By: Cristina Galido; March 8, 2009
Francis Magalona (A tribute to a True Filipino)
When I went home Friday night and opened my TV, I was wondering why Pia Guanio was in tears. I thought maybe she broke up with Vic or maybe she found out something from him. Then I saw Vic teary-eyed. "Ano ba yan? Love talga cguro nila ang isa't isa.." Then the feisty and controversial Joey de leon cried like a baby. This must be something. I pushed on the "+" button on the volume side of the remote. Then the photo of Francis M being flashed on the screen. "Ha patay na si Francis M.?" I was shocked. I may not be a super mega fanatic of Francis M who followed all his gigs and concerts and collected all his songs and videos. On the contrary, I am but a simple fan. Yet there were a lot of things common to me and the Master Rapper. We have the same birthdate , October 4; the same blood type, blood Type O; and the all familiar "dugong makabayan" ideology. For me, Francis M was more than just an icon, a performer and a singer. He was a personification of a great Patriot and his embodiment of nationalism were all over his craft. Unlike other commercial musician and artists, he saw things beyond pure art and music. On a country dragged by colonial mentality, cynicism and indifference, his patriotism inspired lots of Filipinos, young and old alike. Through his songs particularly "Mga Kababayan Ko", he sent a very strong message of how we should feel as Filipinos - of how we should be proud of being one. I felt bad another TRUE Filipino left us. But I am happy because he gave us a legacy we cannot forget. I knew I am just one of the million Filipinos who wanted to do something for our country. And in my little way, I hope I was able to do something for our country as what FrancisM did. To Master Rapper Francis Magalona, a true Filipino artist -- may you rest in peace and we thank you for the legacy that you left.
