I had to mention MJ in this update, as his passing has been dominating global news. Michael was undoubtedly a talented musician and dancer, a master of his art. Through music he transcended boundaries with his own particular sounds and music videos. Through dance he unleashed movements which have influenced choreography in a significant way. Michael made a big impact especially for those in our generation who grew up on his music. You only have to look to Usher and Justin Timberlake to see how his influence inspired them to be who they are now. He is so recognised that it wouldn’t surprise you if you heard ‘Billie Jean’ in a bar or club abroad and… the Philippines is no different.

Most people will remember the Cebu prison inmates dance tribute to ‘Thriller’ which was posted on YouTube. At present it has over 29million hits and their recent tribute to the King of Pop has over 3.5million hits. Though what most people don’t recall or remember is when Michael Jackson and his brothers actually visited Manila.

Michael visited Manila when he was in the Jackson Five back in 1976. Michael and his brothers were on their Love Jive tour and performed at the Folk Arts Theater and Araneta Coliseum for six consecutive days. The brothers were guested on the TV show called ‘Student Canteen’* and the following photos are from their live appearance where Michael had to judge a ‘Michael sound-a-like contest’ haha. Michael also performed ‘Ben’ for the audience, while the pandemonium of fans outside the studio ensued.

His last visit to the Philippines was as a solo artist for his HIStory World Tour in 1996, where he performed for two nights. And it was during this tour, that I recently read a heartfelt story about his stay at the Manila Hotel. He had read in the guest newsletter that there would be an annual Orphan’s Christmas Party at the hotel, where 300 children from different orphanages around Metro Manila would be treated to surprises and have a fun day. After reading, he asked his team if he could somehow help. He suggested that he could help pack the Christmas gift bags but as the event was sponsored by over 50 sponsors and there were 300 children attending, the hotel’s PR team imagined it would be quite a long task. So instead he presented the gifts, signed autographs and took photos with everyone.

Former PR Manager of the Manila Hotel, Gwen Cariño recalls that “it was one in the afternoon. Santa Claus (David Endriga, a friend of fellow PR officer Francis Capistrano) was with us. The heat was scourging and I was worried that Michael felt so hot with his black long-sleeved signature attire and hat.

“Are you alright Michael? We can let you take a break,” I asked.

 He said, “I’m cool Gwen. Just imagine how Santa feels inside his velvet suit and beard. We’ll be fine.”

I never heard him complain or say a word about how hot it was or how long the line was. He had the most beautiful manners. He didn’t even ask for a drink or a towel to wipe his sweat but one of our banquet staff made sure he got a glass of fresh orange juice.

An hour passed and we were halfway through gift-giving when we noticed that the garden was getting filled up. Suddenly, there were people from media, politicians, officials and hotel guests including those in a wedding reception at the nearby Champagne Room who deserted the newly-weds just to get a glimpse of the King of Pop.

“Oh oh, this isn’t supposed to be, I’m so sorry,” I said. It’s all right, we’ll get through it,” Michael said smiling.

 As we finished giving out the last loot bag to an 11-year-old orphan, a new line of more kids and adults formed. Michael’s bodyguard, Wayne, said. “We can leave now.”

Michael replied calmly, “We can’t leave when there are still people in line. It’s Christmas, dude.”

I felt my heart beat faster and the hair on my arms and the back of my neck stood up. He wasn’t just the most electrifying performer, but the most generous person.

One of the most memorable moments was when a lady came up to him for an autograph. Laughing and holding his tummy, he said “Hey Gwen, you’ve gotta check this out. He whispered, “It’s a blank check. The lady is making me sign on a blank check.”

We laughed hard and little did we know that it wasn’t even half of the comedy. He later showed me and Wayne other stuff people would use or pick up on the ground when they couldn’t find paper for him to sign on. One lady made him sign at the back of her elegant, designer Filipiniana gown. One teenager came up to him holding a dead leaf and another one, a popped balloon. Imagine how our laughter ballooned as well.

It was an amazing, genuine experience. At one point he asked if I was going to catch his History concert and I said “tomorrow night.”

“Oh, you’ll have a blast!” Michael told me.

At this point he became concerned about the stage as adults outnumbered the kids. His face had nervousness written all over it but he still didn’t complain. He tapped the wooden floor with his foot several times making sure it was sturdy enough not to fall apart. “I’ve experienced the stage collapse and I just want to make sure we’re all safe here,” he explained.

Half of me wanted the line to finish because we were literally melting and worried about our safety, but half of me didn’t, knowing that once the line ended, Michael will leave. At some point it did end. I managed to get an autograph for my sisters and me before our general manager, Clem Pablo, requested him to sing Give Love on Christmas Day. Cesar Sarino, one of the hotel’s officials, addressed his thank you note to the King of Pop. Then I saw his guards and aides whisking Michael off stage.

I said in my mind, “Oh man, I didn’t even have the chance to say goodbye.”

Suddenly, I saw Michael return on stage and say, “Thanks so much to you and your team, Gwen. This really means a lot.”

Then he held me beside him and said, “I’ll see you at the concert.”**

Gwen’s story portrays how Michael took time out to volunteer for charity and unselfishly spent time with the less fortunate.

What are your memories or thoughts?

We all have our great memories of how amazing an entertainer Michael Jackson is. It’s undeniable that his legacy in music, dance and humanitarian work will continue beyond our own years… and that’s how we should remember him.

Rest in Peace Michael Jackson.

——

* http://www.gmanews.tv/story/166954/Remembering-the-Jackson-5s-visit-to-Student-Canteen

** http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=483815&publicationSubCategoryId=70

Posted on 10 July 2009 by Lani in Entertainment, Featured, Music

Tagged michael jackson