For Francis M's 13th death anniv, his loved ones and two clothing brands pay tribute to him
March 6 is the 13th death anniversary of Francis Magalona or Francis M, considered as the country's foremost rapper, and tributes have poured in for the late music icon.
Francis M's daughter Maxene Magalona took to Instagram to remember her dear father.
"13 years in heaven, forever in my heart and soul," Maxene wrote in an Instagram Story, as she shared a photo of her father's grave at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina. "I love and miss you, Pop."
In a series of stories, Maxene also shared throwback photos of the Master Rapper and her siblings.
In the last post, a monochrome image of her and Francis M on stage, she also wrote the hashtag #FrancisMForever, followed by a face with hearts emoji.
Maxene also made a separate Instagram post, depicting a sweet photo of them together.
Maxene's sister Saab also visited their father, as well as her late daughter Luna, the twin sister of her son Pancho.
Francis M's widow Pia Arroyo also paid her respects, sharing a flower arrangement with a ribbon stating, "FRANCIS M. FOREVER." A handkerchief depicting the Master Rapper's logo and his "three stars and a sun" insignia can also be seen.
Aristotle Pollisco or Gloc-9, Francis M's contemporary and friend, also remembered him on Sunday by sharing an old photo of them together.
"Ako ay isang Taga Hanga Mo!!" Gloc-9 wrote, followed by a couple of pray, praise, crown, and heart emojis. He also added the hashtags #King, a reference to Francis M's widely accepted title The Filipino King of Rap, and #FM, his initials.
In another post, Gloc-9 also shared a photo of him meeting with Maxene and Elmo, Francis M's son who also followed his footsteps as a musician.
"Masaya ako na Makita kayo ulit @maxenemagalona @elmomagalona Sa Araw pa na ito! :)))" he wrote.
Two local clothing lines, meanwhile, launched their respective Kiko apparel in collaboration with the late rapper's own fashion brand, FrancisM Clothing Co.
Linya-Linya, known for its quirky statement shirts, will be releasing limited edition pink shirts referencing lyrics from Francis M's hit Ito ang Gusto Ko.
Makita ang alin? Makita ang liwanag sa gitna ng dilim! Katarungan, Kapayapaan, Karapatang Pantao— ITO ANG GUSTO KO! 🇵🇭✊🏽💖✨
LIMITED EDITION collaboration shirt! Pre-order now at https://t.co/ELW59W4ax2 ang get P100 OFF. pic.twitter.com/eTB1Xs76eh— Linya-Linya (@linyalinya) March 6, 2022
"Ipagsigawan natin ang gusto natin para sa kinabukasan ng Pilipinas at ng sambayanang Pilipino!" Linya-Linya wrote. "Kasabay ng pagsaludo at pagbibigay-respeto natin sa OPM Legend, cultural icon, at nag-iisang Master Rapper, Francis Magalona, nandito na ang Linya-Linya x Francis M Clothing Co."
High Minds Clothing, an indie brand owned by rapper Omar Baliw, is launching an eight-piece collection. A special face scarf for diehard fans is also available, the brand said.
"The 8-piece collection pays tribute to The Mouth’s timeless message, music and presence that remain admired by his fans and peers alike," High Minds said in a post. "His quest to Filipinize the world resonates loud and clear with everyone, including HGHMNDS Clothing."
The clothing company also released a promotional video starring Elmo as model.
Francis M was the first Filipino rapper to cross over to the mainstream. Adept in English and Filipino, his songs often explore themes about the Filipino identity and politics.
He's also credited for having pioneered the combination of rap and rock, influencing a wave of musicians.
He died in 2009 after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2008. He's survived by Pia and their eight children: Unna, Nicolo, Maxene, Frank, Saab, Elmo, Arkin, and Clara.