In show business, it is no surprise if sons and daughters of popular celebrities eventually follow the footsteps of their parents. For the kids of the late Francis Magalona, being part of the entertainment industry goes beyond fame and fortune. While performing has been their way of showing what they have inherited from their father, Maxene, Saab, Frank, Elmo and Arkin keep the legacy and memory of the late Francis M. alive, by marking their respective spots in the biz without overshadowing each other.
Today, the five of the Magalona kids are often seen in different shows and events. Maxene, Saab, Frank, Elmo and Arkin Magalona have managed to showcase what they got from their father in their own creative ways without overshadowing each other.
Starting out an early age was Maxene, who is now known as one of the hottest leading actresses of her generation. Maxene was cast in different shows of the Kapuso network and is now part of the primetime series of GMA 7,
Indio. Being the ate, Maxene mentioned in one of her interviews that she tries to be strong for her siblings especially the little ones in moments that they miss their father.
“I promised my dad
na aalagaan ko yung family
ko in any way that I can.
Gagawin ko ang lahat, mas magigingresponsible
ako, mas mature as
an ate and as a daughter to my mom.
Gagawin ko ang lahat para makatulong – not only in financing, but also to be there physically.
Hindi ‘yong magbibigay lang ako ng pera, pero wala ako doon for my family.
Mas gugustuhin ko na talaga na gawing closer
‘yong family
namin and to build a stronger foundation.”
If there’s one thing she learned from her dad, it’s “standing up and fighting for what you believe in.” Maxene’s younger sister, Saab, found herself honing her craft by playing antagonist roles in GMA’s drama series. Having played as
kontrabida in
Kamandag, My Beloved, Koreana, Captain Barbell, and
Hindi Ka Nagiisa. In another interview with Pep.ph, Saab said that she initially wanted to avoid comparisons especially from Maxene, whom she shares the same birthday with every Nov. 23 (Maxene was born 1986, Saab, 1988).
Noting how Francis M. was known for his versatility as a performer, his boys try to do the same. The oldest boy, Frank, and the second oldest boy, Elmo, mixes acting, rapping, and business all at the same time. For Frank, it’s being in touch with his artistic sense that he feels he is making his father proud. Musically inclined like his father, Frank said that he enjoys acting for now and is willing to explore some more.
Elmo on the other hand, has been making waves not only as an actor but also a performer. Elmo is seen regularly at GMA’s Sunday Variety Show,
Party Pilipinas and has been succesful with his love team with Julie Ann San Jose.
The fifth of the eight Magalona siblings is Arkin, who played the young Dingdong Dantes in
Dyesebel and
Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang. Arkin also performs in
Party Pilipinas.Knowing how Arkin used to be the shy type, Maxene mentioned in a recent interview that she is proud that Arkin is slowly embracing his talents and is becoming comfortable in sharing it with a large audience.
Downplaying rumors of sibling rivalry, Maxene cleared in an interview with Interaksyon.com that she is delighted on how most of her siblings ended up in showbiz for it drew them closer to each other. The young actress further said that she expected her siblings to do well as performers for it runs in the blood.
“Before
kasi ako lang ‘di ba, [but] now that we’re all in the industry, we have this common topic that we can talk about.
Kunwari, kumusta ‘yung show mo? Kumusta ‘yung role
mo dito? How do you do it?
Minsan nagbibiruan kami.”
If Francis M. could see them now, he would most certainly be proud. With all the success they are reaping in the early stages of their lives, it would not be a shocker to see the Magalona siblings make a difference in the local entertainment industry like their father.
