2 weeks ago
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In a deeply personal and inspiring interview on Toni Gonzaga's online show "Toni Talks," former Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan opened up about his childhood dreams, his unexpected journey into politics, and his hopes for a Senate comeback in 2025.
Former Senator Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan and ‘Toni Talks’ host Toni Gonzaga PHOTO FROM TONI TALKS
Before he ever set foot in politics, a Kiko Pangilinan dreamed of becoming an astronaut. "I watched the Apollo moon landings, and I was hooked," he told Gonzaga recalled.
But while he never made it to space, his passion for leadership and service took him in a different direction. Inspired by his parents — his father, a civil engineer and entrepreneur, and his mother, a public-school teacher — he realized that he could make a difference on Earth instead.
Pangilinan's first major attempt at politics was met with defeat. After serving as a Quezon City councilor, he ran for Congress but lost. However, fate had other plans. Soon after, ABS-CBN tapped him as a co-host for the legal talk show "Hoy Gising!" where he met Sharon Cuneta.
"She was promoting a movie, and I was completely starstruck," he admitted. Despite the odds, Pangilinan won her heart, calling it "the best plot twist of my life."
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In 2022, Pangilinan was set for reelection in the Senate, but then came a call from former Vice President Leni Robredo, asking him to be her running mate.
"It was a tough decision, but I believed in her vision," he shared. Though they lost, Pangilinan remains steadfast in his principles, seeing the experience as a lesson in leadership rather than a defeat.
One of the most emotional moments in the interview was Pangilinan's fight for farmers. "A typhoon wiped out my farm, and I experienced firsthand what farmers go through," he revealed. Since then, agriculture has been his passion, pushing for reforms and better support for Filipino farmers.
With the 2025 elections approaching, Pangilinan is determined to return to the Senate, focusing on good governance, food security, and education. "I still have dreams for this country," he declared.
For an in-depth look at Pangilinan's life, career, and plans for the future, watch the full episode on Toni Talks on YouTube.
