A whole new achievement: Lea Salonga makes history in Hollywood Walk of Fame

HOLLYWOOD, California — Disney legend Lea Salonga, the first Filipino to stamp a star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, will receive today (September 6) an Icon Award from the prestigious Manila International Film Festival (MIFF)'s Closing Night Awards Gala at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.

September 4, 2026 is a date that marked an unprecedented milestone for the Philippines. This day, proclaimed by the City of Los Angeles as "Lea Salonga Day", brought pride to all Filipinos around the globe as Salonga sealed the 2,855 Hollywood Walk of Fame Star.

During the unveiling of Salonga's star at the pavement in front of Hollywood Boulevard's Pantages Theater, one of the places she first performed, some renowned Hollywood celebrities and LA city officials paid tribute and recognized the Broadway superstar's contribution to the world's entertainment industry.

"The Hollywood Walk of Fame recognizes achievements in the categories of motion pictures, radios, live theater, sports, entertainment recording, and television, and today in the category of live theater, we honor Lea Salonga with star number 2,855 on the Hollywood Walk of Fame," Sibley Scopes, Emmy award winning sports and entertainment journalist who hosted the event, said.

"So who is that girl I see? Lea, you are someone fierce, beautiful inside and out, and determined, with a voice that soars into people's hearts. Hollywood is brighter because of your star here today, and all of us are blessed because we get to be a part of your world," said Actress Ming-Na Men, in her speech.

Singer-songwriter Brandy, for her part, said "Through Jasmine and Mulan. She did more than give princesses heir songs. She gave children who had been waiting outside the fairy tale a way inside. Before many people knew hot to speak about representation, Lea had already turned it into sound."

Darren Criss, actor/singer-songwriter, on the other hand, said "She loves what she does and it is a gift to us all. Lea, you have always been and will always be an unmatched force to be reckoned with. You are the first homegrown 100% Filipino to receive this honor."

Now on its third year, the annual MIFF event centered its celebration on Salonga's numerous achievements and the showing of her old movies during the festival.

Before the advance screening of Salonga's latest movie, "Forgotten Island" where she gave voice to the villain "The Dreaded Manananggal", her old-time favorite movies "Sana Maulit Muli" and "Vale-Origins" were also shown at TCL Chinese Theater #1.

Photos by: Doeleth Gatdula/Joe Cobilla Jr.