Francis M's journey ends

“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.”—Francis Magalona

This was taken from Magalona’s last blog entry dated January 14, 2009 found on his multiply page “a Free Mind” (francismagalona.multiply.com). He succumbed to leukemia on March 6, 2009 at age 44.
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Master Rapper Francis Magalona was born Francis Michael Durango Magalona on October 4, 1964. Fondly called “Kiko” by his family and friends and “FrancisM,” “Master Rapper” or “The Man from Manila” by fans, Magalona is the son of late Philippine movie icons Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran. He has nine brothers and sisters. Magalona is married to Pia Arroyo and they have eight children, namely Unna, Nicolo, Francis Jr., Elmo, Arkin, Clara, and actresses Maxene and Saab.

He started out as a break dancer in the early 1980s, before launching his vast showbiz career as an actor, host, rapper, veejay, producer, photographer and director. He is best known for his smash hit song “Mga Kababayan” from the album Yo! (1990),said to be the first commercially-released Philippine rap album in the Philippines.

According to Magalona’s Wikipedia page, Magalona is regarded as the first Filipino rapper to successfully crossover to the mainstream market. Because of this, he is known as the "King of Pinoy Rap."

Magalona released many albums including Rap Is FrancisM (1992), Meron akong ano! (I have something!)(1993), and FreeMan (1995) spanning more hits like "Ito ang Gusto Ko," “Girl Be Mine” and “Kaleidoscope World.” His greatest hits album, The Best of FrancisM,was released in 2002.

He also dabbled into hosting television shows and events. His hosting credits include being a VJ for MTV Asia, a judge in ABC-5’s “Philippine Idol” and host of noontime show “Eat Bulaga!”

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