A day before the Final Set concert of the
Eraserheads, Filipinos were shocked by the news of the death of Francis "Kiko"
Magalona because of complications arising from his leukemia. His death took place a few days after his fourth chemotherapy session and a few days before his supposed stem cell transplant.
The TV host-singer dubbed as the Philippines' Master Rapper
died yesterday, March 6, at the age of 44. (Click HERE to learn more about his
demise.)
According to Audrey Carampel's report on GMA-7's primetime
newscast 24 Oras, Francis M was supposed to be the surprise guest in the
follow-up reunion concert of the Eraserheads. The event is scheduled to take
place tonight, March 7, at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds with Ely
Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala at Marcus Adoro in attendance.
Organized by MTV Philippines, Final Set is touted to be the last time
that the public will see the four former members of the Eheads performing
together on one stage.
Because of Kiko's untimely demise, the former band members of the Eheads and
the organizers of the show have decided to dedicate this concert to their
fallen comrade. "Ide-dedicate namin yung buong show sa kanya para may
soundtrack siya sa paglalakbay niya maliban sa mga kanta niya," says Marcus.
They also revealed that Kiko has been an avid supporter of the band that gained
popularity during the ‘90s. "Kung alam n'yo yung kantang ‘Superproxy,' siya
[Francis] yung nag rap dun sa dulo nun and that was supposed to be the
surprise," reveals Raimund.
He adds: "Hindi na siya nakarating sa rehearsal kasi dinala na siya sa hospital
last Tuesday [March 3]. Nagkataon nasa Ortigas ako kanina [March 6], sa mismong
tapat ng Medical City so dumaan na ako para magbigay ng galang. Nandun si Pia
[Francis's wife], nandun yung kids niya, yung mga kaibigan niya. Maraming taong
nakikiramay."
Ronald Esguerra of MTV Philippines pointed out that Francis
M holds a special place in the history of their company. "Francis M is the
first local VJ of MTV so we want to make it special for him."
Before his death, the Master Rapper was in the middle of recording songs with
Ely Buendia for an upcoming album titled The Sickos Project. In fact, last
January 14, Francis posted two blog entries about the status of the project.
In his blog entry titled Day 2-The Sickos Project, Francis
wrote that making music is very therapeutic for him. In his own words, he said,
"The second day saw us doing a cover song from a 1960's band called The
Hollies. I just love doing this music thing and sometimes I think it is really
my medicine. No let me rephrase that, I don't think it, IT IS MY MEDICINE
PERIOD."
Francis Magalona's remains would be open to the public for viewing starting
today, March 7, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Christ the King in
Greenmeadows Avenue, Quezon City. The wake would go on from today until Tuesday,
March 10. (Click HERE to learn more about the last request of the Master Rapper's family.)
Click HERE to view PEP's tribute to the the Master Rapper Francis Magalona.