Francis Magalona#Discography

Francis Michael Durango Magalona was born on October 4, 1964. He was named after Saint Francis of Assisi, whose feast day falls on his birthday.{{cite news|url=https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/389348/maxene-magalona-explains-reason-behind-name-of-dad-francis-m/|title=Maxene Magalona explains reason behind name of dad Francis|first=Alex|last=Brosas|date=October 5, 2021|accessdate=June 27, 2023|website=INQUIRER.net}} He was the eighth of the nine children of actors Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran, popular film stars of the 1940s and 1950s.{{cite news |title=FrancisM loses 'happy battle'; 44 |author=Pocholo Concepcion |url=http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20090307-192805/FrancisM-loses-happy-battle-44 |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=March 7, 2009 |access-date=March 7, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090309232900/http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20090307-192805/FrancisM-loses-happy-battle-44 |archive-date=March 9, 2009 |df=mdy-all }} His grandfather, Enrique B. Magalona, served as a senator from 1946 to 1955.{{Cite news |date=January 7, 2018 |title=Tita & Pancho: Most loved team on & off screen |work=The Philippine Star |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2018/01/07/1775299/tita-pancho-most-loved-team-screen |access-date=February 8, 2025}} Magalona was also a second cousin of Cacai and Regine Velasquez through his mother whose first cousin was Gerardo Velasquez.

For his high school education, he attended the Don Bosco Technical College in Mandaluyong then proceeded to San Beda College in Manila, attending from 1981 to 1984.

Magalona started out as a breakdancer in the 1980s. He was cast in several Filipino movies including Bagets 2 (1984). He was the resident DJ/rapper in the IBC variety show Loveli'Ness.

In 1990, he released the album Yo!, the first commercially released Filipino rap album.{{cite news |title=Francis M. dies of leukemia, 44 |url=http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/march/07/yehey/top_stories/20090307top7.html |publisher=Manila Times |date=March 7, 2009 |access-date=March 8, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090310010724/http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/march/07/yehey/top_stories/20090307top7.html |archive-date=March 10, 2009 |df=mdy-all }} Yo! included several popular singles such as "Mga Kababayan" (Fellow Countrymen), "Gotta Let 'Cha Know", "Cold Summer Nights", and a duet with Pia Arroyo "Loving You" which made her the first Filipina woman to rap on a record.{{Cite web |last=Galang |first=Christine |date=2016-08-23 |title=Snatch The Microphone, The Revolution Is Still Not Televised: Tracing Filipino Hip-Hop history and notes on its future |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/snatch-the-microphone-the-revolution-is-still-not-televised-tracing-filipino-hiphop-history-and-culture-and-notes-on-its-future |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=Bandwagon Asia. |language=en}} His tracks feature politically conscious and thought-provoking rhymes in both English and Tagalog, in the style known as Filipino hip hop.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2022-08-18 |title=How The Filipino Language Evolved And Impacted Pinoy Hip Hop |url=https://hiphopdx.com/en_asia/news/id.72711/title.how-the-filipino-language-evolved-and-impacted-pinoy-hip-hop-buwan-ng-wika |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}}

In 1992, Francis Magalona released Rap Is FrancisM (1992). With tracks addressing the various cultural and social problems that plagued his country such as drug addiction in "Mga Praning" (Paranoids), political instability in "Halalan" (Elections) as well as the detrimental effects of a colonial mentality in "Tayo'y Mga Pinoy" (We Are Filipinos), the record's complexity and conscious message earned it its classic status.{{Cite web |last=Caballa |first=Jason |date=2024-04-30 |title=10 Songs You Need To Check Out To Understand Filipino Hip-Hop |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/features/from-francis-m-to-shanti-dope-this-the-story-of-filipino-hip-hop-in-10-crucial-tracks-listen-2024/ |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=billboardphilippines.com |language=en-US}} This album helped tag Magalona as one of the most politically conscious voices of his generation.{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29543350/ |title=King of Philippine rap, Francis Magalona, dies |publisher=MSNBC |date=March 6, 2009 |access-date=March 8, 2009 }}{{dead link|date=August 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

The release of his third album, Meron akong ano! (I Got Something!) in 1993 marked the beginning of Magalona's experimentation with Pinoy rock. It also saw the birth of Hardware Syndrome—previously known as Cannabis—the band that would, with Magalona at its helm, introduce the merging of Pinoy rock and rap to the Filipino music audience. Members over the years included musicians Carlo Sison, Francis Villanueva, Niño Mesina, Boyet Aquino, Elmer Blancaflor, Noel Mendez, Perf de Castro, Benjie "Bagets" Mendez, Albert Tamayo, DJ Kimozave, DJ Radikal MK, Otep Concepcion, Kenji Marquez, Jack Rufo, and Wendell Garcia.{{cite web | last = Magalona | first = Francis | title = The Hardware Syndrome | work = A Free Mind | date = March 3, 2006 | url = http://francismagalona.multiply.com/journal/item/93/The_Hardware_Syndrome | access-date = March 9, 2009 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090328061940/http://francismagalona.multiply.com/journal/item/93/The_Hardware_Syndrome | archive-date = March 28, 2009 | df = mdy-all }}

