Kiko Pangilinan's Tagsibol, from senator to farmer
Published Jun 3, 2018 12:05 am
By Deedee M. Siytangco
Here we are, halfway through the year already!
I mark my days with gratitude for the blessings of getting older; several among my cherished friends and classmates have not been given this privilege. Let us take a few minutes to say “Thank you” to the Almighty just for being alive today.
Let’s love more and hate less.
* * * *
With family and friends, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan recently launched his first book, Tagsibol. The book relates his journey into farming, from his chairmanship of the Senate committee on food and agriculture in 2010 to becoming a serious and committed farmer.
Tagsibol, which means spring season, is an autobiographic snapshot of a life-stage where the lawmaker was able to tap into a different source of inspiration: producing healthy food and becoming one with Filipino farmers.
NEW CAREER Senator-farmer Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and wife Sharon with a copy of Tagsibol.
I have been attracted to the fresh vegetables and herbs from his farm, which are sold on weekends in Tagaytay’s open market, and I haven’t been disappointed in the veggies I buy from his Sweet Spring Country Farm.
Pangilinan’s daughter, Frankie, who hosted her father’s book launch alongside her cousin, Donny Pangilinan, said: “Growing up with my Dad means growing up around farming. I saw how his passion for farming grew to how it is today. And how he tirelessly works toward bettering the lives of farmers. Tagsibol is a story of his journey, of this fight.”
Miel, Pangilinan’s youngest daughter, recalled her first visit to the farm and shared how her father taught her to respect farmers. “Thank you, you changed our view of life, of what farming is, and the lives of farmers. You made us have more respect for what they do for the entire community,” she said, addressing her father.
Aside from Pangilinan’s daughters, his nephews Donny, Joey Arenas, Joshua Buizon, Timothy Pangilinan, and Benjamin Pangilinan also worked at the farm. In fact, the nephews were what Pangilinan called the farm’s “first farm workers” who had their summer job in May 2012 and “sowed our first harvest of lettuce.”
Donny, Pangilinan’s nephew through brother Anthony and sister-in-law Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan, recalled the time he worked in the family-owned Sweet Spring Country Farm in 2012. He thanked his uncle for that “most memorable” time, learning about how hard farmers work to “produce the food we eat.”
“Tito Kiko has been so much into agriculture and farming that he influences our own family members to be part of farming as well,” he gushed. Sen. Pangilinan is fifth of nine children.
Joey Arenas, Pangilinan’s nephew through sister Chel Arenas and brother-in-law Vic, noted how farming is a hard but necessary job. He also said that farmers need to be top priority and that government needs to step up in its job of helping farmers. “Tito Kiks, thank you for the experience. I have a deeper sense of respect for farmers and what they do,” he said.
The senator-farmer said he is grateful that his daughters and their cousins have a deeper appreciation of farmers, which he said is what his book is all about.
“Tungkulin nating lahat na ibahagi sa susunod na henerasyon ng mga Pilipino ang kahalagahan ng mga magsasaka at ng pagsasaka, sa buhay natin bilang isang tao at bilang isang taumbayan. (It’s the job of us all to share to the succeeding generations of Filipinos the importance of farmers and farming in our lives, both as a person and as a nation.) And as the next generation of Filipino tell their own farming stories today, we are helping make sure that happens,” Pangilinan said.
“In the end, until and unless we have a healthy respect for our farmers, we will continue to be a hungry, not fully productive country when it comes to agriculture. And this is a humble contribution in helping bring that message, that we must put more value to our farmers, put more value and appreciation for agriculture, and have a healthy respect for them,” he added.
The senator-farmer started building the family-owned farm, Sweet Spring Country Farm, in Alfonso, Cavite with the help and guidance of his friends Ernest Escaler of Gourmet Farms and the late Ronald Costales of Costales Farms.
The senator’s wife, Sharon Cuneta, shared the Pangilinan family’s appreciation of farming and farmers. “It’s really a very noble thing that Kiko has gotten himself into. It’s not something that is ornamental to us or adds to his credibility as a former head of the Senate Committee on Agriculture. He has acquired so much knowledge about agriculture because he is truly passionate about it,” she said, joking how she sometimes feels jealous of her husband’s tomatoes, lettuce, and other produce because he has more pictures of them in his phone than of her.
Tagsibol  is  available at National Book Store branches and Fully Booked .
* * *
Conrad Manila recently announced the appointment of Laurent Boisdron as the property’s general manager. He will be responsible for the management of the brand’s Philippine flagship property, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the iconic 347-guestroom luxury hotel located within the bustling Mall of Asia complex. The hotel has become very popular as a staycation destination among discriminating locals who can’t have enough of the beautiful bayfront view.
A French-American national, Boisdron’s experience in the international hospitality industry spans over 24 years, including stints in major cities in Europe, the Middle East, the US, and South East Asia. Boisdron’s collective understanding of both international and local markets promise to further Conrad Manila’s positioning in the Philippine luxury hotel industry and strengthen its commitment to delivering intuitive service and smart luxury in a world of style.
