(From left) Maxene Magalona, the hologram of the late rapper Francis Magalona during Eraserheads’ reunion concert. Images: Instagram/@maxenemagalona
In the opening salvo of the Eraserheads during their reunion concert on December 22, the fans were treated to a welcome surprise — that of the late Francis Magalona rapping in holographic screen to the tune of “Superproxy”.
Onstage, the Master Rapper’s two sons, Elmo and Arkin, introduced their father, who then rapped on cue to the song collaboration with Eraserheads lead vocalist Ely Buendia. The two younger Magalonas stood on either side of their father’s image as if they were all jamming together.
Seeing these unfold before the wide screen, her father looking very much alive on stage, made Maxene Magalona emotional, touched by the honor bestowed by Eraserheads members — Buendia, Raymund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala, and Marcus Adoro — on the late OPM icon.
Maxene expressed her gratitude to Eraserheads on her Instagram account on Friday, Dec. 23. “Sending my love and gratitude to the legendary #Eheads @elybumbilya, @marcusadoros, @buddyzabala and @raymsmercygun for honoring the late FrancisM through this super cool hologram at their reunion concert #HulingElBimbo2022,” she said in the caption.
The actress also praised Elmo and Arkin for keeping their father’s legacy alive during their performance.
“Proud ate moment [emoji] My heart was beaming with pride watching and seeing the baby bruvs @elmomagalona + @barqboy shine their light on stage at the Eraserheads concert last night. I am so damn proud of you both! Papa obviously lives in your souls,” Maxene said.
Maxene also sent her love to Francis, who passed away in March 2009.
“It was nice to see you for a while, Pop! Thank you so much for gracing us with your presence,” she added.
The actress also described her Eraserheads reunion experience as “magical,” as she recalled her favorite moments during the concert.
“One of the most magical days of my life,” Magalona said. “Erase your heads and listen to your hearts. Life is good because God is good. Congratulations and thank you so much to the legendary #Eheads @elybumbilya, @marcusadoros, @buddyzabala and @raymsmercygun for healing our souls with your music. We really needed this.”
Francis Magalona is known for his significant influence in the Filipino rap community, as he released hit songs like “Mga Kababayan,” “Kaleidoscope World,” “Cold Summer Nights,” and “3 Stars & A Sun,” among others. He died in March 2009 at the Medical City in Pasig, seven months after being diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia.
Magalona’s final live performance was at an episode of the noontime variety show “Eat Bulaga” in October 2008, alongside the Eraserheads frontman. EDV