Lea Salonga Talks About Her Creepy, Yet Exciting Madame Tussauds
- Lea Salonga’s Wax Figure Unveiling: Lea Salonga’s wax figure was unveiled on September 13, 2024, at a resort-casino in Parañaque, Philippines.
- Madame Tussauds Singapore: The wax figure will permanently reside at Madame Tussauds Singapore, making Lea the first Filipino to have a statue there.
- Travel Fest Display: The wax figure was showcased at a travel fest in Mandaluyong for public viewing before its transfer to Singapore.
- Emotional Response: Lea expressed amazement at the accuracy of the figure, calling it a “dream come true” and shared a humorous moment about her wax twin’s friendliness.
- Family Reaction: Lea’s mother, Ligaya, found the wax figure both touching and realistic despite memory challenges. Lea’s brother Gerard is scheduled to see the figure in Singapore.
- Rajo Laurel’s Blue Dress: The wax figure features a dress designed by Lea’s close friend, renowned Filipino fashion designer Rajo Laurel.
- Lea’s Message of Inspiration: Lea encouraged others to work hard, citing her figure as a symbol of Filipino excellence and resilience.
- Other Filipino Wax Figures: Lea joins Manny Pacquiao, Pia Wurtzbach, and Catriona Gray, who all have wax figures at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong.
- Anne Curtis’ Wax Figure: Actress-host Anne Curtis is next in line to receive a Madame Tussauds wax figure, to be displayed in Hong Kong.
Filipinos take pride in their country’s global achievers, and once again, an international icon from the Philippines is making waves. Lea Salonga, the award-winning actress and singer who has long represented the country on the world stage, has just had her wax statue unveiled by Madame Tussauds. The momentous occasion, celebrated on September 13 at a resort-casino in Parañaque, marks a new milestone in her illustrious career.
Lea’s wax figure will soon make its permanent home in Madame Tussauds Singapore, where fans from around the world can marvel at the likeness of one of the most distinguished voices in musical theater. Before that, the wax figure was temporarily displayed for the public at a travel fest in Mandaluyong. The figure’s accuracy and the attention to detail have drawn admiration and awe, and Lea herself is still riding the waves of emotion after witnessing it firsthand.
A Dream Realized
During the unveiling, Lea couldn’t hide her amazement at the process that led to the creation of her wax figure. The idea of having her likeness immortalized alongside other global celebrities had been a long-time dream, but she admitted that it never seemed quite real until she was standing face-to-face with her “wax twin.”
“It’s creepy how accurate these wax figures are,” she shared during the event, adding that she had encountered similar wax figures in museums in London and New York. “It’s such a treat to have one of these made. It didn’t occur to me that it was actually going to happen. Definitely, a dream come true.”
The veteran theater actress, best known for her roles in *Miss Saigon* and *Les Misérables*, was not just impressed by the accuracy of her figure but also deeply touched by the honor of being included in Madame Tussauds’ prestigious lineup of figures.
A Sentimental Moment with Family
Lea’s mother, Ligaya, who is in her late 80s, also had the chance to see the wax figure. Lea shared that her mother doesn’t recall many details due to age, but the emotional impact of the moment was undeniable. She mentioned that her mother found the wax figure both eerily realistic and touching.
In fact, the lifelike quality of the statue made quite an impression on many of those who attended the unveiling. One observer commented that when positioned in just the right way, it seemed as if the wax figure was staring into one’s soul, a testament to the artistry involved in creating such an accurate representation of Lea.
The artist herself injected humor into the occasion, reflecting on how the figure seemed more approachable than the real Lea. “She’s friendly, approachable, the real person not so much. ‘Di siya sumasagot!” she quipped, laughing along with the crowd. “They captured my personality, essence, and snark. It’s who I am,” she added.
Behind the Creation: Rajo Laurel’s Blue Dress
One of the figure’s standout features is the stunning blue dress designed by Lea’s good friend and esteemed Filipino fashion designer Rajo Laurel. The dress, draped elegantly on the wax figure, exudes timeless sophistication, representing not only Lea’s grace but also the craftsmanship of Filipino artistry. Lea expressed her joy over having a part of her and Rajo showcased in Singapore, which will further highlight Filipino talent on an international stage.
“I’m so happy that parts of us will be in Singapore,” Lea said, visibly moved by the gesture. The symbolism of her wax figure wearing Rajo’s creation only made the moment more special, reinforcing how intertwined their creative journeys are.
The Salonga Family’s Response
Lea admitted that it might be some time before she personally visits Madame Tussauds Singapore to see her “wax twin” on display. However, her brother Gerard is already planning a trip to the city-state, where he and his wife Divina will watch *Miss Saigon*. The excitement within the Salonga family was palpable, with Lea humorously noting, “His wife lost her mind at the unveiling. They’re going to have fun teasing each other in Singapore!”
Lea’s wax figure is the fourth Filipino representation in Madame Tussauds, following the wax statues of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, all of whom have figures at the museum’s Hong Kong branch. What makes Lea’s statue special is that it will be the first Filipino wax figure in Madame Tussauds Singapore, marking yet another “first” in her storied career.
A Message of Hard Work and Inspiration
While celebrating this incredible achievement, Lea took a moment to inspire others, especially her fellow Filipinos. She pointed out that her wax figure, along with those of Pacquiao, Wurtzbach, and Gray, is a testament to the hard work and perseverance of Filipinos who continue to make their mark on the global stage. “Work hard, and one day, this could happen to you,” Lea said, addressing the audience with a playful tone as she gestured toward her statue.
Lea’s wax figure not only celebrates her personal achievements but also serves as a symbol of Filipino excellence and resilience. She joins a growing list of Filipinos who have been recognized globally, proving once again that the Philippines has a wealth of talent that can stand tall on the world stage.
Looking Forward
The event also stirred excitement for what lies ahead. Filipino host and actress Anne Curtis is next in line to have her own wax figure, which will be displayed in Madame Tussauds Hong Kong. As Filipinos continue to make their mark in various fields, the presence of more figures in Madame Tussauds will only strengthen the country’s representation in international spaces.
As Lea Salonga’s wax figure takes its place in Singapore, fans and supporters can look forward to a chance to see this stunning creation in person. For Lea, it’s an unforgettable moment—one that highlights her indelible impact not only in the Philippines but on a global scale. With her wax figure, she continues to inspire, reminding us all that dreams, hard work, and resilience can lead to extraordinary achievements.
/Digital Sauce
