Francis M's Music Filled Wake

It was what you might call a "happy wake." I didn't really know Francis M but based on what I saw and heard last night, I guess he would not have wanted the gathering to take place any other way.

I've been to several wakes in my lifetime. In fact, Over the last two days, I've been to one every night. Both were filled with people who had happy, wonderful memories of the loved on who had gone ahead. They were men, both loved by family, peers and colleagues.

I'm pretty sure that Pia and her family have found some degree of comfort in the love and camaraderie that has surrounded them these last few days. The Christ the King church on Greenmeadows Avenue is filled with a multitude of people at any given time. And yet, it is very orderly considering the huge throng of people that line up daily to catch a last glimpse of their idol. Though I am a child of showbiz, I was simply floored by the stars that showed up and shone for Francis M last night. I could imagine him grinning from ear to ear up there. Yes, Francis they all showed up to show you how much they love you and how they will all miss you.

My mother, H and I went there at around 10PM last night to pay our respects. Francis M's dad was a good friend of my mom and I remember how in 1981 on one hot April morning he strode into the chapel of Sanctuario de San Jose in Greenhills where my father lay. Momentarily stirred from our personal grief, my jaw almost dropped when I saw THE Pancho Magalona walk in and hug my mom. I didn't even know then that they were friends but mom says that was the kind of gentleman Pancho was and he was so well-loved.

His son is no different. With his music reverberating throughout the chapel, friends flocked past his coffin to say a prayer, to whisper perhaps a thank you, to say some words to shed a tear. On the right side of where he lay was a video wall that continually played clips of his various shows from many years ago.

We were seated behind Pia and I was simply in awe of her composure and courage. Francis had prepared them well. There she sat, smiling and accepting everyone's sympathies. At least last night, wrapped in the comfort of family and friends, there were no tears for Francis M. But you could see that she was tired and that she missed him. When his video clips showed, she would sit transfixed watching him perform, singing to his songs. It was poignant. You could see that the younger ones were really missing their dad. Clara sat beside Pia, and she too was glued to the images of her dad, so vibrant and so alive.

Francis may be gone but he will live on through his music. This is the wonderful legacy he has left behind his beautiful family. May they all find great comfort in the gift that the Man from Manila has left them behind.

Special thanks to Girlie Rodis for lending me her photos.