Gene Padilla explains why he uses Padilla instead of his real surname Baldivia

- Gene Padilla explained in a viral live video why he uses the surname Padilla instead of his legal surname Baldivia

- He said Padilla was the screen name of their late father, Dencio Padilla, which he and his brother Dennis adopted to honor their father’s legacy

- Their family supposedly consulted a lawyer and received authorization to use Padilla even for legal documents and bank accounts

- The video went viral as Gene and Dennis face online criticism, which came amid attention surrounding their reaction to Claudia Barretto’s wedding

Comedian Gene Padilla addressed criticism in a now-viral live video, clarifying why he uses the surname “Padilla” instead of his legal surname, Baldivia.

Gene explained that “Padilla” was originally the screen name used by his late father, Dencio Padilla, a respected comedian and actor in the Philippine entertainment industry. In recognition of their father’s showbiz legacy, both Gene and his brother, Dennis Padilla, adopted the same screen surname.

He also claimed that their family had consulted with a lawyer, and that Dencio Padilla was granted authorization to use the Padilla name not only in entertainment but also in legal documents such as bank accounts. This legal flexibility extended to his children, including Gene and Dennis, allowing them to use the name in various official capacities.

The timing of the video coincided with heightened public interest in Gene and Dennis, who recently went viral for airing their disappointment over not being invited to Claudia Barretto’s wedding — a claim that Claudia’s mother, Marjorie Barretto, has since denied.

Amid the online criticism, Gene clarified that the use of the Padilla name is not an act of deception but a continuation of their father’s legacy.

The viral live video was from Ice Cream Yummy Guy and was reposted on TikTok by yikaxg:

Dennis Padilla, born Dennis Esteban Dominguez Baldivia on February 9, 1962, is a Filipino entertainer known for his work as a comedian and actor. He is the son of the late comedian Dencio Padilla. Over the years, he has been featured in numerous films and television series, showcasing his versatility as a performer. In his personal life, Dennis was married to actress Marjorie Barretto from 1995 until their annulment in 2009. The couple has three children: Julia, Claudia, and Leon. Dennis is now estranged from his children with Marjorie.

As previously reported by KAMI, Dennis Padilla dedicated a song to his children. He took to Instagram to share a video of him singing 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.' The celebrity dad could not help but turn emotional while singing. The veteran actor also showed his hand-written note expressing his love for his children.

Meanwhile, Dennis Padilla and his children Gavin and Maddie were reunited. The veteran actor took to social media to share a photo of the emotional moment they had during their reunion. As seen in the snapshot, Dennis warmly hugged his beloved kids. As per the celebrity dad, he did not see Gavin and Maddie for four years.

Source: KAMI.com.gh