chiNky tInKeRbeLL's rAnDoM rANts ...

Francis Magalona also known as Francis M, Master Rapper, and The Man From Manila, was a Filipino rapper, songwriter, producer, actor, director, and photographer. Often hailed as the "King of Pinoy Rap", he was considered a legend in the Philippine music community. With the success of his earliest albums, he was the first Filipino rapper in the Philippines to cross over to the mainstream. He is also credited for having pioneered the merging of rap with Pinoy rock, becoming a significant influence to artists in that genre as well.

On March 6, 2009, Francis succumbed to multiple organ failure after having been rushed to the hospital and intubated the night before. He had undergone several chemotherapy sessions since he was diagnosed the previous year, and had been expected to undergo a bone marrow transplant supposedly this March. "Kiko" died seven months after being diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia.

I'm not really an avid fan of Francis M. but I do love his song "Mga Kababayan Ko" when I was in grade School. At this moment, it's still fresh in my memory dancing it with the steps of running man. XD

I frequently watched the noon time show Eat Bulaga, and it's where I usually seen Francis before he was diagnosed of his disease. Yeah, he's a "playful little boy" as what Joey de Leon calls him. He smiles a lot, and I admire his face because he doesn't look like his age. Francis M is such a baby face.



As I read his personal multiply blogs and his "happy battle" it somehow touches me and pity him for suffering so much misery in his illness. But his bravery inspires me a lot. Knowing "Leukemia" literally, it's not as easy in the deepest sense itself.

I admire Francis in his words "I'm going down fighting." His stories in the blogs, his pictures in his treatment, he really tried to be strong while fighting leukemia. For all the newspaper articles, blog entries, Internet write ups that I've read - I agreed that he is such a Philippine Icon, a Legacy.

This is the second time that I really kept an eye in the death of a famous icon. I read the newspapers, check out the internet, and look over TV news. (Honestly, I really did!) The first time I had this enthusiasm, was in the sudden death of Rico Yan during my first year in college. As I look back, it was Good Friday when news came out that he was found dead at Dos Palmas Resort in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. He died of cardiac arrest due to acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis at the age of 27. And when I watched his funeral rites televised live on TV, I'm really in tears.

Unlike Francis M., I idolized Rico Yan since I was in High School. What makes me of keen interest with Francis is how he lived his life despite of his condition. He had lived one day at a time. Continued his life when he feels better after every chemotheraphy he has undergone, he did excelled in photography, recorded music, composed songs, designed and supervised his clothing line FMCC. He certainly believed that life is so short, but it can be well lived. Positive in any way he could.



Francis M's last blog posting was dated Jan. 14, 2009 as he was preparing for his fourth chemo. It's poignant as he showed his readiness for whatever God has willed for himself. “I look forward to the pain as I know my journey is on full speed ahead. I will not be bold to say that without asking a favor from you all. PLEASE PRAY for me as I undergo treatment. Your prayers, as always, have sustained me. And am sure the Lord will listen to all our prayers. To His will I submit myself.”

When someone dies of cancer, we always say he lost the fight. I disagree.

The fight against cancer is about making life more meaningful. By providing inspiration to many, Francis M was a winner.

Inspite of dying young, fighting the big "C"... Truly, Francis M. have lived well in his "Happy Battle."

Surely, he'll be missed by buffs like me.

Francis M. you'll always be a part of the music industry, in show business and in the heart of every Filipino people you touched. May you rest in the hands of our Creator.