some of my MJ collection:
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I started as a casual fan of the king of pop when I was just a kid. MJ was the first artist that really opened my eyes to the sensational world of MTV and pop music courtesy of my beloved cousin Kuya Ronnie way back in 1983. My cousin used to rent "Thriller videos" betamax tape to have it screen in the house while the whole family watched with awe. MJ cassette tapes were blasting on his large speakers every afternoons while I listened & beginning to appreciate the innovative music with my innocent ears.
I started to follow his career from my highschool days up to the time I rediscovered him in my late teens. Only at that time I started to become an ultimate die hard fan of MJ in the level of my fandom with the Queen of Pop Madonna. During the mid 90's I was so hooked up with the King of Pop, thats where I also started to collect almost all his expensive cd's, singles, cassettes, laser discs, books, magazines, posters etc.. I always make it to a point to be updated by the news regarding his career and life.
Then a weird thing happened during this era that Id like to share, I started to sort of mimick his persona...Well my college friends and sisters knew about this. Like, I started to flaunt more of my shy personality, becoming more eccentric, imitated his childlike & sensitive attitude, copied his long straight hair, became so addicted in lightening my skin more (totally avoided sunlight), the way he walks and talks (for friends consumption only) he he... etc..
I almost died when he brought "HIStory" tour in Manila back in 1996. When I learned he would be checking in the Manila Hotel, I immediately went there and stayed outside with matching posters plastered all over my car. I remembered vividly that I was also interviewed by a Japanese reporter regarding my fanaticism with MJ. The moment he arrived I just saw only a glimpse of him inside the van. It was total frenzy. I cant believe in my own eyes that Im seeing the King of Pop live in person. All the hair on my skin stood up. It was definitely a surreal heavenly like feeling.... Its like I saw an appartion of God. Yes, I attended his expensive two nights concert in Asia world. An unforgettable concert experience I ever had. I think his show was the climax and highlight of my longtime MJ fandom. It was a dream come true.
Then the sad day arrived. In the morning when the news circulated that he died, all of my close friends texted me regarding his sudden demise. Up to now his death still hasn't sink in yet on me. I havent cried yet.... I believe that his music will live on forever with me. A big part of my life will never be the same again. Thank you Michael for the music and inspiration.
* did u know that the title "behind the pale" was inspired by MJ?"