Year 2008 ended with a victory-death. The Dream Match of Manny Pacquiao vs. Oscar De La Hoya was the victory (happened Dec. 6, 2008). But in return, it was followed by a tragic incident with the death of young actor Marky Cielo (Dec. 7, 2008) and Juke Box Diva Didith Reyes (Dec. 10, 2008). It was a real bittersweet occurrence for the industry. Then again 2009 took away so much more…

Francis Durango Magalona (Oct. 4, 1964-March 6, 2009)

Also known as Francis M, the Master Rapper, and The Man From Manila, Magalona fought a “happy battle” for seven months before he succumbed to acute myelogenous leukemia.

Hailed as the King of Pinoy Rap, Magalona became a legend in the music industry and left an inspiring legacy of crossing over to mainstream rap and Pinoy rock. His works showing the love for his country was expressed through his music “Mga Kababayan,” “Tayo’y Mga Pinoy,” “Man From Manila” among others, giving him a posthumous Presidential Medal of Merit given “for his musical and artistic brilliance, his deep faith in the Filipino and his sense of national pride that continue to inspire us.”

Douglas Quijano (July 25, 1944-June 13, 2009)

The whole entertainment industry mourned for the loss of a talent manager and a good friend – Douglas Quijano or Tito Dougs to many. He died of stroke inside his house in Lucban, Quezon.

Quijano was behind the success of some of the Philippines’ big names in showbiz like husband and wife Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres-Gomez, Janice and Gelli de Belen, John Estrada, Joey Marquez, Anjo and Jomari Yllana, among others.

He was not only a talent manager but also an executive producer, line producer, and project coordinator. His own movie production outfit, MAQ Productions, was one proof. Quijano left a legacy in his screenplays such as “Isang Gabi, Tatlong Babae” (1975) and “Zoom, Zoom, Superman!” (1973).

Michael Joseph Jackson (Aug. 29, 1958-June 25, 2009)

He may not be a Filipino but the “Greatest Entertainer Who Ever Lived,” the “King of Pop” Michael Jackson’s death caused worldwide mourning and grieving – for was indeed “Gone Too Soon.”

In March 2009, Jackson announced at London’s O2 arena his comeback concert “This Is It” – to him, his “final curtain call” expressing a retirement. It was supposed to be held on July 13, 2009 but weeks before the concerts, Jackson died of a cardiac arrest. It was reported that the death was caused by propofol overdose.

A documentary of his concerts’ making and rehearsals was released worldwide instead. “Michael Jackson’s This Is It” was shown for two weeks in theaters on Oct. 28, 2009 and undoubtedly became a box-office.

An American musician, dancer, and entertainer, Jackson is the most influential entertainer of all time. His works and outpouring achievements that spanned for over four decades attest to that. Even up to this day, fans, even artists pay tribute to him in different forms – be it a concert or through their songs. His death made people confront each one’s “Man In The Mirror.”

Farrah Leni Fawcett (Feb. 2, 1947-June 25, 2009)

The death of American actress, Farrah Fawcett was sadly overshadowed because of Michael Jackson’s death. (She died in the morning while Jackson died in the evening.) She was diagnosed of anal cancer in 2006, following a three-year battle but succumbed to it on June, 2009.

Fawcett rose to fame for her role in “Charlie’s Angels” (1976) and when she posed in Playboy magazine in the ’70s and ’80s.

Maria Corazon Cojuangco Aquino (Jan. 25, 1933-Aug. 1, 2009)

The whole country mourned the loss of former President Cory Aquino, dubbed Mother of Democracy. She died of cardio respiratory arrest but has been fighting colon cancer since she was diagnosed on March, a year ago.

The death of the former president was highly publicized. Her death also inspired Sen. Noynoy Aquino to run for the presidency in 2010.

Kris Aquino, together with the whole Aquino family expressed their deepest gratitude to all the Filipinos who paved their way to unite to bid goodbye to the country’s revered and well-loved mother.

Patrick Wayne Swayze (Aug. 18, 1952-Sept. 14, 2009)

“Dirty Dancing” and “Ghost” lead star Patrick Swayze succumbed to pancreatic cancer after more than a year of battle. People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” (1991) is also a dancer and singer-songwriter.

He was last seen on the TV series “The Beast,” which he failed to promote due to health deterioration.

Juan Marasigan Feleo a.k.a. Johnny Delgado (Feb. 29, 1948-Nov. 19, 2009)

Veteran and award-winning character actor Johnny Delgado died of lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes).

Delgado was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2008. Months after his third chemo session, he announced that 80 percent of his cancer cells were gone and that he responded well to the therapy, that’s why his death shocked many.

In his prime, Delgado was known for his kontrabida character roles. He last appeared in GMA-7’s “Kamandag” and ABS-CBN’s “Maria Flordeluna” and “May Bukas Pa.”

Bernard Bonnin (Sept. 8, 1939-Nov. 21, 2009)

Dubbed as “Palos ng Pinilakang Tabing,” former actor Bernard Bonnin died two days after actor Johnny Delgado’s death. His death was caused by multiple organ failure, a week after he suffered a stroke.

He was last seen in the ABS-CBN TV series “Palos,” starring Jake Cuenca and Cesar Montano, which was based on his hit LVN starrer “Alyas Palos” in the early ’60s.

Bonnin is the biological father of Charlene Gonzales-Muhlach and ’90s actor Richard Bonnin.

Brittany Murphy (Nov. 10, 1977-Dec. 20, 2009)

“8 Mile” and “Happy Feet” American actress and singer Brittany Murphy joined the list on the last month of the year. She died of a natural cause – she apparently collapsed in a bathroom. She was 32.

As we bid adieu to 2009, let us also remember those lives who were taken by the wrath of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng and other calamities, and most recently, the Maguindanao massacre. As we approach another year, may 2010 be a year of great blessings instead.