(UPDATE 9:18pm) Inquirer.net reported this noon that Rapper, TV Host and GMA 7 talent Francis Magalona has succumbed to leukemia at The Medical City . . . .. He was 44.”

Vic Sotto confirmed the death of co-host Francis Magalona on their noontime TV show, Eat Bulaga. Fans and supporters can have a last glimpse of his remains at the Christ the King Chapel in Greenmeadows, Quezon City. His wife, Pia Arroyo announced on GMA Network’s primetime news program, 24 Oras the schedule of her husband’s wake. The public viewing of the rapper’s remains will start tomorrow, March 7, 2009 until Tuesday, March 10 from 6am to 6pm. Furthermore, Pia encouraged everyone to send in cash or blood donations to the Philippine National Red Cross instead of sending in flowers and Mass cards.

Francis Magalona is also known as the “King of Pinoy Rap”. It was in August 2008 that he was diagnosed with leukemia and appealed for privacy saying that he doesn’t want a “media circus”.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the late Francis Magalona.