Friday, March 6, 2009 - I was at work on my computer when an email came in from my friend, Ares. He sent me a screenshot of a news article online stating that Francis M died at The Medical City. He lost his battle with leukemia after bravely fighting it for so long. He was 44.
I relayed the news of his death to my officemate right beside me, and everyone within earshot gathered around my PC to see the news. The news of his passing literally sent chills down my spine as I thought of how young he was and how he was like someone I know personally, although I don’t, because I grew up knowing him as an artist and entertainer.
His song, Mga Kababayan, was one of the first few songs that I was proud to have known when I was a kid. My friends and I would sing the chorus.
Aside from Mga Kababayan, I also like Kaleidoscope World. The mellow melody and the wonderful lyrics never fail to warm my heart. It represents the different people in the world and that together, we make it beautiful - just like the colors in a kaleidoscope.
The show in ABS-CBN Showbiz News Ngayon (SNN) presented a short tribute to the life of Francis M, in lieu of its usual programming. He was shown to be a very cool dad to his eight kids, a very loving husband to wife Pia, a great artist, producer, director, photographer, and Filipino. He was always proud to be a Filipino. Why else do you think he wrote his big hit Mga Kababayan?
I personally usually do not watch shows on GMA 7, but I decided to watch Eat Bulaga, as they paid tribute to the Master Rapper Francis M. Everyone was moved to tears as each performer (like Gary V and Raymond Lauchenco) sang for their good friend. Clips of his previous concerts, TV appearances, performances, movies (remember Bagets?) and music videos were shown. It’s nice to see the people smile as they remember Francis, or Kiko as he was known.
His Multiply account was flooded with messages of condolences to the family. They also expressed how they will always remember him as the Master Rapper he was.
Francis M may be gone, but he will forever live in our hearts, and will live through his beautiful music he left us with.
Wherever you are, I hope you know how many are saddened by your sudden passing. You will definitely be missed. Farewell.
