Francis M dies at 44.

I was at the office minding my own business when I overheard the news that Francis Magalona has passed away. The 44-year-old Pinoy rap icon reportedly died today, Friday at 12:20 pm at the Medical City hospital in Pasig City.

Based on TV reports, it was actor Vic Sotto who announced Magalona’s demise in the noontime variety show Eat Bulaga where Magalona used to be one of the hosts.


Francis M was diagnosed with leukemia in August 2008. He battled this disease for almost eight months before finally passing away. It was told that the immediate cause of his death was heart failure.

The actor-rapper was the son of celebrity couple Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran. He was launched as a teen star in the 1980s, but his career boomed with his hit rap song "Mga Kababayan," in 1990.

His other hit songs include "Ito ang Gusto Ko," "Meron Akong Ano," "Mga Praning," and "Kaleidoscope World."

Francis M is survived by his wife Pia Arroyo their eight children--Unna, Nicolo, Francis Jr., Isabella, Elmo, Arkin, Clara, and actress Maxene Magalona.

The guy's determination and faith is certainly admirable. Here's a cut from his last blog entry dated January 14, 2009 on his multiply page “a Free Mind” (francismagalona.multiply.com).

“I look forward to the pain as I know my journey is on full speed ahead. I will not be bold to say that without asking a favor from you all. PLEASE PRAY for me as I undergo treatment. Your prayers, as always, have sustained me. And am sure the Lord will listen to all our prayers. To His will I submit myself.”—Francis Magalona