Dennis Padilla says daughter Julia has introduced Joshua Garcia to him

Dennis Padilla via Instagram

Veteran comedian-turned-director Dennis Padilla said that his daughter Julia Barretto has already introduced his on-screen partner and rumored boyfriend Joshua Garcia to him.

Barretto and Garcia are today one of the most sough-after young love teams. They show sweetness for each other off cam, which shows they are in a relationship.

The entertainment press has caught up with the father of the actress at Friday’s  media launch of his directorial debut, “The Barker (Don’t know What to Do)” as he shared how he met Garcia.

“‘Nung Father’s day kasi sabi niya (Julia Barretto) mag-di-dinner daw kami. Tapos pag dating niya nakita ko nga may kasama siya, ‘yun nga si Joshua and without explaining ibig sabihin gusto niya ipakilala sa’kin. Siguro kung ilan man ang nanliigaw kay Julia, para ipakilala mo sa tatay mo itong lalaki na to, ito ‘yung may tsansang maging boyfriend mo pero nung tinanong ko, sabi ko sa kanya, nanliligaw ba sa’yo to, sabi niya, tanong mo sa kanya,” Padilla said. 

However, even before their meet-up, Padilla said he had already checked Garcia’s background. Finding out that he comes from a good family and observing his good qualities, he has given the boy his approval. Padilla made it clear to Garcia that he is only after the happiness of his daughter.

“‘Nung tinanong ko kay Joshua sabi ko, okay ka sabi ko bago pa kita nakilala bini-I na kita, yes, inalam ko pamilya. Mabait na bata, magalang, and I’m sure magiging mabait siya na partner ni Julia. Sabi ko lang kay Joshua, ang mahalaga lang naman mamahalin mo ‘yung anak ko eh, ‘wag mo lang sasaktan, ‘wag mo lang lolokohin, ako naman komedyante naman ako pag sinaktan mo ‘yan saka niloko mo yan magiging action star ako kaya nga action-comedy ang dini-direct ko,” he said with humor. 

The comedian-director also praised Garcia for being thoughtful. Since the first time they met, the 20-year-old actor has been trying to win Padilla’s favor.

“Saka sweet naman ‘yung bata, there was one time nga nung nag-da-dubbing ako, tinext niya ko sabi niya, ‘Tito, where are you?’ Sabi ko ‘I’m editing.’ Sabi ko, nag-e-edit ako ng “The Barker” tapos sabi niya, ‘Ano kasi meron ako padadala, kaso baka di na ako makapagdala kasi may taping ako I will just send it anyway’, tapos ayun dumating nga, alak. Nagpapa good shot,” he added. 

Padilla approves of Garcia, feels they are together now

Seeing the happiness of her daughter, Padilla does not see any reason why he won’t approve of Garcia. He also feels that Garcia leads the race of Barretto’s admirers since he is the only one as of yet that his daughter has introduced to him.

“Oo boto ako, mukhang okay silang dalawa eh ‘di ba. Saka ang importante mahal niya si Julia, si Julia naman kung mahal din siya eh di okay naman dahil 20 years old naman na si Julia and Julia naman is very intelligent. Siya pa lang ang pinakilala sa ‘kin. May na-chismis dati pero di naman napakilala sa ‘kin. Sabi ko makakalamang na yung pinapakilala sa magulang,” he said. 

With their obvious endearment, Padilla feels the two are actually officially together. Seeing the affectionate photos of the two on social media together, he’s sure those sweet moments definitely mean something. In fact, he encourages them to finally reveal their real score.

“Palagay ko syota na ni Julia ‘yun eh, sa mga galaw ah. May mga picture dun sa Instagram minsan magkahawak yung kamay, magkayakap. Saka ‘pag hindi naman kayo mag-boyfriend ‘di ka naman papayag ng magkahawak kayo ng kamay all the way, magkayakap, magbubulungan, siguro mag-boyfriend na ‘yun. ‘Di lang umaamin, pero bagay naman kayo kaya pwede na kayo umamin,” he said. 

Under Viva Films and Black Pages Productions, “The Barker (Don’t Know What to Do)” is Padilla’s directorial debut. Top-billed by comedian Empoy Marquez and Viva Artists Agency talent Shy Carlos, the movie is set to hit cinemas nationwide on Oct. 25. /ra

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