In one day, both iconic stars have died, sending shock waves throughout the world. As one tweet puts it, “MJ and FF is now news at the speed of light”–thanks to Twitter and Facebook.

The King of Pop died of cardiac arrest, reports say. The beautiful and original Angel Ms. Farrah Fawcett succumb to cancer. MJ was 50, Farrah was 62.

If you were already born at those times when both were at the peak of their careers, they drew a lot of attention. Of course, who can forget the lovely Mrs. Majors (yes, of the six million dollar man) and the moonwalk. Since high school, we’ve been attempting to emulate that space walk-inspired move but have failed many times.

And Farrah. Oh my. ‘Nuf said.

I discovered Jackson during his “Thriller” days–same song which inspired hundreds of inmates in a Cebu prison. Every kid back then, including yours truly, admired MJ. He danced, he sang. I tried the former, but failed. I tried the latter and, er, somehow have made some progress. And his music videos were works of art. I’ve never seen so many screaming and crying fans on video when MJ goes on stage. To this day, one of my favorite guitar pieces is “Man in the Mirror.” (Tuck Andress created this beautiful arrangement of that song for the guitar).

When I entered college, my musical taste changed abruptly as I went for heavier sounds that bordered on noise. But while I headbanged to the music of Metallica and jumped around as I copied Van Halen, MJ’s music was always there–(Beat It, for instance, was one song where Van Halen was asked to play a monster riff), hovering.

MJ, has indeed made the world a better place for a lot of people, despite major bumps in his career. His music will live on. Thanks MJ!

By Clarence Yu

AFTER almost 45 years of wowing audiences and guitar freaks, and influencing a good generation or two of excellent guitar players, Jeff Beck has been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Finally.

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UPDATES:

(UPDATE 2) Rapper-TV host Francis Magalona died of leukemia Friday at the Medical City in Mandaluyong, his co-hosts at the GMA Network’s noontime show “Eat Bulaga” said. He was 44.

Magalona succumbed to severe sepsis as a complication of leukemia and passed away at 12 noon, said Philippine Daily Inquirer sources who were not authorized to talk to media.

Magalona had been undergoing several chemotherapy sessions since he was diagnosed with the disease in August last year but was too weak to fight the infection, sources said.

More news from our breaking news.

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FILIPINO rapper and host Francis Magalona has died after his fight with leukemia.

Members of noontime show “Eat Bulaga” led by Vic Sotto announced Magalona’s death.

Here’s our breaking news story:

MANILA, Philippines—Rapper-TV host Francis Magalona has succumbed to leukemia at the Medical City in Mandaluyong City on Friday. He was 44.

Magalona, 44, was diagnosed with leukemia last year.

Members of Eat Bulaga gave a moment of silence during the TV show, but later said that the “show must go on.”

Magalona has been a co-host on Eat Bulaga. But prior to this, he has established himself as the king of Filipino rap. Recently, he has been collaborating with former Eraserheads lead man Ely Buendia on a project.

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Twitter is now abuzz with Magalona’s death.

One user called “thedozenblades” declares: “Francis Magalona RIP. Four hundred years of tears for the brown man still managed to produce you brother.”

Another user, “juiceee” tweets: “RIP Francis Magalona. My mom and i were so close to crying.

While Magalona has kept his condition private, he was very candid in his Multiply blog, as he posted photos of himself, showing the effects of his chemotherapy.

He writes:

Good evening people. I am getting prepared for my 4th Chemotherapy cycle, and I will be admitted tonight at The Medical City. I will be doing some tests tomorrow, wish me luck. Friday I begin my 4th cycle which is a Hi-Dose kind, as will be taking 6 grams of Cytarabin a day every other day for 3 days.

I will be at the 14th floor of the TMC, as usual. I brought alot reading materials (bible included!) and dvds to keep me company while I do my treatment. I will be doing my radiation treatment by February and my PBSCT (Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplant) will be done by March.

I look forward to the pain as I know my journey is on full speed ahead. I will not be bold to say that without asking a favor from you all. PLEASE PRAY for me as I undergo treatment. Your prayers, as always, have sustained me. And am sure the Lord will listen to all our prayers. To His will I submit myself.

God bless you, my friend.

PS: I will be needing blood donors for blood and platelets. Please go to the lower ground floor of The Medical City and donate blood in my name. For platelets Apheresis you may go have yourself screened at the Phil. Nat’l Red Cross at the Pier in Manila. I am type O positive. Thank you again.

Agence France-Presse

SAN FRANCISCO–Next New Networks and Verizon on Thursday launched a website where little-known bands and film makers can unite to create “music video masterpieces” for 99 dollars or less.

Online television company Next New Networks will stream selected low-budget productions at 99dollarmusicvideos.com with support from sponsor Verizon, a US telecom titan promoting its FiOS broadband Internet service.

The website debuted with a sepia-toned music video of Brooklyn band La Strada performing an original “The Sun Song” with backdrops including The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in New York City.

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FILIPINO rock band Hale holds a recent a gig meant to raise funds for some charitable organizations. Watch this video report by INQUIRER.net production specialist Janie Octia.