Paul Christian Ocampo

Designer Jo Rubio shares story behind Aika Robredo's wedding gown using Jesse Robredo's barongs

Article (news)

E. Kristhoff Cagape

Push Team

<p>Fashion designer Jo Rubio shared his experience working with Aika Robredo in repurposing the barongs of her late father, Jesse Robredo, into her wedding gown.</p><p>In an Instagram post, Jo described the collaboration as deeply meaningful, noting Aika&#x27;s clear vision and trust throughout the creative process.</p><p>&quot;Working with @aikarobredo was an absolute joy. She knew what she wanted from the very start and gave me complete trust in handling something so precious to her family,&quot; he remarked.</p><p>The designer highlighted that the gown was crafted with great care, transforming the former Secretary of the Interior and Local Government&#x27;s barongs into a piece that served as both a fashion statement and a deeply personal tribute.</p><p>&quot;Every piece of the barong was treated with the utmost care, meticulously repurposed, thoughtfully placed, and entirely hand-sewn. What emerged was a piña tapestry—one that became more than a visual statement. It became a love letter to her father-the late Jesse Robredo, a tender tribute to a man remembered for his service, integrity, and quiet strength,&quot; he said.</p><p>Jo concluded his post by saying: &quot;This gown was not just worn. It was felt. ❤️&quot;</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-12" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DS2C5lNk4Np/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A12%2C%22os%22%3A8063905.5%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1158" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-12" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Netizens online were quick to react to Jo&#x27;s post.</p><p>&quot;Without knowing the back story of the gown, maganda na sya talaga. And even more nung nashare kung san galing ung ibang pieces. A love letter to her father, indeed,&quot; one netizen commented.</p><p>&quot;What a gorgeous gown and such a touching way to honor her father. Congratulations,&quot; another netizen said.</p><p>On Monday, December 29, Naga City Mayor and former Vice President Leni Robredo posted a photo of Aika in her wedding gown and revealed the heartwarming detail behind its design.</p><p>&quot;Aika&#x27;s wedding gown was lovingly crafted from her Papa&#x27;s old barongs, making sure that he was honored and cherished on such an important milestone,&quot; Leni wrote.</p><p>Meanwhile, in another post, Leni shared a symbolic presence she believes represents her late husband during Aika&#x27;s wedding to Jim Guzman.</p><p>&quot;Since Jesse left us 13 years ago, a brown moth, almost always, suddenly appears during birthdays, anniversaries, important family events, and never leaves until the day is over.  Last night, at the wedding reception, he was there again, from start to finish,&quot; she shared.</p>

<p>Fashion designer Jo Rubio shares his experience collaborating with Aika Robredo in creating the latter's wedding gown. </p>

Fashion designer Jo Rubio shares his experience collaborating with Aika Robredo in creating the latter's wedding gown.