Mourning "Michaels"

I just realized that I mourned for three consecutive "Michael musicians" in the past months.

Mike Francis, born Francesco Puccioni, died last January.

Francis M, born Francis Michael Magalona, died last March.

Michael Jackson, born Michael Joseph Jackson, died last June.

So ok, Mike Francis was a stage name, and Francis M never really used the Michael in his name, pero wala lang. Napansin ko lang.

In each case, a part of my childhood died along with their passing. But that's the beauty of music - it lives forever.

What Francis M's death should mean to us (insights by Cabring of Datu's Tribe)

Cabring of Datu's Tribe has some very nice and very true insights on Francis M's death, which I would like to quote, in part, here (italics and bold typeface mine):

The man’s death has bequeathed an incomparable power of influence to the immense music legacy he leaves behind - one that will outlast all the wannabes, suck-ups, leeches, and industry pimps in business suits long after they’ve consigned themselves to the showbiz abyss of terminal obscurity. Though Francis M’s death can be treated as an inconsolable loss, it would be far better to take it as a sign to renew our faith in the power of music to raise awareness, inspire nationalism, promote relevant and meaningful changes, and ultimately transform the way Filipinos think (and don’t think) about themselves.

In our world, there are artists, and there are true artists. These are the chosen few who are better able to show most other people the difference between simply living and BEING ALIVE. And for true artists such as Francis Magalona, that difference has now earned him, through music and in death, his own unique slice of immortality.

Rest in Peace, my friend. We’ll deal with the rest of the happy battles to come…

Read the rest of "What does it all mean, Kiko?"

Music is life (11/15/08): Francis M on Immortality

"...my voice will be heard. Always. At a touch of a button or switch, I am "alive" again...."

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Read a couple of entries on Francis M's Happy Battle, his 'medical journal/blogumentary' early this morning, and I came upon this entry from November 15, 2008.

It showed pictures of Francis during a blood transfusion; he was vocalizing to a track from an ongoing project with Ely Buendia. He described music as his medicine. And he had these insights on immortality (bold typeface c/o Francis):

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I still hear the voices of Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Tupac Shakur, Kurt Cobain, The Notorious B.I.G. and Frank Sinatra to name a few. And their voices rise from their graves.

I am lucky to have been a recording artist and one day when I leave this world, just like the names I mentioned, my voice will be heard. Always. At a touch of a button or switch, I am "alive" again.

In essence music is life. Music is immortality.

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Francis, for the past days, I have been doing nothing but press play just to feel you come alive again. Your spirit will forever live in our hearts and minds. You will continue to inspire generations of Filipinos.

Thank you for your gift of music. Thank you for the gift of YOU.

Rest in peace, FrancisM

Inquirer.net: Rapper Francis Magalona passes away

Excerpts:

MANILA, Philippines—(UPDATE 3) Rapper-TV host Francis Magalona died of leukemia Friday at the Medical City in Mandaluyong, his co-hosts at the GMA Network’s noontime show “Eat Bulaga” said. He was 44.

Magalona is survived by his wife Pia, and children Maxine, Saab, Unna, Nicolo, Francis Jr., Elmo, Arkin, and Clara.

Magalona was supposed to perform “Superproxy” with the Eraserheads in the band’s reunion concert, “The Final Set” at the SM Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay City on Saturday.

Read more.

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Napakalungkot nito.

First, he's still so young. He's accomplished so much already, but I'm pretty sure he had so much more in store, so many dreams that he still wanted to fulfill for himself and especially for his family.

Second, he left behind such a big family. I'm sure Pia's a wonderful mom, but it'll sure be hard to go on taking care of their 8 children without Francis by her side.1

Third, tomorrow's the Final Set, and Francis was supposed to be there. We missed him last August, and we will surely miss him so much more tomorrow, knowing that he was supposed to perform there.

I'm actually worried again for Ely, as well as sad for Raimund, Marcus, and Buddy. Last time, Ely's mom's death as well as all the pressures surrounding the gig caused his physical breakdown. I hope this time he'll be stronger, but it really is hard to get up there onstage with something like this at the back of your mind.

Also, Francis was a great friend of the Heads. We're supposed to be celebrating the Eraserheads' reunion (again) tomorrow, but the loss of Francis will surely make it a bit of a sad event.

In any case, we should just look at the bright side, as always. FrancisM is not in pain anymore, and is free from this world. We're gonna miss him, but we should be just be glad instead that we got to know him and his artistry even for just a short while.

Rest in peace, Master Rapper!