Saturday, March 7, 2009

Farewell Francis Magalona...

I never imagined that my earlier “songs” here would be one of requiem.

Francis Magalona died yesterday due to leukemia. When I was informed, it left me quiet for hours. I immediately searched the net for the bad news as I could not believe it. And yes, it was true. A great man had passed away.

Francis has lived a life that made sense and one that had influenced Filipino culture, especially music. I'm a fan of Francis, as I mentioned in my chocolate cakes and chocolates article. I like his songs, especially those which had social significance; it feels like he truly has the affinity for the three stars and the sun. Girl Be Mine makes me sing, and my mood lightens up every time. Kaleidoscope World for me was his best. Astig ng kanta na 'yun. The rhythm, the beat, the lyrics, they're all good. He alone brought rap music to us, as I often say. Francis Magalona was an institution, a legend.

I am saddened and affected by his death for a number of reasons. First, I am a fan. I feel a bit sad when my favorite TV series ends. And now, I would no longer see nor hear my favorite musician live. He's like John Lennon now; he will never grow old in my mind. That boyish look. That charm. The man from Manila.

Second, I lament for Pinoy music. Nowadays, I feel like we are surrounded by remakes and all things unoriginal. New bands play old bands' songs. Old bands play a new song but with old sound. Francis was original. I hope there'd be more like him, at least more who could make it to the limelight.

Last, I grieve for the loss of a life. For the loss of a friend, a brother, a husband, and a father. It seemed to me, from his interviews, other people's interviews, and television appearances, that he was a sweet and loving person, especially a father. And I could not imagine the pain of losing one. It was during these times that one validates the significance of life. Let the sunshine, let the rivers run away.

Yes, I am blogging this one. This is my only way to pay respect to my favorite musician. Francis Magalona will always be remembered. His memories will live on. He always said that the show must go on, and it will. But no superproxy can replace one such man like Francis Magalona.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

have you seen his pics? at least he's not in pain anymore and he's in a better place.

at least he's left a huge legacy to the Filipinos. His was a life well lived.

Anonymous said...

It's amazing how someone we, I, weren't even able to touch the fingertip of which, weren't even able to see an inch of the face of which in flesh, could have this much effect on us. It must be his charm he always had that's reflected even on a pale but smiling face he wore in most of his photos when he was sick. It must be his music in which he showed his nationalism and so much social awareness. You're right, we should have more artists like him.
I always hear, and I myself think so too, it seems he never grows old. Well, he never grew old, and he'll stay that way in our minds as his music stays forever in our hearts.

Anonymous said...

I made a similar post... Hi there mordsith, did you get the mags already?

Anonymous said...

So sad. Parang nga I wanted to cry.

I am a fan eversince he was a teenage actor. Then when he became a singer/rapper, I admired him more. I admire his nationality in his work of art; in his songs, his shirts and even his photography. Galing talaga!
I also had a huge crush on him. Gwapo naman kasi ni Kiko. hay...

I will surely miss the Master Rapper buti na lang he has left us great music and some of his movies din.

Anonymous said...

It's comforting somehow that, being a brilliant lyricist, he left us good music. If there's a peter pan, he is him.

Anonymous said...

thought this entry is a bit sad, im glad that you finally made a post dedicated entirely to the man we all admired. yes, fan din ako ni francis m, though not as expressive as you are. his death is indeed a shock to the whole nation. i felt sad also upon hearing the news. isa na naming sa mga de-kalidad na musicians/celebrities ang nawala. i hope one of his children would be able to make a mark in the music world just like his father hehe. Wishful thinking. his looks and his music will be missed.

Anonymous said...

many Pinoys are fans of Francis. who wouldn't admire him? good-looking, good-natured, brilliant, talented, performer, patriot. bihira lang ang ganyan.

dylan said...

kaka sad talaga everytime i read blog entries about the master rapper :(

Anonymous said...

hi

kaleidescope world is a world class song

:)

Anonymous said...

"no superproxy can replace one such man like Francis Magalona"

Agree. RIP FM.

Anonymous said...

I'm not a fan pero nakaka-sad naman talaga, at least tapos na suffering niya. sabi nga nila, "he's in a better place now."

Anonymous said...

Two words: Happy. Battle.

Anonymous said...

his passing certainly leaves a void in the local music scene, because his music transcended genres and made rap music simultaneously acceptable and 'hip' to the masses.

but kiko didn't churn out hits just for the heck of it (quality over quantity) -- his work exhibited quality, spontaneity, surprising clarity with occasional flashes of 'bite' and irony

Anonymous said...

Paalam Master Rapper! May you rest in peace.