Philippine Senator Loren Legarda recalls meeting Michael Jackson

Philippine Senator Loren Legarda recalls meeting Michael Jackson

(In Photos: Michael Jackson and then broadcaster now Philippine Senator Loren Legarda at Manila Children's Hospital in 1996. Michael Jackson donates part of his earning on his HIStory Tour Manila for the renovation of the hospital)

Michael Jackson’s History World Tour concert in Manila was a huge success, with 145,000 Filipinos turning up to watch him live on Dec. 8 and 10 1996.

Jackson’s decision to hold a concert here was welcomed by Filipinos at a time when international artists reportedly shunned visiting the Philippines.

Before performing, Jackson visited a children’s hospital in Parañaque.

Then ABS-CBN journalist, now Sen. Loren Legarda recalled Jackson as a “very kind and gentle” person during an interview with him.

Legarda said that although she had no appointment with Jackson, he did not snub her or refuse an interview.

She recalled that security was very tight but she managed to get near Jackson after seeking the help of actress Alma Moreno, the wife of the mayor that time.

“I told Alma to introduce me as her relative. So I passed the security cordon because local media people were not allowed to cover him. There was no air (of superstardom). He asked me to look out the window with him so he could wave at the people wanting to see him,” Legarda said.

She said that as she introduced herself, Jackson smiled and said, “I’m pleased to meet you.”

Legarda said Jackson was very humble and down-to-earth and told her he really wanted to help sick Filipino children.