Lea Salonga honors those who helped shape her journey as she receives star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

September 7 ------ Lea Salonga reflected on her journey in the entertainment industry as she received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first Filipina to receive the recognition.

"I was a little girl in the Philippines who loved to sing and perform. I started working when I was very young, and I certainly didn't have some grand plan on how any of this was supposed to unfold. I just knew that I loved doing it. This career has taken me to places I never imagined I would go. Introduced me to some extraordinary people and allowed me to keep doing what I love," she said in her speech at the ceremony on Friday, September 4 (US time), on Hollywood Boulevard.

Lea also highlighted how her career has been made possible by the many people who supported and worked alongside her throughout the years. "There's something funny about a star like this because there's only room for one name, mine. But no career is ever the work of just one person. So, if they make this one star big enough, there will be a lot of other names on it. My family, first and foremost," she highlighted.

The Broadway star paid tribute to her mother, Ligaya Salonga, whom she credited as one of the driving forces behind her career from the very beginning. "[She] was there from the very beginning, using her hard-earned money to record my first album. She loaded pressed vinyls into our family car and went door-to-door to stores back home selling copies. She was my manager for decades, my champion, my whole life. None of this happens without her," she remarked. She also acknowledged her brother, Gerard Salonga, whom she described as “my first duet partner, my favorite accompanist, and the finest musician I know.”

Lea likewise dedicated part of her speech to her son, Nic Chien, who has also begun pursuing a career in entertainment. "My son, who is back east, has just started his own journey into the world of acting and entertainment. He is an inspiration, the bravest person I ever met, my proudest production today and always," she remarked.

Lea went on to recognize the many people who have played a part in her decades-long career, from her family and collaborators to the audiences who have supported her work. "There would be the teachers who taught me, the directors who trusted me, the composers and lyricists who gave me extraordinary words and music to sing," Lea continued.

"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 have represented me and fought for me and helped me navigate this very strange business, and of course, the audiences. Some of you have met me as Kim. Some as Eponine, or Fantine. Some of you heard my voice coming out of Princess Jasmine or Mulan before you had any idea who I was. And some of you have stayed with me through all of it. Thank you," she added.

Lea also reflected on her Filipino roots, recalling how she began her career at a time when representation was still limited. "I also can't stand here today without thinking about where I come from. When I began my career, I didn't see very many people who look like me, doing the things I dreamed of doing on the world's biggest stages and screens. There wasn't an obvious road. 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," she stated.

The Broadway star then expressed her pride in seeing more Filipino and Asian artists make their mark in the global entertainment industry, while also hoping her achievement could inspire the next generation. "There are so many extraordinary Filipino and Asian artists working today, telling our stories, playing roles we once could have never imagined being offered, and creating new opportunities for future generations. That means an enormous amount to me. I hope that someday a young Filipino kid comes to Hollywood, sees my name, and thinks, 'Oh, maybe I can get here too,'" she remarked.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com