It seems like only yesterday when Claudine Barretto and then husband Raymart Santiago welcomed their first child, Rodrigo Santino Santiago, into the world on July 19, 2007.
And now, almost 16 years later, Santino is no longer the little boy we once knew.
After Claudine’s sneaky move to upload a photo of herself with Santino on April 16, 2023, social media went abuzz over such a rare sighting of the teenager.
Thebustednews revisits the highlights of young Santino’s life, then and now.
THEN
2007
Claudine delivered Santino on July 19, 2007, at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City, Philippines.
Santino weighed seven pounds and was Claudine’s first child with estranged husband Raymart. It was a joyous moment for the couple, who had tied the knot two years prior.
2008
Santino’s first birthday and his dedication to the Christian world was celebrated at the Blue Leaf Events Pavillion in Taguig City.
Famous personalities graced the Barney-themed party, including Santino’s celebrity godparent—Edu Manzano, Robin Padilla, Manny Pacquiao, Liz Almoro, Atty. Noni Buencamino, Cristalle Henares, Paolo Contis, Isabel Oli, and Meryll Soriano.
2012
2013
2014
In 2014, a grand birthday party was held for Santino as he turned seven.
It was a Minecraft-themed party, and had all the essential elements from the popular video game.
Life-sized replicas of Minecraft characters filled the venue, while guests had fun on the velcro wall.
Ceiling installments and his birthday cake were all TNT boxes from the game.
Santino also had other fun things to do that year.
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NOW
Today, people find it hard to believe that Santino has already grown into a handsome and healthy teenager.
Only recently, Santino has chosen to appear less frequently on social media.
2021
From Claudine’s updates, he enrolled in some scuba-diving lessons in 2021.
2022
Claudine wrote in her post on Santino’s 15th birthday (published as is), “Happy happy 15th birthday My Son.you are truly Gods gift to Mom.
“thank u for being a great Brother to Ate Sab & Kuya to Noah & Quia & the BEST SON a Mother can only pray for.
“u are such an Amazing Person.i know great things will happen to great People like u.
“i luv u more than anything in this world Saint.there isnt anything Mummy wont do for u.you are my life anak[emojis]”
2023
It’s been days since Claudine shared on Instagram a rare photo of her son.
She wrote on April 16, 2023: “Wow. Finally he agreed to have his picture taken with me. I promised not to post this though.”
Netizens enjoyed the much-awaited update, citing the teen as the “male version” of Claudine.
Claudine has four children. Aside from Santino, the Optimum Star has three adopted children: Sabina, 18, Quia, 7, and Noah.
