Marjorie Gorospe | INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines -- Francis Magalona was more than a husband and father to his wife Pia Arroyo and their eight children. To them, he was a patriot who expressed his love of country through his music.Fans and friends -- people from all walks of life -- went to his wake at the Christ The King Church in Green Meadows in Quezon City and paid their last respects to the Man From Manila. As they started quietly pouring into the chapel about 3 p.m., some even volunteered to help secure the place.
His son and namesake Francis Jr. said that as a father, the King of Pinoy Rap only wanted his children to pursue their dreams, whatever they may be.
“Both my father and mother taught us to pursue whatever we want and love of country,” he said.
His wife, Pia Arroyo, agreed with their son. She said that apart from photography, the Master Rapper’s other love was the Philippines.
To Francis Jr., his father’s best legacy to him was his work ethic. “He taught us that you should have drive in whatever you do,” he said.
Describing his father as hard-working, Francis Jr. also said, “What people may not know about him is he’s a good comedian.”
Celebrities like Richard Gutierrez, Michael V., Andrew E., The Dawn’s Jett Pangan, and Luis Manzano also came to remember the man whose music and love of country touched them.
By Bong Godinez
It was an outpouring of love and support to a life unfortunately cut short by leukemia.
Fans, Friends and supporters of the late Francis Magalona continue to arrive in batches at the Christ the King Memorial Chapel in Greenmeadows, Quezon City. Some of those who paid their last respects at the wake's first day were Kiko's (Francis's nickname) Eat Bulaga! family led by Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, Michael V, Pia Guanio, Keempee, among others.
Annabelle Rama, Eddie Gutierrez, Mark Gil, Cherie Gil, Gina Alajar, Tonton Gutierrez, William Martinez, Gary Valenciano with wife Angeli Pangilinan, Tirso Cruz III and wife Lyn Ynchausti, Ramon Christopher, and director Quark Henares were also part of the early mourners. read the story
Former president Corazon "Cory" Aquino—who herself is currently battling cancer—also arrived to extend her condolences to the family left behind by the 44-year-old musician-TV host.
