Senator Bam Aquino on Monday filed a resolution commending world-renowned Filipino artist Lea Salonga for making history as the first Filipina to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In his Senate Resolution No. 637, Sen. Bam described Lea’s achievement as a source of pride for the Philippines and a testament to the global excellence of Filipino talent.
Lea was formally honored with her star on September 4, 2026, along Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, California.
“Lea Salonga’s induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame marked a significant milestone for the Philippines, proving the integral place of Filipino talent in the global stage and eternalizing the legacy of Philippine music and culture among the world’s best,” Sen. Bam said.
The Senator said Lea has lived up to her name as the “Pride of the Philippines” by excelling on the grandest stages of theater and cinema, starting with her stage debut in the Philippine production of The King and I at age seven.
“She went on to establish herself as an internationally acclaimed theater performer, most notably through her landmark performances as Kim in Miss Saigon and in Les Misérables on the West End and Broadway,” he said.
Lea’s portrayal of Kim in Miss Saigon earned her numerous major awards, including the Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Performance of the Year by an Actress in a Musical.
She also became the first Asian actress to win the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical, while also receiving the Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World Awards.
Lea also captivated millions around the world when she provided the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in Aladdin and Fa Mulan in Mulan.
Aside from her international achievements, Lea also made her mark in the local entertainment industry. She is among the most awarded artists in the history of the Aliw Awards, with 15 wins from 18 nominations.
She has also received recognition from the FAMAS Awards, the Presidential Merit Award in 1990, the Golden Artist Award in 2005, the Orden ni Lakandula and the Congressional Medal of Achievement in 2007.
“More than her artistic achievements, the Senate recognized Salonga for using her global platform to promote messages of love, acceptance, goodwill and respect for diversity. She has served as an ambassador for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and has been a strong advocate for women’s rights and diversity,” Sen. Bam stressed.
“Lea Salonga’s journey from a local artist to a global icon embodies the potential of the Philippine creative industries to empower homegrown talent to aspire to compete on the world stage, represent Filipino culture and identity, and serve as role models who uplift communities through messages of hope and positivity,” Sen. Bam emphasized.
A staunch supporter of Filipino talent and the country’s creative industry, Sen. Bam has also filed resolutions commending P-pop group SB19 and the Nation’s Girl Group BINI for reaching new milestones and bringing pride to the Philippines on the global stage through their performances at Lollapalooza and the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, respectively.
Sen. Bam’s five-point agenda as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship includes strengthening the country’s creative economy, including by expanding opportunities for Filipino artists, creators, filmmakers, designers, and other creative professionals in the global market.
As part of this agenda, he aims to establish a government agency dedicated to supporting and promoting the country’s creative industries, similar to South Korea’s Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA).
