Singer Gary Valenciano admits he performed the Michael Jackson hit “Heal The World” together with other celebrities during the 20th anniversary celebration of ABS-CBN Foundation Incorporated (AFI), with a deep sense of poignancy.

“It reminded me once again how much of a big loss Michael is. He is my idol…one of the many great singers that I admired. Singing his song is a keen reminder of how we are all connected. Michael bridged gaps in one way or another. We should always strive, as Michael did,  to help each other…carry each other,” he said.

According to Valenciano, whose energetic dance moves were once compared to the late singer, he heard of Jackson’s death through a text message he received while mountain biking in a remote area.

“I was stunned - just couldn’t believe it. I was hoping it was a joke, even if a bad one. But at that exact moment, I heard one of his songs being played in a nearby hut and I thought, man…it must be true.”

Valenciano revealed that his involvement in many humanitarian projects was somehow spurred by his admiration for Jackson.

“He was inspirational in more ways than one. It goes without saying that having seen suffering, first hand - you know, seeing people and places affected by these things we call change - you can’t help but want to get involved and do your part, too,” he said.

The singer, who recently celebrated his 25th year in show business, believes the existence of institutions that develop programs to help build a better world for everyone, like the ABS-CBN Foundation, makes him feel hopeful about the future.

“[The foundation] and its cause is really something we should celebrate. To see how much of their many ongoing programs have affected the country in a positive way…we should celebrate that.”