Magalona was soon cited for excellence in both genres of music. He collaborated with other notable OPM artists including Andrew E., Joey Ayala, Heber Bartolome of Banyuhay, Ryan Cayabyab, Mike Hanopol of Juan Dela Cruz Band, Michael V., Death Threat, and the band Eraserheads. In the latter part of his career, Magalona worked together with rappers Pikaso, Gloc 9 and the Pinoy rock band Parokya ni Edgar. In 1994, Magalona moved from Octo-Arts EMI Philippines, which had released all of his previous albums, to BMG Records (Pilipinas) Inc. with Musiko Records (is a wholly owned of sub-labels of a BMG Records (Pilipinas) Inc.),{{cite news |title=Birthing Blues |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=u2UVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ygoEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6185%2C1306751 |access-date=9 August 2022 |date=9 March 1995}} the same label as the seminal Pinoy rock group, The Eraserheads.

Freeman was released the following year, 1995, and firmly established Magalona's legitimacy in the Pinoy rock scene. Tracks such as "Three Stars & A Sun", "Kabataan Para Sa Kinabukasan" (Children For The Future), "Suckin' on Helium/Kaleidoscope World" would become defining touchpoints in Magalona's body of work. A track titled "Intellectual Property Rights" would sample a speech by then-president Fidel V. Ramos. Intellectual property rights was an issue that would continue to be an important and very personal advocacy for Magalona.{{cite AV media notes| title = Freeman | others = Francis Magalona| date = 1995| type = CD Inlay Card| publisher = BMG Records (Pilipinas) Inc., Musiko Records}} "Kaleidoscope World" went on to win 1996 Awit Award for Best Produced Record of the Year, and the 1996 NU 107 Rock Award for Song of the Year. Its music video was directed by the celebrated director/cinematographer Raymond Red{{cite web | last = Magalona | first = Francis | title = Kaleidoscope World | work = A Free Mind | date = March 3, 2006 | url = http://francismagalona.multiply.com/journal/item/281/Kaleidoscope_World_ | access-date = March 19, 2009 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090316093319/http://francismagalona.multiply.com/journal/item/281/Kaleidoscope_World_ | archive-date = March 16, 2009 | df = mdy-all }}{{cite web | title = Winners from the Previous Rock Awards | publisher = DWNU 107.5 | date = March 3, 2006 | url = http://www.nu107fm.com/?page=past#a | access-date = March 19, 2009 | archive-date = April 26, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090426002816/http://www.nu107fm.com/?page=past#a | url-status = dead }}

Magalona's next album, Happy Battle, was released in 1996.{{cite AV media notes| title =Happy Battle |others =Francis Magalona | date =1996| type = CD Inlay Card | publisher = BMG Records (Pilipinas) Inc., Musiko Records}}{{cite news |title=Francis M Happy Battle, p.40 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8cBNEdFwSQkC&dat=19960826&printsec=frontpage&hl=en&fbclid=IwAR0EPcb1LodxDrILDECwGV8afbFwtw5-hxopfztsMrfFSsOuB8B68u2WVvY |access-date=7 September 2022 |publisher=Isah V. Red |date=26 August 1996}} The launch for the video-game themed album at the Hard Rock Cafe in Makati was noted by the press for its wide range of influences: aside from fans of Magalona's music, he had showbiz fans and coworkers from Eat Bulaga!, where he had already started hosting; and two sets of Sony PlayStations with giant screens set up so people could play video games while watching the gig. The album was also notable for a number of significant collaborations: "Unstrung Heroes" with Ely Buendia; "Sapot" (Web) with project band Planet Garapata, which included Raimund Marasigan, Jeng Tan, and Mark Lakay, who would later form Sandwich; and "Make Your Move" with pioneer Filipino punk band Betrayed. In keeping with the nationalistic theme in Magalona's work, 1-800-Ninety-Six was written in celebration of the centennial of the Philippine revolution of 1896. "Rainy" won Best Folk song, and the album itself would become the only album to win Best Rock and Best Rap Album at the Katha Awards. When Magalona was diagnosed with leukemia, he and his wife Pia would use the album name "Happy Battle" as a reference to his fight against cancer.

File:FrancisM airport.jpg in 2007]]

The 1998 album The Oddventures of Mr. Cool saw a move from the last two albums' heavy guitar sound and explored mellow, urban-style rapping. It featured the song "Whole Lotta Lovin'", whose music is a sample of the Eraserheads song "Alapaap" (Heaven).{{Citation |title=Francis M - The Oddventures of Mr. Cool Album Reviews, Songs & More {{!}} AllMusic |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-oddventures-of-mr-cool-mw0001046617 |access-date=2023-06-17 |language=en}}

Later albums with BMG (now with Sony Music) would include Interscholastic (1999), which featured adaptations of various artists' songs; and Freeman 2 (2000), which would echo many of the themes that had made the first Freeman album so popular. In 2002, his greatest hits album The Best of FrancisM was released by Musiko Records and BMG Records (Pilipinas) Inc. 2004 in turn saw the release of a single titled "Pambihira Ka" (You're Remarkable).

