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Michael V. remembers friend Francis Magalona on the late rapper's 56th birthday

By Aedrianne Acar
Published October 5, 2020 10:18 AM PHT

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Francis Magalona and Michael V


Michael V. to late friend Francis Magalona: “Long live The Master Rapper!”

Losing a friend is never easy.

Recently, seasoned comedian Michael V. remembered fond memories with his good friend, the late Master Rapper, Francis Magalona.

The musician and Eat Bulaga host died on March 6, 2009, after losing the battle with acute myeloid leukemia.

Photo taken from Michael V s Instagram account

On Instagram yesterday, October 4, Direk Bitoy shared a movie poster of Ano Ba Yan!, a project he did with Francis Magalona to commemorate the rapper's 56th birthday.

The Kapuso comedy star also recalled that he and Francis had an instant connection doing this project, which was their first film together.

“Hindi kami dito nagkakilala but this is the first movie na nagkasama kami ni Francis M.

“Dito ko rin nalaman na mahilig din s'ya [sic] sa comics at video games. Dito ko nai-share sa kanya 'yung mga drawings ko and guess what? Pareho din kaming mahilig mag-drawing!”

He added that although he passed away 11 years ago, many still remember him. Also, his friendship with the OPM legend never ended.

Bitoy explained, “I guess our real friendship along with @ogiealcasid officially started here and never ended even after he's gone.

“And a lot of people still remember his birthday long after he's passed away.

“Long live The Master Rapper!”

“ANO BA 'YAN?” Hindi kami dito nagkakilala but this is the first movie na nagkasama kami ni FrancisM. Dito ko rin nalaman na mahilig din s'ya sa comics at video games. Dito ko nai-share sa kanya 'yung mga drawings ko and guess what? Pareho din kaming mahilig mag-drawing! I guess our real friendship along with @ogiealcasid officially started here and never ended even after he's gone. And a lot of people still remember his birthday long after he's passed away. Long live The Master Rapper!

A post shared by Michael V. 🇵🇭 (@michaelbitoy) on

In March 2016, the multi-awarded comedian also shared on Instagram the story of the "3 stars & a sun" tattoo on his back as a tribute to the great Master Rapper.

When Francis told me he had leukemia, naipangako ko sa sarili ko na should anything happen to him, I'm getting a "3 stars & a sun" tattoo. March 6, 2009, Francis passed away. It was a very painful day for a lot of people, myself included. 2 days after he died naalala ko 'yung pangako ko sa sarili ko. Pero teka... kanino ako magpapa-tattoo? Hindi ko kilala kung sino'ng nag-tattoo sa kanya nu'ng 3 stars & a sun. At kung ipapagawa ko sa iba, baka magkamali! Sabi ko na lang, "bahala na". I went to Kiko's wake that night sa Christ The King and was approached by a guy. He shook my hand and said, "Ser magandang gabi po! Ako po si Pido Respicio. Ako po 'yung nag-tattoo kay Francis." Curious, I asked him, "Anong t-in-attoo mo?" to which he replied "Yun pong 3 stars & a sun!" The following day, sa recording studio ng Eat Bulaga, t-in-attoo-an ako ni Pido. The tattoo somehow helped transfer some of the pain inside out. Coincidence? I think not. #RememberingFrancisM

A post shared by Michael V. 🇵🇭 (@michaelbitoy) on

Related content:

#NeverForget: Michael V's 15-minute sketch of Francis M.

Maxene Magalona shares her favorite memory about her late dad Francis M.

Gloc-9 remembers birthday of his idol Francis M.