Heartbreaker for MJ fans

MICHAEL Jackson’s former doctor Conrad Murray during his 2011 trial AP

THE NEWS about the release from jail of Michael Jackson’s doctor, Conrad Murray, is so heartbreaking for MJ diehards like me.

Sentenced to four years in prison for involuntary manslaughter, he was set free  after only two years.  If not for his negligence, the King of Pop  would still be alive today.

What he did was unforgivable.  He should be incarcerated for life and be barred from practicing medicine.  MJ spent all his life (since the age of five) dazzling us with his incredible talent. He deserved nothing less than  full justice.

I sent a message via Facebook to MJ’s vocal coach in “This Is It,” Dorian Holley,  to  ask for his sentiments on the issue, I will include them in my next column.

A few hours after Murray’s release, MJ fanatics turned to social media to vent their frustration.

One particular meme caught my attention.  It was a picture of MJ’s iconic album cover, “Thriller,” changed to “Killer” with Murray’s face superimposed.

For sure, there will be protests by MJ fans worldwide as our way of telling our forever idol  that even in death, he will never “Moonwalk” alone. (Please feel free to join the Facebook fan page I created, D.A. Loves MJ. Let’s join forces to fight for justice for  Michael Jackson.)

Broken record

During my recent trip to Bali, Indonesia with my good friends Jiji Fernandez and Iza Pascual, the first thing on our agenda was a visit to famous spiritual adviser/medicine man Ketut Liyer in his place in Ubud (an hour’s drive from Bali) where Julia Roberts shot some scenes in “Eat Pray Love.”

Julia played Elizabeth Gilbert, author of  the book  on which the movie was based.   I was thrilled to sit in the exact spot where Julia sat when  she (as Elizabeth) consulted Ketut  (portrayed by an Indonesian actor).

JULIA Roberts with Hadi Subiyanto, the actor who played Ketut Liyer in “Eat Pray Love”

There was a queue of tourists  all excited to  listen to Ketut’s words of wisdom.  Sad to say, Ketut sounded like a broken record. He had the same readings  for all of us.

Perhaps he has lost his gift because after he became famous (via the movie), everything has become so commercialized.

For a fee of around  US$25,  Ketut  just goes through the motions.  He has turned into a tourist attraction. The soul of his practice, as depicted in the book and movie, is gone.

But he’s very endearing. Just don’t expect  profound answers from him. If only for the “Instagrammable”  value of  his home, do a Julia Roberts and strike a pose… eat, pray and picture picture!

Enjoyable lunch

I immensely enjoyed having lunch with the bigwigs of Sundance Channel and  WE TV, Keith Mac, Lorraine Ou and Jacque Ruby.

Sundance Channel is an offshoot of the Sundance Festival founded by Robert Redford.

In keeping with Redford’s mission of celebrating creativity, the channel offers a diverse and engaging selection of award-winning independent films, documentaries and original programs. It caters to independent-minded viewers.

The current toast of TV addicts is  Emmy  Awards’ Outstanding Drama, “Breaking Bad,” which Sundance Channel premiered  across Asia. The channel also airs “Rectify” and  will premiere later this year “Low Winter Sun,” a contemporary story of murder, deception, revenge and corruption in a world where the line between cops and criminals is blurred.

WE TV  is a women’s network. From food to weddings and fashion,  they got it covered! It expands its reach in Asia with its biggest shows like  “My Fair Wedding with David Tutera,” where viewers follow celebrity wedding planner David Tutera as he transforms misguided wedding visions into platinum affairs; and “Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best,” featuring the adventures of Joan Rivers and her daughter. Other hit shows worth catching are “All on the Line” with Joe Zee, Rachel Ray’s “Week in a Day,” season two of “Push Girls” and “Dream School.”

With Sundance Channel, it’s like having a mini-film fest right in your own home and with WE TV, women have a headquarters on the air.  Aren’t those two good reasons to be a couch potato?

(For Philippine distribution inquiries, call Asian Cable Communications at 6360067.)