Aika Robredo, sisters, mom Leni wear dresses made with Jesse Robredo's barongs

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December 30, 2025 | 10:28am

MANILA, Philippines — Aika Robredo, daughter of former vice president Leni Robredo, honored her late father Jesse Robredo by incorporating the former Department of the Interior and Local Government secretary's barongs into her wedding dress.

The current Naga City, Camarines Sur mayor Leni revealed on social media that Aika's dress—crafted by bridal wear designer by Jo Rubio—was made from Jesse's barong during her wedding to Jim Guzman last December 29.

This as Leni explained was so her late husband who passed away in 2012 would be "honored and cherished on such an important milestone".

In an Instagram post, Jo said it was an absolute joy working with the eldest Robredo daughter, noting Aika knew what she wanted early on and gave the designer "complete trust to handle something so precious".

"Every piece of the barong was treated with the utmost care, meticulously repurposed, thoughtfully placed, and entirely hand-sewn," Jo said. "What emerged was a piña tapestry—one that became more than a visual statement."

The designer described the creation as a "love letter" to Jesse as well as a "tender tribute to a man remembered for his service, integrity, and quiet strength," ending with the reflection the gown was "not just worn, it was felt".

Other barongs of Jesse's were incorporated into Leni's dress during Aika's wedding as well as the Bianca Cordero-designed gowns of other daughters Tricia and Jillian who served as Aika's maids of honor.

Aika is currently a strategy execution manager for a fintech company and a part-time lecturer at the Ateneo de Manila University.

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