Ode to MJ

I first learnt of Michael Jackson's death when I logged on to Facebook on Friday morning, 10am.

The death of the 50-year-old superstar dominated almost all of my friend's status updates that day. I have to admit I also jumped on the 'RIP MJ' bandwagon. An MJ fan I am not, but shaken I was.

I wasn't expecting anything much when my friend Gunalan asked me to join him at a 'Tribute to MJ' at One Utama. I was pretty sure it was going to be soppy (read corny) affair, nothing I would be interested in, so I went along wih him for company.

I was wrong. The videos they showed made me remember those days when I was a kid, watching the same 'Beat It' or 'Billy Jean' video. While the MJ impersonators were pretty good, it was Praveen (Or Pravin?) from Seremban who blew me away with his rendition of 'You Are Not Alone'. And boy could he dance!

I found myself equally moved by the music as I sang along to songs that I knew. Most touching of all, was the candle light dedication from the fans to MJ, very touching indeed.

The tribute made me realise that after all the name caling and accusations hurled at the guy, you can't deny the power MJ had over people, from all over the world. He, truly showed that music travels beyond borders and languages, transcends race, religion, sex or political affliation and stays where it matters most, the heart.

Music has that power while death reminds us of our own mortality. We can't all be Michael Jackson, and move millions of people around the world. But when the time comes, it would be great if I am remembered for doing what I love and doing it with heart and soul.

Happy Birthday!

My first post celebrates the birth of this blog, La Periodista. The Journalist in Spanish, si.

Coincidentally, it is also the birthday of one of my favourite musicians - Jason Mraz.

Happy 31st Birthday Jason. I do hope to see you sometime in the future, again. Ask you another thought provoking question at a press conference maybe. ;)

May you continue to come up with beautiful songs for another 31 years and more. You de-stress me!

Enjoy Oslo with Marit Larsen (or so says his twit).