MANILA, Philippines?It?s been more than two months since Michael Jackson?s shockingly sudden death, but the more controversial and seamier aspects of his case continue to hog headlines. At times, the new developments get so shockingly nasty and even sordid that we shudder at what new shockers tomorrow?s papers and TV shows might bring.
The latest developments have focused on criminal investigators? efforts to pinpoint medical culpability in Jackson?s death. Even more curious, however, has been the side issue of the maternity and paternity of Jackson?s children, since it?s been widely rumored that he?d resorted to donated sperm to engender the children he wanted so much to have.
Reported donors have included his doctors and some nonshow biz friends, but the latest batch has acquired a distinctly celebrity coloration. In particular, his friend, Mark Lester, has gotten a lot of the attention and flak. Why the particularly intense focus on him?
Well, if you?re in your 50s, you?ll probably recall that, like Jackson, Lester started out as a child performer, a young actor whose angelic features were exactly right for the vulnerable waif in the 1970s musical, ?Oliver!?
In that celebrated production, Lester played an orphan whose travails finally ended when he was adopted by a kind and wealthy gentleman.
After ?Oliver!,? Lester went on to act in other movies, but his career eventually petered out. Now, decades later, he?s very much back in the news due to his unexpected Jackson connection.
How will it all end?if it ever will? Will Lester agree to a DNA test to establish his paternity? That?s possible, but he wants to make it absolutely clear that, as Michael?s friend, he regards Jackson?s children as Jackson?s kids, period.
Even more surprisingly, other celebrity sperm donors have been cited, including a number of singing stars, actors and politicians?all the way up to Ronald Reagan! The plot thickens, coagulates?and positively curdles!
Most recently, the investigation into Michael?s death has taken on a criminal turn with the release of official findings of culpable complicity on the part of Jackson?s doctor. This is regarded as a deeply disturbing development, because the similarly controversial deaths of other show biz icons like Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe stopped short of coming to this grave conclusion.
On a more positive note, it has been announced that a documentary on Jackson?s final concert series in London is in the process of being edited together from many hours of videotapes of rehearsals for the show, with the film?s release scheduled as early as this October.
At long last, Michael?s fans can look forward to something exciting rather than shocking, for a change, as they prepare to celebrate their idol?s talent aside from mourning his tragic death.
From page to screen
Books-to-film is a trend that?s sweeping Hollywood, with five of last year?s Oscar Best Picture nominees adapted from book or short stories. In fact, out of 81 Best Picture winners, over half started out as a book or short story.
At the Manila International Book Fair (September 16-20 at the SMX Convention Center), the books from which these wonderful films were derived will be showcased by some of over 100 exhibitors.
This is the MBF?s 30th year, so there will be special events like book launches, storytelling sessions, art workshops and seminars. Call 890-0661 or e-mail bookfair@primetradeasia.com
Anak TV
Anak TV chair Edgardo Roces has taken a leave of absence to concentrate on his duties as head of the Noynoy Aquino for President Movement, Anak TV president Bob del Rosario announced recently. In Roces? place, trustee Elvira Yap Go has been installed as OIC chair of the advocacy organization.
The temporary departure of Roces is in keeping with the avowed apolitical stance of Anak TV.
Go, a papal pro-ecclesia awardee and the only lay Filipina appointed to sit in the recent synod of Bishops in Rome, is host of the NBN talk show ?Power to Unite.? She continues to serve as treasurer of Anak TV.
Del Rosario of IBC 13 remains president, while Mag Cruz Hatol continues as secretary general. The vice presidents are Jay Sonza of UNTV and Leng Raymundo of ABS-CBN, while Meckoy Quioque of GMA is secretary. Mikee Cojuangco Jaworski is Anak TV?s chief spokesperson.
