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Excellence in being versatile is a special kind of talent only a few are blessed with—one of which is master rapper Francis Magalona.
For almost three decades, Francis Magalona has rapped, sang, and acted his way to the top. These days, this demi-god of music is moving on to broader horizons as he ventures into a different career—photography. - Text by Alula Love M. Dela Cruz. Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio. Francis, a.k.a. Kiko, started taking an interest in photography back in the late nineties: “Nag-start ako nung 1998. May na-meet ako na balikbayan tapos na-inspire ako sa gawa niya, then tinuraan niya ako.” Around the same time, the rookie photographer held his first exhibit in his own bar, Zero Below, in Cebu. But for some time, Kiko had to busy himself with family and career, and his newfound hobby was put on the shelves. But soon the enthusiasm returned, with the help of modern technology. He shares, “[In] 2005 I bought my first digital SLR. Parang gusto ko tignan yung kakayahan ng bagong technology na ‘to.” Aside from the techie gadgets, another factor that made him continue with becoming the full-fledged photographer that he is now, is the uniqueness of the craft. “Na-challenge kasi ako. Sa photography, you’re telling a story with one shot or with a series of shots,” he adds. He later joined the prestigious Camera Club of the Philippines, an organization that unites local photographers. The group gives the photogs a chance to showcase their love of photography by competing in local and international competitions. Being a member of this esteemed club is not like joining just any other club; Kiko reveals that he had his apprehensions when he first joined the group: “Sumali ako sa last February. Nagagandahan ako sa kuha nila so na-challenge ako [kasi] nakakatakot, magagaling, at mahuhusay [sila].” But being obviously talented in the field, others soon found out about the rapper's surprising gift. “I’ve won two [awards] already. I [recently] won in Vietnam. A couple of my shots have been used by PLDT and Mabuhay Magazine called me up about featuring my photos,” he says. Kiko, though, is quick to admit that he still has a lot to learn: “Ngayon bumalik ako sa film ulit kasi exciting [na] hindi mo nakikita yung results ng kinuha mo.” One of the things he’d also like to learn from his photographer peers is the process of developing his own pictures. “Meron nagde-develop at nagpo-process para sa akin, pero one day gusto ko rin matutunan yung sa chemicals, yung black and white. Gusto ko rin kasing bumalik sa golden age of film,” he explains. “I’ve done so many things. To be accepted by these renowned photographers is something money can’t buy. It’s something that feeds my soul and I’m gonna do till I’m old,” Kiko concludes. Francis “Kiko” Magalona truly is an icon in so many ways—a shining example of fatherhood and a respected artist, not only in music, but now in photography as well. Catch Francis M. daily on Eat Bulaga! Read more on the master rapper-photographer extraordinaire with these related stories: Francis M’s other family Feel the fun with Francis M.! Text FRANCIS and send to 4627 for all telcos. Each Fanatxt message costs P2.50 for GLOBE, SMART and TALK 'N TEXT, and P2.00 for SUN subscribers. This service is available only in the Philippines.