In 2002, with the assistance of then FUBU Philippines' management employees Carlo Maniquiz and Nick Tuason, Magalona launched a compilation album of the same name.{{cite web |url=http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2004/oct/09/yehey/enter/20041009ent1.html |title=Urban Noypis (Part 2) |work=ManilaTimes.net |date=October 9, 2004 |first=Cris O |last=Ramos |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050116144726/http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2004/oct/09/yehey/enter/20041009ent1.html |archive-date=January 16, 2005}}

Magalona founded his own record company called Red Egg Records, and a production company, Filipino Pictures Inc., where he served as the resident director. Through his production company, Magalona produced and directed music videos for several bands and solo artists such as Ely Buendia. His work on Sponge Cola's "KLSP" won Best Rock Video at the 2006 MYX Video Awards.{{Cite web |date=October 2, 2008 |title=Francis Magalona: The Master Rapper is still looking good at 44 |url=https://www.pep.ph/lifestyle/17103/francis-magalona-the-master-rapper-is-still-looking-good-at-44?s=3911iuok555f9sp83493nt8r89 |access-date=October 18, 2024 |website=Pep.ph}}

Shortly before his death, Magalona collaborated with Buendia and other Filipino artists on a project titled The Sickos Project.{{cite web |title=Farewell, Francis M |url=https://www.philstar.com/cebu-entertainment/2009/03/07/446009/farewell-francis-m |website=Philippine Star |access-date=27 August 2024}} The sessions were later released as In Love and War in 2010 after his death.

In addition to co-hosting LoveliNess, Magalona was one of the original members of the youth oriented show That's Entertainment in 1987. He was also a co-host of the noontime variety show Eat Bulaga!. Magalona coined the word Dabarkads as a nickname for the Eat Bulaga! family i.e. the presenters, production team, and fans. Dabarkads is a {{interlanguage link|tadbalik|tl}} of the Tagalog word barkada, which means "group of friends".{{cite news |last1=Carballo |first1=Bibsy M. |title=Lunch surprises over the years |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2015/02/16/1424130/lunch-surprises-over-years#:~:text=When%20Francis%20Magalona%2C%20one%20of,In%202009%2C%20Eat%2C%20Bulaga! |access-date=October 25, 2023 |work=The Philippine Star |date=February 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918225905/https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2015/02/16/1424130/lunch-surprises-over-years |archive-date=September 18, 2018}}

He was also a VJ for MTV Asia and Channel V Philippines. He was MTV Asia's first Filipino VJ and remained with the network from 1996 to 2000.

He was also known for starring in the second installment of Bagets (1984). In 1997, Magalona played the lead role in the made-for-TV movie Kamada by Raymond Red. The film, a full-length feature shot on 16 mm, received awards from The Philippines Broadcasting Television and Asian TV Awards during the same year.{{cite web |url=http://www.raymondred.com/About_RaymondRed.html |title=Raymond Red |access-date=March 10, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090409063613/http://www.raymondred.com/About_RaymondRed.html |archive-date=April 9, 2009 |df=mdy-all }}

He was also chosen by Fremantle Media, owners of American Idol as one of the judges of in the first Philippine Idol season that aired on ABC (now TV5).{{cite news |title=Francis M looks for the X Factor |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wxozAAAAIBAJ&sjid=lCUMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2164%2C267793 |date=1 July 2006}} Magalona and his fellow judges Ryan Cayabyab and Pilita Corrales were not retained when the franchise transferred to GMA Network in 2008 with a different title: Pinoy Idol.{{Cite web |last=Ricardo |first=Althea Lauren |date=October 23, 2007 |title=That's entertainment, alright! |url=https://www.philstar.com/cebu-entertainment/2007/10/23/23081/thatrsquos-entertainment-alright |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=Philstar.com}} Aside from television, he also hosted live events and presentations.

Image:FrancisM Pride.JPG

Magalona was a photographer and submitted pictures to magazines for publication. News reports note that he was overjoyed when he was accepted as a member of the Camera Club of the Philippines, and eventually received critical acclaim for his photographs.

Magalona also established a clothing line named FMCC, which stood for "FrancisM Clothing Co." FMCC is sold in stores called "3 Stars & A Sun."

He also started a foundation with Ely Buendia called Heartist Foundation, which aims to help Filipino artists with health and commercial concerns.

