By Kimberly Anne Ojeda
Miel Pangilinan revealed in an interview with Daily Tribune last Friday that she decided to take a gap year in between studies.
The daughter of Megastar Sharon Cuneta and former senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, who aspires to be a visual artist, said that she has already drew up a set of activities to pursue before embarking on her college journey in New York.
“I will work as an assistant manager to a few artist friends. I’ll just follow them around and accompany them,” she said.
Pangilinan also highlighted the importance of pursuing work that aligns with her passions, expressing her intention to focus on activities during her gap year that are directly related to her personal interests.
“I’ll also be working on my art, and I’ll be accompanying (sister) Frankie to New York for a few months, but most of it is also to be able to have some time for myself,” she added.
Expressing gratitude for her circumstances, Pangilinan acknowledged her privilege of being able to take a break, highlighting her intention to make the most of her time and embrace various opportunities.
“I was a freshman when the pandemic started. I entered the lockdown at 15 and exited it turning 18. I felt like I missed so much of my life,” Pangilinan said. “The gap year is an opportunity for me to explore the world on my own.”
Pangilinan also admitted that she feels “insanely blessed” to have the option to pursue her college journey in New York in the United States. She added that her college journey would be a great opportunity to find herself and become more independent.
“Growing up as a daughter of the Megastar Sharon Cuneta, it’s like a lot of people have a lot of misconceptions about you. A lot of times, it feels like you’re not your own person,” Pangilinan said.
Miel Pangilinan graduated from high school last 8 June, and received a merit scholarship in her dream school in New York. Last year, during LGBTQ+ Pride Month, she came out as queer. Now, she just scored her first big endorsement project with heritage Filipino brand Insular Life (InLife) together with her mother.