PHILIPPINES: MANILA: MICHAEL JACKSON PLAYS SANTA CLAUS UPDATE

(7 Dec 1996) English/Nat Christmas came early for about 250 orphans in the Philippines, when pop superstar Michael Jackson played Santa Claus and personally handed Christmas gifts to them. At a party sponsored by the Manila Hotel, where the pop superstar is staying while in the Philippines, the children got the chance to meet their idol in person. The King of Pop is due to perform two concerts there in the next few days. Pop idol Michael Jackson was surrounded by his usual entourage of bodyguards as he arrived at a Christmas party for about 250 orphaned children in the Philippines. Jackson, in the country for a two-day concert in suburban Paranaque, took time out to personally hand out Christmas gifts to the children. The excited children lined up on stage for their turn to meet Jackson and shake his hand. There were smiles on the children’s faces as Jackson handed out presents to each one of the orphans. Every year, the Manila Hotel hosts a party for Manila’s orphans, and this year they were happy to have Jackson knowing the kids would love him. SOUNDBITE: (English) “ We feel good because at least we have an added hand to help us give out gifts. SUPER CAPTION: Dulce Agnir, Manila Hotel Public Relations Manager The visit from Jackson is the highlight of the orphans Christmas. On Friday, about 3-thousand of his adoring fans waited outside the Paranaque Community Hospital to catch a glimpse of their idol. Jackson, accompanied by his bodyguards waved to the screaming crowd as he arrived. Jackson spent about 15 minutes inside the hospital visiting young patients. When Jackson looked out of a hospital window and waved to his fans, the crowd erupted in cheers. Everywhere he went Jackson was mobbed by adoring fans. Most of the press were barred from entering the hospital - organisers wanted the visit to be as private as possible. While it was only a short visit, for his fans that was enough. They got what they wanted - a glimpse of Jackson in person. Jackson will be holding his concert within the Asiaworld Complex in suburban Paranaque on December 8 and 10. Organisers expect more than 45-thousand people will attend each concert. Find out more about AP Archive: Twitter: Facebook: ​​ Instagram: You can license this story through AP Archive: