Francesca Rait Gaile. Images: Screengrabs from YouTube accounts for Boss Toyo Production and Julius Babao UNPLUGGED
Gaile Francesca, the purported love child of former flight attendant Abegail Rait and Master Rapper Francis Magalona, stated that she aspires to pursue a career independent of her deceased father.
In an interview published on broadcast journalist Julius Babao’s YouTube channel this past Saturday, October 21, Francesca stated that she “really wants to be an artist,” adding that she intends to become more well-known than merely the purported Magalona daughter.
The 15-year-old beauty from Cavite adopted the names of both of her parents, but it didn’t seem like she adopted her father’s last name.
“Wala pa [akong offers to be a host or to be part of movies]. Ayokong makilala po ako dahil sa father ko (There are no offers to be a host or to be part of movies yet. I don’t want to be known because of my father),” she said, referring to Magalona, who during the height of his career was a popular actor, VJ, TV host, and a music icon.
“I wish to launch my own brand. Since he is the King of Rap, perhaps I will release my own song soon,” Francesca remarked.
She said that because she “knows the story,” the backlash following her mother’s shocking disclosure “doesn’t affect [her] at all,” adding that she is “okay” even in the absence of Magalona.
It has no bearing on me whatsoever. Since I am aware of the narrative, I am not impacted. Therefore, the [social media remarks] are meaningless. When Babao asked if she was impacted by remarks made on social media, she replied, “I’m okay without a father.”
“I just occasionally wonder about him and wonder if he’s still here.” Still, I’m OK. I can tell from the stories that he genuinely cared about me and the two of us,” she said.
Francesca further mentioned that following their visit to Jayson Luzadas’s “Pinoy Pawnstars” store, she and her mother went to Magalona’s burial in Marikina. She acknowledged that, after a long absence, this is her “first time” returning to Magalona’s grave.
“That was my first time ulit na mapuntahan siya sa grave niya. Noong last time, I was just a baby. I spent time with him and ‘yung anak po ni Ate Saab [Magalona]. I lit them some candles and put flowers. Parang ‘yung emotions ko po, ‘Finally. Nakita na po kita kahit hindi ka here. Napuntahan na kita (That was the first time I visited his grave again. The last time, I was just a baby. I spent time with him and the child of Ate Saab Magalona. I lit them some candles and put flowers. My feeling at the time was like, ‘Finally. I saw you even if you’re not here. I was able to visit you.’),” she said, referring to Magalona’s other daughter Saab, who lost a daughter to a miscarriage.
Then, citing her knowledge of Magalona from her mother’s and relatives’ stories, she stated that she chose to keep certain information private out of consideration for the people concerned. She added that every time she gets the chance to speak about the late artist, her emotions run high.
“At first, I was hesitant to approach the woman, but I eventually warmed up to her because I didn’t think she was sick. Marami po, they tell a lot of stories, but I’m not allowed to tell,” she remarked. “He’s constantly in my memory. “Yung puso ko parang, hindi ko ma-explain,” I say to him as I pray. I think that’s pretty much all.
(My aunt, lolo, and lola used to tell me stories about him when I was little. I’m not sure, but they tell a lot of stories. I will never forget him. I chat to him and offer prayers. There’s something that feels like a heart explosion to me. But I converse with him.)
Not for “publicity, self-gain”
During the conversation, screenwriter Mon Roco—whom Francesca was presented to as her manager—explained that the original idea was to launch the 15-year-old’s career as an artist before disclosing her biological relationship to Magalona.
“That plan, that is, cannot be accomplished.” That’s the totoo. He stated that their disclosure was carefully considered behind the scenes. “Gusto kong [i-end] ‘yung [accusations] that they’re using Francis M for self-gain or publicity or use him as a stepping stone,” he said. But he withheld the names of the individuals they sought advice from.
It is not their intention to introduce themselves just yet. It’s the real deal. I want to refute the claims that they are using Francis M. as a stepping stone, publicity stunt, or for personal benefit.)
“Kayung kino-consult naming tao, pati eh nagde-debate kami dito. Si Gaile Francesca, napagkasunduan na ilabas muna natin, lapit na sasabihin na anak siya later. That was the actual plan. However, I apologize to everyone I consulted that this is how things ended up,” he continued.
Even those that we consulted disagreed with us on this point. We considered letting Gaile Francesca go on her own before revealing that she is [Magalona’s] daughter. That was the actual plan. However, I apologize to everyone I consulted that this is how it ended out.)
During the interview, Abegail, who was also present, stated that she had “no regrets” about disclosing her alleged relationship with Magalona.
Although Roco agreed with her statement, he added that they intended to eventually make Gaile Francesca’s identity public, it just happened sooner.
The idea was to establish her first and succeed on her own, barring the admission that she is Francis M.’s daughter. Next, the plan was to launch her first. It was only recently made public),” he stated.
