Francis Magalona's family held a small private gathering on the 40th day after his death yesterday, April 16, at Greenwich Clubhouse of Corinthian Gardens in Quezon City. This affair was attended by the family's close relatives and friends, including the Master Rapper's Eat Bulaga! family and some of his close friends in the music industry.
In a previous article by PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal), Francis's wife Pia Magalona mentioned after the mass, which started at 6 p.m., and a dinner, that a surprise program will also be held.
True enough, the invited guests were surprised because Francis's kids—Unna, Nicolo, Frank, Maxene, Saab, Elmo, Clara, and Arkin—sung their father's famous songs such as, "Baw-Waw-Waw," "Meron Akong Ano," "Three Stars and a Sun," "Girl Be Mine," "Super Proxy," and the anthemic "Kaleidoscope World."
Francis's closest friends Michael V and Gloc9 performed "Cold Summer Nights" and "Ito Ang Gusto Ko," respectively. Former Eraserheads member and Sandwich frontman Raimund Marasigan also joined Francis's family in singing "Super Proxy," which was a duet performed by the Master Rapper with Pupil frontman Ely Buendia.
MIXED FEELINGS. Although the guests really had fun last night, Maxene Magalona said that before they went to the venue, her family had mixed feelings.
She explained, "Kasi lahat kami ay mayroong hinanda para sa mga guests namin ngayon, at may hinanda kaming shows. But siyempre, parang bittersweet din 'yong feeling, na parang malungkot pero masaya. Kasi, alam namin na ito na yung 40th day, parang ito na 'yong send off ni Papa to the kingdom of God."
She also mentioned that her family, especially her younger siblings, still experience sad moments whenever they remember their dad.
"Minsan, may isa sa amin biglang napapaisip 'tapos malulungkot," Maxene related. "Like si Clara [her youngest sister], when she heard one of Papa's songs, bigla siyang naiyak, 'tapos tumakbo siya kay Mama. Sabi niya, 'Mama, I miss Papa na.' Tapos bigla rin akong naiyak, as in naiiyak talaga ako kapag nakikita kong umiiyak ang mga kapatid ko."
Despite this, the young actress said that they still comfort each other, especially the older ones who have to be strong for the younger ones.
"Kapag may mga gumaganun, may mga times na naiiyak ang isa sa amin, nandun talaga kami para sa kanila, ready to comfort them, especially kaming mas malalaki na. Kaming mga mas malalaki, kami 'yong mas pinipilit na maging strong para din doon sa mga mas maliliit," said Maxene.
Maxene also admires her mom's courage in accepting the loss of their father. Maxene said, "With Mama, okay kami kasi dahil sa kanya, dahil sa pagiging strong niya, nagiging strong talaga kami. Ayun, because of the closeness of the family, okay na okay naman kami."
SUPPORTIVE ATE. During the interview, Maxene was also asked about her promise to Francis before he died.
She said, "I promised my dad na aalagaan ko yung family ko in any way that I can. Gagawin ko ang lahat, mas magiging responsible ako, mas mature as an ate and as a daughter to my mom. Gagawin ko ang lahat para makatulong—not only in financing, but also to be there physically. Hindi 'yong magbibigay lang ako ng pera, pero wala ako doon for my family. Mas gugustuhin ko na talaga na gawing closer 'yong family namin and to build a stronger foundation."
Speaking of being a supportive sister, Maxene expressed how glad she is for her nine-year-old brother Arkin, who will be launched as an endorser for the kids line of I/M clothing in May. (Click here to read related article)
"Tuwang-tuwa ako, tuwang tuwa talaga ako!" said Maxene. "I'm very proud sa kanya, kasi nalaman ko nang tinanong sa kanya kung sino ang gusto niyang makasama sa show, sabi niya ako. Kasi, gusto niya lagi daw niya akong kasama sa taping. So, na-touch ako."
Maxene is also glad that her youngest brother is slowly shedding off his shyness before the public. The young actress said, "At least, dati kasi mahiyain talaga 'yan, ayaw niya talaga. Pero ngayon, natutuwa ako na at least, medyo nag-o-open up na siya to the idea na mag-aartista na siya full time. And ang galing niya talaga, may potential talaga siya as an actor. Iba yung acting niya sa ibang child actors, very natural and very intense din kung paano siya umarte, kaya proud na proud ako sa kanya. And I'm excited for him."
Maxene added that she is not only proud of Arkin but of all her siblings.
"Basta kahit ano ang gusto nilang gawin, susuportahan namin sila," she said.