The King of Pop has passed away. That's a sad truth we just need to deal with.

All around the world, the shocking news of Michael Jackson's death seems so unreal. Wasn't it only a few weeks ago when he went to announce his concert tours happening soon? And now he's not here anymore? The timing is so ironic, and millions and millions of fans the world over are in mourning.

For weeks now, televisions and radio stations all over the world have dedicated hours and days of shows into playing his songs, his videos and everything and anything about him. The same can be said for my country, the Philippines. All over the world, Michael Jackson cds, apparel, Michael Jackson dvds, and anything and everything related to Michael Jackson is devoured by fans all around. Avid fans became avider, if it was possible, while not so fans suddenly became avid fans.

Michael Jackson visited our country twice (there were rumors that he visited a third time but not to perform). Once when he was a youngish teenager and the other as part of his History World Tour. Naturally, the concert was a success, though the tickets were so pricey.A lot of local stars in the Philippines have built their careers around MJ. They danced to his songs, moonwalked, wore silver gloves and generally mimicked the King of Pop - and the fans shrieked. It is not a wonder, therefore, that his passing should create a stir nationwide in this archipelago.

One television show in particular, featured several people who had the chance of a lifetime to meet with MJ. More than just meet the great man, they had the opportunity to work with him. Very interesting, indeed.

One was a reputable designer, Frederick Peralta, who was asked to do 6 military jackets for MJ in 2 days. He says that he was told to go to a 5star hotel, up the penthouse, and wait for the VIP. He had no idea then that he was about to meet his biggest client yet! In came Michael and professional that he was, Frederick went right on measuring his stats. Apparently, Michael Jackson always sees to it that he gets to have a jacket done from the places he's visited. Peralta says that he was as starstruck as ever but he had to be professional and not shriek! He didn't even find a way to take his photo with the icon!

Another person who had a very close encounter with MJ was the manager of the 5star hotel he stayed in, Gwen Gaurino. During Michael Jackson's visit, there was an "orphan day" sponsored by the hotel wherein orphans were treated to a party and to some loot bags. The hotel carried announcements of the event. Gwen recounts that Michael's aide came to her to ask if the King of Pop can participate in the event. Uhh... sure he can! And participate he did! He finished the 2-hour activity, even though there was a huge crowd hovering in the not-so-far distance.

She says that when there were a lot of people trying to reach Michael Jackson and the makeshift stage got fuller and fuller, she can hear Michael Jackson slowly tapping his feet. He tells her that there was a time when a stage collapsed due to the weight of people onstage, and he was checking if the stage was about to give up.

These are just some of the little known facts about Michael Jackson. I'm sure there are many all around the world.

We all may not have had the opportunity to be close with the King of Pop but there are two things I am sure of: (1) he will greatly be missed and (2) his music will live on. For all of us, he's gone too soon.