In 2001, Magalona was arrested for alleged possession and use of cannabis whilst inside his vehicle in Quezon City; he was later acquitted of all charges in 2004 when no sufficient evidence was found.{{Cite news |last=Adraneda |first=Katherine |title=Master rapper cleared of drug charges |work=Philippine Star |url=https://www.philstar.com/metro/2004/06/17/254257/master-rapper-cleared-drug-charges |access-date=2023-06-05}}{{Cite web |title=Philippines: Francis Magalona Gets Off Illegal Drugs Rap |url=http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n870/a06.html |access-date=2023-06-05 |website=Media Awareness Project}}

Magalona was introduced by actor Richard Gomez to Pia Arroyo at a party in a disco owned by film director Ishmael Bernal,{{cite press release |title=Francis Magalona, Filipino People's Artist, 44 | publisher = The Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) | date = March 9, 2009 | url = http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/03/09/18575709.php | access-date = March 10, 2009}}{{Failed verification|reason=Cited article does not mention Richard Gomez introducing Magalona to Arroyo.| date=October 2023}} and the couple married in 1985.{{cite web |last = Magalona |first = Francis |title = The Magalonas of Antipolo |publisher = Genealogy.com |date = December 24, 2001 |url = http://www.genealogy.com/genealogy/users/m/a/g/Francis-Magalona/index.html |access-date = March 10, 2009 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090311072638/http://www.genealogy.com/genealogy/users/m/a/g/Francis-Magalona/index.html |archive-date = March 11, 2009 |df = mdy-all }} The couple had eight children, two of whom were Magalona's stepchildren:{{cite news |author=Philippine Entertainment Portal |url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/52217/PEP-list-Hot-male-celebrities-in-their-40s |title=PEP list: Hot male celebrities in their 40s |access-date=March 9, 2009 |publisher=GMA News |date=July 23, 2007}}{{cite news |author=Erika Tapalla |url=http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20090308-193024/Magalona-kids-find-strength-in-each-other |title=Magalona kids find strength in each other |access-date=March 9, 2009 |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=March 8, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090311000418/http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20090308-193024/Magalona-kids-find-strength-in-each-other |archive-date=March 11, 2009 |df=mdy-all }} Unna (1983), Nicolo (1984), and television personalities Maxene (1986), Frank (1987), Saab (1988), Elmo (1994), Arkin (1999), and Clara (2000) who entered showbiz to follow their father's footsteps.{{cite news |last1=Tunac |first1= Hermes|title=Pia Magalona celebrates 60th birthday with her children complete|url= https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/922801/pia-magalona-birthday-children/story/|accessdate= October 7, 2024 |work = GMA Network|date=October 7, 2024}}

On an episode of the YouTube series Pinoy Pawnstars uploaded on October 17, 2023, Abegail Rait, a former flight attendant, claimed to have had a relationship with Magalona and that they have a 15-year-old daughter together.{{cite news|url=https://pop.inquirer.net/352092/woman-brings-francis-ms-jersey-to-pinoy-pawnstars-for-appraisal-reveals-her-past-relationship-with-the-late-artist|title=Woman brings Francis M's jersey to 'Pinoy Pawnstars' for appraisal, reveals her past relationship with the late artist|first=Xianna|last=Bengo|date=October 17, 2023|accessdate=October 19, 2023|website=POP!}}{{cite news|url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2023/10/18/2304717/cheating-cheating-internet-users-react-francis-magalonas-alleged-lover-abegail-rait-daughter|title='Cheating is cheating': Internet users react to Francis Magalona's alleged lover Abegail Rait, daughter|first=Jan Milo|last=Severo|website=Philstar.com|date=October 18, 2023|accessdate=October 19, 2023}}

File:Francis Magalona Saab Magalona 4.jpg, at Loyola Memorial Park, Marikina]]

Magalona was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia on August 8, 2008, at The Medical City Ortigas in Pasig. Appealing to the media and the public, Magalona said: {{blockquote|I don't want a media circus, [...] I want privacy with my family. What I'd rather talk about is how we can solicit blood donations to replace the supply that I have consumed in the hospital.|Francis Magalona, August 2008{{cite web |url=http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20080813-154425/UPDATE-Francis-M-diagnosed-with-leukemia |title=Rapper Francis Magalona diagnosed with leukemia |first=Pocholo|last= Concepcion |date=August 13, 2008 |access-date=March 6, 2009 |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090310192046/http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20080813-154425/UPDATE-Francis-M-diagnosed-with-leukemia |archive-date=March 10, 2009 |df=mdy-all }}}}

After his first treatment and discharge, he made his return on Eat Bulaga! together with Ely Buendia, who had also been recently discharged. His daughter Maxene stated that "He always did what he wanted to do. He never let anyone or anything stop him from doing what he loved to do. He still went to the Camera Club, he still took pictures, every time he was discharged from the hospital, he recorded songs with Ely Buendia. He taught us that life is short but it can be well lived. Don't waste your time in the world."{{Cite news|last1=Morales|first1=Izah|last2=Cruz|first2=Marinel|title=Songs keep mood upbeat at FrancisM wake|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=March 8, 2009|url=http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20090308-192951/Songs-keep-mood-upbeat-at-FrancisM-wake|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090310030936/http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20090308-192951/Songs-keep-mood-upbeat-at-FrancisM-wake|archive-date=March 10, 2009|df=mdy-all}}

His wife, Pia, later described her husband's battle with the disease, saying "Francis was a very passionate person. When he was angry, he was very expressive. He would get angry with his cancer. That was his way of coping with it. But he didn't give up. I remembered that he told me, 'I'm going down fighting.'"{{Cite news|last1=Cruz|first1=Marinel|last2=Tapalla|first2=Erika|title= Maxene wants to make her papa proud|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=March 8, 2009|url=http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20090308-193025/Maxene-wants-to-make-her-papa-proud|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090310024633/http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20090308-193025/Maxene-wants-to-make-her-papa-proud|archive-date=March 10, 2009|df=mdy-all}}

