What former senator and senatorial candidate Kiko Pangilinan lacks in massive political machinery to easily win a Senate seat, he more than makes up for the generosity and love of his family, or fondly called “Barangay Pangilinan.”
Hailing from a large and close-knit family of eight siblings and several nephews and nieces, the former senator’s brothers and sisters and their own spouses and children are literally everywhere—from market runs to marathons to rallies, they have proven that family is power.
Speaking to his supporters at the “Kita Kiks sa Cebu Rally” held at Plaza Independencia in Cebu City on Wednesday, May 7, the former three-term senator took pride in having his family to back his candidacy.
“Kaming magkakapatid nagtutulungan dahil iyan ang aming makinarya. Wala kaming malaking makinarya tulad nung ibang mga kandidato pero alam naman natin mahalaga ang pamilya. Mahalaga at nagtutulungan ang ating mga pamilya,” he said.
He shared that Anthony Pangilinan and daughter Ella Pangilinan-Miranda were at the Carcar, San Fernando Public Market, while his Ate Nenette was at the Tabunok Public Market.
“Mahalaga at nagtutulungan ang ating mga pamilya.”
His Ate Angeli, Gary Valenciano’s wife, and eldest sister Maricel were with the former senator last night.
His nephews, nieces, and other siblings were also hard at work campaigning for his Senate comeback bid.
The most popular of the Pangilinan brood is matinee idol Donny Pangilinan, who, despite being busy with TV shows and endorsements, has been all-out in joining market runs and rallies. He was often seen wooing voters by taking selfies with them and singing to them during campaign rallies.
He was also at the General Santos City rally where he sang Lola Amour’s “Fallen” to the crowd. Earlier, he made a food vlog with his “Tito Kiko” and dad, Anthony.
Anthony and sister-in-law actress Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan, Donny’s parents, have also handed out flyers and leaflets in the streets. They were at the Manolo Fortich Public Market, in Bukidnon; and at the Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City.
Anthony also spent time at the Cogon Public Market in Cagayan de Oro, with the Sumilao farmers in Sumilao, Bukidnon, and at the Agusan Canyon Public Market also in Bukidnon.
Ella and Hannah Pangilinan, Donny’s sisters, have also been present in the campaign, often distributing flyers and engaging with people in the streets. Another niece, Stella, was seen with Hannah in a fun run in Pampanga organized by the former senator’s supporters there.
“Maraming, maraming salamat sa aking pamilya—sa aking mga kapatid at mga pamangkin—sa walang sawang suporta, sa pag-gugugol ng kanilang oras at lakas para sa ating kampanya.”
Megastar Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan and their youngest son Miguel are also present in many of the former senator’s campaign sorties, with the actress and singer even serenading leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) with “Kahit Konting Pagtingin” and Marawi City with “Kung Kailangan Mo Ako.”
Frankie and Miel Pangilinan, both busy with school, also made an effort to reach out to voters, with Miel releasing a video to campaign for her dad, while Frankie wrote a heartfelt letter to mayors to ask for their help.
The former senator’s sister, Felichi, also went to the La Trinidad Market and Trading Post to share about her brother’s platform of food security.
Brothers Joseph and John were also seen going around the country—Joseph in Makati City, Quezon Rally, Caloocal Mayoralty Caucus, house-to-house campaign in Payatas, Kapihan in Montalban, Antique Motorcade and Roxas Market Run, Batangas Labor Union Event, and Palawan courtesy call and market run, among others; John was seen at the 1Munti Caucus, Anak Mindanao Caucus, Pateros campaign meeting, Lumban Mayoralty Caucus Night, Batangas Caucus Concert, Silang Parade, and others.
Barangay Pangilinan also went to Brgy. San Nicolas in Gapan City, Nueva Ecija, and conducted a grand house-to-house campaign with the Las Piñas Youth for Good Governance volunteers. The former senator’s sister, Nenette Pangilinan, also proceeded to Laoag City.
Kiko, for his part, has repeatedly expressed his gratitude to his family.
“Maraming, maraming salamat sa aking pamilya—sa aking mga kapatid at mga pamangkin—sa walang sawang suporta, sa pag-gugugol ng kanilang oras at lakas para sa ating kampanya, at sa paniniwala sa ating mga adhikain. Maraming salamat sa tiwala at pagmamahal na walang katumbas at walang hinihintay na kapalit,” he said.
