The King of Pop and I: An experience of a lifetime!
Rating: 5/5
Ms. Aileen Medalla, a Filipino teacher, shares her experiences as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), most especially about an experience so unique—the life-changing opportunity to work for Michael Jackson.
Little was known about Ms. Aileen in the MJ fan community, mainly because she chose to stay away from the public eye. So, when she announced that she has written a book about her time with the Jackson family, she was met with some skepticism.
Let me reiterate that this book DOES NOT, in any way, violate the privacy of Michael Jackson and his children. It was written with the utmost respect for the family. I also appreciate the fact that Ms. Aileen had no intentions of sharing her story had it not been for salacious fake documentaries and tabloid narratives made against Michael Jackson.
There are no controversies, no tabloid rumors, no innuendos, and no embellishments in this book. It mainly focuses on Ms. Aileen’s journey as an OFW and her first-hand experiences with the Jackson family. This is a book about immense gratitude.
As the homeschool teacher of the Jackson kids, Ms. Aileen offers a unique and fresh perspective into MJ’s life. Away from the spotlight, Michael was shy and quiet, humble, giving, and thoughtful. A man who enjoyed the simple things in life like popcorn with Tabasco, a doting father who valued his children’s education and manners, and a very appreciative boss who would sometimes cook for his staff.
This was such a joy to read! It was lighthearted, touching, and full of endearing memories about MJ and his children. The book concept is just like a travel journal, peppered with wonderful illustrations and souvenirs like notes and gifts from Michael and the kids, travel photos, tickets, and even airplane boarding passes that Ms. Aileen kept—it made me feel as if I was right there with her, experiencing the world along with the Jackson family. One of my favorites was a note from MJ, apologizing about his kids not having showered before classes started one particular day. I love it! It’s really the little things that reveal a person’s true nature.
Throughout their travels, Michael made sure that Ms. Aileen was able to enrich her experience too and would encourage her to explore the place. From her account of how MJ treated her, I got the sense that MJ kind of took her under his wing. Ms. Aileen talks of how she stayed where the family stayed, and how she ate the same food they ate. She was treated like family. While reading the book, I can definitely feel the mutual love and appreciation that Ms. Aileen and the Jackson family have for each other.
As Ms. Aileen mentioned, OFWs face many challenges and many sacrifices in search for better opportunities abroad—a gamble they willingly take for their families. As a fellow Filipina, I am very proud of Ms. Aileen’s accomplishments. And as an MJ fan, I am very thankful to her for her loyalty and for speaking up for Michael.
Ms. Aileen met her boss at a time in his life when he was recovering from the trauma of enduring a farcical trial. MJ did not let that experience change the way he treated people. He always chose kindness which definitely speaks to the kind of person that he truly was. Without a doubt, this book made me love Michael even more.
My takeaway: Sometimes, all we need in life is to be given a chance. And when you are given this chance and you are showered with kindness, encouragement, and appreciation, it inspires you to be a better person. There really is no better way to repay the kindness but to pay it forward.
I highly recommend this book! You will smile, you will laugh, you will cry a bit, but most of all, you will love Michael 3000!
Reviewed by Melissa Peralta
Michael Jackson Book Club Member
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