A week after a Filipino patriot, Francis M, died – Many, particularly the younger teens, were amazed and puzzled at how the people who knew Mr. Francis Magalona told the story of his life. Why is Francis M considered a patriot?
In the late 80s, the hip-hop song was still a taboo in the Philippines. Hip-hop music can only be heard in the Subic Freeport where the then Subic Naval Base was located. As I wrote in my previous entry, Francis M opened the gates for hip-hop music and released the first ever recorded commercial hip-hop album, “Yo!.” Francis M came out in TV wearing very loose pants matched with “chaleco” to make up his hip-hop appearance, but unlike the usual hip-hop attire, his was checkered in Filipiniana prints. Many knew then that Francis M and his music would be different.
Through his music, Francis M highlighted the good traits of Filipino and how he is proud to be one. Through his music, he spoke his mind about social issues and how he thought Filipinos should use their good traits to better the lives of the underprivileged. Through his music, he expressed his love for the country and how he ached so much to see how Filipinos themselves caused the country’s letdown with too much politicking.
He brought his music nationwide. He brought his music personally to the struggling artists of his genre, preaching to them hard work, love for own countrymen, love for family, love for country and love for God. He preached gratefulness for whatever success one has gained and to be proud of others’ success too. He preached that they too preach the same to their reach. This is the reason he was called “The Master Rapper.”
Francis M received many citations for his works, in music, in photography and in paintings. In all his works, he never failed to preach love for country.
This patriot was not perfect, being a student of adventure and fun. He had his letdown too, but the good thing about this patriot, as is expected of a true student, he learned from his mistakes and he did rectify his wrongdoings and tried in his own way to let others see the lesson without having to commit the mistakes he did. He made sure he was in the bottom of things, if only to save his subjects from committing the mistakes he did.
Francis M was a man for the masses. Francis M was a man for the altas. Francis M was a man for all. He blends well and could easily get lost in the crowd. He fitted in right away. Now, that he went ahead to face the Master of All, hopes are that his music of patriotism continue to live in each and every Filipino – singing in unison – proud of being one, regardless of social status.
Friday (03/06/09), Noontime in Manila, Philippines - a television show broke the news that their longtime co-host of 10 years, popularly known as the Philippines' Master Rapper, Francis Magalona, succumb to complications from leukemia. He was 44. This saddened not just his immediate family, not just the local music industry, but many Filipinos including me who find him as a true patriot. while many praised him for his accomplishments in music, for opening the gates for hip-hop and rap music in the country, I admire him more for his patriotism. He preached it, he showed it, and he lived his love for the country - how he preferred the Filipinos highlighting more of their good traits by reorienting each Filipinos to the values that made the country proud - a formula he sees that will always make every Filipino proud of being one. He is not a fan of politics and he never let himself be used by politicians. The show of sympathy and the amount of condolences that his surviving loved ones are receiving from Filipinos from all walks of life is a testament to how he lived as a great Filipino.
Rest in peace, Mr. Francis Magalona. While some would say you lost your happybattle, I must say you won every inch of it. As long as your music lives, as long as we remember your message, you are a victor in your happybattle.
Allow me to end this little tribute to the Philippines’ Master Rapper, who’s already wrapped up to face his Master, by posting his song that I really like listening to.
Kaleidoscope World Francis M.
So many faces, so many races Different voices, different choices Some are mad, while others laugh Some live alone with no better half Others grieve while others curse And others mourn behind a big black hearse Some are pure and some half-bred Some are sober and some are wasted Some are rich because of fate and Some are poor with no food on their plate Some stand out while others blend Some are fat and stout while some are thin Some are friends and some are foes Some have some while some have most
Every color and every hue Is represented by me and you Take a slide in the slope Take a look in the kaleidoscope Spinnin’ round, make it twirl In this kaleidoscope world
Some are great and some are few Others lie while some tell the truth Some say poems and some do sing Others sing through their guitar strings Some know it all while some act dumb Let the bassline strum to the bang of the drum Some can swim while some will sink And some will find their minds and think Others walk while others run You can’t talk peace and have a gun Some are hurt and start to cry Don’t ask me how don’t ask me why Some are friends and some are foes Some have some while some have most
Every color and every hue Is represented by me and you Take a slide in the slope Take a look in the kaleidoscope Spinnin’ round, make it twirl In this kaleidoscope world
