In a touching Father’s Day special uploaded on YouTube, former actress Queenie Padilla paid tribute to her father, actor-turned-senator Robin Padilla, describing him as a “provider” and “not corrupt,” while celebrating his deep influence on her life and values.
The special interview was hosted by Queenie’s stepmother, television personality Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla, who is married to the senator. In the candid sit-down, Queenie described her father as a misunderstood man who is, in reality, one of the kindest people she knows.
“Everybody calls him a bad boy. But deep inside, he’s actually the kindest human being,” Queenie said, challenging the long-standing public persona of her father. She also highlighted Robin’s generosity and unwavering dedication to Islamic values. “He is really a living example of a good Muslim,” she said.
Queenie, who left showbiz and embraced Islam more fully in recent years, credited her father as one of the most influential figures in her spiritual journey. “Maybe at a younger age, I wasn’t able to appreciate it […] But Papa’s a big part of my journey to Islam, and I’ll be forever grateful to him.”
When asked what she considers her father’s greatest strength, Queenie did not hesitate. “Brave. Responsible. Kind. Provider and not corrupt,” she proudly declared. “Papa is never corrupt. He’s a man of values, principles, morals, and integrity. I’m so proud of him.”
Queenie also reflected on their strict but meaningful upbringing under Robin. She recounted how he raised her and her sister, actress Kylie Padilla, with discipline and physical training. “He trained us like actual soldiers. He would wake us up in the morning; we would jog, we would train,” she shared. “When I turned 15 and my sister was 13, he brought us to Thailand to train in Muay Thai for three months. We were like boys.”
Robin Padilla has four children with his former wife, Liezl Sicangco, including Queenie and Kylie, and two younger daughters with his current wife, Mariel. Despite his busy career in politics, Queenie’s words painted a picture of a man whose values remain centered on family, faith, and integrity—qualities she believes are worth celebrating this Father’s Day.