Francis Magalona at the 1st Annual Inaugural Filipino American Visionary Awards - Arrivals held at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, CA. The event took place on Friday, March 7, 2008. Photo by: Sthanlee B. Mirador
MANILA, Philippines – The local entertainment industry is mourning on the death of the rapper and TV host, Francis Magalona. The “King of Pinoy Rap” passed away at around noon of March 6, 2009 at The Medical City Hospital after months of battling with leukemia. He was 44.
It is in GMA Network’s noontime TV show that host Vic Sotto confirmed the death of the rapper / TV host. The show together with the hosts, staff and the audience offered few moments of silence in remembrance of Francis Magalona who is one of the show’s hosts.
It was in August 2008 that Francis Magalona was diagnosed with leukemia and has been in and out of the hospital for his treatment. Reports said that the rapper / TV host is about to undergo a procedure called “Stem Cell Transplant” this March. During his past interviews, the rapper requested for privacy and said that he doesn’t want a “media circus”.
FrancisM, as his fans and supporters call him is also a songwriter, record producer, actor and a photographer. He is married to Pia Arroyo and have eight children named Unna, Nicolo, Francis Jr., Elmo, Arkin, and actresses Maxene and Saab.
Fans and supporters of the late rapper / TV host can have a last glimpse of his remains at the Christ the King Chuch in Green Meadows, Quezon City.
