HOLLYWOOD — Award-winning actress and singer Lea Salonga became the first Filipina to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking a milestone in a career spanning Broadway, music and film.<\/p>\n
“What an extraordinary journey this has been,” Salonga said during the ceremony.<\/p>\n
Salonga said she was proud and grateful to be recognized for a groundbreaking career that helped pave the way for greater representation in entertainment.<\/p>\n
“When I began my career, I didn’t see very many people who looked like me, doing the things I dreamed of doing on the world’s biggest stages and screens. There wasn’t an obvious road,” she said.<\/p>\n
Salonga’s career took her to Broadway, where she won the Tony Award for best actress in a musical in 1991 for Miss Saigon. She has since starred in several Broadway productions and released numerous albums.<\/p>\n
She is also known as the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in Disney’s Aladdin.<\/p>\n
Friend and Disney colleague Ming-Na Wen joined Salonga for the unveiling ceremony. Wen provided the speaking voice for Mulan, while Salonga supplied the singing voice for the title character in Disney’s 1998 animated film.<\/p>\n
“I’m so happy I can be here to sing your praises. Not really singing. That’s for my sister there. Don’t worry… haha!” Wen said.<\/p>\n
Salonga was named a Disney Legend in 2011 for her work on both films. More recently, she performed with several other Disney Princesses at D23.<\/p>\n
As she accepted the honor, Salonga reflected on the people who helped her throughout her career and on changes she has seen in the entertainment industry.<\/p>\n
“I was incredibly fortunate that there were people who opened doors for me, who took chances on me and who saw what I might be capable of. And over the years, I have watched that world begin to change. Not enough, not completely, but it has changed, Maraming Maraming Salamat,” she said.<\/p>\n
In Tagalog, “Maraming maraming salamat” means “thank you very, very much.”<\/p>\n
The ceremony celebrated Salonga’s achievements and her historic place as the first Filipina recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.<\/p>\n
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