The Philippine's King of Rap, Francis Magalona, is set to receive a posthumous Presidential Medal of Merit for promoting nationalism through his music.
Press Secretary Cerge Remonde announced this on Sunday, March 8, by saying that most of Francis's popular songs have instilled patriotism among the youth. Some of these songs are "Mga Kababayan," "Ito ang Gusto Ko," "Man from Manila," "Three Stars and a Sun," and Kaleidoscope World."
According to reports, Remonde would still have to confirm the date of the awarding rites, which could happen any time this week in a simple ceremony at the Malacañang Palace.
Francis's daughter Maxene Magalona expressed gratitude for the posthumous award that would be given to her father. She added that the award was unexpected.
In an interview with GMA News, she said, "I'm in shock. I'm still in shock. I think I'm gonna have to see it to believe it. My dad, who's such a humble and down-to-earth person... He's this simple person and he's gonna receive this award. It's unbelievable, but he deserved this."
The 22-year-old actress is overwhelmed by the outpouring love and sympathy that she and her family have been getting from her father's fans and colleagues in the industry.
"It's very overwhelming, all of this. Ang dami ko nakita from all walks of life pumupunta dito. I could see how much my dad is loved by so many people and nakaka-touch," said Maxene.
After battling for seven months, Francis succumbed to acute myelogenous leukemia last Friday, March 6. He is survived by his wife, Pia Arroyo, and their eight children; namely Unna, Nicolo, Francis Jr., Elmo, Arkin, Clara, and young actresses Saab and Maxene.
His remains lie at the Christ the King chapel in Greenmeadows, Quezon City, where the last day of public viewing is scheduled from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, March 10. His remains will be cremated tomorrow morning, March 11, at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City.

Click HERE to view PEP's tribute to Master Rapper Francis Magalona.






He who has done his best for his own time has live at all times - Friedrich von Schiller
A goog character is the best tombstone.Those who loved you, and were helped by you, will remember you when forget-me-nots are withered. Carve your name on hearts and not on marble. Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Orangepeel
March 11, 2009
04:26 AM Buti pa ang Filipino-American community nabigyan sya ng importansya before he passed away. Just recently, March 2008, he recieved the first Legend in Music Award at the 1st Filipino-American Visionary Awards held in Hollywood and Pioneer Hall of Fame award in the 1st Annual Philippine Hip Hop Award in 2005. Apl of Black eyed Peas also thank during his speech for uplifting the hip/hop, rap genre in the Philippine music industry. Sayang nga lang talaga because he will never get to see this, hay..
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yeah..happy ako diyan..before i learned na may award ang gobyerno nating nuknukan nang pansarili nilang interes ang motto sa buhay..inisip ko..was there any award giving body who gave FM recognition?
then..oo nga pala..that was good..
etong phil award siguro..inspirasyon for whoever wants to follow his footsteps..
maiba nga..
pagdalaw ni imelda naloka ako...
talaga naman si lola ganda p
queenkimz
March 10, 2009
13:52 PM congratz.better late than never..
pero eto lang ang masasabi bakit naman late na ang award?bakit nung nabubuhay pa siya di ginawa ng gobyerno yan?
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agree ako diyan..minsan..nakakaano..
depressure ba...frustrature pa..
ang hilig magbigay nang award sa mga patay..pag buhay kibit balikat lang..
kita kasi nila impact ni FM kaya ayun bigla bigay ng award..na dapat sana noon pa..
pero who could have known na malaki pala ang impact ni FM..iyun nga lang nalaman nung patay na siya..
As I've said before all the awards possible are due for the Master Rapper.
Even for a Modern Day Hero... he deserves it.
Kuya Francis M. is IMMORTAL in our hearts and minds.
Everything,..... he deserves it.