"Master Rapper" Francis Magalona, who passed away last Friday of cancer, will receive a posthumous Presidential Medal of Merit Award from President Arroyo for promoting nationalism through his music.
Deputy Presidential Spokeswoman Lorelei Fajardo said Mrs. Arroyo has approved bestowing the award on Magalona but said the Chief Executive might not be able to personally present the honor to the singer’s family.
Fajardo said Malacañang is considering to present the award in Magalona’s wake at the Christ the King Church in Greenmeadows, Quezon City, although Mrs. Arroyo might be represented by Press Secretary Cerge Remonde should her schedule not permit her to go personally. The family of Magalona has made the wish that the medal ceremony be made after the singer-actor’s cremation.
Magalona, professionally known as Francis M., died of multiple organ failure last Friday. He was 44 years old.
Fajardo said there are many other artists, musicians and personalities who should be commended for promoting nationalism through their work, but that it is unfortunate that their efforts are highlighted only after they die.
Mrs. Arroyo is familiar with Magalona's music, with her children Mikey, Luli, and Dato joining millions of his fans during the emergence of rap music in the 1980s, according to Fajardo.
Meanwhile, describing the late rap artist as a patriot, militant lawmakers yesterday called on the House of Representatives to express its "profound condolences" on the passing of the popular entertainer.
In filing House Resolution No. 1045, Bayan Muna Reps. Satur Ocampo and Teodoro Casino cited Magalona for a host of musical achievements during his stint in the Philippine entertainment industry.
"His rap songs took up social commentary along nationalist and patriotic themes that inspired many activists and ordinary folk," Ocampo and Casino said.
Quezon City Rep. Matias Defensor immediately threw his support for the measure as he noted that the 44-year-old cancer victim, a constituent in the city’s third district, has inspired millions of Filipino youth with his nationalistic compositions.
Magalona, son of the late Philippine movie screen legends Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran, and a grandson of the late senator Enrique Magalona, passed away on March 6 due to acute myelogenous leukemia.
Aside from being a rap singer and TV show host, Magalona was a known songwriter, disc jockey, musical producer, actor, director and photographer.
"He was credited for being the first Filipino rapper to successfully cross over to the mainstream music scene. He was also popularly known as the ‘King of Pinoy Rap’ and considered one of the most idolized, celebrated and influential rappers within this musical genre," said Ocampo and Casino. (with a report by Ben R. Rosario)
Presidential Merit medal for Magalona
Originally Posted by EL LOCO
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