Before she became one of the Philippines’ most beloved singers, Carol Banawa was a young star on the rise—her angelic voice and heartfelt performances capturing the hearts of many. From her early days on Ang TV to later becoming known for timeless OPM classics like Tanging Yaman, Banawa’s journey in the entertainment industry has been nothing short of remarkable. But among the many highlights of her career, one stands out as truly surreal: the day she met Michael Jackson.
It was 1996, and the HIStory World Tour had taken the Philippines by storm. With sold-out concerts and a frenzy of excitement surrounding the King of Pop, Manila was buzzing with anticipation. But Banawa’s unforgettable encounter with Jackson didn’t happen on a grand concert stage. Instead, it unfolded within the elegant halls of The Manila Hotel, during a moment of heartfelt giving.
Banawa, alongside fellow child star Vandolf, was performing a Christmas show for orphaned children, unaware that fate had a surprise in store. “Vandolf and I were at The Manila Hotel doing a Christmas show for orphans,” she recalled in a recent throwback post that sent waves of nostalgia through her fanbase. “MJ and his whole team were checked in at the same hotel. While I was singing, I saw him and his crew walking towards our event.”
The sight of Michael Jackson—arguably the biggest music icon of all time—approaching their small gathering was enough to send chills down anyone’s spine. But for Banawa, a young artist still finding her place in the industry, it was a dream unfolding in real time.
“Apparently, MJ heard about the event for orphans and wanted to check it out,” she shared, her excitement still palpable even decades later. It wasn’t a publicity stunt or a planned appearance—just a pure act of kindness from a superstar known for his generosity.
For Banawa, the moment was nothing short of surreal. “It was such a blessing to meet him and shake his hand,” she reflected. A simple handshake—one fleeting but powerful interaction—became a treasured memory, a connection to an icon that would stay with her forever.
But the magic didn’t end there. Jackson, known for his warmth, stayed behind to sign autographs, leaving an indelible mark on the young performers and children in attendance. Banawa fondly recalled, “He even stayed for autographs. He signed that shirt that I was wearing…”
Sadly, that cherished shirt has since been lost. “I don’t know where that is anymore,” she admitted with a hint of regret. Yet, the real treasure wasn’t the autograph—it was the experience itself, the feeling of being in the presence of greatness.
Banawa’s story is more than just a starstruck moment; it’s a reminder of the magic that happens when kindness and music bring people together. Her encounter with Michael Jackson wasn’t just a fleeting brush with fame—it was a moment she would carry with her forever, a testament to the power of music, generosity, and dreams coming true.
Banawa took a break from the Philippine music scene in August 2003 to attend to the treatment of her father who was exposed to lethal levels of carbon monoxide. She is married to Ryan Crisostomo and they have three children together and now lives in the US where she is an OR registered nurse.
