Once an MJ fan, always an MJ fan
Since the biopic of my idol, Michael Jackson (MJ), “Michael” is opening in cinemas on April 24, allow me to share my MJ stories. To say that I’m an MJ fanatic is quite an understatement.
When the King of Pop died in 2009, I was inconsolable. My grown-up kids told me in jest, “Ma, you should go to the wake of MJ. Sa tindi ng iyak mo, ikaw ang grieving widow. Talo mo pa ang ex-wives niya na sina Lisa Marie Presley and Debbie Rowe.”
It’s been years since MJ’s passing, and yet I’m still stuck on him. As my son IC puts it, “Ma, the Jackson family have moved on. Ikaw, di ka pa rin naka-recover.”
MJ has left, but he remains everywhere. To keep his memory alive, I created a Facebook page, DA Loves MJ. I also have an ever-growing collection of MJ stuff, which was featured in “KMJS.”
I joined the “Boss Toyo” bandwagon and sold one of my MJ items. It’s an original souvenir bag from MJ’s Neverland Valley. It was given to me by the Pinoy couple who used to work for MJ, the Quindoys. They were interviewed by my mom (Inday Badiday) back in the day.
The couple said that MJ was genuinely kind. He even shouldered their round-trip airfare when they came home for a vacay. Too bad I didn’t join my mom when the Jackson 5 (MJ and his brothers in their Afro era) were her guests on her radio program. Ma told me that MJ fell off the chair. She got them to autograph their “Dancing Machine” album for me. I was beyond thrilled when I met my imaginary brothers-in-law, MJ’s four brothers, when they were in town.
Watching MJ’s “Dangerous Concert” in Singapore in the ’90s with my good friends, Aga Muhlach and Richard Gomez, stands out in my memory. Even if Aga could afford to buy all the concert memorabilia, he badgered me to give him one of the MJ shirts I bought.
It was a surreal moment to watch my son IC onstage with MJ during the “Heal the World” number at his Manila concert. The son of Ai-Ai de las Alas was also included, but she pulled him out at the last minute. Ai got furious at Alma Moreno, who was the one in charge backstage. Ai wanted to check on her son, but Alma said it was not allowed. So Ai called the whole thing off. To this day, Ai and I laugh about that crazy tiff she had with Alma.
I got goosebumps while watching “MJ Immortal Cirque du Soleil” in Dubai. When I visited the Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum in Bangkok, I wanted to take home MJ’s statue. At the MJ Cafe in Sofitel Macau, I bought all the collectibles in sight. It prompted the manager to ask if I am opening an MJ resto in Manila. That remains to be a dream of mine.
I will definitely watch “Michael” (the biopic) over and over again. Although MJ’s nephew, Jafar (who portrays his late uncle in the film), can never replace him, his MJ moves will somehow make us recapture the joy of watching the King of Pop do what only he can do. Michael Jackson will forever be a THRILLER like no other.
Vienna boys’ choir live in Manila
My good friend, Renen de Guia, whom I fondly call “C.P. (Concert Producer) King,” is bringing in yet another world-famous group. His Ovation Productions, in cooperation with the Cultural Center of the Philippines, presents the Vienna Boys’ Choir live in Manila on April 26 and 27 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, with the Young Voices of the Philippines as special guest (for tickets, get them via smtickets.com).
What began in 1926 with a first tour in Germany and Switzerland has grown into a tradition that connects generations. This year, the Vienna Boys’ Choir is celebrating 100 years of touring. After a century, the boys still got that golden voice.
Ashley on ‘PBB’ stint
Former child star Ashley Sarmiento is now a Sparkle Teen. The baby has turned into a lady. Fresh from her “Pinoy Big Brother (PBB)” stint, “The Longing Sweetheart of Las Piñas” is raring to conquer greater heights. With her massive social media following, she might as well be called AshSLAY.
Here’s my chat with Ashley:
What’s your takeaway from your “PBB” stint?
“To give my best every day because tomorrow is not promised. To follow my heart, which is what I did during my ‘PBB’ journey, and it led me to where I am now.”
What’s your most memorable moment in the “PBB” house?
“My winning moment, when I made it to the Ultimate 8. It was Friday the 13th then, and 13 is my lucky number. And before doing the task of holding blocks, I came across a Bible verse which was so apt for the task. So it made me feel God’s presence. My victory is an answered prayer.”
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