🎉 Lea Salonga: First Filipina on the Hollywood Walk of Fame 🌟

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Lea Salonga makes “herstory” by being the first Filipina ever selected for a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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KAPAGKAUNA-UNA SA KASAYSAYAN!

She’s part of the Class of 2026 in the Live Theater & Performance category, to be enshrined alongside global icons like Miley Cyrus and Timothée Chalamet.

Here are a few of my Lea Salonga favorites:

🎬 Sana Maulit Muli (1995) – Iconic Film with Aga Muhlach

Lea Salonga and Aga Muhlach co‑starred in the 1995 Filipino romantic drama film Sana Maulit Muli, directed by Olivia M. Lamasan. She plays Agnes Sarmiento, a meek girl who migrates to California, faces the challenges of adapting to life abroad, and grapples with a strained long-distance relationship with Aga’s character, Jerry Morales. The film explores powerful themes of immigration, independence, cultural adjustment, and long-distance love—mirroring the experiences of many overseas Filipinos. Hmm, I think I know those themes well. LOL. Loved her and this movie.

Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal – A Fan Favorite

“Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal” and its hit singles “Nandito Ako” instantly brings back '90s nostalgia—classic recordings that truly defined her early career. My sister and I had a cassette tape of this album, which we played nonstop back in the day. I eventually got the CD. 

Disney’s Mulan – “Reflections”

Lea’s rendition of “Reflections” in Disney’s Mulan (1998) continues to resonate deeply—reflecting both emotional nuance and musical power.

Broadway & Les Misérables – “On My Own”

As Éponine in Les Misérables, Lea was the first Asian actress to portray the role on Broadway in 1993, later returning as Fantine in 2007 :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. Her version of “On My Own” remains one of the most iconic interpretations of the song.

Miss Saigon & Iconic Film Moments

She earned a Tony (1991) and Olivier (1990) for her breakthrough portrayal of Kim in Miss Saigon. Tony Palisoc, Marie, and I witnessed Broadway magic in NYC when we watched Miss Saigon in 1997.  We missed her in the role — but at least we saw her legacy in action. 

Other Notable Achievements

• Tony & Olivier Awards for *Miss Saigon* (1990–91); various Drama Desk, Outer Critics, Theatre World wins.
• Disney Legend (2011) for her singing roles as Jasmine and Mulan.
• First Asian actress to play Éponine & Fantine in Les Misérables.
• Presidential Medal of Merit (1990), Order of Lakandula, Congressional Medal from PH Congress.
• TIME100 Impact Award (2022) & wax figure at Madame Tussauds (2024)

Congratulations, Lea! You’re a true icon and a beacon of Filipino pride—from Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal to Reflections, Miss Saigon and Broadway classics, and now your Hollywood star. Mabuhay ka!

Lea Salonga - On My Own (Les Misérables) [720p]

“I’m Filipino / I eat adobo / I use a tabo.” -- Mikey Bustos, "FILIPINO"

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