A certified public accountant and Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Dubai has experienced a deeply emotional moment during his holiday visit to the Philippines. Returning home on Christmas Day to surprise his family in Cavite, John Robinson Asedillo Leonardo was met with an unexpected celebration on December 29, 2024, honoring his ten years of hard work and sacrifice as their breadwinner.
Inspired by Vice Ganda’s MMFF 2024 film “And the Breadwinner Is…”, the tribute featured a crown, sash, bouquet of flowers, and heartfelt gifts, recognizing Leonardo’s dedication to providing for his family despite being away for years.
“I’ve always felt appreciated by my family, but this time was different. They put so much effort into showing me that all the struggles and sacrifices I endured were worth it,” Leonardo shared in a Philippine Star report. “Parang lahat ng sakit, challenges, at hirap—lahat naging worth it.”
The story gained even more attention when Vice Ganda reposted the tribute video on X, writing, “Grabe! Ako naman ngayon ang naiyak! Damang-dama ko ‘yung pagmamahal nila para sa’yo. Deserve mo!!! Mabuhay ka! Mabuhay ang mga Breadwinners!”
Leonardo, moved by the gesture, took the opportunity to encourage fellow breadwinners, saying, “Never get tired of giving your all to your family. They are your home and your forever. Keep believing, keep dreaming, and always keep your faith in God.”
In 2023, Leonardo also surprised his family in Cavite, donning a teddy bear mascot costume for their wedding anniversary celebration. Despite delays due to bad weather, he managed to arrive in time, sharing that “grabe ang mga nangyari, akala ko hindi na ako aabot.”
Leonardo recounted the challenges his family faced in recent years, including his father’s brain aneurysm in 2017, his job loss in 2018, a kidney stone operation in 2019, and being one of the first COVID-19 cases in Dubai in 2020. “The whole family got COVID in 2021, and my mother’s hospital bills ballooned to 800k,” he said, reflecting on the hardships before finally reuniting with his family.
