The former senator reminisced about his childhood dream, how he ended up marrying the Megastar and making a mark in politics.
Former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan gave viewers a rare glimpse into his life in a recent interview by Toni Gonzaga of Toni Talks.
Before politics and showbiz, Kiko dreamed of becoming an astronaut. “I watched the Apollo moon landings, and I was hooked,” he recalled. But his childhood dream led him to a different world: public service.
“I realized that while I couldn’t reach for the moon, I could still make a difference here on Earth,” he shared.
His father, a civil engineer and entrepreneur, and his mother, a dedicated public school teacher, shaped his values and ignited his passion for public service. Both parents were deeply involved in community work.
“My dad showed me the value of hard work and perseverance, a deep love for country, a sense of duty to help those with less; while my mom taught me compassion, service to others, and the power of prayer,” he said, his voice tinged with emotion.
From political defeat to winning in love
After his term as Quezon City councilor while completing his law studies at UP, Kiko’s first foray into major league politics didn’t go as planned. He ran for a congressional seat in Quezon City and lost.
But life had a surprising twist in store for him.
ABS-CBN approached him to co-host the legal talk show “Hoy Gising!”, which catapulted him into the limelight. It was on this show that Kiko first met the Megastar Sharon Cuneta. “I kept showing up, making her laugh, and eventually, she said yes,” Kiko revealed, his eyes lighting up. “I lost in politics, but I won in love. That’s the best plot twist of my life.”
Unfinished mission
Kiko was all set to run for reelection in the Senate in 2022. But then came a call from former Vice President Leni Robredo. “She asked me to be her running mate two days before I planned to file for reelection to the Senate,” he shared. “It was a tough decision, but I believed in her vision for the country.”
The tandem didn’t make it, but Kiko didn’t feel defeated. “Leadership isn’t just about winning; it’s about standing up for what you believe in.”
Soft spot for farmers
In an emotional moment, Kiko spoke about his advocacy for farmers. “I didn’t start out in politics thinking I’d focus on agriculture,” he admitted. “But then a typhoon hit my farm and wiped out everything.”
His personal loss turned into a mission to fight for agricultural reforms. “It’s not just about food security; it’s about justice for our farmers,” he said passionately. “Their struggle became my fight.”
Kiko is raring to return to the Senate. “I’ve served without any taint of graft or corruption,” he emphasized. “I believe in integrity, and I think the Filipino people are looking for leaders they can trust.” He is optimistic about his political comeback. “I still have dreams for this country,” he declared. “I want to fight for our farmers, improve education and bring about good governance.”
Far from over
As the interview wrapped up, Toni couldn’t resist asking, “Do you still dream about becoming an astronaut?” Kiko laughed and said, “Not anymore. My feet are firmly on the ground now…but my head is still in the stars.”
With his integrity intact, his heart full of purpose, and his family’s unwavering support, Kiko Pangilinan is ready to take on the next chapter of his journey.
