PAALAM, FRANCIS "PARENG KIKO" MAGALONA (1965-2009)

As of 12 noon today, Master Rapper/actor/tv host Francis Magalona, better known to many as Kiko, died of complications from leukemia. It was middle of August when news came out that he was diagnosed with leukemia, or more commonly known as cancer of the blood. Because of his sickness, he had to stop hosting the long-running noontime show "Eat Bulaga" and other commitments.

He started out as an actor via the teen flick "Bagets 2" and was often seen in several films mostly produced by Viva. As a rapper, his breakthrough song "Mga Kababayan" became an unofficial national anthem of sorts to most Filipinos in 1991. And it became a classic of sorts as the years went by. It also paved the way for other Filipino rappers to shine like Andrew E., Michael V., and others. He reinvented himself as a rock singer in 1997 when he came out with an album entitled "Freeman" where his song "Kaleidoscope World" became an anthem for young Filipinos going thru the hassles of high school and college life. He also collaborated with other musicians most notably with Eraserheads ("Superproxy") and Parokya ni Edgar ("Yes Yes Show").

On television, he became visible thru the noontime show "Eat Bulaga". To some he was more known as a VJ (video jock) to two of the largest music channels in the world, MTV and Channel V.

As I am writing my random thoughts about Francis M's life, I'm currently watching an upload on Youtube which featured his last live performance at "Eat Bulaga" dated October 25, 2008. The first time I watched the video I cried. I didn't know na last time ko na pala siyang makitang nagho-host at kumakanta sa "Bulaga". Nakapagtataka kasi tomorrow is the "Final Set" of the Eraserheads second reunion concert. It's the second time of former Eraserheads and now Pupil frontman Ely Buendia to face death of someone close to him. The first time was last August when Ely's mom died 2 days before the first reunion concert. Let's just pray na sana ay walang mangyaring unexpected during the concert. The show must go on for Ely.

To Kiko, we will miss you. We will pray for your family at this darkest moment in time.