MJ lives on

MANILA, Philippines - The phenomenon that is Michael Jackson is even bigger now that he has left us. Kids born decades past his career prime know all his songs and dance moves. A nephew who is nine years old watches This Is It almost every day. Since Jackson’s untimely demise last year, most parties and celebrations I’ve attended including Ciara Sotto’s lavish wedding had a special MJ dance number by a family member. The King of Pop reigns supreme.

The incredible Kenny Wizz or Wizz as he wants to be called started imitating MJ’s dance moves when he was in his teens. He decided to do it professionally after he saw the video of Thriller. Over 20 years later, he is still doing the Jackson gig. Money is not the primary incentive (Wizz earns more as an officer of a popular hotel in Vegas) but more of a devotion to his idol.

He started in Las Vegas and has performed in the far corners of the earth. From Africa to South America, China to Europe, the US west to the US East Coast and lately Southeast Asia.

I met Wizz last year when I booked him for an Asian tour that started in Manila in October and ended in Hong Kong two months later. He was much fun to travel. He made us all laugh nonstop with his jokes and pranks. I never had so much fun in a tour. Work-wise, he was never a prima donna and did everything including actual ironing of his costumes himself. He even did all the choreography for the dancers.

Being a Vegas habitué since the ‘80s, I’d say he is the best MJ tribute artist ever to hit Vegas that I’ve watched. Most could look and dance like MJ but Wizz is one of a handful who moves and uncannily sounds like MJ. On our tour last year, he got good reviews from his performances in Manila, Singapore, Malaysia and even a standing ovation in Hong Kong.

Because of much demand, Wizz could only continue his Philippine tour this month starting with a show at the Hyatt Hotel & Casino ballroom on April 23; Pagcor Tagaytay, April 24; Ynares Center in Antipolo, April 25 and onward to the Visayas and Mindanao region.

This year’s shows will be longer than last year’s, incorporating songs Pinoys love like One Day In Your Life, She’s Out Of My Life, etc. There will be costume changes with every song plus support from great dancers like Hotsteps and the MJ dancers. Special guest is British noveau artist Gia Silk.

If you love or like Michael Jackson, this is the show even the kids would enjoy watching. The Hyatt show includes a cocktail buffet with a drink plus a meet and greet after the show. Tickets are available at the Hyatt hotel (with tel. no. 245-1234) concierge, TicketWorld (891-9999) and outlets; Ayala Malls, National bookstores and Robinsons.

The Michael Jackson Experience featuring the Incredible Kenny Wizz presented by Steve O’ Neal Productions in collaboration with Hyatt Hotel & Casino (the official residence), PCSO, Pagcor, Business Mirror, Circles Entertainment, Mc Dale, Pagcor Hyatt, Park Lane Hotel Cebu, SM Malls and Hard Rock Café.