Yesterday, somewhere just 5 to 10 minutes ride from the office, Francis Magalona, one of the country’s greatest rap artists, died of leukemia.

It was in August 2008 that Francis M was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia. He underwent chemotheraphy treatments and planned a bone marrow transplant. But yesterday, March 6, he suffered from multiple organ failure and passed away at age 44.

He was born in October 4, 1964 to actors Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran. He started his movie career in the 80′s as one of the teen actors of Bagets then launched his first rap album “Yo” in 1990. The success of his first album was followed by a string of successful records making him an icon in the Pinoy rock and rap genre. Francis Magalona, also known as Francis M, received various citations and awards for his contribution to the Philippine music industry.

The entire population who grew up to his music mourns about this loss. Traffic was bad yesterday along Ortigas Avenue as people hoped to have a last glimpse of him out of their car windows and aluminum fence installation of the houses and offices in the area.