Any book project related to Michael Jackson may arouse my interest and in this statement, I will have the opportunity to express all the nuances and subtleties of a subject that is dear to me. In my work as an author, I tried to stay focused on the artist's music because it is in this process that I feel most legitimate. However, my aspirations as a reader have evolved over time and this is how I opened up to other areas related to the King of Pop. I couldn't stop myself forever in this rich universe because it's so vast. I am aware that my reflection on this subject must not be frozen.
That's how I enjoyed the book "Remember The Time" by Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard, the King of Pop's bodyguards from 2006 to 2009. As soon as it was released, I had read very good reviews of their testimony but it took me a while to take the plunge, so, at first, I was hesitant to engage in this sphere of the singer's private life. In the end, it was a nice surprise and I felt I could better understand the torments and difficulties experienced by Michael Jackson at the end of his life. In addition, it provided me with additional information in my vision of the artist, which could inspire me for a writing subject. That's why I didn't hesitate to try again with the book "The King Of Pop and I" by Aileen Medalla which has some similarities with that of Bill and Javon. It is true that like the bodyguards, Aileen testifies as an employee of his illustrious boss. As a teacher of the star's children, her role was necessarily different, but her book covers the same period as "Remember The Time", which offers a kind of echo between the two works.
It is true that the 2000s were not very successful for Michael Jackson in the field of art. If one day I was tempted to want to approach this period, I could document myself and get some answers to explain why man could not fully express himself as an artist at that time, especially since it was now in his role as a father that the King of Pop wanted to flourish. It is precisely in this context that Aileen Medalla recounts her experience with Michael Jackson, as a teacher of her children. The man then took over the artist and no doubt aspires to take a step back on the rhinestones and the glitter of show business. It is in this phase of reconstruction, after the ordeal of a trial that had destroyed him despite his acquittal, that Michael, exiled in Bahrain, integrates the author into his staff.
This is only the beginning of an itinerary to multiple destinations such as France, Ireland or Las Vegas. In a kind of professional distortion, the author takes pleasure in telling us the story of these destinations of the King of Pop. She is then grateful to him for having been able to live this experience, as if the world were becoming more accessible and less vast, not without appreciating all its wealth, conscious by its profession, that a journey is a beautiful lesson in life. Aileen expresses his gratitude, not forgetting to illustrate the generosity of his boss. One has the feeling that this staff is a family in its own right because, through its quality work, Aileen is thus rewarded and accepted. As a teacher of Prince, Paris and Blanket, the author explains Michael's relationship with his children, an aspect so little known and long remained in the intimate stage. However, everything is developed with respect, without falling into the field of tabloids. It is true that the teacher likes to remind us how much her boss hated this type of magazine. Thus is presented the man that was Michael Jackson, and this realistic vision unfortunately has little echo in the press. It is therefore good to welcome Aileen Medalla's approach. So I wanted to ask her a few questions in order to document my review and I thank her for her agreement.
First of all, how did you get this vocation to teach and pass on things to students?
Teaching is a vocation that I wanted to pursue very early in my career. I love children and teaching them has always been a passion for me. I aspire to motivate and inspire young students. That's why I became a teacher. Children amaze me in many ways: they have lots of ideas, are curious about everything and have such a joie de vivre. I like to help them channel their enthusiasm into something positive.
What encouraged you to immortalize your professional experience with Michael Jackson and his children through this book?
The main purpose of this book is to open people's eyes and hearts about who the real Michael Jackson was. The aim is to counter the negative stories that have been going on for decades. I want people to know what father, boss and person he was in everyday life.
I also want to convey a message to my readers: to show them how hope and faith have helped me in my journey. They can learn the lessons they want from my story. I had my share of fights in a foreign country but I never gave up. If I had returned to the Philippines at the slightest difficulty, I would never have met Mr Jackson.
Similarly, in the difficult situation we all face at the moment, we must not lose hope. May my readers believe that all this will end and that better days will come. The most important thing is not to give up because the year has only just begun and it has so many good things in store for us.
Mon histoire peut arriver à n’importe qui. Peut-être pas avec une célébrité mais vous pouvez rencontrer des personnes incroyables qui vont changer votre vie, comme Mr Jackson a changé la mienne.
You tell your travels, not without describing the places through their stories. Was it important for you to retain this teaching role in your work as an author?
My book is a logbook. Naturally, I take my readers on trips with me around the world. It seems to me that a small history class can help them visualize and learn a little more about the places we visited. My intention is also to make them feel like they are in the same place as me or Mr Jackson during their reading. For example, my readers from the Philippines who have never travelled to France can understand why I was so keen to climb the Eiffel Tower in the face of the sweltering heat. By describing the place and giving historical information about the tower, readers can better understand and feel my enthusiasm at that time.
If Michael Jackson could read your book, what would you like him to tell you by reacting to your lines?
I hope he'd be happy. If I could get him to send my book to heaven, I would do it without hesitation. I would love for Mr. Jackson to read every page of my book and how grateful I am for all that he has brought me. "The King of Pop and I" is my tribute. I wish to immortalize his legendary kindness in my book.
Have these visits to many countries and interactions with Michael Jackson changed your worldview to the point of forging a new character for you?
My experiences have greatly influenced who I am today. Through these trips, I learned to understand and respect cultural differences. This gave me the opportunity to have another look at the problems and challenges of everyday life. I must admit that before working for Mr Jackson, I was a little naïve. I lived in my little world and I never left my comfort zone. When I started working for his family, and travelling a lot, I matured and became more independent. Constantly moving from one continent to another and coming into contact with people from different cultures has allowed me to evolve as a teacher and as a person.
How did you come up with the idea of adding a letter for every child of Michael Jackson as a conclusion?
I thought that open letters would be the best way to finish these memoirs. It is a way to remember the wonderful childhood memories of these children with their father. If they have the opportunity to read my book, I would like to see them smile and remember with happiness all those wonderful memories of their young years. There is no doubt that these happy days are priceless as they are considered the last moments that Mr Jackson spent with them.
Would you like to get back in touch with them, even episodically?
Naturally, I would be happy to get in touch with the children if given the opportunity. I miss them very much, and no matter how old they are, they will always be my angels. They have become beautiful people (inside and out) and I am extremely proud of them. To tell you the truth, I pray every night that they will be preserved from evil and surrounded by the right people. I sincerely wish them the best in the life paths they have chosen.
Did writing this book bring out buried memories?
The writing of this book brought back tons of memories. Keeping my diary also helped me with the list of places we went, the dates of our trips, the activities of each day and even the dishes ordered at the restaurant. I always have the little words, letters, luggage tags, plane tickets and other memorabilia of Mr. Jackson and the children. These treasures that I treasure keep keep me constantly reminding me of the wonderful times spent with this family.
What has been your background since this professional experience?
Today, I have a quiet and peaceful life here in Cebu in the Philippines. A life far removed from the one I lived with the Jacksons: this hectic and constantly moving life has been replaced by a more relaxed and simple existence that now satisfies me. I don't travel as much as I used to, but we manage to leave the Philippines once a year and visit various countries so that my son can discover the world as well.
Is this the most significant of your career?
Of course, working for Mr. Jackson remains the most memorable and valuable experience of my career, and for which I am truly grateful.
https://bricenajar.com/the-king-of-p...ileen-medalla/
https://thekingofpopandi.com/
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