It's hard and painful losing the father of the Magalona family. But the overwhelming support of the people makes their loss  bearable and less lonely, for now...

Francis's wife Pia (second from left) says, "Maybe when this is all over, when all the people that are coming are gone, and I'm alone, it's just you and me again..."

On the second day (March 7) of the wake, Pia and four of her children—(from left) Elmo, Saab, Maxene, and Frank Jr—were a picture of strength.

 

The men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are very visible to ensure that the chapel is secure and orderly.

Forming a long line, fans pay their last respects to Francis "Kiko" Magalona, the King of Pinoy Rap.

The chapel is open to public until March 11, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Rappers, breakdancers, and photographers also troop to Christ the King in Greenmeadows, Quezon City.

Pia Arroyo-Magalona encourages mourners to donate money and blood to Philippine Red Cross, In lieu of flowers and mass cards.

A few minutes before he died, Pia recited Francis' song about blessings, "Rainy," to him: "I am you, you are me...rainy days are here again. It's that time of the year, my friend, and I hope it never ends for you, for me, for them..."

Richard Gutierrez, the leading man of Maxene Magalona in the GMA-7 TV series Kamandag, personally extends his condolences to Francis's widow...

...and pays his respects to Kiko.

Richard's brother Ritchie Paul, who is active in the rap community, takes a solemn look at the pioneer of Pinoy rap for the last time.

Pia on Francis: "My relationship with him is so close that we are one na."

"I always see that we're worthy of each other. I'm glad I had my life with him."

Maxene appears to be "okay," but she admits that when she's all alone, "I really break down..."

Pia says Kiko died without any worry about the future of his eight kids. "In a way, I assured him also na...I showed him all these things na maganda yung palaki ko sa kanila."

Even Kapamilya stars Angel Locsin and Luis Manzano arrived at the chapel.

Angel grew up listening to the songs of Francis. In one of her fan forums, her sister Ella posted:

"Ilang masterpieces din niya ang nagpa-indak sa amin tulad ng 'Mga Kababayan Ko,' 'Three Stars & a Sun,' at 'Mga Praning.' Kung maaalala pa ni Angel, bago niya inihayag noon sa madla na hindi siya marunong sumayaw, lagi niyang sinasayaw ito nung maliit pa siya..."

They had a few encounters with the music icon, but they will never forget how his songs touched their lives.

Entertainment Live host Bianca Gonzales, on Luis Manzano's right, was also there.

Host-columnist Ricky Lo before his interview with Pia Arroyo-Magalona for Startalk.

Without Francis M, whose album Yo! activated the rap movement in the mainstream music scene in 1990, there probably would have been no Andrew E.

Maxene warmly welcomes Benson (middle), who got the chance to meet his idol via GMA-7's Wish Ko Lang last January 24.

He only wanted to meet his idol then, but he got more from Kiko—a CD, some pointers to become a good rapper, and an inspiration to always pursue his dream.

After appearing in Eat Bulaga!, Lougee's itinerary yesterday, Match 7, included a visit to the chapel.

Francis's "riches" are Pia's "source of inspiration."

The eight-year-old Clara and the nine-year-old Arkin...

With their mom around, Francis had nothing to worry about his kids. "Thank you, you're a good mother. And I like the way you brought them up," said Kiko to Pia before he died.

Saab (right)—the fifth of Kiko's eight children—is a budding star and currently part of Lipgloss.

A few minutes before closing time, visitors keep pouring in.

We will all miss Francis. But with the commitment of his family to continue his unfinished projects and the overflowing support and love of his fans, the legacy of the Master Rapper lives on.