Lea Salonga attends a ceremony honoring her with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on September 04, 2026 in Hollywood, California. Rodin Eckenroth, Getty Images/AFP
Lea Salonga becomes the 2,885th entertainer and the first Filipina to receive her very own Hollywood star.
Many of the attending artists in the event that night said that Lea was the reason they dreamed of becoming performers too.
Salonga said she has yet to fully immerse herself to the experience.
“Medyo, teka muna, parang hindi ko pa na-a-absorb ang impact ng araw na ‘to,” said Salonga.
“I have walked down this street many times. I've stepped on a lot of famous people, and now people get to step on me, which feels strangely appropriate for show business. I love a full circle moment.”
Apart from the presenters, “Mulan” star Ming-na Wen and American singer Brandy, Filipino stars H.E.R., Pops Fernandez, and Dolly de Leon also attended the ceremony.
“Oh my gosh! When I heard Lea Salonga existed, first I was just immediately drawn into the space that maybe that could be me. Maybe I could also be a part of that world,” said actor Vincent Rodriguez III.
Darren Criss admitted that Salonga was one of his inspirations for becoming a Broadway star.
“This is someone who stands for ground and does not let people walk all over her. She is someone who takes her work very seriously,” he said.
At the exclusive reception for Salonga, she was given a special gift by “Forgotten Island” filmmakers Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.
That night, Salonga attended the “Forgotten Island” Hollywood screening and Q&A at the Manila International Film Fest.
Salonga said this was part o her dream.
“May munting pangarap. Ito na yung naging katotohanan. It blows my mind. Sana pwedeng hindi na munting pangarap na lang. Pwedeng palaguin at palakihin.”
READ: Lea Salonga to be honored with Hollywood Walk of Fame star in September