24-06-2025
Leon Barretto bids farewell to yaya of 22 years: 'Enjoy your well-deserved retirement'
Leon Barretto penned a heartfelt tribute to his long-time yaya, as she officially retired after 22 years of service to the Barretto family.
On Instagram, Leon shared a photo of himself with his yaya, whom he affectionately calls "Manang," along with a lengthy appreciation message.
'You have sacrificed so much for our family, especially for me, from the moment you chose to take care of me,' Leon said.
"You've been there through every phase of my life—from kinder all the way to me finishing college," he added.
He reminisced about growing up under his yaya's care, recalling how she patiently helped him learn to speak Tagalog and even reviewed him nightly for his Filipino subjects.
Leon also admitted to being a 'kulit' and 'pasaway' kid, but credits Manang's guidance for shaping him into the person he is today.
'I'll never forget the times you picked me up from school, carried me on your back from my room to the living room just so I could wake up and eat,' he said.
More than just a yaya, Leon said that Manang was a constant source of love and support not only to him but to the entire Barretto household.
"Most of all, thank you for never leaving Mom—helping her take care of us, protect us, and love us like your own," he said.
Leon ended his tribute with a message of love and a wish for her to "enjoy your well-deserved retirement.'
Leon is the son of Marjorie Barretto and her former partner, Dennis Padilla.
The ex-couple also have daughters, Julia Barretto and Claudia Barretto, who got married in April to Basti Lorenzo.
—Hermes Joy Tunac/JCB, GMA Integrated News
