Miel Pangilinan’s Sweet Birthday Message For Dad Kiko Shows What Kind Of Father He Is

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For his 59th birthday, former Senator Kiko Pangilinan received a sweet message from youngest daughter Miel Pangilinan on Instagram. She recounted specific moments in her childhood that is a testament to “just the kind of parent you are, says Miel.

The 18-year-old says that her first vivid memory of her dad is telling her that they share the same zodiac sign. Both Miel and Kiko are virgos. Years later, Kiko tells her that it’s something he did so that she would always know they had something in common.

“It was that day that I fully realized just the kind of parent you are. Always the only dad in our batch parent group chats, always dropping us off on our first days [of school], always taking us to go grocery shopping every Sunday,” she recounts.

Much of these memories can be seen in his Instagram accounts. This school year with the return of face-to-face classes, Kiko brought Miel to school on her first day. 

Miel also includes how despite his busy schedule as a statesman, he always made sure to be at their performances and she realizes how much effort he made to be present now that everything is digital and can be replayed.

“…always making time out of your schedule to come and watch us perform something that you could’ve very well just asked for a video of, she writes. Miel says that because they share the same zodiac sign, her father should understand the challenge it is to express her emotions on the social media platform “but I hope you understand just how thankful I am to have you as my father.

“You’ve played such a big parental role in our lives, taking the role of mother too, sometimes, and now it’s our turn to start taking care of you, okay?

She adds, “My siblings and I love you more than words can express. Miel is one of Kiko and Sharon Cuneta’s four children.

To end her birthday post she says, “Happy 59th birthday, Farmer Fred! When I get my license it’s my turn to drive you around na.”

2 easy ways you can be a more present parent

Based on Miel’s birthday message to her father, being present and making the effort in your child’s life will not go unappreciated. Perhaps when they’re preschoolers or toddlers, they can’t exactly verbalize paragraphs of thanks and itemize exactly just how much they appreciate your efforts. But when they’re older, they will be able to look back at their childhood and see what they appreciate most about how they were raised. 

Parents.com shares a few tips on becoming a more present parent—surely something most parents want to be especially with our fast-paced lives and screen-filled realities.

1. Hide your phone.

Most are aware that screens and mobile devices can cause distraction. But did you know that its mere presence is enough to distract your brain, even if you are not actually looking at it or using it? 

Kristen Race PhD, founder of Mindful Life, an organization that trains parents, schools, and businesses to practice mindfulness says that just being around an electronic device can be detrimental, as reported by the parenting resource.

“Even hearing a phone vibrate makes your brain go someplace else, she says.

RELATED: This is How Your Child Feels When You Are Constantly on the Phone

Practical steps to try: Put your phone away during meal times—hide it in a drawer or leave it in another room. Leave it at home when you step out of your home for short periods. Build up to longer periods without your phone, don’t try to go big right away.

Dr. Race tells Parents, “You need to look for ways to carve out airplane mode for your family.

2. Remember these letters: PBR.

That stands for pause, breathe, respond with intention. A research from the University of Melbourne has found that while mindfulness reduces stress levels, a mindful parent also makes for a less stressed child.

Dr. Race says “Stop yourself, take a breath or two, and choose a response that will be more measured and thoughtful.” She says the PBR practice will help keep both you and your child calm.

RELATED: How To Stop Bringing Home The Stress At Work, Says Renowned Filipino Psychologist

Next time your child asks for your attention while you’re doing something important like working or some house chores—pause, breathe, and think about your response. This can also help you cut back on snapping at your child.

Don’t be afraid to say something like “I know you’re really excited about what you just built. I’ll just finish this meeting. Let me come back and listen to you when I’m ready.” And then make sure that you really do.