With 'Man From Manila' Performance, Elmo Hopes He Made Late Father Francis Magalona Proud

The 30th South East Asian Games being hosted by the Philippines is currently in full swing, and to date the Philippines has hauled a total of 288 medals so far — 113 gold, 86 silver, and 89 bronze — to maintain its lead among the 11 competing countries. 

It truly is a great time to be a Filipino! From the widely-applauded SEA Games Opening Ceremonies to stories of triumph and heroism, almost every kababayan is beaming with Pinoy pride these days.

A week ago, the Opening Ceremonies showcased the unmatched talent of the Filipino performer as each of them shone brightly on stage. For singer/actor Elmo Magalona, his production number carried with it a deeper meaning as he showed not only his talent to viewers in and around the region, but also the musical legacy of his father, OPM icon Francis Magalona (Francis M), who succumbed to chronic myeloid leukemia in 2009 at the age of 44. 

Elmo told Philstar.com, “My initial reaction to being a part of the 30th SEA Games was wow — a national event where almost every Filipino is participating and is anticipating for, and I get to pay tribute to my father? (I thought), this is going to be massive and exciting.”

The 25-year-old, along with Iñigo Pascual and KZ Tandingan, performed a lively medley of some of Francis M’s biggest hits like “Man from Manila” and “Mga Kababayan,” but it was Elmo’s rap number that made a lot of 90s kids nostalgic.

“While performing kanina akala ko talaga si Francis M. Anak ka nga talaga ni Francis M. Ginalingan mo eh,” said one netizen.

 

 

“Your outfit took me back,”said another.

 

 

“You almost look like your daddy!!!”

 

 

“Great performance! Felt like it was your dad performing.”

 

 

“Your dad would’ve been beaming with pride watching you!”

 

 

Reading these comments on Instagram must have been very fulfilling for Elmo, who wishes nothing else but to make his parents proud. A comment from his mom Pia Magalona in the same post affirmed she felt that way.

“Well done, son. I love you and my heart bursts with pride! Be even more inspired!” she wrote.

Reacting to the warm reception their production number got, Elmo told Philstar, “I’m honestly surprised people feel that way. Every time I do my dad’s songs, I try to let my performance be heard by my dad and no one else and hopefully he could hear what I’m saying.”