LITTLE TRIVIA: Â When I asked my Dad and Mom where my name (Micaela Fransesca) came from, they mentioned that Italian pianist/songwriter Mike Francis influenced them. There is another version about naming me after two relatives. Whatever the real reason is, I am happy with my name.
Mike Francis, one of Italy's best artist of all time
My Father used to work as a Radio DJ in various radio stations in Dagupan, Baguio and even as far as Puerto Princesa. I am lucky to be his assistant while he’s on duty. I remember him teaching me how to take good care of phonograph record disks. It is arranged according to record labels as these companies send out samples for the radio shows to play. He used to have this memo notepad where he writes his playlist then arranges it manually on his shift. I can say that his workmates loved it when I’m around since they ask me the most awkward questions and I answer them with no hesitations. Being friends with his female fans is quite a learning experience for me. Hmmm… now i am thinking of writing a series about my experience as a Radio DJ’s sidekick 😀
Anyway, my dad is a collector of cassette tapes and I think he collected more than 300 albums. It is already our afternoon hobby to just stay at home, cook food and play loud music. From the Beatles to Michael Jackson to Rolling Stones to CARS to Heart to Jon Secada to Bob Marley and KISS – almost every genre! We used to record some of his shows in a blank tape and now I regret re-using it to record pop songs. Now I don’t have a physical cassette tape with his voice on it 🙁
One of the artists we’d love to hear at home on Family weekends is of course, Mike Francis. The Italian artist passed away two years ago, but his music truly lives on. Here are some of my favorite Mike Francis songs.
LET ME IN
Now we can dance upon the sweetest love refrain
You’re my tomorrow and you’re my today
Now only you can show the way
Through fire and rain I’m feelin’ pain so much
You’re such a part of me I want you back
Hey, It’s good to see you again – Mike Francis, Let Me In
FEATURES OF LOVE
DON’T START GIVING UP
FRIENDS
I won’t think it over again
I’ll take you to the top
Tell me of your hidden thoughts
Come on let me move you again
I’ll do the best I can
Make me tremble with your breath – Mike Francis, Friends
ON AND ON
SUDDENLY BACK TO ME
SURVIVOR
TIME’S OUT OF TIME
Prior to his death, he also recorded a number of Italian songs and did his own rendition of some popular songs like Lovely Day and Room in Your Heart.
Mike Francis’ songs are perfect to be played on weekends especially when you’re stuck at home in a rainy day. It is also the best playlist to put you in the mood while drinking a glass of mine with the person you truly love. Naks naman 😛
Been playing his songs all night… I imagine my Mom and Dad dancing while Carlo and I try to copy their dance moves hehe. Happy memories of a tough yet worth-remembering childhood =) I love my family and I miss them soooo much!
Tried to research some of Mike Francis’ song lyrics, but i can’t find the rest. If I have enough time, I will patiently encode them for Mike Francis fanatics like me 😀
Are you a fan of Mike Francis? If yes, which song is your favorite? If this is your first time to hear his songs, what can you say about it?
Mica, I’m a huge fan of Mike Francis! My all-time favorite is Let Me In. Ang sarap makinig tuwing long drive.
@rins – Aliw! 😀 Dapat just in case mag-roadtrip tayo, puro mga Mike Francis songs i-play natin 😀 Nakaka-relax music niya. Love it 😀
Sino sha, di ko na sha naabutan? 😛
WAAAAAAAA MIKE FRANCIS!!! Naalala ko tuloy elementary days ko. Lagi kasi ‘to tinutugtog ni mama every time kumakain ako ng breakfast. Paborito ko talaga ang Let Me In! Nakakarelax talaga. Sayang dedz na siya. 🙁
@Fitz – Weh. Kuya Fitz talaga 😛
@Renz – Nice! Hindi lang pala sa breakfast may taste mama mo, pati sa music! Mike Francis’ songs lives pa rin woot 😀
Finally! Nakahanap na rin ako ng nakakakilala kay Mike Francis! 😀 My two favorite Mike Francis songs are Let me in and Friends 😀
Yehey! Nakahanap din ako ng isa pang may kakilala kay Mike Francis! 😀 On our next travel together mag-play tayo ng songs nya 😀
Mike Francis along with Ami Stewart defined my generation. I was then a young Procter & Gamble salesman based in Cagayan de Oro when I discovered them at a friend’s house. I had to copy in a cassette their remix of Friends and Let Me in which I played and played on my car stereo until it gave out. Then I collected all his albums (on tape) that I can find.
Everytime I hear him now, sarap balikan ang mga araw na yun. Thanks for sharing this, Mix. I love your dad na rin. Miss you!