On March 6, 2009, at 12 noon, Magalona succumbed to multiple organ failure secondary to septic shock, secondary to pneumonia in the immunocompromised (immediate cause); acute respiratory failure secondary to acute respiratory distress syndrome (antecedent cause); underlying cause: Chronic myelogenous leukemia blast crisis.{{cite news

| last = Lo

| first = Ricardo

| author-link = Ricky Lo

| title = Pia a pillar of strength

| work = Funfare

| publisher = The Philippine Star

| date = March 9, 2009

| url = http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=446873&publicationSubCategoryId=70

| archive-url = https://archive.today/20130104132915/http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=446873&publicationSubCategoryId=70

| url-status = dead

| archive-date = January 4, 2013

}} He had undergone several chemotherapy sessions since he was diagnosed the previous year and had been expected to undergo a bone marrow transplantation and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.{{cite web |url=http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20090306-192678/Rapper-Francis-Magalona-passes-away |title=Rapper Francis Magalona passes away |author=Gerry Plaza |date=March 6, 2009 |access-date=March 6, 2009 |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090306231139/http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20090306-192678/Rapper-Francis-Magalona-passes-away |archive-date=March 6, 2009 |df=mdy-all }}{{cite news |url=http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=446090&publicationSubCategoryId=200 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630015626/http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=446090&publicationSubCategoryId=200 |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 30, 2012 |title=Rapper-actor Francis Magalona succumbs to cancer |author=Dino Maragay |access-date=March 6, 2009 |date=March 6, 2009 |publisher=Philippine Star }}

The announcement was first made over Eat Bulaga! through Vic Sotto.{{cite news |url=http://www.pep.ph/news/21046/Master-Rapper-Francis-M-succumbs-to-cancer |title=Master Rapper Francis M succumbs to cancer |author=Erwin Santiago |date=March 6, 2009 |access-date=March 6, 2009 |publisher=Philippine Entertainment Portal |archive-date=March 6, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090306230505/http://www.pep.ph/news/21046/Master-Rapper-Francis-M-succumbs-to-cancer |url-status=dead }} News of his death sparked a surge of web traffic to several Philippine news sites, causing a momentary slowdown in their operation.{{cite news |title=Francis M's death leads to RP Web traffic surge |url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/151709/Francis-Ms-death-leads-to-RP-Web-traffic-surge |publisher=GMA News.TV |date=March 6, 2009 |access-date=March 6, 2009}} Guests at his wake held at Christ the King Memorial Chapel in Greenmeadows, Quezon City included former president Corazon Aquino (who also died five months after Magalona's passing), along with other politicians and artists who paid tribute to Magalona's contribution to Filipino music and to national pride – the dominant advocacy theme in FrancisM's music.{{Cite news | last = Morales | first = Izah | title = Aquino visits Francis Magalona wake; More stars come to mourn | newspaper = Philippine Daily Inquirer | date = March 8, 2009 | url = http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20090308-192899/Aquino-visits-Francis-Magalona-wake | access-date = March 8, 2009 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090309232821/http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20090308-192899/Aquino-visits-Francis-Magalona-wake | archive-date = March 9, 2009 | df = mdy-all }} Fans arrived in droves to pay their last respects, some of them making a point to wear shirts from Magalona's FMCC line. Numerous television programs, ranging from noontime variety shows to primetime newscasts and late night news documentaries, paid tribute to Magalona.

He had been slated to appear as a special surprise guest at the Eraserheads' "The Final Set" reunion concert on March 7, 2009. Since he died the day before, the band instead dedicated the concert to Magalona. Buendia rapped the 22-bar portion in "Superproxy" which Magalona wrote,Magalona, F. [http://francismagalona.multiply.com/journal/item/166 "Super Proximity"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070117000843/http://francismagalona.multiply.com/journal/item/166 |date=January 17, 2007 }}, A Free Mind, January 8, 2007. Link is inactive as of February 11, 2007, {{cite web |url=http://francismagalona.multiply.com/journal/item/166?mark_read=francismagalona%3Ajournal%3A166 |title=Google cache version |access-date=2017-09-17 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070117000843/http://francismagalona.multiply.com/journal/item/166?mark_read=francismagalona%3Ajournal%3A166 |archive-date=January 17, 2007 |df=mdy-all }} found on February 11, 2007 and the band performed the reprise of "Kaleidoscope World."

