Father of a different kind

Francis M is King of Rap. Ever since he exploded into the music scene in the ’80s, his songs have become anthems. Whether it’s a rap about being proud of our Mga Kababayan, or about the loneliness brought by Cold Summer Nights without a loved one, or accepting one another’s differences since we all live in a Kaleidoscope World, Francis M is inarguably a music icon.

He’s a multi-media artist; he has successfully done radio, TV and film not only here in the Philippines but also in Asia (he was one of the first Filipino MTV VJs). But when you ask him which among his many achievements he is proudest of, he would say with a twinkle in his boyish eyes, "My being a father."

Francis M and wife Pia are living a happy, contented life with their children. Some are already in college while the youngest, Clara is a toddler the Master Rapper and Pia take along in their occasional trips to the mall. Maxene, his eldest daughter with Pia is now a blooming actress.

But now, Francis M is also a father of a different kind. He is now "father" to eight fledgling rap groups who were finalists and winners of Rap-Public of the Philippines, the immensely popular rap contest in Eat Bulaga. In fact, he has collected their entries and put them in one album titled Francis M Presents Rap-Public of the Philippines Vol. 1 under BMG Records. The album is a collection of innovative rap songs which include Buhay at Kamatayan by 3Yo Dorobo; Makonsensya Ka Naman by 9mm; Panaginip by Crazy as Pinoy; and Sa Tuwina by Koponan ni Batute. Also in the album are Marikina Clan’s Tunay na Mahal; Stick Figgas’ I Luv U; Yoza Clan’s Sigaw ng Puso; and Kamandag ng Marikina’s Palasyo.

Francis M Presents Rap-Public of the Philippines Vol. 1 includes collaborations of the country’s best rappers such as Michael V and Andrew E and DJs like P.K.S.O., Triple J of Lost Souls, Johnny Krush of T.T.T. and DJ Kimozave.

"We want to produce rap artists who will bring more respect to rap through compositions that don’t resort to profanities and obscenity," says Francis M.

Fascinating Buttercup

The stars of ABS-CBN’s Buttercup are overwhelmed by the success of the show’s first season. And now, with the ongoing second season, Carlos Agassi, Claudine Barretto, Assunta de Rossi and Ciara Sotto continue to live, love and cry in the fascinating world of Buttercup.

Meg (Claudine), who still has unresolved feelings for Winston (Diether), has decided to move out of their house and is now living with her best friend Wilson (Onemig). Wilson has also broken free from his parents’ home after coming out of the closet. Meanwhile, his twin brother Winston has also flown from the coop after breaking off his arranged marriage to a Chinese girl. He now works as salesman for a furniture company and has sudden feelings for Sharon (Assunta). Sharon, in the meantime, just came from Japan, where she worked as an entertainer.

Meanwhile, Sherly (Ciara) is enjoying her newfound fame as an actress in a TV show where she stars with her mom. But she is now starting to harbor feelings of resentment over her mom since she shares the spotlight with her.

Bigger changes are on the way for Lance (Piolo), who finds out who his real father is, and that one of his best friends, Chris (Miko) is actually his half-brother. Their father passed away and Lance becomes the president and CEO of the company. The two are trying to adjust to the new family setup.

Finally, Pippo (Carlos) is at the crossroads after leaving his home because he discovers his mom is having an affair with the family driver. He now owns a comic book store and is trying to work out his relationship with his best friend Wilson who happens to be in love with him.

Wenn Deramas directs Buttercup with Deo Endrinal as creative consultant and Mae Santos as executive producer. Anna Encarnacion-Galvez is the show’s headwriter. Sennedy Que writes for Buttercup, aired on ABS-CBN every Saturday at 9:30 p.m.