Senator Francis Kiko Pangilinan's Tagsibol Book Launch

       Last Saturday, May 12,  I was invited to attend Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan's Book Launch for "Tagsibol".  The event was graced by their family, close friends, supporters and a few people from the press. 

     The program was initiated by Pangilinan's second daughter, Frankie, who shared her admiration for her father's strong passion for farming.  Her co-host and cousin Donny Pangilinan, also has much to share about his fun and fulfilling experience as the first farm worker of Sweet Spring Country Farm during the summer of May 2012.  He said, "Tito Kiko has been so much into agriculture and farming that he influences our own family members to be part of farming as well".

      It was a heart-moving moment for us as we heard stories of gratitude from Pangilinan's family members.

     Pangilinan's youngest daughter Miel, addressed her father with a sincere message: "Thank you, you changed our view of life, of what they do for the entire community."

     The crowd cheered as the Senator-Farmer "Kiko" himself shared what inspired him to release his first authored book: "Tagsibol".  He is a very passionate, devoted and purposeful person.   I could tell that he wholeheartedly cares for the country's hardworking farmers when he said, " And this [book] is a humble contribution in helping bring that message that we must put more value and appreciation for agriculture, and have a healthy respect for them."

      Closing remarks were made by the senator's supportive wife, Sharon Cuneta.  Like his other family members she expressed gratitude and administration towards her husbands passion for organic farming. 

    
     She joked that at times, she even feels jealous because her husband's phone has more photos of their farm produce than her.  She also invited everyone to visit their family-owned farm - Sweet Spring Country Farm.

Pangilinan Family

      I'm proud to say, I own and have read "Tagsibol".  As I only learned when I read the book, Tagsibol is a Filipino word which means spring.  The book is an autobiographical snapshot of the lawmaker's new journey and alternative source of inspiration which he discovered when he became chairman of the Senate committee on food and agriculture in 2010.

      I highly recommend this book for a fun, easy yet very impactful read.  It shows a side of the senator and his family that we as the public do not get to see through other mediums.  With light language-usage in both English and Filipino and tons of photos, I would encourage kids to read this too.  Grab your copies from National Bookstore from May 20, 2018 onwards.