Francis Magalona

Veteran showbiz host-actor German Moreno still wants the late Francis Magalona to have his own ‘Star’ in the Walk of Fame despite objection from the rapper’s family.

German said honoring Francis with a slot in the Walk of Fame is a promise he gave him years back.

“I told him [back then] ‘time will come [when you'll get your own star].’ I didn’t know he’ll be gone soon,” he said.

The TV host expressed bewilderment over the Magalonas’ stand, particularly Francis’ wife, Pia.

“I was surprised. I was perplexed… Why? Of course, I’m just meaning to honor the person,” German said.

According to Francis’ widow, German turned down the rapper twice when he asked for the honor years back when he was still alive.

Francis’ daughter, Maxene Magalona, echoed her mother’s sentiment.

“Personally, I don't like the idea of including [my father] in [the Walk of Fame] when he has already passed away. They should’ve done it before.

“But now that he is already gone and he doesn't have a say on it anymore…and the last thing that he said to us is that he doesn't want to be included in the Walk of Fame anymore…that’s what we respect,” Maxene explained.

But German would have none of it.

“If they’re still harping on our denying Francis’ request from way back, I’d like to say the honor [of being in the Walk of Fame] is not done by request.

“I hope they understand that. We don’t put names in there based on mere request. We pore over the achievements of the person and study it before we even consider their inclusion [in the Walk of Fame].

“The honor [of being included in the Walk of Fame] is bestowed every December and Francis’ name is actually already included [in our list for this year]. It’s just that…by happenstance [Francis] died March [this year].”

German said he has been trying to contact Pia to clarify his position on the matter, but she wasn't returning his calls.

"I have heard reports that supposedly she doesn’t believe that Francis requested [his inclusion into the Walk of Fame] from me.”

“My God, do I really have to lie about a thing like that?” he asked in exasperation.

German hopes for the issue to die down and for Francis to eventually be part of the Walk of Fame.

“I hope they understand why I’m doing this. Nobody is doing this—not even the government. I’m doing this from the heart. If I only have the resources, I’d put everyone in there, but I could only do so much so…I hope they’d understand.”

“Maybe they already forgot that Francis is like a son to me, too, [having been] an original cast member of my show, ‘That’s Entertainment.’”