NEW LEADERSHIP Conrad Manila GM Laurent Boisdron
“We are really excited to have Laurent on board. His experience in working in such diverse markets and in the Philippines has him well poised for what is an extremely important hotel under our luxury portfolio in Asia Pacific,” said Daniel Welk, vice president for Operations, Luxury, Asia Pacific at Hilton.
Conrad Manila, a recipient of the prestigious LEED Gold-Certification from the US Green Building Council, capped its first year of operations with a collection of international and local awards and recognitions, including 2017 World Luxury Hotel and Restaurant Awards and 2017 International Hotel Awards, among others. The hotel was also recently recognized as an ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nation) Green Hotel and ASEAN Mice Hotel awardee by the Department of Tourism
Conrad also has treats for daddies, fathers, tatays, amas, papas—the hero of the household. These are available at the hotel from June 16 to June 17. Make this Father’s Day celebration even more memorable with an appetizing selection of favorites specially prepared by executive chef Daniel Patterson at Brasserie on 3. Take pleasure in a delectable selection of dishes made from sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. Explore the different sections namely: the expansive carving display, fresh salads and cheeses, Japanese, Italian, and the restaurant’s signature Filipino corner featuring the famed Bulalo and grilled items, among others.
Dad gets to bring home special treats and also partake in a draft beer tasting activity. Father’s Day Lunch and Dinner buffet is priced at P2,700 per person.
Or bring him to China Blue by Jereme Leung’s executive Chinese chef Eng Yew as they present the man of the house with mouth-watering delicacies, such as Golden roast duck; Sautéed crystal noodle with barbecue Matsusaka pork and shrimp; Braised abalone, sea cucumber, and black mushroom with superior crab roe sauce; Steamed sea garoupa with fried garlic coriander superior soya sauce. The set menu is priced at P3,200 per person for a minimum of 10 persons per table.
There are also playful “My Dad, My Hero” themed cakes and confections at the Bru Coffee Bar, including the colorful award-winning zeppole and macarons. Located at the hotel’s welcome lobby, guests who purchase a cup of coffee are treated to a complimentary single refill for the ideal pick-me-up.
Finally, why not reward hard-working dads with an invigorating back, neck, shoulder, and foot massage for the ultimate Father’s Day extravagance at Conrad Spa Manila. The treatment consists of a 60-minute back and foot massage, followed by a 30-minute personalized facial for a well-deserved pampering session designed to ease muscle strain and relieve tension. To complete his special day, dads get to bring home a discount voucher from Brasserie on 3.
Dads who dine at Brasserie on 3 and China Blue by Jereme Leung will get the chance to experience a luxurious joyride in either a Rolls Royce Ghost or Lotus Evora. He will also receive a day pass valid for one month to Conrad Manila’s Fitness Center, among other treats.
NEW CAREER Senator-farmer Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and wife Sharon with a copy of Tagsibol.
I have been attracted to the fresh vegetables and herbs from his farm, which are sold on weekends in Tagaytay’s open market, and I haven’t been disappointed in the veggies I buy from his Sweet Spring Country Farm.
Pangilinan’s daughter, Frankie, who hosted her father’s book launch alongside her cousin, Donny Pangilinan, said: “Growing up with my Dad means growing up around farming. I saw how his passion for farming grew to how it is today. And how he tirelessly works toward bettering the lives of farmers. Tagsibol is a story of his journey, of this fight.”
Miel, Pangilinan’s youngest daughter, recalled her first visit to the farm and shared how her father taught her to respect farmers. “Thank you, you changed our view of life, of what farming is, and the lives of farmers. You made us have more respect for what they do for the entire community,” she said, addressing her father.
Aside from Pangilinan’s daughters, his nephews Donny, Joey Arenas, Joshua Buizon, Timothy Pangilinan, and Benjamin Pangilinan also worked at the farm. In fact, the nephews were what Pangilinan called the farm’s “first farm workers” who had their summer job in May 2012 and “sowed our first harvest of lettuce.”
Donny, Pangilinan’s nephew through brother Anthony and sister-in-law Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan, recalled the time he worked in the family-owned Sweet Spring Country Farm in 2012. He thanked his uncle for that “most memorable” time, learning about how hard farmers work to “produce the food we eat.”
“Tito Kiko has been so much into agriculture and farming that he influences our own family members to be part of farming as well,” he gushed. Sen. Pangilinan is fifth of nine children.
Joey Arenas, Pangilinan’s nephew through sister Chel Arenas and brother-in-law Vic, noted how farming is a hard but necessary job. He also said that farmers need to be top priority and that government needs to step up in its job of helping farmers. “Tito Kiks, thank you for the experience. I have a deeper sense of respect for farmers and what they do,” he said.
The senator-farmer said he is grateful that his daughters and their cousins have a deeper appreciation of farmers, which he said is what his book is all about.
