Hearts in Marawi: Sharon Cuneta visits with daughters

Megastar Sharon Cuneta, recently took a meaningful journey to Marawi City. This time, it was not for a concert or a film shoot, but for a quiet visit rooted in gratitude, cultural appreciation, and heartfelt connection.

Accompanied by her daughters Frankie (Kakie), Miel (Yellie), and her youngest child Miguel, Sharon was warmly welcomed at the Guest House of Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Adiong Jr. and Mayor Nancy Adiong. The trip marked the first time Sharon’s younger children visited this part of Mindanao. For Kakie and Yellie, it was also their first time to wear the hijab, a moment Sharon described with deep pride and cultural respect.

“Our hearts are still so very full,” Sharon wrote in a touching social media post. “Napakabuti ng mga tiga Lanao del Sur at Marawi. Mahal na mahal po namin kayo!”

A visit rooted in gratitude

The Cuneta-Pangilinan family’s visit was more than just cultural immersion. It was a gesture of appreciation. Sharon expressed her thanks to Governor and Mayor Adiong, along with Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra and Vice Mayor Arafat Gandamra, for their unwavering support for Kiko Pangilinan during the 2022 national elections.

“We went back to thank the Gov. and his wife, Mayor Nancy, as well as Mayor and Vice Mayor Gandamra for all the support they gave to Kiko in the last elections,” Sharon wrote.

The political acknowledgment was expressed with warmth and sincerity, showing Sharon’s lasting rapport with Filipinos from all walks of life.

Cultural exchange and family bonding

Wearing traditional attire and engaging with local customs, Sharon’s daughters embraced the spirit of Marawi with openness and curiosity. Photos of Kakie and Yellie wearing hijabs symbolized not only respect for Muslim tradition but also a powerful image of unity and shared humanity at a time when cultural understanding is more important than ever.

As a mother, Sharon beamed with pride at her children’s genuine interest in learning more about the heritage and resilience of the Maranao people.

“It was my three younger children’s first time to visit this part of Mindanao,” she shared. “And Kakie and Yellie’s first time to wear hijabs.”

A love letter to Marawi

Marawi City, known as the only Islamic city in the Philippines, has long stood as a symbol of resilience after the devastating siege in 2017. Sharon’s visit, though personal and not covered by mainstream media, carried quiet significance. It showed how public figures can engage with communities not through fanfare but through humility and sincerity.

Her message of thanks received heartfelt replies from local officials and supporters who noted the Cuneta family’s grace, humility, and openness to culture.

As Sharon herself put it, “Maraming salamat po uli sa inyong pagtitiwala at pagsuporta kay Kiko, at sa pagmamahal ninyo sa aming pamilya. Mahal na mahal po namin kayo!”