Master Rapper Francis D. Magalona will be laid to rest today, six days after succumbing to cancer of the blood at the Medical City last March 6. His remains will be cremated early this morning, then will be brought back to the Christ the King Parish Memorial Chapel  where a holy mass will be held at 9 a.m. After that, his ashes will be brought to the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City for interment.

Aside from family and close friends and associates, also expected to accompany Francis to his final resting place are members of his “Eat Bulaga” family. Ms. Malou Choa-Fagar, executive of TAPE, Inc. which produces the long-running daily TV show, was one of the most affected by Francis’ death, being a surrogate mother of sort to the rap icon. She cried unabashedly when Francis’ passing was announced on “Eat Bulaga.”

Francis left behind an incomparable legacy of rap music the core of which was nationalism, as well as a reflection of Filipino traditions and culture. His album “Yo!” contained the song “Mga Kababayan” which was a big hit. His other hit songs were featured in the 10 albums he made in his lifetime.

Francis started out as a break-dancer, and was soon seen on TV (“That’s Entertainment”) and the movies (“Bagets2”). German Moreno is so proud that Francis joined his long-running TV show which produced most of the country’s most popular stars. Kuya Germs is now all set to give the Master Rapper his own star at the Walk of Fame in Eastwood City.

Francis M. is one of nine offsprings of Pancho Enrique Magalona and Teresita Durango (Tita Duran), the matinee idols of the 40s and 50s and who were considered Post-War’s most romantic tandem. Pancho and Tita made countless romantic movies for Sampaguita Pictures, among them “Dahil Sa’ Yo,” “Sa Isang Sulyap Mo, Tita,” and “Sa Isang Halik Mo, Pancho.”

Tita Duran was dubbed the Shirley Temple of the Philippines, being a child star who was about six when she was brought to Sampaguita Pictures by Director Nolasco, Lyn Pareja recalled. Tita was then under the care of Corazon Noble, who was one of the biggest stars at that time (1930s). Tita practically grew up under the wings of the Vera-Perezes. Pancho and Tita became even more popular after they got married, Lynn added.

Francis M. is survived by his wife the former Pia Arroyo, and their eight children: Unna, Nicolo, Maxene, Francis, Jr., Saab, Elmo, Arkin and Clara.

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By the way, hereunder is Senator Loren Legarda’s statement about Francis’ passing:

“Francis Magalona, through his life and music, has left his millions of fans and the entire Filipino nation a cultural legacy of love of country and social conscience,” Senator Loren Legarda said yesterday in condoling with the family of the recognized king of rap music in the Philippines.

“In elevating rap as a vehicle to promote love of country and of fellow men in songs such as ‘Mga Kababayan’ and ‘Nais Ko,’ Francis M as he is fondly called by his ardent followers had shown how artists can help effect change,” said Loren.

“The meaningful lyrics of his songs were veritable social commentaries on poverty, the drug menace and social injustice, and what can be done to address them. He will live on through his music.”

Loren said that Magalona’s brave albeit losing fight against cancer underscores the need for more research for the cure and the early detection of the disease in order to give those suffering a better chance of getting well.

Magalona, 44, succumbed to complications from leukemia. Like Magalona, Loren’s mother, Bessie, fought a gallant fight against breast cancer before succumbing to one of the most fatal diseases of women.

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Once again ‘Revealed…’ at The Library

From the pigeonhole:

Fresh from his successful concert at The Library last Feb. 11, Joaquin Garcia takes the center stage again as he brings his show, “Revealed… Joaquin Garcia” at the same venue tonight.

A winner (Original Composition category) in the 2007 World Championship of the Performing Arts, Joaquin wowed his jampacked audience with his solo spots and medleys of different genres of music from Broadway to Jazz to OPM and even R&B at his Feb. 11 concert.

Who would think this balladeer of “I Need You Back,” a Raymond Lauchengco original and “Leaving Yesterday,” a Keno hit in the 80s, can do various kinds of music?

Joaquin is no ordinary singer, and definitely not a pushover. He was the second artist to have brought home two gold medals from the prestigious WCOPA held at Los Angeles, CA in 2007. He took over Jed Madela who was first named over-all champion.

Joaquin also won the Gold Medal at the Contemporary Category. He also bagged two silver medals from the Broadway and Gospel Categories. Joaquin beat several participants from all over the world.
Doing a show in an up-close and personal venue wasn’t easy for Joaquin. At first he was very nervous and tensed. But with the guidance of his manager-mentor and the director of his first concert, Andrew de Real, Joaquin even brought the house down.

Among his guests tonight are Rufa Mi, tagged as the perfect clone of Rufa Mae Quinto (also a home grown talent of The Library) and Ms. Beverly Salviejo, showbiz comedic actress-performer. The show is produced by Don Lerit and Bong Bayombong.

The Library is located along Orosa St. corner Nakpil, Malate, Manila.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, March 11, go to Jose Mari Chan, Hero Bautista, Vera Isberto, Lucy Chuaying, Avi Siwa, Belsha Valdecanas-Dizon, Chico Querol Moreno, Oyang Capistrano, Dr. Teresita Gozar, Mr. and Mrs. Rogelio Nolasco, Camille G. Nolasco, Anthony Segovia, Atty. Nards Virtucio, Dr. Remy Suntay, Jesse Lucas, Juancho Dela Cruz, Janne Dominguez, and former Comelec Chairman Ramon H. Felipe…