King of Pinoy Rap's wife Pia Magalona and their children received the posthumous Presidential Medal of Merit for Francis Magalona from President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo herself earlier today, March 18, in Malacañang. The award was bestowed to the late Pinoy rapper for promoting nationalism through his music.
The awarding ceremony, which was held at Malacañang's Reception Hall, was also attended by Francis's "dabarkads" from Eat Bulaga!—Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, and Television and Production Exponents (TAPE) executive Tony Tuviera. The Master Rapper was a regular host in Eat Bulaga! for more than a decade.
"Of course, we're very proud, the whole family is, of the honor given to my husband," said Pia in an interview shown in Eat Bulaga! earlier this afternoon.
Vic, on the other hand, stated: "Deserving naman si Kiko. At sa mga nagawa niya at sa mga iiwanan niyang legacy, e, dapat lang gawaran ng Presidential Medal of Merit."
Francis and Pia's daughter Maxene Magalona also expressed her gratitude for the award given to her father. "Alam naman niya kung ano'ng nangyayari ngayon, pinaparangalan siya ng President of the Philippines. And I'm sure sobra siyang natutuwa as he is looking down on us," said the young actress.
Francis Magalona succumbed to acute myeloid leukemia on March 6 after a seven-month battle. He was 44 years old. 
Click HERE to view PEP's tribute to the the Master Rapper Francis Magalona.