Rapper, actor and TV host Francis Magalona is battling leukemia and has requested for blood donations to replace the blood he has used at the Medical City hospital in Ortigas Avenue where he is being treated.

A message from Magalona was aired Thursday over noontime show "Eat, Bulaga! where he is one of the co-hosts. The message confirmed earlier reports from various sources about his struggle with the disease, which is a cancer that affects the blood. .

The official message is as follows:

"Sa lahat ng mg Dabarkads ko dito sa Eat Bulaga, miss ko na kayong lahat.

"Araw-araw magkakasama tayo at kayo'y naging second family ko na. Pati na rin lahat ng mga viewers sa mga bahay at sa studio.

"Ngayon, meron akong isang pagsubok na dapat pagdaanan at hiling ko lang ay ang inyong pang-unawa at suporta.

"I have been diagnosed with leukemia and I am preparing for my treatment. Sa tulong ng Panginoon, kakayanin ko po ito.

"Abangan nyo ang aking pagbabalik.'Di ko lang kayo 'miss'... LOVE KO kayong lahat."

A reliable source earler told abs-cbnNEWS.com that Pupil Band's manager and Magalona's friend Day Cabuhat said that the rapper and his family are asking for blood donations to replace the blood used in Magalona's treatment.

Cabuhat reportedly said any type of blood will do. Those want to help and donate their blood in the actor's name may go to directly to Medical City in Ortigas Avenue, and ask the hospital staff for assistance.
 
The 43-year old Magalona comes from a showbiz clan, being the son of the 1950's legendary actors and celebrity couple Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran.

Launched as a teen star in the 1980s, Magalona's career boomed with his hit rap "Mga Kababayan" which was included in his album "Yo!" released in 1990.

He's also the voice behind the hits "Ito ang Gusto Ko," "Meron Akong Ano," "Mga Praning" and "Kaleidoscope World."

Francis who is married to Pia Arroyo has eight children -- Unna, Nicolo, Francis Jr., Isabella, Elmo, Arkin, Clara and actress Maxene Magalona.

Currently, Magalona is a regular host of "Eat Bulaga." With a report from Laila Chikadora, DZMM