Pinoys share thoughts on Michael Jackson
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 06/26/2009 4:10 PM
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MANILA - Filipino fans of King of Pop Michael Jackson were also shocked and saddened by the death of their superstar idol from cardiac arrest Friday (in Manila).
In an interview Friday on ANC's "Dateline," Leah Navarro, singer and one of the convenors of the civic group, Black and White, said she never expected that a music icon like Jackson would die at the young age of 50.
"We think of people like Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, these are the musicians that influenced our lives even if you are not in the [music] business," she said.
Navarro shared that Jackson was patronized and idolized by Filipino fans in and out of showbiz because of his beautiful music and powerful performances.
"We all wanted to be Michael Jackson, to have the crowd that adored us, to sing songs that would span decades. And that's what he has done, and I think that's why his passing made a great impact," she said.
All genres
Navarro said that even if Jackson was known as a pop ad RnB artist, his music and style influenced almost all genres.
"Although he kept within the bounds of the pop, RnB genres, he still was able to influence all types of performances," she said.
Navarro said Jackson inspired Filipinos and artists of her generation to raise their art higher, such as in the perfection of dance moves, vocals, and shows.
Aside from doing great production shows, she said Jackson also changed the concept of MTV productions.
"What really bothers me is how people are now moving from the legacy he has left musically, to the legacy he will leave as a star in the last new millennium. That's, for me, hopefully, something that we don't have to dwell on so much because it will be overshadowed by his musical legacy," she said.
Jackson was accused of child sexual abuse in 1993, but the case was later settled out of court.
Navarro said she's confident that Jackson's star will shine brighter than the other artists of his generation.
"I think all stars have to fade. But I think one thing is certain: Michael Jackson's star shines brighter than most. And even it began to fade towards the end of his life, it's like a ripple--the light continues to ripple and can go on forever," she said.
Navarro said that up to recent times, Jackson still influenced Filipinos, citing the popular dancing inmates of Cebu, who performed Jackson's "Thriller." The video has a hit on YouTube.
Star Power
In a separate interview also on ANC, controversial television host and DJ Mo Twister also shared his thoughts on the passing of one of the world's greatest artists.
Mo, who is known for his straightforward interviews and commentaries, said he was also moved by the death of Jackson, an artist he considered to be incomparable.
"Michael Jackson is really once and lifetime. There's really nobody even in the past who came in almost half as good or half as prominent like Michael Jackson. A lot of guys can sing well, can dance well, but there are only people who can really change and move people like the way Michael Jackson did. And that's what really made him very especial," Mo said.
The TV host believes that what makes Jackson great was his "bona fide" star quality, which appeared early on when he started as the youngest member of "Jackson Five."
"He touched anything and it turned into gold because of that star power. Nobody succeeded the way he did," Jackson said.
Mo also thinks that even if Jackson's last 10 years could be described as eccentric, people won't remember it anymore and will just respect his legacy because of his powerful music, which has a strong message about humanity.
The host also said that Jackson's generosity and charity work made him closer to the people.
Jackson was in Manila for a two-day concert, December 8 and 10, where he performed in front of over a 50,000 crowd at Asia World City in Parañaque.
Among the songs he performed in Manila were "Billie Jean," "Black or White," and "Heal The World."
Days before Jackson's concert in the country, the Pop King visited a hospital in Parañaque as part of his humanitarian mission.
Incredible impact
Meanwhile, even House Speaker Prospero Nograles found it necessary to issue a statement in response to Jackson's death.
"On behalf of the Philippine House of Representatives and the people we represent, we join the world in sorrow and prayers at the sudden death of an icon in the world of music," said Nograles in a text message sent to reporters.
The rest of his statement follows:
"He was, and will remain, the most brilliant star in the galaxy of artists, musicians, and choreographers, whose influence spans the generation of all ages regardless of color and creed."
"The brief immensity of his life and the magnitude of his work are indelibly etched in our memories, in our hearts, and in our daily lives with every beat, rhythm, and melody that only a Michael Jackson could weave with incredible impact."
"We offer our sympathies to his children and family together with our prayers of sadness and celebration tha this soul may forever be in eternal peace where the heavens shall rejoice at the sound of voice." -- with a report from Carmela Fonbuena, abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak
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