Re-discovering the love for Filipino Identity and the future of OPM
I am not an avid fun of the artist. Yet, the end of the 80’s of the martial law babies and the opening of the 90’s of the generation Xers will not be complete without Francis Magalona. His death reminds us of something that the Bagets generation of Aga Mulach, Herbert Bautista and William Martinez are unique from the current youth culture.
But Francis M represents more. His pioneering effort in the rap genre as Vanilla Ice music sweep the city of Manila in the 90’s, lead to his bond with the icons of the Original Pilipino Music of the 1970’s such as Heber Bartolome and the Ethnic Protest Artists such as Joey Ayala. That musical tradition inspired the rising Francis whose name was also inspired from one great St. Francis of Assisi and the other St. Francis of Xavier.
It is not impossible why the master rapper become attracted to the concept of the other. This concept of the other represented by his Three Stars and a Sun dedicated for the global migrant Pinoy across the globe which when you hear reveals the influence of Joey Ayala’s music and the anti-US bases campaign of the lokal Brown band of the 90’s which includes cuts like May Isang Bayan, Ay Pedro and This is not Amerika.
It is the other perhaps why friends and his co-workers love him in the entertainment and music industry especially the emerging rappers then such as Andrew E with his Humanap ka ng Panget; Eat Bulaga rap contestant winner turned Bubble Gum and impersonator comedian, Michael V with an answer Kung gusto mo ng panget Ikaw na Lang. Withour Francis, Salbakuta may not exist. The Pinoy rock revival of the 90’s deeply connected with him and it is for this reason why Ely’s Eraserheads look upon him, and of course, why Parokya ni Edgar include rap in their music with a musical cut with Francis M entitled The Yes Yes Show and Bagsakan.
Yet, the most important contribution of the artist are the songs that deeply reflect on the Filipino identity, patriotism and the need to be proud as Filipinos. Filipino Identity, Solidarity, Taking care of the self, Family ties and most importantly, love for hard work and strong work ethics toward national progress are some of the themes. The prophetic songs such as Mga Praning may remind us of the arrest of Alabang Boys and their alleged drug dealings; Nilamon ng Sistema reflect the influence of Heber Bartolome’s Nena and remind us of Eraserhead and their Para sa Masa.
Rizal’s hope for the youth is re-echoed by Francis M with his Mga Praning; Kabataan para sa kinabukasan which is performed with his children and his loving co-bagets actress and wife- Pia; Ito ang gusto ko which is copied by aspiring turned young Senator Peter Cayetano in his campaign in 2007 and not to mention issues of crimes and social injustice in Lando with Gloc 9 and others.
Nasa palad mo ang Kapalaran, Kabataan para sa kinabukasan…
Oras ay ginto,Gamitin ng mahusay, Dahil ang oras ay walang hinihintay…
Son of the movie icons and love teams of the 1950’s, Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran, Francis came from the roots where the love for the Philippine arts dwell naturally in their blood and veins. Romantic as shared by Kaleidoscope world, Girl be mine and the Cold Summer Night which sounds like Michael Jackson’s RNB. Definitely, his memory and works embrace immortality
In the end, Francis left with enduring legacy. What it seems the absence of any articulation and discussion among the youth about the dying Filipino identity, strength, character and virtues within and outside the current mainstream Filipino music, may not wait any longer. The death of Francis M will lead to the rediscovery of his music and the modernization of Balagtazan where every street rapper hopes to emulate. His death will lead to the maturity of his students and friends such as Chito of Parokya, E-heads and the younger bands such as kamikaze.
The Original Pilipino Music will finally find his soul which started by the Apo Hiking Society, Corita, Rey Valera, Rico Puno, Hadji Alejandro, etc…- and continued by the likes of Sharon Cuneta and the original Under-age generation. Whatever they say about him, the Filipino soul will not only awaken finally in the voice of Francis M. with younger artists learning from him. The fusion of rap, rock and metal will soon be heard in your radio, imeem, you tube or MP5 with the rise of the Filipino pride in the younger music.
