THE MAGALONAS.
As far as the Magalona kids are concerned, putting up a foundation in honor of their late father, FrancisM, is the best way to celebrate his birth month.
The late master rapper would’ve turned 47 last October 4—the same day the Francis Magalona Foundation was officially launched.
Maxene Magalona, who top-bills the GMA 7 afternoon soap “Pahiram ng Isang Ina,” told Inquirer Entertainment that she hopes to continue their dad’s legacy by excelling in her craft—in the same industry that he loved sincerely.
He gave them his name, which was their “passport” to the entertainment industry, she noted. “We want to live up to his reputation. He isn’t perfect, but people only have good memories of him,” said Maxene. “I’d be happy if I could accomplish even just a quarter of his achievements.”
Now five other siblings—Frank, Saab, Elmo, Arkin and Clara—have joined Maxene in the biz.
Frank, who’s a GMA 7 talent as well and designs T-shirts for Francis M. Clothing Co., said they can honor their dad’s memory by “making the most of the talents we’ve been blessed with.”
FrancisM’s widow, Pia, and the Magalona kids are all active in pursuing the foundation’s mission.
“We want to make sure our dad’s message will not be forgotten,” Elmo said.
In a nutshell, their dad fought for “Pinoy pride and positive change,” said Maxene.
Pia and Maxene pointed out that the late rap artist loved the country deeply.
“He was the number 1 fan of Filipinos,” Maxene said.
They hope to spread FrancisM’s pro-Pinoy message through the foundation, which has teamed up with the OneCore Success Center.
With the help of life coach Pia Nazareno-Acevedo, the Magalonas found the same ideas that FrancisM had espoused throughout his life in the center’s teachings.
“We want more Filipinos to benefit from the lessons of OneCore,” mom Pia explained.
In line with this advocacy, the foundation mounted a benefit concert, “Mga Kababayan” last October 8 at Zirkoh Morato. The foundation hopes to forge linkages with schools and universities and find scholars who can benefit from the classes at the center.
Elmo, who took the Torch course at the center, attested that he had improved and matured immensely as a result of the sessions.
Frank explained that Elmo used to be a typical teener, “happy-go-lucky and a bit shy.”
“I think Elmo was overwhelmed by show biz. But after taking the course, he became more focused and disciplined,” said Frank, an activist who recently graduated with a degree in Fine Arts from UP Diliman.
Elmo related: “Torch equips me with leadership skills and helps me pursue personal development.”
Elmo said that his outlook in life has become more expansive and that he can now confidently share his observations with peers.
“When my friends have problems, I can give them good advice. That’s the best gift: being able to help other people,” said Elmo.