In a heartfelt social media post that quickly gained traction online, comedian Gene Padilla, brother of actor Dennis Padilla, shared a deeply emotional account of their family’s experience during the wedding of Dennis’ daughter, Claudia Barretto. What was supposed to be a joyous celebration turned bittersweet as Dennis—Claudia’s father—was not given a role in the ceremony, leaving his family hurt and disheartened.
“Ngayon lang po ako magsasalita…” Gene began, recounting how he, their mother, and Dennis made early preparations to attend the wedding. Coming all the way from Bulacan to Alabang, Gene recalled how their mother excitedly rose at 5 a.m., mirroring the anticipation Dennis felt for this milestone event in his daughter’s life.
But what awaited them was a moment no parent ever expects to experience at their child’s wedding.
“Ngayon lang ako nakawitness ng kasal na di part ng program ang ama ng bride,” Gene revealed. Despite arriving early at the church, they were surprised to learn that Dennis wasn’t included in the entourage, nor was he assigned a proper seat close to the altar. “Nagtanong kami kung saan uupo ang nanay namin… ang sabi kahit saan. At yung ama, dun na lang daw tumabi sa mga ninong.”
With no place in the ceremony, Gene and Dennis chose to move quietly to the back of the church. “Napaluha at napaiyak si kuya sa mga nangyari,” Gene shared. “Naawa din ako sa nanay ko kasi naiyak na rin. Naramdaman ko yung sakit na naramdaman ng kapatid at nanay ko, dahil ama din ako.”
His post resonated deeply with many netizens, who expressed sympathy and support for the Padilla family. Gene emphasized the years Dennis spent trying to mend his relationship with his children. “Ang tagal na panahon na nanunuyo at humihingi ng atensyon ang ama niyo sa inyo…”
Though hurt, Gene ended his message not in anger, but with quiet dignity. “Sanay kami sa hirap at di talaga kami nababagay sa inyo. Pero pinagkaiba namin sa inyo ay ‘yung puso namin at dignidad — ‘di niyo kaya pantayan.”
He concluded his post with a powerful rhetorical question: “Kahit magtanong kayo sa ibang magulang, tama ba o mali ang ginawa niyo sa tatay niyo?”
As of writing, no public response has been issued by Claudia or members of the Barretto family regarding Gene and Dennis Padilla’s sentiments.