As the youngest child of Marjorie Barretto with ex-husband Dennis Padilla, many would have assumed that Leon Barretto would also be following in his parents' footsteps into showbiz. After graduating from college last year, Leon chose to move out of the family home and pursue a career as a full-time content creator instead. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Integrated Marketing Communication from the University of Asia and the Pacific.
PUSH ABS-CBN caught up with Leon during the Uratex World Sleep Day event held in Pasay City last March 13 where he explained how he came to that decision on what path to pursue after finishing his studies.
“I’ll be completely honest, I’ve always wanted to do showbiz. I’m very passionate when it comes to the craft, especially acting. But I don’t know, I think there was something in me that was quite hesitant because I still want to enter the industry prepared. I don’t want to get into something that I really don’t know of. I do know the ropes a little bit, but I think I need to hone my craft before entering it. But also, I enjoy the little privacy that I have. And I feel like I just acknowledged that the world is so big. You know I’m 23 years old and I kind of want to study more. I think showbiz will always be there, but I want to take masters, I want to start my own business, I want to do a lot of things. I don’t want to be locked out, di ba? Showbiz will always be there. So let’s see,” he said.
The 23-year-old content creator and Uratex ambassador also shared how he really feels whenever he gets teased that he is the male version of his older sister Julia, because of their resemblance.
“I don’t mind it na (laughs). You know what, it’s just like, tell me something I don’t know at this point. Yeah, I am aware that that’s mostly my comments, but I’m okay. I mean, it’s my sister and I love her so I have no complaints. Hindi ko na binibigyan ng relevance yun. Yung mga netizens, they’re just trying to be funny, so ayun,” he admitted.
Having grown up in the limelight as part of a showbiz family, Leon shared that there is nothing extra special about his everyday life and that he enjoys doing regular things just like any member of Gen Z.
“Actually, you know what, believe it or not, I do whatever anyone does, you know. I do food trips with friends, I love putting myself out there, I just go around Metro Manila, I like doing new experiences. I take the MRT. I love taking the jeep. I love eating street food. And I don’t know why a lot of people have a misconception and are shocked to know those little facts. But believe it or not, I love the FIlipino culture so I’m just an ordinary Filipino. I do whatever everyone does. I love it so much,” he said.
For those who have yet to follow him on social media, Leon shared what people can expect when they watch his content.
“You know what, at the end of the day, whatever I put out there, whether it be TikTok, Instagram, or my YouTube, I make it a point that it’s very authentic and it’s me. A lot of people keep asking what sets you apart from the others, I can’t really give you an answer because I’m just being myself. But I think, if you’re yourself, even though it’s cliche, that’s what really sets you apart from everyone. So I just share bits and pieces of what my life is like working as a content creator, being with family and being with friends, and just having fun, as a 23-year-old post-graduate,” he explained.