Content creator Leon Barretto expressed his gratitude towards his yaya Ninay who had been with him for 22 years. In an Instagram post, the celebrity son shared how bittersweet the moment was saying farewell to someone who took care of him while he was growing up.
Leon penned a heartfelt message for his yaya Ninay who will be going back to her hometown in Cebu.
“[I] had to say goodbye to my yaya of 22 years. Truly heartbreaking but happy knowing you finally get to rest and enjoy life back in Cebu. You have sacrificed so much for our family, especially for me, from the moment you chose to take care of me,” he wrote.
Yaya Ninay had been in Leon’s “every phase” of life–– from learning Tagalog to finishing his undergraduate degree in college.
“Would you believe that there was a time I was smaller than you 😂 You’ve guided me on the right path and taught me so many things, including how to speak Tagalog to the point you reviewed me almost every night for my Filipino subjects,” Leon added.
The social media influencer shared how grateful he is for his yaya Ninay who was patient with him all throughout the 22 years that they’ve been together.
“I’m sorry for being such a kulit and pasaway kid growing up 🫠 but because of your discipline towards me, i have become a better person. 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, and most of all, for never leaving mom, helping her take care of us, protect us, and love us like your own,” he expressed.
For Leon, the retirement of yaya Ninay is “well-deserved” after being with their family for more than two decades.
READ: Marjorie Barretto proud of son Leon’s academic achievements
Meanwhile, Leon’s family expressed their gratitude and bid farewell to yaya Ninay in the comment section. Other relatives shared how much impact the newly-retired house helper had given to them.
“I would not have survived all those years without Manang Ninay. We love you,” Marjorie Barretto commented.
“Oh God I’m crying again! 😢😢😢 we love you so much Manang Ninay,” Dani Barretto added.