Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan took to social media recently to share to his readers the half-century-old tradition the Pangilinan clan observes in honor of his father, the late Donato Pangilinan Jr.

Kiko posted a photo of the Pangilinan clan on Instagram on Dec. 25, showing him and his siblings, along with their spouses, nephews and nieces posing for the camera with matriarch Emma Nepomuceno Pangilinan.

“We have held this annual reunion every Christmas without fail since the 60s,” he shared. “Dad passed away in January of 2016 so this is our 2nd Christmas Reunion without him in the last 50 or so years.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Brz8hE2FAlW/

Kiko further said that his father is sorely missed in the family, but they continue to honor his memory by observing the traditions he and Emma started 50 years ago.

“Dad is terribly missed. But we continue to honor him and Mom and their faith in God and family by observing and keeping family traditions they began half a century ago,” he wrote.

Family definitely comes first for the Pangilinans, as he shared, “Our parents taught us to keep sacred the observance of these family traditions as a means of ensuring family bonds remain strong spanning generations. Family traditions are sacred because family is sacred.”

Patriarch Donato passed away at the age of 82. Kiko, then, described his father as his “stern and demanding teacher, staunchest political supporter, harshest critic, and most esteemed mentor,” among others.

“The one who, as I was growing up, always had the answers to life’s challenges and problems. My hero,” Kiko spoke of his father then. “I don’t think I will ever measure up to being a truly amazing father like you…” /ra

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