Loren recalls meeting with Jackson in Manila in 1996

MANILA, Philippines – Pop icon Michael Jackson’s concert in Parañaque City in December of 1996 was memorable for many fans but it was also marred by controversies.

For one, the King of Pop was already facing allegations of child molestation at that time and the Filipino couple who were caretakers in his Neverland ranch gave testimony that he was bringing young boys to his home and inside his room.

Jackson was also reportedly given tax cuts by then Parañaque City Mayor Joey Marquez, who wanted to push through with the concert despite the objection of some local officials.

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

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, Marquez’s former wife.

“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 merely 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. Jackson died on Friday due to cardiac arrest. He was 50.