Filipinos took to social media to celebrate Lea Salonga’s upcoming Hollywood Walk of Fame star, calling the Broadway icon a “legend” and a source of pride for the country.
The Manila International Film Festival (MIFF), in a Facebook post, announced that Lea will become the first Filipina to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, California.
The recognition adds to a string of honors for Lea, whose career spans more than four decades.
In September 2024, she was also immortalized as a wax figure at Madame Tussauds Singapore, becoming the fifth Filipino to be featured by the museum.
At the unveiling that year, Lea said the honor came at a meaningful point in her career.
“I think that things happen when they’re supposed to,” she said in an previous interview with Interaksyon.
The wax figure also held personal significance for Lea. When she was 12, she visited Madame Tussauds in London with her mother, Ligaya, who saw a wax figure of Liza Minnelli and told her, “anak, you never know, one day that could be you.”
More than four decades later, Lea recalled the moment during the unveiling:
“This moment today is like a manifestation of, you know, [what] happened 40 years ago. I’m excited that my mom is here and she is here to see this because she is the one who said ‘one day that could be you.’ Goosebumps are real.”
READ: ‘It happened at a good time’: Lea Salonga says on timing of Madame Tussauds wax figure
Now, Filipino fans are celebrating another milestone.
“Salamat Ms. Lea Salonga!” one Facebook user wrote, recalling Salonga’s roles in “Annie,” “Miss Saigon” and “Mulan.”
“Congratulations Lea Salonga. Philippines is so proud of you,” the Facebook user added.
Another fan wrote, “[You’re] the Best Ms. Lea Salonga at [salamat] sa karangalan na ibinigay mo sa Bansang Pilipinas MULA NOON HANGGANG NGAYON.”
“You’re already a legend, Ms. Lea!” another Facebook user said.
A separate commenter described Lea as “A legend,” adding, “keep walking with utmost brilliant on your star. I love you Miss Lea! ❤️ SALAMAT SA PAGBIBIGAY NG KARANGALAN SA ATING BANSA.”
Others echoed the sentiment, with one writing, “Wow another pride for the Filipinos.”
“Finally! Lea Salonga’s hard work and talent have paid off!” another fan commented.
One Facebook user also urged that Lea receive another distinction, writing: “I nominate Lea Salonga for Philippine National Artist for Music, keep shining.”
Lea is set to receive the 2,855th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on September 4 in the Live Performance category. The ceremony will take place at 6255 Hollywood Boulevard.
She will also receive the inaugural MIFF Icon Award during the third annual MIFF Closing Night Awards Gala on September 6 at The Beverly Hilton.
—With Rosette Adel
