Francis Magalona Dies 44

Francis Magalona you will be remembered by your music that puts a mark in our hearts.

MANILA, Philippines—(UPDATE 2) Rapper-TV host Francis Magalona died of leukemia Friday at the Medical City in Mandaluyong, his co-hosts at the GMA Network’s noontime show “Eat Bulaga” said. He was 44.

Magalona succumbed to severe sepsis as a complication of leukemia and passed away at 12 noon, said Philippine Daily Inquirer sources who were not authorized to talk to media.

Magalona had been undergoing several chemotherapy sessions since he was diagnosed with the disease in August last year but was too weak to fight the infection, sources said.

Magalona is the son of popular 1950s movie tandem Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran.

“I don't want a media circus. I want privacy with my family,” Francis said in a phone interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, after reports of his illness broke out.

“What I'd rather talk about is how to we can solicit blood donations to replace the supply that I have consumed in the hospital,” said Magalona, the father of eight children.

Francis' wife, Pia Arroyo-Magalona, said her husband started exhibiting symptoms in March this year. “It was very gradual, hindi siya biglaang lumabas [it didn't manifest right away].”