“Tungkulin nating lahat na ibahagi sa susunod na henerasyon ng mga Pilipino ang kahalagahan ng mga magsasaka at ng pagsasaka, sa buhay natin bilang isang tao at bilang isang taumbayan. (It’s the job of us all to share to the succeeding generations of Filipinos the importance of farmers and farming in our lives, both as a person and as a nation.) And as the next generation of Filipino tell their own farming stories today, we are helping make sure that happens,” Pangilinan said.
“In the end, until and unless we have a healthy respect for our farmers, we will continue to be a hungry, not fully productive country when it comes to agriculture. And this is a humble contribution in helping bring that message, that we must put more value to our farmers, put more value and appreciation for agriculture, and have a healthy respect for them,” he added.
The senator-farmer started building the family-owned farm, Sweet Spring Country Farm, in Alfonso, Cavite with the help and guidance of his friends Ernest Escaler of Gourmet Farms and the late Ronald Costales of Costales Farms.
The senator’s wife, Sharon Cuneta, shared the Pangilinan family’s appreciation of farming and farmers. “It’s really a very noble thing that Kiko has gotten himself into. It’s not something that is ornamental to us or adds to his credibility as a former head of the Senate Committee on Agriculture. He has acquired so much knowledge about agriculture because he is truly passionate about it,” she said, joking how she sometimes feels jealous of her husband’s tomatoes, lettuce, and other produce because he has more pictures of them in his phone than of her.
Tagsibol  is  available at National Book Store branches and Fully Booked .
* * *
Conrad Manila recently announced the appointment of Laurent Boisdron as the property’s general manager. He will be responsible for the management of the brand’s Philippine flagship property, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the iconic 347-guestroom luxury hotel located within the bustling Mall of Asia complex. The hotel has become very popular as a staycation destination among discriminating locals who can’t have enough of the beautiful bayfront view.
A French-American national, Boisdron’s experience in the international hospitality industry spans over 24 years, including stints in major cities in Europe, the Middle East, the US, and South East Asia. Boisdron’s collective understanding of both international and local markets promise to further Conrad Manila’s positioning in the Philippine luxury hotel industry and strengthen its commitment to delivering intuitive service and smart luxury in a world of style.
NEW LEADERSHIP Conrad Manila GM Laurent Boisdron
“We are really excited to have Laurent on board. His experience in working in such diverse markets and in the Philippines has him well poised for what is an extremely important hotel under our luxury portfolio in Asia Pacific,” said Daniel Welk, vice president for Operations, Luxury, Asia Pacific at Hilton.
Conrad Manila, a recipient of the prestigious LEED Gold-Certification from the US Green Building Council, capped its first year of operations with a collection of international and local awards and recognitions, including 2017 World Luxury Hotel and Restaurant Awards and 2017 International Hotel Awards, among others. The hotel was also recently recognized as an ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nation) Green Hotel and ASEAN Mice Hotel awardee by the Department of Tourism
Conrad also has treats for daddies, fathers, tatays, amas, papas—the hero of the household. These are available at the hotel from June 16 to June 17. Make this Father’s Day celebration even more memorable with an appetizing selection of favorites specially prepared by executive chef Daniel Patterson at Brasserie on 3. Take pleasure in a delectable selection of dishes made from sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. Explore the different sections namely: the expansive carving display, fresh salads and cheeses, Japanese, Italian, and the restaurant’s signature Filipino corner featuring the famed Bulalo and grilled items, among others.
Dad gets to bring home special treats and also partake in a draft beer tasting activity. Father’s Day Lunch and Dinner buffet is priced at P2,700 per person.
Or bring him to China Blue by Jereme Leung’s executive Chinese chef Eng Yew as they present the man of the house with mouth-watering delicacies, such as Golden roast duck; Sautéed crystal noodle with barbecue Matsusaka pork and shrimp; Braised abalone, sea cucumber, and black mushroom with superior crab roe sauce; Steamed sea garoupa with fried garlic coriander superior soya sauce. The set menu is priced at P3,200 per person for a minimum of 10 persons per table.
There are also playful “My Dad, My Hero” themed cakes and confections at the Bru Coffee Bar, including the colorful award-winning zeppole and macarons. Located at the hotel’s welcome lobby, guests who purchase a cup of coffee are treated to a complimentary single refill for the ideal pick-me-up.
Finally, why not reward hard-working dads with an invigorating back, neck, shoulder, and foot massage for the ultimate Father’s Day extravagance at Conrad Spa Manila. The treatment consists of a 60-minute back and foot massage, followed by a 30-minute personalized facial for a well-deserved pampering session designed to ease muscle strain and relieve tension. To complete his special day, dads get to bring home a discount voucher from Brasserie on 3.
Dads who dine at Brasserie on 3 and China Blue by Jereme Leung will get the chance to experience a luxurious joyride in either a Rolls Royce Ghost or Lotus Evora. He will also receive a day pass valid for one month to Conrad Manila’s Fitness Center, among other treats.