Magalona was cremated before daybreak at La Funeraria Paz, Quezon City on March 11, 2009. A final Mass was held for him at the Christ the King Parish Greenmeadows later in the morning.{{cite news|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/03/11/09/francis-ms-remains-cremated|title=(UPDATE) Francis M's remains cremated|website=ABS=CBN News|date=March 11, 2009|accessdate=June 27, 2023}} Hours later, his ashes were laid to rest at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina, causing traffic to stall in the Marikina Riverbanks area near the park as fans and numerous people from the entertainment industry joined the convoy. The Philippine Army rendered military honors to Magalona in recognition of his patriotism and service as a sergeant in the reserves. His widow, Pia, received the flag draped on his coffin.{{Cite news

|last = Alberto

|first = Thea

|title = One last round of applause for Magalona

|newspaper = Philippine Daily Inquirer

|date = March 11, 2009

|url = http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20090311-193472/Magalona-casket-brought-out-of-church

|access-date = March 8, 2009

|url-status = dead

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090312052736/http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20090311-193472/Magalona-casket-brought-out-of-church

|archive-date = March 12, 2009

|df = mdy-all

}}

Image:FrancisM 2CCP Medals.JPG

The Magalona family was also firm against any attempts to capitalize on FrancisM's death and persona. On March 17, 2009, a group of Filipino expatriates in Dubai, UAE and Saudi Arabia, announced plans to hold tribute concerts where performers will sing his songs, with the proceeds supposedly going to a foundation set up in his honor and to the Philippine Red Cross. Pia and Maxene later came out and denounced the organizers, saying that neither concert had the family's blessings and the foundation did not exist. They particularly admonished the concert organizers for using the Red Cross to attract attendees.{{cite web|first=Karen A. |last=Pagsolingan |url=http://www.pep.ph/news/21167/Pia-Magalona-says-%22tribute-concerts-for-Francis-M%22-in-Canada-and-Dubai-are-fake |title=Francis M "tribute concerts" in UAE and Dubai do not have his family's blessing |publisher=PEP.ph |date=March 17, 2009 |access-date=October 22, 2009}} Pia also asked the public not to patronize sellers of fake FMCC goods, which started to appear within days of Magalona's death. Their house had been broken into a number of times, the apparent main targets being Magalona's personal items, along with his children's belongings. One of the stolen items was a laptop computer on which unpublished FMCC designs were stored.{{cite web|first=Ruel J. |last=Mendoza |url=http://www.pep.ph/news/21634/Pia-Magalona-overwhelmed-that-Martin-Nievera-will-wear-t-shirt-designed-by-Francis-M-in-Pacquiao-Hatton-fight |title=Pia Magalona overwhelmed that Martin Nievera will wear t-shirt designed by Francis M in Pacquiao-Hatton fight |publisher=PEP.ph |date=May 2, 2009 |access-date=October 22, 2009}}

Magalona would ultimately be cited not just the "King of Philippine Rap" but also "The Father of Pinoy Hip Hop". Magalona's contributions to the genre have been featured in several international hip hop publications including the All Music Guide to Hip-Hop: The Definitive Guide to Rap and Hip-Hop (2003) published by Backbeat Books; as well as the May 2004 issue of the U.S.-based publication The Source. He was also given the Pioneer Hall of Fame Award by Empire Entertainment at the 1st Annual Philippine Hip-Hop Music Awards in 2005.{{cite web |url=http://www.titikpilipino.com/news/index.php?aid=397&offset=0&expanded= |title=1st Philippine Annual Hip-hop Music Awards |work=Titik Pilipino |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060221092711/http://www.titikpilipino.com/news/index.php?aid=397&offset=0&expanded= |archive-date=February 21, 2006 |df=mdy }}

Magalona was the recipient of the MTV Pilipinas Video Music Awards Generations Award in 2006 "in recognition of his career that has spanned decades and broken boundaries, and for his music which continues to inspire generations of artists and music fans both here and abroad." He was the second person so honored, the first having been singer Gary Valenciano at the 2005 rites.

On March 18, 2009, the Philippine Government – through the efforts of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts{{cite web |title=Francis Magalona to receive presidential medal |publisher=GMA News and Public Affairs |date=March 8, 2009 |url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/151901/Francis-Magalona-to-receive-presidential-medal}}—recognized Magalona with by awarding him a posthumous Presidential Medal of Merit. The award's citation noted that it had been given "for his musical and artistic brilliance, his deep faith in the Filipino and his sense of national pride that continue to inspire us."{{Cite news|last1=Guinto|first1=Joel|last2=Burgonio|first2=TJ|title=Palace honors FrancisM|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inquirer.net|date=March 19, 2009|url=http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20090319-194942/Palace-honors-FrancisM|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090322070616/http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20090319-194942/Palace-honors-FrancisM|archive-date=March 22, 2009|df=mdy-all}}{{Cite news|last=Romero|first=Paolo|title=A presidential medal of merit for Francis M|newspaper=The Philippine Star|date=March 19, 2009|url=http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=449928&publicationSubCategoryId=63|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120906195425/http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=449928&publicationSubCategoryId=63|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 6, 2012}}

Several supporters of Magalona launched an online petition to award him, the Order of National Artist, which is the highest recognition for Philippine artists. However, nominations for the National Artist award will have to be done after three years as nominations for the order are closed.{{Cite news |title = Nomination National Artist|newspaper = ABS-CBN News|date = March 11, 2009|url = http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/03/11/09/francis-m-nomination-national-artist-stalled}} His daughter Maxene has indicated that she intends to continue Magalona's projects, including his The Sickos Project album with Buendia, and a documentary about his battle with cancer. The young actress stated: "We will coordinate with the people he had been working with, [...] I understand that Papa is a big part of history."

