Francis Magalona the famous rapper passed away

Rapper-TV host Francis Magalona died of leukemia Friday at the Medical City in Mandaluyong, Vic Sotto, his co-hosts at the GMA Network’s noontime show “Eat Bulaga” said. Francis was 44.

Magalona is the son of popular 1950s movie tandem Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran.

“I don’t want a media circus. I want privacy with my family,” Francis said in a phone interview with the Philippine Media, after reports of his illness broke out.

“What I’d rather talk about is how to we can solicit blood donations to replace the supply that I have consumed in the hospital,” said Magalona, the father of eight children.


Francis’ wife, Pia Arroyo-Magalona, said her husband started exhibiting symptoms in March this year. “It was very gradual, hindi siya biglaang lumabas [it didn't manifest right away].”