LOS ANGELES --- While other young girls are clubbing, shopping or partying, Leslie-Anne Huff, a young FilAm was organizing a benefit concert to honor the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, for the benefit of Kamay at Puso (KAP) Foundation. KAP is a non-profit she co-founded to raise funds for Mt. Pinatubo’s young refugees.

Entitled, “Rock With You: A Michael Jackson Tribute Benefit,” the Aug. 28 concert featured local musical artists like Soul Scratch, Elson and the Soul Barkada, duet Tricia Jamanila and Christine Aquino, and Mr. Obagam of Deftune. It was held at Hollywood's M Bar on N. Vine Street.

Leslie-Anne is  the CEO and co-founder of KAP (also known as The Heart and Hand Foundation), based in Burbank.  “Having had the honor to work with Michael Jackson, I felt a benefit concert showcasing his music would prove the best way to celebrate his legacy as both an artist and as an exemplary humanitarian. Through this event, Michael Jackson's classics will live on and continue helping the disadvantaged children of the world he so cared for in life.”

For six years, KAP has raised funds to aid young refugees displaced by the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption in the Philippines.

“After forced relocation to the polluted Clark Air Base, many of these children now suffer from severe conditions--including congenital heart disease, leukemia and cerebral palsy--all caused and exacerbated by the hazardous remains of toxic-waste dumping that once occurred at the former U.S. air base,” reveals Leslie-Anne. “Today, KAP helps provide free physical therapy services, medical assistance, and financial support to the effected families.”

Below are excerpts of our interview with Leslie-Anne:

Please tell me more about yourself and how you had that rare chance to work with Michael Jackson.

I am currently working as an actress in TV, film, and stage. I've been performing since I was 5 years old, and as a kid, I also modeled. I met Michael Jackson when I worked in one of his ads for LA Gear shoes. It was during his Black and White phase, so we had to have a lot of attitude. It was fun--a bunch of 9-year-olds trying to look as "bad" as possible.

How was your first meeting with Michael and what were your impressions of him?

Michael Jackson was very shy on set. The photographer had to encourage him to talk to us and tell us stories. I remember when he finally did talk to us, he was very nice. The most memorable part of the experience was meeting Michael's chimp, Bubbles, who peed on his handler! That made us all laugh.

Why did you organize a tribute to Michael and how did you choose the talents who performed?

I truly believe MJ had a good heart. He was devoted to many causes and was concerned for the world. Also, his music is timeless! Everybody loves his songs and it will surely make for a great show. It is also Michael Jackson's birthday on August 29 and we thought it would be a perfect time to honor his memory, his music, and all that he has done for the world.

The performers were all Filipinos -- a great way to raise funds for a Filipino non-profit. They are all excited to help Kamay at Puso. Also, Elson and the Soul Barkada's front man, Elson Trinidad, is a life-long fan of MJ's and a friend of mine.

What is the Hand and Heart (or Kamay at Puso) and how did you get involved in it?

I co-founded Kamay at Puso with a group of friends I met while studying in the Philippines. We went to study Tagalog and learn more about the Philippines. It was on this trip that we were introduced to this community and their situation.

Meeting this community while studying abroad was truly the catalyst for my passion for philanthropy. In fact, just being in the Philippines opened my eyes to the reality that not everyone is as privileged as I am. I realized how incredibly important it is for people who are lucky enough to live comfortable lives here in the US to give back.

For more information, readers can visit www.kamayatpuso.org

If you had the power to change the world, what would you do?

When we started Kamay at Puso, we all agreed that as long as we were making a difference for at least one child, then we were happy. That is still the attitude I hold on to. While I'd love to end poverty and bring peace to the world, I believe that starting small goes a long way. I am truly inspired by the work of The Girl Effect (thegirleffect.org), a non-profit that allows donors to send a girl in the developing world to school or give her a microloan to start a business.

What is your challenge to the Filipino American youth?

I would definitely like to challenge FilAm youth to remember that it took a lot for our parents to come to America and that we should not only be grateful, but do what we can to give back to others who aren't so lucky. I'd like to encourage them to take up some volunteering opportunities, whether it be as simple as volunteering at a hospital or soup kitchen or as bold as starting a non-profit.

E-mail the writer at jrnepales_624@yahoo.com for your comments.