So many people and events made the news both in our country and internationally this 2009. There were many celebrity deaths, scandalous political alliances, sex scandals, celebrated marriages, babies, unwanted pregnancies, and of course, adulterous affairs.

The most recent affairs that whose elements were shredded by the media were that of two sports legends–both in golf and boxing. And that would be Tiger Woods and our very own Manny Pacquiao. Tiger Woods’ marriage to Elin Nordegren fell apart after the vehicular accident that he figured in near his home. Thankfully, Pacquiao and wife Jinkee has weathered the recent storm named Krista Ranillo in their lives.

The death of the King of Pop Michael Jackson sent the whole world into mourning. His death shadowed the passing of another Hollywood actress, Farah Fawcett. Patrick Swayze succumbed to cancer too, and in the local scene, Francis Magalona also passed away but his legacy of Francism lives on through his family and friends.

Freedom fighter former President Corazon Aquino also died because of cancer but with her passing came the birth of the Yellow Army and the political career of son Noynoy Aquino was catapulted to the presidential arena. The senator is now campaigning for the highest position in the land with Senator Mar Roxas as his running mate.

Perhaps the most talked about weddings this year are that of Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo and Senator Mar Roxas with Korina Sanchez.

There are the births of the babies of Vina Morales and Angelika dela Cruz whose babies were born around the time I gave birth to mine.

We also remember the death of talent manager to big stars, Douglas Quijano, and director Johnny Delgado.

This was also a big year for Marian Rivera, not only for her career, but for her love life, as she and leading man Dingdong Dantes finally hooked up together, leaving Karylle loveless. Karylle moved to ABS-CBN and found a new lease in her career and in her love life.

But of course, the biggest events are those that took the lives of many people, such as typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng and the Maguindanao Massacre.

I cannot remember everything. But so many things have happened. Looking back, we can only say that our lives are just a speck in eternity. No matter how famous or rich we are, our lives are meaningless without God because when we die, our lives just end there.

Live to the fullest. Live with God in our lives.

photo credit: wikipedia

Francis Magalona–whom Filipinos loved and known as either FrancisM, Master Rapper, and The Man, succumbed to the deadly blood cancer known as acute myelogenous leukemia today, March 6, 2009 at around 12:00 noon at the Pasig Medical City. His remains now lie in state at the La Funeraria Paz in Quezon City, Philippines. He was 44 years old.

FrancisM is considered as one of the most idolized rappers in this country, having continued his career for a couple of decades already. His music was iconic, and was followed by the youth of this country for several age groups already. His rap songs may be considered classic. He was also one of the first Filipino MTV VJs.

He has this clothing line called FrancisM Clothing Co., which are mostly patriotic t-shirts that have been well-accepted by Filipinos worldwide. Incidentally, I came across another T-shirts printing company that utilizes different printing techniques from Australia. Customyourshirt.com also accepts rush jobs and even small orders, especially for those who have made their own designs.

Anyway, despite the efforts and many prayers of people, I guess it is just time for FrancisM to go. He will be sorely missed not just by the entertainment industry, but by the millions of people he had inspired, including aspiring musicians.

Good bye Francis M. May your soul rest in peace. And may the good Lord be with your family in this sorrowful time.