Tribute to MJ

Friends, family, and fans gathered at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles to celebrate the life of Michael Jackson.  The whole memorial service was memorable.  I watched the whole event and I must say that there are a lot of big moments - some are light-hearted,  some are heart-warming, but all are memorable.



Michael's sister, Janet, is a picture of composure and poise amidst the sadness of the whole event.



I got teary-eyed during the speech of Michael's good friend, Brooke Shields especially when she said something about MJ being like the Little Prince saying that although he was called the King of Pop, he was always a little prince to her.  She read, "Here is my secret. It is very simple: One sees well only with the heart. The essential is invisible to the eyes."




After sharing that Jackson's favorite song was "Smile" by Charlie Chaplin, she added in her own words, "Michael saw everything with his heart. Today, although our hearts are aching, we need to look up where he is undoubtedly perched in a crescent moon and we need to smile."  Then MJ's brother, Jermaine rendered a heartfelt rendition of the song "Smile..."



I totally  lost it when Paris spoke. So heartbreaking.



What she said, although very short and simple, is the most meaningful of everything that has been said that night.

"Ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine and I just wanted to say I love him so much." - Paris

Around 20,000 people  joined the Jackson family inside the Staples Center (and over a million around the world watched) for the tribute to one of the greatest stars the world has ever seen.  Michael will surely be missed.

Gone too soon... (sob, sob...)

My Favorite MJ song

Since the day Michael Jackson died, I was in deep thought of what my favorite MJ song is.  Songs like Gone Too Soon and Man in the Mirror are definitely in my list but my most favorite of all is the song Ben.

Ben is a pet rat.  This song is one of Michael Jackson's favorites too, and it was his first #1 hit as a solo artist.  It doesn't speak of  cheese, garbage and rodents.  It's a beautiful song that speaks about friendship.

I don't know about you but I usually get teary-eyed when I hear this song. The pureness of MJ's voice (he was 14 when he recorded this song) and the heartfelt lyrics will make you feel all the sentiments you have for your best friend.

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[caption id="attachment_455" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Michael Jackson - Ben"][/caption]

Ben, the two of us need look no more
We both found what we were looking for
With a friend to call my own
I'll never be alone
And you, my friend, will see
You've got a friend in me
(you've got a friend in me)

Ben, you're always running here and there
You feel you're not wanted anywhere
If you ever look behind
And don't like what you find
There's something you should know
You've got a place to go
(you've got a place to go)

I used to say "I" and "me"
Now it's "us", now it's "we"
I used to say "I" and "me"
Now it's "us", now it's "we"
Ben, most people would turn you away
I don't listen to a word they say
They don't see you as I do
I wish they would try to
I'm sure they'd think again
If they had a friend like Ben
(a friend) Like Ben
(like Ben) Like Ben

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