Francis Magalona passed away
Rapper, songwriter, actor, producer and TV host Francis Magalona died due to complications from leukemia on March 6 at the Medical City in Mandaluyong. Francis was said to be battling cancer since August of 2008. It can be recalled that the rapper even requested blood donations to replace the blood he was using at the Medical City Hospital.
Francis Magalona died at the age of 44 and is survived by wife Pia Arroyo and eight children, Unna, Nicolo, Francis Jr., Isabella, Elmo, Arkin, Clara and actress Maxene Magalona.
Francis is the son of popular showbiz couple, Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran. He was first launched as a teen star in the 1980s. His career boomed with the hit rap song “Mga Kababayan” included in his album “Yo!” released in 1990.
His 1992 album “Rap is FrancisM” tackled the country’s many problems like illegal drugs and political instability. He was one of the most politically conscious voices of his generation.