INTERNATIONAL STAR Lea Salonga has been given the prestigious star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, California and her compatriots here and abroad are pretty proud of her latest achievement.
According to host Sibley Scoles during the unveiling of the star of Lea planted in front of Hollywood Pantages Theater, “The Hollywood Walk of Fame recognizes achievements in the categories of motion pictures, radio, live theater, sports, entertainment, recording and television…”
Lea got her star for her achievements in live theater.
Fellow Filipinos, artists or in any fields, salute her for the honors she had just received.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, a former Repertory Philippines’ actress sent her congratulatory messages to Lea, a co-star in the 1980 Repertory Philippines stage production of “The Sound of Music” where they portrayed two of the children of Captain Georg von Trapp, namely, Louisa and and Bigitta, respectively.
“Congratulations to my ‘Sound of Music’ castmate, Lea Salonga, for being the first Filipino artist on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! ‘Mabuhay ka (Long live), Lea!’ You’ve always made our country proud,” noted Hontiveros on her digital posts.
The real names of the von Trapps were changed for the film and theater adaptations although the patriarch’s name was slightly altered.
The lady lawmaker, who is often referred to as Senri, even posted a vintage group photo of the Filipino cast in their respective roles like Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Raymond Lauchengco, Javier Arriaga, Monique Wilson and Angela Adams.
Concert Queen Pops Fernandez never missed the chance to witness a significant history unfolding when she was invited to the unveiling of Lea’s star.
In some photos where Pops shared with Lea, she was described as a fangirl.
Singer-actress Karylle was also around to share the memorable moments of the launching and unveiling of the special artefact dedicated to the lead star of “Miss Saigon.”
According to Karylle, she is privileged to be with Lea on that rare occasion.
“A Hollywood Star for a real-life Disney princess. So happy to see this shining shimmering splendid milestone,” she wrote on her Facebook wall with an accompanying group photo with Lea and her other friends who attended the event.
Award-winning filmmaker Raymond Red was also a documentor of the historic happening for a fellow film artist. Raymond was photographed in front of the theater where Salonga was officially recognized by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce which administered the selection and hosted the official unveiling of the Lea star.
Filipina actress Grace Amilbangsa (“Karnal,” “Andrea, Paano Ba Ang Maging Isang Ina?” “Alias: Baby Tsina” etc.) was with Red when they had a photo-op on the Walk of Fame for their fellow artist.
GMA Network artist Yasmin Kurdi is still beaming with pride about her idol’s achievement.
“Congratulations Ms. Lea Salonga, on your well-deserved star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! I’ve been a fan of yours for as long as I can remember. I still remember being a newbie actress at 14 years old and literally chasing your car during one of your guestings for ‘SOP,’ hoping I could get your autograph and a photo with you. That little girl could never have imagined that years later, I would have the privilege of sharing the stage with you.
“That’s why I became so teary-eyed when I finally got to sing with you on September 21, 2019, at the PICC, together with Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, for ‘Soap Opera ng Buhay Ko’ of the UP College of Music. It was surreal for a fan girl who grew up listening to your voice.
“I grew up with Disney songs, hearing you as Jasmine in ‘Aladdin’ and ‘Mulan.’ Your voice was part of my childhood, and your talent became an inspiration to so many young girls, including me and so many millennials who grew up dreaming big because women like you showed us that it was possible. Seeing you receive the Hollywood Walk of Fame makes me so happy. You deserve this and so much more. Your talent, hard work, professionalism, and the way you continue to represent Filipinos on the world stage make us all so proud,” elucidated Yasmin on her social media spaces.
“This star is long overdue. I’m forever a fan. I love you!” Kurdi added.
Meanwhile, it was in time for the celebration of the 2026 Manila International Film Festival in California and the committee didn’t waste time in honoring Lea with an Icon Award.
Here are MIFF notes on Lea’s double victories in the US:
“On Friday, following the historic unveiling of her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Manila International Film Festival hosted a special private luncheon honoring the extraordinary career and legacy of Lea Salonga.
“As the first Filipina to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Lea’s achievement is a milestone not only for her, but for Filipinos around the world.
“A beautiful afternoon celebrating a true icon, her remarkable journey, and the doors she continues to open for generations to come.
“Tonight, at the MIFF Gala we are recognizing her with the Icon Award.”
In another news account, it said that Filipina theater icon Lea Salonga received her star in a ceremony held on September 4 (September 5 Manila time), as the first Filipino and the 2,855th star to receive the distinction.
The celebration was attended by American actress and model Ming-Na Wen, singer and songwriter Brandy as well as her fellow musicians Darren Criss, a singer and composer as well as Grammy winner H.E.R., the last two guests are both Fil-Ams.
Incidentally, H.E.R. stands for Having Everything Revealed.
H.E.R.’s real name is Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson.
They all have nice words for Lea’s tribute.
In her speech, Ming-Na Wen said: “Lea, you are someone fierce, beautiful inside and out and determined, with a voice that soars into people’s hearts. Hollywood is the brightest because your star is here today, and all of us are so blessed because we get to be a part of your world.”
Brandy quipped: “Through Jasmine and Mulan, she gave children who had been waiting outside the fairy tale a way inside. Before many people knew how to speak of representation, Lea had already turned it into sound.”
Criss praised: “She loves what she does and it is a gift to all of us. Lea, you have always been and will always be an unmatched force to be reckoned with. It’s true. And we are always grateful for it. You are 100% Filipino to receive this honor…”
In her acceptance speech, Lea expressed thoughtful and emphatic messages: “Long before Hollywood, long before Broadway, there was Manila. If you had told seven-year-old Lea Salonga, making her stage debut in the production of ‘King and I’ in the Philippines, that nearly fifty years ago, later, she would be standing on Hollywood Boulevard in front of this iconic theater, surrounded by many wonderful friends, family, and colleagues, receiving a star on the Walk of Fame, she would have asked, ‘What’s that?’ This career has taken me to places I never imagined I would go. It introduced me to extraordinary people and allowed me to keep going what I love. There’s something funny about a star like this because there’s only one room for one name. Mine. But no career is ever a work of just one person.
“So, if they made this star big enough, there would be a lot of other names on it. My family, first and foremost. There would be the teachers who taught me the directors who trusted me, the composers and lyricists who gave extraordinary words and music to sing, the actors I’ve had the privilege of standing beside. The musicians who have made me sound so much better than I have any right to. The crews who somehow make everything work. The people who represented me and fought for me and helped me navigate this very strange business. And of course, the audiences.”
“There are so many extraordinary Filipino and Asian artists working today, telling stories, playing roles we once could have never imagined being offered and creating opportunities for future generations. That means an enormous amount to me. I hope that someday a young Filipino comes to Hollywood, sees my name, and thinks, ‘Oh, maybe I can get here too,” Salonga expounded, which earned a big applause from the crowd.