When Kiko Met Shawie … The Beginning of Forever … KC on Francis … A Mega-Fans' first meeting with Atty. Kiko … Meet Miss Mega's Hubby … 2001 Senatorial Campaign Trail A Mega-Fans' first meeting with Atty. Kiko Surrounded by dozens of screaming, sweating fans and just as many stern-faced security guards, a Sharonian was waiting by the fire exit of an SM Megamall moviehouse, after the premiere of Madrasta in 1996. Within minutes after the lights were turned on, Sharon Cuneta herself sashayed past the fervent throng--protected from the mob by her (then) new hubby Atty. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan. The Megastar, upon seeing a familiar face among the crowd, stopped momentarily (to the consternation of SM's security contingent), to ask above-mentioned Sharonian his comments on the just-concluded movie. For that few (dangerous) seconds Sharon looked vulnerable, as the fans were poised to attack. Still, the film-reviewing Sharonian was unperturbed. Atty. Kiko was by her side. Looming like a giant beside his bejeweled wife, he was as earnest and vigilant as the fans were intractable and implacable. Sharonian made a mental note: Someone's watching over Sharon. That has always been our perception of Atty. Francis Pancratius Nepomuceno Pangilinan. No-nonsense, unflappable, undaunted even by his wife's tremendous popularity. Sharon's close friends (as well as Sharon herself) have pointed out that Kiko can be a tad serious. But they are also quick to point out that once you scratch the surface and get to know the real Francis you'll also discover a fun-loving, Mr. Bean fan whose antics can be quite as uproarious as his idol's. Take it from Sharon herself, who would always roll in pure joy, whenever she recounts her hubby's quirky jokes. Another thing Sharon shares with Kiko is parental concern for KC. Kiko, who has taken it upon himself to play the role of guardian not only to Sharon but to KC as well, has made it a point to give a "normal" life to his teenaged stepdaughter. "We take KC to church on Sunday mornings," he relates. "We visit my in-laws, then my parents. I do the groceries with KC." Going to the supermarket is Kiko's favorite chore--same with Sharon, who relished the anonymity it afforded in Boston. (Remember, the Subic experience?) "I like going to the market," Kiko remarks. "Especially because I am very particular about food. I like simple, Filipino food. It's also therapeutic for me. It takes my mind off work. Speaking of which, they also share the same leisure activities. Like Sharon, Atty. Kiko adores the written word. This self-confessed bookworm's reading fare is quite diverse. At the time of the interview, he was browsing through Born to Rebel. "It's a sociological, psychological book by Frank J. Sulloway. It discusses how birth order determines whether or not a person is receptive to radical ideas." And as the fifth, the middle child in the highly gifted Pangilinan brood, Sulloway would describe Francis as . . . "He says we are not afraid to share power," Francis explains. "Since middle children have to relate to both older and younger siblings, we tend to build alliances if there is an issue that has to be addressed." Which is perfect for his job as a lawyer (his forte being, alternative modes of dispute settlement) and role as husband to Miss Megastar (who is the youngest and, according to Sulloway, rebellious and creative)? He chuckles so much like Mr. Bean. "They say I'm the Negotiator! I am not afraid to share power. I'm not daunted by it. And maybe Sharon, who is very powerful in terms of her stature, does not intimidate me." He laughs, heartily, the laughter of a man blissfully in love.