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Fanatxt all-stars radio show guested legendary Pinoy rapper Francis Magalona where he answered intriguing showbiz questions from a lucky Fanatxt subscriber!
October 24, 2007 was another exciting event for the Fanatxt all-stars radio show as legendary rapper Francis Magalona answered intriguing showbiz questions from a lucky Fanatxt subscriber! Text by Alula Love M. Dela Cruz. Photos by Jillian Q. Gatcheco. It was a rainy Wednesday morning and Francis Magalona was running a little late, when he finally got to the radio booth of 97.1 Baranggay LSFM. The humble rapper quickly apologized: “I just came from our condo in Makati, may show kasi ako sa Zirkoh (Greenhills) kagabi.” He then sat in the black chair right across DJ Johnny Baby and proceeded with the show. Francis M. started off the show by greeting everyone, then told about the gig he had night before: “Galing akong gig kagabi at 3 am na ako nakauwi. Eto, kahit puyat basta para sa fans.” Francis M. is renowned for his versatility as an artist—he raps, sings, directs music videos, and now he also takes award-winning photos. DJ Johnny Baby’s first question, quite naturally, was about his new passion, photography. “Nag-start ako nung 1998. May na-meet ako na balikbayan tapos na-inspire ako sa gawa niya,” Francis answered. He added that it was also this certain balikbayan who taught him the basics of the craft. The Man from Manila revealed that for some time he forgot about photography. But with the advent of digital SLR cameras came his new-found love for the craft: “Parang gusto ko subukan yung new technology, so in 2005 I bought my first digital SLR.” Though he may be preoccupied with his romance with the camera, Francis is still one of the biggest promoters of the local rap industry, mentoring and collaborating with new talents. “There was a time na nawalan ako ng gana pero nung nakasama ko yung Pinoy rappers, parang nabuhayan ako ng loob. Ang rap scene naman hindi namamatay eh,” he shared, and said that he was also very proud of the new talents and the transformation that the local hip-hop scene is undergoing. “I’m very proud kasi underground talaga yan, eh.” After all the chitchatting with DJ Johnny, things heated up even more as they chose one lucky Fanatxt subscriber to talk to Francis M. via phone patch. Like any die-hard fan, Edison Tolentino from Cainta Rizal knew everything about his idol, such as Francis’ whereabouts the night before the radio show. "May show [ka] last night. How was it?” Edison asked. “Kahit umuulan, madami pa ring nagpunta. Parang pinutakti ako, pinaghahalikan ako,” Francis joked. But on a serious note, he was very happy with the turnout of people who came to his show despite the nasty weather: “Lagi naman akong may mga gigs na ganoon, para sa akin kasi it’s a way na ‘di tayo kalawangin.” The next question on Edison’s mind was, “Kelan ka maglalabas ng bagong album?” To which Francis excitedly replied, “Meron akong album na ginagawa. Ang pangalan niya The F Word. Dapat release ko this year pero hindi na yata abot, baka early next year na lang.” Francis closed the show with a short impromptu rap, a teaser of things to come. Be sure to regularly check iGMA.tv for more updates on this iconic rapper! October may about to end, but there’s more to look forward to on Fanatxt All-Stars, Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:30-9:00a.m, only on 97.1 Baranggay LSFM. On October 29, catch Bryan Termulo and Maricris Garcia, and on October 31, listen up as Jennica Garcia drops by on the show. Feel the Fun with Fanatxt! Text FRANCISM and send to 4627. For pictures from Francis Magalona, text GOMMS FRANCISM ON and send to 4627. Each Fanatxt message costs P2.50 for GLOBE, SMART and TALK N TEXT, and P2.00 for SUN subscribers. Each Fanatxt GOMMS message costs P5.00 for all telcos. Service is only available in the Philippines.