Dennis pours out 40% of his heart during meeting with daughter Julia

When Dennis Padilla and daughter Julia Barretto reconciled during a surprise meeting set up by Mariole Alberto of Star Magic at her office a week ago, they dissolved into each other’s arms in tears, bridging a seven-year gap monitored like a teleserye by national media.

“I was finally able to open up to Julia,” Dennis told Funfare in an exclusive interview the other day. “What I told her was 40 percent of what I have stored up in my heart all these years. There was not enough time. I don’t know when I can tell her the remaining 60 percent.”

During that meeting, Julia handed to Dennis four invitations to her debut on Tuesday, March 10, one for Dennis and the rest for Dennis’ family. All the Barrettos are expected to attend the event, including Claudine (sister of Julia’s mom Marjorie Barretto) and the Barretto matriarch Inday Barretto with whom Marjorie has also made peace.

Also invited by Julia herself is her Aunt Gretchen who is said to be engaged in a social-media word war with Marjorie. The two were former allies against Claudine and their mom in the prolonged family feud. If Gretchen doesn’t show up at the party, she will be left out in the cold and end up being perceived by the public as “negative” which is unfair to Gretchen who has a valid reason. She’s turning 45 tomorrow, March 6, and she’s celebrating her birthday abroad.

Funfare texted Gretchen what her decision was and she texted back: “I’m flying to London on Monday, March 9, after the Star Awards For Movies which falls on Sunday, March 8. I’m celebrating my birthday with my little one Dominique.” Gretchen is nominated for Best Supporting Actress (for The Trial); Dominique is taking up a course in fashion in London.

For a while during the meeting, Dennis and Julia were silent, just looking at each other.

“I was expecting to meet only Miss Mariole,” recalled Dennis. “When I entered the room, Julia stood up and gave me the invitation, ‘Papa, you come to my debut,’ giving me more invitations, ‘This is for Lola, for Ate Linda (Dennis’ partner) and for (Dennis and Linda’s kids Diane and Luis).’ Hindi ako nakakibo, hindi kaagad ako naka-react. I was just looking at her. Then, Miss Mariole reminded me, ‘Dennis, dalaga na ang anak mo, si Julia.’ I just said, ‘Yes, I know.’”

Dennis confirmed that since four months ago, he has consoled himself with the thought that he wouldn’t be invited to an important occasion in his daughter’s life.

“I have already conditioned my mind,” continued Dennis, “so when I got the invitation(s), nagulat ako.”

When he recovered from the initial shock, Dennis started pouring his heart out.

“Nilabas ko ang mga hindi ko nasabi kay Julia for seven years. The funny thing was that I was talking so fast na magkahalong English at Tagalog ang mga sinasabi ko,” adding, “I was crying slowly because while I was talking to Julia, bumabalik sa isip ko ‘yung pain na naipon for seven years.”

Julia was quiet, all she said was, “Pa, bakit ngayon mo lang sinabi sa akin ito?”

Dennis told her, “Siempre, because I wanted to protect your mother, all of you. When your mom and I broke up, you were only 10, Claudia was eight and Leon was three. You wouldn’t have understood; baka lalo lang kayong magalit sa akin. Now that you are grown up, I think it’s the right time for me to do it. Ma-i-intindihan n’yo na.”

He also told Julia, “You are my legitimate daughter. You don’t have to change your surname,” referring to a case Marjorie has filed to have Baldivia (Dennis’ real surname) legally changed to Barretto. “You are Julia Barretto Baldivia.”

At Dennis’ dressing room, Julia felt more relaxed, posing for pictures with her dad and even staying for a while to watch the taping of Deal Or No Deal (hosted by Luis Manzano) in which Dennis acts as one of the 20 Lucky Stars (that replaced the 24K Girls) who hold the briefcase containing the prize money.

Now that he and Julia have reconciled, will Dennis and Marjorie do the same?

“I don’t know,” said Dennis, “hindi ko alam kung makakapag-usap pa kami. The last time we saw each other was at the wake of Tita Cheling (former actress Cielito Legaspi) in September last year, hindi maganda. I want to forget that night kasi na-witness pa ni Julia ‘yung pangyayari.”

At the debut, Dennis will have the first dance with Julia who reminded him to come in his sartorial best. Asked if he will also dance with Marjorie, Dennis shook his head. “Hindi na kelangan siguro.”

What gift is he giving Julia?

“I still don’t know,” said Dennis. “It depends on my budget. Alam n’yo naman that I’m not earning so much these days.”

His only wish is for the family to get together even just for once, for Julia’s special day. “Pasayahin na lang namin ‘yung debut ng bata,” said Dennis. “But I hope that Julia’s debut will lead to lasting peace in the family. It’s a big step towards that direction.”

He has one reminder not just for Julia but for the other young members of the family caught in the family feud.

“I told Julia, ‘Huwag kayong sumali sa away-away ng matatanda.’ It’s sad that the children are dragged into the fight.”

By the way, when will Dennis pour out to Julia the other 60 percent stored up in his heart?

“If ever I get a chance. I just don’t know when.”

(See related story about Julia Barretto on Page C-8. For more on Dennis Padilla’s revelations, tune in to Startalk on Saturday, March 7, starting at 4 p.m. on GMA.)

What’s up?

• Jairus Jeofri “Jai” Pingree Esplana, 14, son of 1990 Bb. Pilipinas-International Jennifer Pingree (mother and son pictured) and former cager Gerry Esplana, was named 2015 Ideal Young Thomasian at the UST High School auditorium together with Alicia Lacap. Jai also won Best in Talent, Best in Uniform, Best in Theme Wear, Best in Formal Wear and Mister Photogenic. He’s a member of the UST High School basketball team. It’s the third time that a former beauty queen’s child has won in the search. In 2013 and 2014, 1984 Mutya ng Pilipinas Aurora Mandanas’ daughters Therese and Pauline won the same awards. Reigning Thomasian Youth Ambassador John Paul de Jesus is the son of the first-ever Ginoong Pilipinas Paul de Jesus.— FELIX MANUEL

• Oops! In yesterday’s Funfare, Jake Ejercito was identified as the son of San Juan City Mayor Guia Gomez by former Pres./Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada. Actually, Jake is one of the two children of Erap with Laarni Enriquez; the other is Jerika who has a love child by Bernard Palanca. Erap has only one son (Sen. JV Ejercito) with Mayor Guia and has three more with wife former Sen. Loi Ejercito…Sen. Jinggoy, Jude and Jackie. Any unaccounted for? Speak up now or be silent forever!

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