An hour and a half ago, I heard my good friend Homer ask his colleague, “Paano na si Maxine?”  Being the chismosa that I am, I asked, “Sinong Maxine?” Homer replied, “Wala na si Francis dahil di ba may leukemia siya….”

And of course, to us Filipinos, especially us 80’s and 90’s kids, there is only one Francis that stands out. Stood out, considering his unfortunate and shocking demise. He’s Francis Magalona, King of Philippine Rap. A man who did not only entertain us with his lyrical beat and straight-up words, but showed us ina  different light what being a Filipino was all about.

I remember, so many years ago, I would rather memorize the lyrics of Mga Kababayan than Panatang Makabayan. In my young heart, I knew that his song spoke more relevance to my heritage than any compulsary piece given by the school and the government.

Mr. Francis M, you were truly a voice of the Filipino People. Know in heaven that you will be missed.

Peace, man.

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listening to: Francis M – Kaleidoscope World