actor-comedian acknowledged the emotional weight of the situation but said his faith keeps him moving forward.

“Well ganun naman talaga e, siyempre habang tumatawid ka sa mga pagsubok, kailangan tawiran mo lang siya with dignity, tawiran mo lang siya ng buong tapang at sigurado akong nababasa naman ng Panginoon kung ano ang laman ng puso mo,” he said.

His statement comes after Claudia Barretto’s successful petition to remove “Baldivia” from her legal name, following a similar move made by her sister Julia Barretto years earlier.

Despite the developments, Dennis stressed that his children are already capable of making their own decisions, adding that a parent’s greatest wish is simply to see their children happy.

“Adults na sila e. All of them are adults, they can decide. Sabi ko nga, sa magulang, kapag masaya ang anak niya, kung ano man ang desisyon na iyon, kapag masaya ang anak, automatic iyon, masaya ang magulang,” he shared.

While accepting their choices, Dennis admitted he still longs for a chance to reconnect with them.

“I’m still hoping na sana before September magka-usap man lang kami,” he said.

He also appealed to the public to remain respectful whenever discussions about their family arise.

“Respeto na lang din natin iyung mga negative o positive opinions. Respect on their opinions. Ganun tayo e, Pilipino tayo, nagbibigayan tayo ng respeto sa opinion ng bawat isa,” he said.

Dennis likewise dismissed claims that his social media posts are meant as indirect messages for his children.

“Never naman ako nagpaparinig sa social media e. Nagpo-post ako, ano ba iyung mga post ko? Happy birthday, Merry Christmas, Happy Valentine’s,” he explained.

After sharing a copy of Claudia’s court petition on Instagram, Dennis also made it clear that his love for his daughter remains unchanged despite the painful decision.

“Kung ang lungkot ko ay kasiyahan mo, anak… Hindi magbabago ang pagmamahal ko sa’yo, Claudia.”

He later added, “Love you, Claui. I respect your decision, malungkot lang talaga.”

Though the family remains estranged, Dennis said he continues to hold on to hope, believing that time and understanding may eventually open the door to reconciliation.