Actor-comedian Dennis Padilla was all smiles as he welcomed his 62nd birthday last February 9.

This is all thanks to a birthday greeting from Julia Barretto, his daughter with former wife Marjorie Barretto.

“Julia, thank you at nag-text ka sa akin nung birthday ko,” shared Dennis proudly in a video during a get-together with showbiz colleagues after they attended the senate hearing on the Eddie Garcia Bill ten days after his birthday. In the said video taken by Senator Robin Padilla, it can be seen how proud and happy Dennis was in sharing this positive update with his friends.

He also took the opportunity to show support for Julia’s movie project. The said movie talks of a May-December relationship between a mentor and student, bound by their shared love for music.

“Yung movie ni Julia, palabas pa,” he shared. “Panoorin ninyo, kasama si Aga Muhlach, Ikaw Pa rin ang Pipiliin Ko." The movie opened in theaters on February 7.

It is no secret that Dennis has been struggling with his estranged relationship with his children, particularly the ones he shares with Marjorie.

Last Christmas, Marjorie and her children enjoyed a vacation together in the United States. With her were her eldest daughter Dani Barretto-Panlilio, along with her husband Xavi and daughter Millie. Also present were Julia Barretto and her boyfriend Gerald Anderson, as well as Marjorie’s only son, Leon, and two youngest daughters, Claudia, and Erich.

“Peaceful, simple, meaningful, and most of all complete,” described Marjorie of their time together. “Thank you, Lord.”

READ: Marjorie Barretto on spending the holidays with her children: ‘My heart is super full’

Dennis Padilla greets his kids via handwritten message on social media

Meanwhile, Dennis had to be content with posting a handwritten greeting to greet his kids on social media. Aside from Julia, Claudia, and Leon, Dennis also has five other children. Diane and Luis are his children with Monina Gatus, while Rizzi, Gavin, and Maddie are his children with Linda Gorton.

READ: Dennis Padilla greets his kids via handwritten message on social media

Julia’s birthday greeting has Dennis’s supporters hoping that this is a sign that their father-daughter relationship is on the road to healing and mending past hurts.

In a vlog back in 2022, Julia acknowledged the rift that has grown between her siblings and their father. Nevertheless, she also did not close any doors on eventually healing their relationship and resolving conflict.

“I'm not sure if it can ever be the same again, but I do hope for healing and just ma-resolve,” said Julia.