AFTER almost a decade of relative inactivity, Michael Jackson has revved up his career in a big way by announcing plans to perform in not one, not 10, but 50 concerts in London.

More impressively, tickets for all of the shows were sold out in no time, proving that, for Jackson?s fans, absence does indeed make the heart grow fonder.

Plus, Jackson?s concert coup proves that, contrary to what some people think, there?s still a lot of snap and crackle to the Prince of Pop?s stellar persona and clout.

Jackson?s big comeback will go a long way in restoring him to a good position in the public?s view, which has turned downbeat due to some weird and even alarming developments in his private life. Obviously, there are enough people out there who decided to give him the benefit of the doubt, or to forgive and forget.

The $64,000 question now is: Will Jackson perform brilliantly after so many years of inactivity? When the first of his 50 shows finally unreels, we?ll know if he?s still the Prince of Pop ? or Plop.

One sign that things are looking up is the fact that a recent finals round of ?American Idol? made extensive use of Jackson?s impressive song catalogue. Now, if he could only add one or two new hits to the list this year, to further prove that his hit making days are far from over.

Mikee Cojuangco

On the local show biz front, Mikee Cojuangco?s big-screen comeback via the recent hit ?You Changed My Life,? has been so successful that a number of film buffs and fans are clamoring for her to play a bigger role in a follow-up movie this year.

We?re glad that our special mention of Mikee?s portrayal in our write-up on ?You Changed My Life? has helped focus the public?s attention on her ?cameo? performance, made more impressive by the insights that the fine but underutilized actress so naturally brought to her role.

Pops Fernandez

The abrupt breakup of Pops Fernandez and Jomari Yllana?s four-year-long romance has made some people wonder what?s up next for the ex-sweethearts ? especially for Pops, who may have some key decisions to make in her stellar-career and private life.

Now that she?s ?free,? will ex-hubby Martin make a comeback in her heart of hearts?

It?s happened before: Elizabeth Taylor married Richard Burton twice.

It could also be relevant to ask: Will the end of her ?May-October? romance prompt Pops to stop ?youthering? her image and opt for a more mature projection? As ?older? singing stars like Kuh Ledesma have shown, looking one?s age need not mean the lingering kiss of death in show business.

After all, a star?s fans age along with her, and some of them might find a luminary?s ?eternal? youth a bit like being in ungainly time warp. Decisions, decisions...

?Sulat, Araw, Kwento?

Right after winning the Nescafe Soundskool nationwide band competition, Letter Day Story signed a record and management deal with Sony Music. Soon after, the band completed its first EP, ?Sulat, Araw, Kwento?, showcasing its alternative punk style, influenced by well-known acts like Fall Out Boy, Dashboard Confessional and The All-American Rejects.

The EP includes five tracks written by the band itself, like the carrier single, ?Ikaw Pa Rin,? ?Positib,? ?Nababaliw,? ?Makakasama ka? and ?Mithi.? Letter Day Story?s band members are Dex Yu, Oli Agustin, Not Vinzons and EJ Arabit.

Streetdance forum

To usher in the activities for this year?s Aliwan Fiesta celebrations, Manila Broadcasting Company and the CCP will convene a Forum on Streetdance at the CCP?s Silangan Hall on April 23. Resource speakers include Nic Tiongson, Edna Vida, Joey Ayala and Chris Millado.

Case studies showing best practice among street dance festivals in Luzon, Visayas and Minadanao will be presented to contextualize workshop discussions. E-mail siarcega@mbcradio.net or call Josie Guillen at 832-1125.

Anvil trophies

ABS-CBN bagged three trophies at the recent 44th Anvil Awards, including an Award of Excellence for its tour services that enabled the public to view the network?s facilities, experience live shows and learn more about Philippine broadcasting. (Call 416-3211 or 415-2272, locals 3614/3622).

The network?s online newsletter, ?E-Frequency? and employee communications program, ?Kapamilya Services,? each received an Anvil Award of Merit. Awarded annually by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines, the Anvil Awards honor excellence in public relations and are deliberated on by a multi-sectoral jury.