Francis M was rapper known for his nationalistic and socially conscious hip hop and rock fusion. From Wikipedia:

Francis Michael Durango Magalona (October 4, 1964 – March 6, 2009), also known as FrancisM, Master Rapper, MC The Mouth andThe Man From Manila, was a Filipino rapper, entrepreneur, songwriter, producer, actor, director, and photographer. He was the first Filipino rapper in the Philippines to cross over to the mainstream. He was credited for having pioneered the merging of rap with Pinoy rock, becoming a significant influence to artists in that genre as well. He was also a television host on MTV Asia and Channel V Philippines and on noontime variety television show Eat Bulaga! Magalona died seven months after being diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia.Magalona was later awarded a posthumous Presidential Medal of Merit. The award’s citation noted that it had been given “for his musical and artistic brilliance, his deep faith in the Filipino and his sense of national pride that continue to inspire us.

Some may disagree but the general consensus is that Francis M started the whole 3 Stars and a Sun craze with his song of the same title appearing in his Classic 1995 album, FREEMAN. The 3 Stars and a Sun theme would later become his clothing line. Shortly, others would follow with their own versions of “cool and modern nationalism”.

Baybayin needs a Francis M. Someone in the spotlight that has had a longtime (if not lifelong) interest and/or experience in Baybayin. Unfortunately, I don’t believe we currently have that. I’ve read Facebook posts saying that we need the media and entertainers to help promote Baybayin but to beg ask these artistas is ultimately superficial. Sure, there might be a small % of their sheep fans that might dig deeper but isn’t that just like your favorite entertainer promoting some product they wouldn’t use if they were not paid to do so?

Let’s say that Anne Curtis (one of the most popular and beautiful actresses in the Philippines and with over 1 million Twitter followers) promotes it but doesn’t actually know or use it. What good does that do other than a temporary interest. Is Baybayin something she can devote her time and $ to? I doubt it and that is fine. I want someone that is an actual practitioner rather than a cute face.

Hmmm, maybe we should get Norman & Ray to become action stars back home!