The mourning after

JOSE Mari Chan says James Dean’s death has made him a careful driver.

For a post-All Souls’ Day forum, I cornered some celebs and asked which star’s death made a dent in their lives. My own reply would be that of my all-time idol, Michael Jackson. His music remains to be the soundtrack of my life. I was inconsolable the day he passed away five years ago.

I still mourn his untimely loss. My dalagay, IC Mendoza, always teases me: “Ma, the Jackson family has moved on. You should, too.”

But I refuse to do that.

Whoever you are mourning for, may you be comforted by the thought that they just went ahead to reserve a special place for you in the Great Beyond.

Instead of dwelling on the loss, we should relish what they left in our hearts and be thankful that destiny was kind enough to make them touch our lives in a way that nobody else could.

Jose Mari Chan

ERIC Quizon misses his dad.

James Dean and Buddy Holly. They made me realize that death could claim even young people. Before that, I thought only old people died. James perished in a car crash. After that, I made sure to drive carefully because life is so fragile. Buddy died in a plane crash on a wintry night. I took up flying, but I always checked the weather report.

Eric Quizon

Several celebs come to mind … Kurt Cobain, Princess Diana, Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and my dad, Dolphy. They were all genuinely true to their convictions: Kurt, to his craft and artistry. Lady Di was sincere and pure of heart, and just wanted to be loved and understood. Ninoy, for his political beliefs; and my father, for his undying concern for the people around him and his commitment to laughter.

John Estrada

JOHN Estrada is an MJ fan, too.

I’ve idolized Michael Jackson since I was a kid. So his sudden death had a profound effect on me. He was good at everything. His star shone bright for so long. Amid problems, he remained calm. But inside, he was hurting, so he turned to painkillers.

Few people realize that show biz can be very isolating. The constant pressure to please will ultimately consume anyone. I make it a point to surround myself with people who are important to me. They keep me grounded, focused and content. And I make sure to keep some semblance of privacy .

I had the privilege of meeting Michael when he came to Manila in 1996. I saw his sincere concern for underprivileged kids.

Rocco Nacino

ROCCO Nacino wants to be as versatile as Robin Williams.

Robin Williams—because he is an icon in the industry. Growing up, I was his fan. He influenced me by inspiring me to be passionate about my craft and to give justice to any role I am portraying. He was such a versatile actor, which I also want to be.

Ronnie Lazaro

Death fascinates me. All the more if it’s the demise of a friend. Many of my actor-friends who have passed away had a profound

RONNIE Lazaro is deeply affected by the passing of actor-friends.

impact on me. Each one was a part of my life. They left a void in my heart. I love all of them. But actors are immortal because of their movies.

* * *

Jacksons unite

As Michael Jackson’s imaginary widow, I am raring to watch “The Jacksons Concert” at the Solaire Ballroom tonight at 8. Thanks to my friend, Romm Burlat, the efficient shift manager of Solaire, for the early Christmas gift. Watching them would be like watching MJ perform again.

Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Tito Jackson will regale us with more than four decades’ worth of chart-topping hits and timeless pop favorites.

THE JACKSONS perform at Solaire Ballroom tonight.

Dance the night away with the Jacksons. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Personal

A million thanks to everyone who made our “MJ Halloween Thriller Night” at The Crowd Bar (Madison Square, Pioneer St., Mandaluyong) a tremendous success.

Making the night extra-special were Michael Jackson Fans Club Philippines, the amazing MJ impersonators Jericho Valencia and Julius Doria, Freshmen Band, Paolo Castro, Cora Rodrigo, Richard Villanueva, Kenneth Concepcion and Aki Perez of The Crowd, Charisse Tinio of Nice Print Photo, Pinky of Fernando’s Bakeshop, Tita Shirley, Miss Anna and Irene of Halili-Cruz School of Ballet, Teacher Georcelle, Angel and Cha of G-Force Studio and Alex del Rosario of Juan Carlo Catering.