Growing up, Lea Salonga already captivated my fascination. Here’s a talented woman who made a name and a career abroad with her passion. A 1991 Tony Award didn’t hurt and being two Disney Princesses was definitely why she’s the best throughout my young female existence.
Fast-forward to today and Lea’s past the need of personal branding, self-hype, and the #Instahoe culture every other celebrity has got working for her. It’s already 2016, a good two decades or so since she started and people are still going gaga over tickets to see her live. Her latest stage project, Fun Home is set to show this November and tickets are officially on-sale. We here are considering getting a ticket as our early pre-Christmas gift.
So why and how do we love Lea exactly? Let me count the ways.
#1 She does have it all
Despite our changing and growing definitions of what “having it all” means, Lea managed to pull off being successful in her career and then leading a sincere family life with Rob Chien. The fairytale of this woman went past the big screen and into real life.
#2 That cool pixie cut
When we caught up with Lea that one time, she said she really didn’t put much thought into the pixie cut she’s rocking. No effort means giving these long-haired younglings a run for their money.
#3 Her OTT antics on The Voice
Call it whatever you want but when she sings spontaneously to get a contestant on her team, it gives us major chills. It also showed how much she really believed in a person’s talent. Now that can’t be faked.
#4 Her blunt attitude on Twitter
Unlike some celebrities who would rather keep mum on sensitive topics, Lea gives one-line zingers on Twitter when she wants to. Recently, she called out some of the boorish attitudes people bring to the theater. No apologies from this lady.
Friends that saw Les Miz had people around them talking and burping. I guess some that could buy premium seats couldn’t afford class. #SMH — Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) April 9, 2016
So, how does one teach a theater audience to turn off their phones, not sing along with the cast and not give loud commentary? #LotsToLearn
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) April 9, 2016
If you’re just going to glue your eyes to your phone instead of watching that play/musical, then stay home. No one likes a rude audience. — Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) April 9, 2016
Also, the theater isn’t a karaoke bar. Try not to sing along. The rest of the audience paid to hear THE CAST sing. Not you.
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) April 9, 2016
This isn’t only about respecting the cast working hard on stage, but also respecting your fellow audience members and yourself. — Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) April 9, 2016
#5 She’s always going to be a Disney princess
She’s Mulan and she’s Jasmine. I really don’t need to say more.
#6 Sana Maulit Muli
Before Popoy and Basha, there was Lea and Aga. The ’90s couldn’t have produced a better gem.
#7 She’s still hustlin’
Other people who’s achieved something similar to Lea’s accolades would be sipping on a piña colada on the beach far away. But Lea’s always in a constant groove. Last year, she was on-stage with George Takei, she bagged an endorsement deal with Japanese clothing favorite Uniqlo this year, and as we mentioned, she’s hitting the stage once more for Fun Home this November.
Photo courtesy of Lea Salonga’s Instagram
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