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Yesterday, April 15, marks the 40th day of Francis Magalona's passing.
Yesterday, April 15, marks the 40th day of Francis Magalona's passing. Kiko—Francis's nickname in the entertainment business—succumbed to leukemia last March 6 at the age of 44. Thirty-nine days after his death, PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) had the chance to talk to Kiko's widow, Pia Arroyo-Magalona, last April 14, inside an exclusive subdivision in Quezon City. Pia was there to accompany her son, Arkin, for a photo shoot for a men's clothing apparel brand. The Magalonas have always been a close-knit family unit. Francis's death, however, strengthened that bond even more, largely because each member now relies on each other for emotional support to make the loss somehow bearable. "Lagi kong sinasabi na this is where traditions come in. So, we always have a routine that we revolve around so 'yon lang 'yong sinusunod namin... 'yong weekends namin together and 'yong care namin for each other. Isa sa traditions nga is kunwari 'pag may na-experience 'yong isa na, either event or place or restaurant or pagkain, itatawag agad sa lahat na parang 'Na-try n'yo ba 'to? or nakabili ako ng ganito or something.' Kasi ganun 'yong when you care about someone you want to also share with them 'yong nararamdaman mo. "So that's how we show our care for each other, so napakadali lang naman. Hindi ko sinasabi na hindi siya kawalan, kaya lang, realists din naman kami na wala na rin naman siya. So what's our best way to pay tribute to him? But to enjoy kung anong ini-enjoy niya when he was alive and when he was with us pa. And alam mo talaga, hindi ko nararamdaman 'yong loss, parang nandiyan lang siya lagi. Parang sanay na sanay na talaga ako na every day magkasama kami. So, ganun pa din ang nararamdaman ko." We asked how the children are dealing with the loss of their father. "They don't avoid talking about him," replied Pia, matter of factly. "They mention him pa rin in their sentences. Parang siguro nga, ang most affected is si Arkin, kasi being a boy and being the youngest. Siguro nami-miss niya 'yong paglalaro [with his father]." Sole Executor. Being the sole executor of the Master Rapper's estate, Pia is now left to represent and oversee the legacy left behind by the patriotic singer-songwriter. "Kasi, ako din naman 'yong manager niya. So it's not as if hindi ko alam 'yong mga trabahong naiwan niya. So lahat 'yon, 'yong mga ka-deal namin, 'yong mga executives, I'm in touch with them, and then we've been holding meetings." Francis's demise certainly renewed public interest when it comes to his work. For those who are sure to benefit from all of these, financially speaking, it is easy to understand why some individuals would rather strike now while the demand is clearly present. Pia, though, would rather continue her late husband's principle of caring more about the quality of his output rather than quick monetary rewards. And Pia is always upfront in relaying this to artists and label executives she's been dealing with in Francis's absence. "Kasi, sabi ko, kailangan consistent pa rin 'yong quality na ibibigay namin sa tao. And lagi ko ngang guide is 'yong sobrang kailangan namin ni Francis 'yong isa't isa. So, alam ko talaga 'yong mga gusto niya; like even 'yong discipline sa band." On top of Pia's priority are two posthumous records slated to be released this year. First is Francis's last solo studio album with Sony BMG titled F Word, and his unfinished collaboration record with good friend and ex-Eraserheads chief, Ely Buendia. PEP.ph