Photo credit: Gene Padilla

It was supposed to be a proud, emotional day for any father — walking your daughter down the aisle, celebrating her new chapter, and maybe shedding a few happy tears. But for Dennis Padilla, Claudia Barretto’s wedding turned out to be something else entirely… and not in a good way.

In a now-viral post from comedian Gene Padilla, who’s Dennis’ cousin, he shared a heartfelt and honestly heartbreaking behind-the-scenes account of what really went down at Claudia’s wedding. “Ngayon lang po ako magsasalita…” he began, recalling how he and their mother woke up early, traveling all the way from Bulacan to Alabang, excited to witness the big day.

But nothing could’ve prepared them for what followed.

Gene said that Dennis, the bride’s own father, was not included in the wedding program. That means — no walk down the aisle with Claudia, no spot in the entourage, and no real role in the ceremony. “Ngayon lang ako nakawitness ng kasal na di part ng program ang ama ng bride,” Gene shared. When they asked where their mom (Claudia’s grandmother) should sit, they were told “kahit saan.” And Dennis? He was directed to sit somewhere near the godparents, far from the spotlight.

The most heartbreaking part? Dennis quietly moved to the back of the church with Gene, where he broke down in tears. “Napaluha at napaiyak si Kuya sa mga nangyari,” Gene said. And honestly, who wouldn’t?

After the ceremony, they didn’t even stay for the reception — they took a photo with the newlyweds and left.

Gene’s frustration was clear in his post. He expressed how painful it was to see his cousin treated like just a guest on what should have been one of the biggest days of his life as a father. “Ang tagal na panahon na nanunuyo at humihingi ng atensyon ama niyo sa inyo mga anak,” he wrote, clearly directing his words to Claudia and her siblings.

In a now-deleted Instagram Story, Dennis Padilla himself echoed the same sentiment, posting a handwritten note that read:

“Grabe kayo! Nabudol niyo ako! Father of the bride naging visitor! Galing niyo!”

While the reasons behind the exclusion remain unclear, and the Barretto family has yet to release a statement, one thing’s certain — the emotional toll it took on Dennis and his side of the family is real, raw, and painful to witness.

It’s a reminder that no amount of glitz, glam, or grandeur can cover up what really matters: family, respect, and being present for each other when it counts the most.