Farewell, Francis M

(This article was actually written for Goldstar. I do not know when it came out or if it ever did. I was not able to find it in the copies I bought for the week it was supposed to. Anyway, it's one of the most heartfelt pieces I wrote so I decided to share this with you.)


Master Rapper, King of Pinoy Rap, The Man From Manila, Kiko, and FrancisM. Francis Magalona was known by many names. However, to fans and peers all over the country, he will forever be the man who changed Filipino music by integrating nationalism into a popular genre called rap.

Francis, the son of Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran, popular stars of the 1940s-50s, was only 44 years old when he succumbed to acute myelogenous leukemia last Friday, March 06. I was busy editing articles in the office when I read about it. I was shocked and surprised. I did not want to believe that it was true. The truth began to sink in after I read a full account of what happened from one of the news websites I regularly visited.

I first saw Francis in the movie Bagets. But it was when I was in college in Manila and his music ruled the airwaves that I really took notice of him. Mga Kababayan was a phenomenal hit; and so were his other earlier songs like Tayo’y Mga Pinoy, Man from Manila, Mga Praning, and Cold Summer Nights. Through the years, the Master Rapper turned in one hit after another. One of his most popular hits, Kaleidoscope World, became a favorite of many (including me). Eventually, he ventured into collaborations with groups like Parokya Ni Edgar and the Eraserheads. No matter what he did, the response was phenomenal. Perhaps it was because Francis was always full of passion when he performed. He was a true artist who cared about his craft.

Nationalism was a big issue for Francis. I admired the fact that he did not find the need to march into the streets just to express his patriotism for our country. He simply poured his all in the songs he weaved. Even his paintings and photos, his other passions, spoke of his love for his country…his love for life.

Francis’ zest for life was evident in his battle with leukemia. His was a different, more serious kind. But he never gave his illness the chance to get the better of him. Instead, he shared his battle with his fans, with the people who believed in him the most. Through his multiply site, Francis posted blogs about his treatment as regularly as he could. He posted pictures, too, that showed the same fun-loving, happy Francis. Despite his pain, he kept going. He was even scheduled to perform with the Eraserheads in their concert last March 07. Ely Buendia and his crew dedicated the entire concert to his honor and sang Superproxy (a song the Master Rapper wrote for them) and Kaleidoscope World.

It’s true. Francis’ death was surprising. Tragic even, because he was so young, so talented, and so intelligent. But maybe we can all learn a lesson or two from him. One is to always love life, no matter what it has to offer us. The other is to never give up no matter what the circumstances are.

And of course, we shall all keep listening to his songs. We shall all continue to ponder on every word, every lyric that he has left for us through his music. Somewhere in between those words is a part of Francis reminding us that life must go on, whether he makes music here with us or up there with the Greatest Musician of our lives.

So long, Francis M. You shall be missed. But your music, your legacy shall live forever.