In a candid interview with Ogie Diaz on YouTube last November 8, Arkin Magalona, son of the late Master Rapper Francis Magalona, opened up about his current life living on his own. Despite coming from one of the most respected names in Philippine entertainment, Arkin’s story is one of quiet determination, humility, and a deep appreciation for life’s simple victories.
Recently, photos of Arkin working at a café went viral, sparking online discussions about his life away from the limelight. In the interview, he explained that what many thought was his job as a barista started as a collaboration with a friend who owned the café. “Actually kasi yung owner ng cafe friend ko and then tinanong ko siya ‘pwede ko bang shootan ng music video yung cafe niyo?’” he shared.
In exchange, he offered to help at the café, working as a barista and paying for the location rental despite helping out. “Hindi lang siya tulungan kita sa cafe mo tas papa-MV mo ako for free. Hindi. Binayaran ko rin yung location kasi siyempre as a business when you lose customers you lose money. So ‘yun I still had to pay for the venue while helping out.”
He said that he tries every opportunity that comes along his way and learns from it. “Tingin ng mga tao madali lang. Ang hirap. Mahirap, mahirap, process talaga. Kailangan mo pag-aralan. In-enjoy ko lahat ng pinagdadaanan ko kasi parang fin-freestyle ko lang yung life eh. Kung ano mang opportunity, ta-try ko. There's a first time for everything.”
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He laughed off speculations that he owned the café, saying, “Actually sinasabi nila baka ako yung may-ari nung cafe, especially sa news na lumalabas sa mga contractors, isipin nila nepo [baby ako] akala nila ako rin yung may-ari nung cafe.”
Now 26, Arkin has also begun a new chapter by moving out of their family home in Antipolo to live independently. “Kaka-move out ko lang this year sa bahay namin sa Antipolo kung nasaan sila mama. Nandun din 'yung bunso kong kapatid si Clara. 'Yun bumukod ako. Sabi ko try ko lang muna. Kailangan ko na rin eh sa edad ko,” he said, admitting that the transition has been both challenging and fulfilling.
Independence for him also meant learning to handle his finances and exploring different ways to earn. Aside from making music projects, Arkin sometimes engages in live selling of his pre-loved clothes and has started live-streaming his gaming sessions. “'Yung live selling na ginagawa ko, 'yun 'yung mga pre-loved clothes ko. Yung mga lumang clothes ko. 'Yung mga hindi na ganun kaganda ibenta, dino-donate ko na lang. Like, dino-donate sa mga shelters ganon.”
“Siyempre hindi maiwasan yung mga comment na, ‘Uy, artista 'to dati ah.’ Tas ngayon binebenta na 'yung mga gamit.’ Parang iisipin ng mga tao [naghihirap na ba siya?] Hindi maiiwasan,” he shared.
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“Pero gusto ko lang din ipaalam sa mga ibang tao na hindi generational wealth yung naiwan ng tatay namin. Kahit na kilala siya sa Pilipinas, kahit na ‘King of Hip-Hop’ siya dito, hindi generational wealth yung naiwan niya,” he clarified.
He acknowledged that some people misinterpret his work as a sign of struggle, but for Arkin, working hard is a source of pride. “Mas satisfying pag trinabaho mo eh, mas satisfying sa soul para sa akin pag trinabaho mo.”
Apart from his gigs and live selling, part of that hard work includes commuting across Metro Manila, often riding the LRT and MRT. “Suki ako ng LRT kasi siyempre taga Antipolo,” he said, explaining how he navigates between lines to reach his destinations. “Hindi naman ako ganon masyadong nakikilala. Siguro nakikilala ako pero nahihiya lang yung iba. Pero usually nagpapa-picture and hindi nila inaakala na makikita nila ako doon. Pero ‘yun natutuwa din ako kasi natutuwa sila eh, pag humihingi ng picture."
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“Turo sa akin ni mama na parang if a picture can make their day [pagbigyan mo]. Kasi para sa akin fulfilling kapag may happiness yung tao eh. When you make them happy, para sa akin that means a lot,” he expressed.
Despite the challenges of public transport, Arkin expressed gratitude for having access to it, though noting that the system could still be improved. Without a family driver, something they once had during their busy taping days, he now makes his own way around. “I like to meet new people eh. So, if I want to do it, I have to find my own way to get there.”
Living alone has also brought out his sense of responsibility and gratitude. He shared that his mother, Pia Magalona, still worries, but he makes sure to check in daily. “Alam naman niya na nandito na ako sa edad na hindi na niya kailangan mag-worry. Kasi siyempre para sa akin, dapat i-enjoy na rin ni mama 'yung buhay niya kasi matagal na niya kaming inaalagaan eh. So as much as possible tina-try kong maging responsible for myself para hindi na siya mag-worry.
"Gets ko naman. Kung ako magiging parent ako gusto ko rin ganon ako sa anak ko, na mag-reply siya sa akin 'good night' manlang every night,” he added.
For Arkin, independence is both a test and a blessing: “Very challenging yung independent living. Pero I'm happy naman kasi everyone has to go through living alone. So, I'm fortunate enough na may natutulugan pa rin ako. Hindi ako sa labas natutulog. I'm always thankful. Always thankful to God na blessed ako in any situation. Always be thankful.”
As he continues to carve his own path, whether as a musician, game streamer, or simply a young man learning to stand on his own, Arkin’s humility and grounded perspective shine through. His message to others considering moving out is simple yet of magnitude. “When you feel like it's right now, that's when you should go. That's when you should spread your wings. Kasi para sa akin, pag pilit ka mahihirapan ka. Pero kapag pinilit mo naman, mas mahihirapan ka kasi kailangan mo talaga ng knowledge eh.”
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“You have to ask. Kahit na alam kong yung iba diyan na gusto maging independent, ang hirap magtanong ng advice kasi syempre ma-pride eh, ‘gusto ko ako gagawa, I'll find my own way.’ Hindi. Always ask for help from your parents kasi they will always love you. They will always want the best for you,” he assured.