francis magalona dead

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.

He battled cancer for almost eight months before finally passing away.

Last August, Magalona informed the noontime show "Eat Bulaga" via text message that he was suffering from leukemia.

The rapper even requested for blood donations to replace the blood he was using at the Medical City hospital in Ortigas Avenue where he was being treated.

Francis Magalona is one of the most very nice actors, comedians, and most especially for being a nice person in the industry of entertainment.

"I have been diagnosed with leukemia and I am preparing for my treatment. Sa tulong ng Panginoon, kakayanin ko po ito," he said. "Abangan nyo ang aking pagbabalik. 'Di ko lang kayo 'miss'... LOVE KO kayong lahat."

Magalona was a regular host of the noon time show "Eat Bulaga."

The 44-year-old Magalona was the son of 1950's legendary actors and celebrity couple Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran.

Launched as a teen star in the 1980s, Magalona's career boomed with his hit rap song "Mga Kababayan," which was included in his album "Yo!" released in 1990.

He was also the voice behind the hits "Ito ang Gusto Ko," "Meron Akong Ano," "Mga Praning," and "Kaleidoscope World."

“I don’t want a media circus. I want privacy with my family,” Francis said in a phone interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, after reports of his illness broke out.

“What I’d rather talk about is how to we can solicit blood donations to replace the supply that I have consumed in the hospital,” said Magalona, the father of eight children.

Francis’ wife, Pia Arroyo-Magalona, said her husband started exhibiting symptoms in March this year. “It was very gradual, hindi siya biglaang lumabas [it didn’t manifest right away”

Francis M left behind his wife Pia Arroyo and eight children--Unna, Nicolo, Francis Jr., Isabella, Elmo, Arkin, Clara, and actress Maxene Magalona.