In 2013, Kaleidoscope World, a tribute film starring Yassi Pressman and Sef Cadayona, was shown during the 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival.{{Cite web |date=September 27, 2013 |title=Francis Magalona tribute movie Kaleidoscope World makes it to the list of movies for the 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival |url=https://www.spot.ph/newsfeatures/54491/mmda-approves-francis-m-tribute-movie-kaleidoscope-world-for-showing-in-the-2013-metro-manila-film-festival?s=3911iuok555f9sp83493nt8r89 |access-date=October 19, 2024 |website=Spot.ph}} In 2016, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) featured Magalona's songs in the dystopian sci-fi jukebox musical 3 Stars and a Sun.{{Cite web |last=Sanchez |first=Seymour Barros |date=2015-12-22 |title=PETA pays tribute to Francis M in new rap musical |url=https://manilastandard.net/?p=195064 |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=Manila Standard |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Redioca |first=Mariah |date=2024-05-02 |title=Francis M Was A Catalyst For Change For Filipino Hip-Hop |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/rediscover/how-francis-m-was-a-catalyst-for-change-for-filipino-hip-hop/ |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=billboardphilippines.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Miranda |first=Pauline |date=2024-07-31 |title=OPM as the soundtrack of PH theater: A look into the trend of jukebox musicals |url=https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/512594/opm-jukebox-musicals/ |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=Lifestyle.INQ |language=en-US}}

Magalona was given a tribute during a segment at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games opening ceremony at the Philippine Arena, where three of his songs being rendered by his son Elmo Magalona, who sang "Man From Manila", Iñigo Pascual, who gave a rendition of "Mga Kababayan", and KZ Tandingan, who sang "Tayo'y Mga Pinoy".{{Cite web |date=2019-12-06 |title=Elmo Magalona happy to honour father at SEA Games |url=https://malaysia.news.yahoo.com/elmo-magalona-happy-honour-father-034500111.html |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-MY}} The said segment in the ceremony showcased the energy of the Filipino people.{{Cite web |last=Tomada |first=Nathalie |date=December 4, 2019 |title=Elmo dedicates SEA Games opening performance to dad Francis M |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2019/12/04/1973958/elmo-dedicates-sea-games-opening-performance-dad-francis-m |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=Philstar.com}}

On October 10, 2022, Maxene Magalona posted her version of "Kaleidoscope World" to celebrate World Mental Health Day. She had recorded her version several days earlier on October 4, her father's 58th birthday anniversary.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-14 |title=Maxene Magalona Records Her Version of Kaleidoscope World |url=https://modernparenting-onemega.com/maxene-magalona-records-version-of-kaleidoscope-world-in-honor-francis-m/ |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=modernparenting-onemega.com |language=en-US}} In December of that year, during the UAAP Season 85 cheerdance competition, the FEU Cheerdancers performed their routine to a medley of Magalona's songs. They went on to finish second in the competition.{{Cite web |last=Bautista |first=Rafael |date=2022-12-13 |title=The Playlist Of The 2022 UAAP Cheerdance Competition Was Fire |url=https://nylonmanila.com/pop-culture/sb19-francis-magalona-bini-and-more-the-playlist-of-the-2022-uaap-cheerdance-competition-was-fire/ |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=nylonmanila.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Agcaoili |first=Lance |date=2022-12-09 |title=FEU Cheering Squad takes shot at historic back-to-back titles in one year |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/489377/feu-cheering-squad-takes-shot-at-historic-back-to-back-titles-in-one-year |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en}} Weeks later, during the Eraserheads Huling El Bimbo reunion concert, a hologram of Magalona was brought out. Magalona's sons Elmo and Arkin then performed "Superproxy" alongside the hologram. Maxene praised her brothers' performance, and thanked the band "for honoring Francis M through this super cool hologram".{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2022-12-23 |title=Maxene Magalona reacts to Francis M's hologram at Eraserheads concert: 'Nice to see you for a while' |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/familyandrelationships/855296/maxene-magalona-reacts-to-francis-m-s-hologram-at-eraserheads-concert-nice-to-see-you-fo/story/ |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}}

A number of Filipino rappers have acknowledged Magalona as an influence and inspiration including Abra,{{Cite web |last=Libre |first=Ace |date=October 4, 2017 |title=Francis M lives on |url=https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/music/francis-m-lives-on-a1608-20171004?s=3911iuok555f9sp83493nt8r89 |access-date=October 18, 2024 |website=Esquire Magazine PH}} Bassilyo, Rye Armamento of the 90s hip-hop group Sun Valley Crew, Loonie,{{Cite web |last=Severo |first=Jan Milo |date=December 23, 2023 |title=Loonie shares lessons learned from Francis Magalona |url=https://www.philstar.com/music/2023/12/23/2320237/loonie-shares-lessons-learned-francis-magalona |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=Philstar.com}} Gloc-9,{{Cite web |last=Bautista |first=Jude |date=March 16, 2011 |title=Gloc-9 credits the late Francis Magalona for his success as a rapper |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/7827/gloc-9-credits-the-late-francis-magalona-for-his-success-as-a-rapper |access-date=October 18, 2024 |website=Pep.ph}} and Ruby Ibarra.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-23 |title=Ruby Ibarra Uses Music As A Tool To Unpack Diasporic Life |url=https://vogue.ph/lifestyle/people/ruby-ibarra-vogue-philippines/ |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=vogue.ph |language=en-US}}

