Lea Salonga Instagram – In her ascent to Broadway in Miss Saigon, her subsequent casting as the singing voice of Disney’s iconic princesses Jasmine and Mulan, and the release of her internationally acclaimed album – these milestones solidified her position as a trailblazer for Filipino performers on the global stage. Salonga’s success, however, was not a solitary triumph. The ensemble cast of Miss Saigon, then and now, has consistently featured an array of Filipino talent. Her groundbreaking performance as the first woman of colour to portray Éponine in Les Misérables served as a catalyst, paving the way for a paradigm shift in casting practices. New musical productions began embracing BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) actors for roles traditionally reserved for Caucasians. Despite this progress, Salonga, with characteristic candour, revealed in a foreign interview the underlying pressure she felt: the ever-present fear of failure from unseen critics. Yet, with unwavering determination, she delivered flawless performances night after night, silencing any doubts. Even today, Salonga continues to champion a more inclusive theatre scene, her legacy a testament to the transformative power of representation. @facialcarectrph @msleasalonga Photography by Joseph Pascual Creative Direction & Words by Franz Sorilla IV Produced by Isabel Francisco, Dorynna Untivero & James Mayo Styling by Meg Manzano Hair & Makeup by Kusie Ho Photographer’s Assistant: Joey Alvero Styling Assistants: Shaine Serrano & Teresita Gabat Logistics: Mikki Soriano & Johannah Reglos Location: The Theater at Solaire #TatlerPhilippines #TatlerEntertainment