As the year drew to a close, Aika Robredo, the eldest daughter of former Vice President and current Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo and the late Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary Jesse Robredo, exchanged vows with her longtime partner, Jim Guzman, on December 29.
Mayor Leni shared a deeply meaningful detail about her daughter’s wedding gown. In her post, she revealed that the gown was created using Jesse Robredo’s old barongs, writing, “Aika’s wedding gown was lovingly crafted from her Papa’s old barongs, making sure that he was honored and cherished on such an important milestone.”
The tribute extended beyond the bride, as Aika’s sisters Tricia and Jill, along with Mayor Leni herself, also incorporated barong-inspired accents into their dresses. The subtle yet touching detail reflected the family’s continued love and remembrance of their father, as seen in Jill’s Instagram story and posts shared by the wedding’s makeup artist.
Designer Jo Rubio, who crafted Aika’s gown, also shared insights into the creation process. In his post, he said, “She knew what she wanted from the very start and gave me complete trust in handling something so precious to her family. Every piece of the barong was treated with the utmost care, meticulously repurposed, thoughtfully placed, and entirely hand-sewn.”
He further explained the emotional depth behind the gown, adding, “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. This gown was not just worn. It was felt,” while also showcasing close-up details of the intricate design.
Meanwhile, on December 30, Mayor Leni shared another heartfelt moment from the wedding, recalling the presence of a brown moth during the celebration. In her caption, she wrote, “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.”
