Actor-comedian Dennis Padilla reached out to his children this Christmas despite previously declaring a “permanent goodbye” amid their long-standing family rift.
In a recent Instagram post, Padilla shared a photo of his children and addressed them directly in his message.
“Dearest Julia, Claui, Leon, Gavin, and Maddie, Merry Christmas mga anak. Love you all,” Dennis wrote.
He added in the caption, “Love you all mga anak… God bless you more.”
The greeting came months after Padilla publicly expressed deep disappointment over his relationship with his children, particularly following the wedding of his daughter Claudia Barretto to longtime partner Basti Lorenzo earlier this year.
In previous interviews, Padilla said he felt hurt after allegedly being treated as a “guest” during the wedding, claiming he had expected to play a more significant role as the bride’s father. He said that had he been informed earlier that he would not be part of the entourage or program, he would have reconsidered attending.
At the height of the issue, Padilla stated that he was giving his children a “permanent goodbye,” saying he was already exhausted from trying to fix their strained relationship.
“This is a permanent goodbye. Maybe the last time that you will see me, sa loob na ng kabaong ko ’yon… Anak ko kayo eh,” he said at the time.
Padilla shares his children Julia Barretto, Claudia, and Leon Barretto with his former wife, actress Claudine Barretto, who has previously denied allegations that she was keeping the children away from him.
Following the controversy, members of the Barretto family also spoke out. Leon earlier addressed his father in a public letter, questioning why private family matters were repeatedly aired online. After Claudia’s wedding, their sister Dani Barretto urged the newlyweds to protect their peace and not let outside issues overshadow the moment.
