Tulfo files bill honoring Lea Salonga after historic Hollywood Walk of Fame star

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Erwin Tulfo filed a resolution honoring and commending Broadway star Lea Salonga for being the first-ever Filipino to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In filing Proposed Senate Resolution 635, Tulfo said it is incumbent upon the Senate to recognize Salonga, one of the greatest and most distinguished Filipino actresses and singers who continues to bring pride and honor to our country. "Lea Salonga is the only Filipino to be included in the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one of the world's greatest achievements in the entertainment industry," Tulfo said in his proposed resolution. "It is hereby resolved by the Senate of the Philippines, to honor and commend Filipina actress and singer Lea Salonga who continues to bring honor to the nation and to the Filipino people, recognizing her remarkable contribution as the first Filipino to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame," he added. Salonga received the landmark's 2,855th star in the Live Performance category during a ceremony on Friday, Sept. 4 (Saturday, Sept. 5, in Manila) in front of the historic Pantages Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. Salonga is renowned for her powerful voice and perfect pitch. Best known for her groundbreaking, Tony Award-winning performance as Kim in Miss Saigon, for which she also received the Oliver, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World Awards. She made history as the first Asian woman to win a Tony Award and later became the first Asian actress to play Éponine in Les Misérables on Broadway, returning to the beloved musical as Fantine in its 2006 revival. Salonga starred on Broadway in Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends, following acclaimed runs in Los Angeles and London. She also appeared in the Tony Award-winning 2018 Broadway revival of Once on This Island as Erzulie, the Goddess of Love. She is also known as the singing voice of two iconic Disney heroines, Princess Jasmine in Aladdin and Fa Mulan in Mulan and Mulan II. In recognition of her contributions to the company's legacy, The Walt Disney Company named her a Disney Legend.