Actress and yoga instructor Maxene Magalona celebrated her rapper-dad Francis Magalona’s birthday by sharing with fans some interesting trivia about him.
Maxene showed a throwback photo of the departed Master Rapper with his children and a pet dog, through her Instagram page today, Oct. 5. She reminisced on the origin of his name and his caring relationship with his pets.
“Fun fact: Did you know that my Dad was named after St. Francis of Assisi who was the patron saint of animals? He was born on October 4 which is the feast day of St. Francis,” Maxene shared.
Maxene revealed that her dad was indeed like his namesake, St. Francis of Assisi, as he was a true animal lover who grew up caring for many pets.
“Growing up, he always had a sincere love for animals and had many pets like a Dachshund named Coolie and a Whippet named Phaedra. Although I think our family will agree that his favorite pet was Gringo, his Chihuahua who is sitting on his lap in this photo,” she said.
Gringo, according to Maxene, was “no ordinary dog” as he was “fierce and feisty but the most loyal companion ever.”
“He never left my Dad’s side,” she revealed. “On the day he passed away, he took his last breath as he circled around Papa’s feet and laid himself to rest beside his favorite human.”
Since Oct. 4 is World Animal Day, PETA Asia, an Asia-based animal rights group, is encouraging people to treat animal friends “with more love and compassion,” Maxene cited.
“If us humans are going through a difficult time in the world today, can you just try to imagine the pain and suffering that animals have to go through every single day on this planet?” she asked. “Just try. And see how your perspective about animals shifts if you can just try to put yourselves in their paws.”
Francis M, beloved by fans and the music industry for his nationalistic rap songs, died of leukemia in 2009. JB
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