IC Mendoza recalls meeting, holding Michael Jackson’s hand as a child

Filipino actor and model IC Mendoza fondly looked back on his rare childhood experience of meeting the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, April 28, Mendoza shared that his love for Jackson’s music was influenced by his mother, entertainment columnist Dolly Ann Carvajal, whom he described as a “true die-hard fan.” 

“I grew up surrounded by the music of Michael Jackson… Some of my best childhood memories are just being in her room, his songs on repeat while I played with my toys,” Mendoza wrote. 

READ: Michael Jackson biopic gets ‘PG’ rating from MTRCB

The actor revealed that, as a child, he took part in Jackson’s 1996 concert in Manila, where he even got the chance to hold the global superstar’s hand during a performance while the late icon was singing his hit “Heal the World” alongside children.

“I was lucky enough to be part of his concert here in Manila. Mas bongga pa ‘coz I got to hold his hand (as seen in the video). Still unreal to this day,” he expressed. 

Mendoza said that revisiting Jackson’s life through the newly released biographical film “Michael” brought back a wave of emotions and nostalgia for him. 

“Watching his biopic had me crying the whole time; it felt like revisiting my happy childhood,” he said, praising the film’s storytelling, music, and the performance of the King of Pop’s nephew Jaafar Jackson, who stars in the title role. 

“His music didn’t just shape my taste; it shaped how I feel, connect, and how I see the world. I love you, MJ, forever the King,” concluded Mendoza. 

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, “Michael” chronicles the life and career of the King of Pop, from his early years in the band Jackson 5 to his rise as a solo artist and one of the most influential artists in music history. 

The film is produced with the cooperation of the Jackson estate. As of April 28, “Michael” has grossed $105 million in the United States and $122 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $227 million at the box office. /ra