{{redirect|Interscholastic|interscholastic high school sports|Amateur sports}}

• OPM Timeless Collection Gold Series 2 (OctoArts EMI, 1997)
• The Story of Francis M. (The Ultimate OPM Collection) (EMI, 2001)
• Best of Francis M. (BMG, 2002)
• The Story of Francis M. (PolyEast Records, 2009)

• Bagets 2 (1984) – Ponce
• Doctor, Doctor, We Are Sick (1985)
• Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang (1985)
• Okleng Tokleng (1986)
• Bukas ng Sabado agi Buka sa Sabitan (1986)
• Ninja Kids (1986) as Tone
• Family Tree (1987) as Edwin
• Kung Aagawin Mo ang Lahat sa Akin (1987)
• Action Is Not Missing (1987)
• Hati Tayo sa Magdamag (1988) – Arthur
• Ang Pumatay ng Dahil sa Iyo (1989)
• Gumapang Ka sa Lusak (aka Dirty Affair) (1990)
• Iputok Mo... Dadapa Ako! (Hard to Die) (1990)
• Pangako ng Puso (1991)
• Joey Boy Munti, 15 Anyos Ka sa Muntinlupa (1991)
• Ano Ba 'Yan (1992) – Kiko
• Boboy Salonga: Batang Tondo (1992)
• Estribo Gang: The Jinggoy Sese Story (1992) – Elmer
• Totoy Buang: Mad Killer ng Maynila (1992) – DJ
• Engkanto (1992) – Uban
• Mama's Boys (1993)
• Ano Ba 'Yan 2 (1993) – Kiko
• Tong-its (1995)
• Saranggola ni Pepe at Juan (1999) – Juan San Miguel/Juan Tamad
• Kwentong Kayumanggi (2002) – Narrator – Hundreds Island and the Bravery of Datu Mabiskeg
• Astigmatism (2004) – Victim 1
• Anak ni Brocka (2005, his last movie)

• Vilma in Person (co-host)
• Loveli Ness (ABS-CBN & IBC) (1987–1990) (co-host)
• U. F. O. (Urbana, Felisa & Others)
• Plaza 1899
• Young Love, Sweet Love (RPN)
• Mother Studio Presents
• The Maricel Drama Special (ABS-CBN) (1993)
• The Sharon Cuneta Show (IBC & ABS-CBN) (1987–1992)
• Regal Romance (GMA Network)
• Lovingly Yours, Helen (1986–1996)
• That's Entertainment
• Channel V: Sigaw Manila (1995)
• Maalaala Mo Kaya (1995)
• Kamada (1997)
• Music Bureau (ABC)
• GMA Supershow
• Mikee
• Dear Mikee
• Chibugan Na! (RPN)
• Spotlight Drama Specials
• Rap 13 (IBC)
• SOP (GMA Network)
• GMA Telecine Specials
• MTV's Life's a Beach
• MTV Talk
• GMA Love Stories
• GMA Mini Series
• The Manager: Eat Bulaga Special (2003)
• Show Ko 'To (2004)
• Myx Live (2005)
• Bubble Gang (2005)
• Fam Jam (QTV, 2005–2006)
• True Love: Eat Bulaga Special (2005)
• A Telefantastic Christmas: The GMA All-Star Special (2005)
• Maynila (2008)
• Eat Bulaga! (GMA, 1997–2009; his death, final TV show)
• Balikbayan (QTV, 2009)
• Student Canteen (1984–1986)
• Philippine Idol (ABC "now TV5", 2006) "Judge"
• MTV Pilipinas Music Video Award 2006

{{reflist|2}}

• [http://www.magalona.com a Free Mind], Francis Magalona's official website
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090103070947/http://happybattle.multiply.com/ FrancisM's Happy Battle], blog by Magalona and wife Pia focusing on his battle with leukemia
• [http://www.pinoyrap.com/artists/francism.html Francis Magalona] at PinoyRap.com
• {{IMDb name|1052850}}
• {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p520921|label=Francis Magalona}}

{{Francis Magalona}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Magalona, Francis}}

Category:1964 births

Category:2009 deaths

Category:Burials at the Loyola Memorial Park

Category:Deaths from leukemia in the Philippines

Category:Filipino male child actors

Category:20th-century Filipino male singers

Category:Filipino male television actors

Category:Filipino male rappers

Category:Filipino Roman Catholics

Francis

Category:Male actors from Manila

Category:Musicians from Manila

Category:Rap rock musicians

Category:Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Merit (Philippines)

Category:San Beda University alumni

Category:Sony Music Philippines artists

Category:Filipino television variety show hosts

Category:GMA Network (company) people

Category:ABS-CBN people

Category:Filipino video jockeys

Category:Actors from Mandaluyong