Dennis Padilla (left) and Leon Barretto. Images: Instagram/@dennisastig, Instagram/@theleonbarretto
Things seem to be looking up between Leon Barretto and his estranged dad Dennis Padilla, as Leon thanked the latter for his message on his 21st birthday.
Padilla took to his Instagram account on Tuesday, April 2, to show his love for Leon, complete with a handwritten greeting, saying, “Dear Leon Marcux, happy b-day anak. God bless you more!! We love you!! Papa.”
The actor-comedian’s post also contained an old photo of himself with his estranged son.
“Dear Leon… Happy birthday anak!! Love you… Hope to see you soon,” he wrote.
Leon then thanked Padilla in the comments section, referring to him as “Papa.”
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@dennisastig
The internet personality was also greeted by his mother, Marjorie Barretto, on her Instagram page, where she described him as the “best son” parents could “ever have.”
“You and me always. The best son one could ever have! Happy Birthday, Leon! I’m so blessed to be your Mom,” she said in her caption.
Leon is Padilla’s only son with Marjorie. The ex-couple also has two daughters: Julia and Claudia.
The internet personality is the actor-comedian’s second child to notice him on social media, months after Julia sent a short message to their dad on his 62nd birthday.
During a February 2024 interview, Padilla told reporters that Julia’s short message was the “best birthday gift” he received. He also expressed how he missed Leon and Claudia.
Leon made headlines in June 2022 after speaking up for his older sisters Julia and Claudia through an open letter, in an attempt to call out Padilla for his “public shaming” toward them.
Like Julia, he has since remained mum on matters concerning his family.