Lea Salonga is the fourth Filipino celebrity to have her own wax figure at Madame Tussauds, another milestone for the multiple award-winning actress and singer.
Read: Lea Salonga to get her own wax figure at Madame Tussauds
Fittingly, the Philippines had the honor of being the first to see it.
On Friday, September 13, 2024, the Madame Tussauds Singapore branch unveiled Lea's wax figure at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Parañaque City.
In an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) at the event, Lea shared her mixed emotions upon seeing her wax figure for the first time.
"It's insane! It's insane! But it's so fantastic!" the Tony Award winner marveled.
Lea admitted that she "freaked out," astounded that her sculpted image looks so real.
"I must have freaked out. The freakout of freakouts... Because, I mean, look at that!
"That's insane, you know! I think I would've been a little bit calmer if she didn't look like me... It's like, you know, because she does, it's like, 'That's weird!'
"Because I only normally look at myself through a mirror. That how I know what I look like. And then I'm like, 'Oh, that's how really what I look like!'"
LEA SALONGA'S TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE
During the unveiling, it was revealed that Filipino sculptors also played a role in crafting Lea's wax figure, which took some six months to finish from the time her measurements were taken in December 2023.
Another fascinating detail shared during the event was that the wax figure's dress came from Lea's own closet.
This dress, created by Filipino fashion designer Rajo Laurel, was originally worn by Lea for a concert performance over a decade ago, making the moment a nostalgic journey for her.
Lea recalled, "I've worked in the dress and one of my friends who assisted me for a very long time has actually dressed me up in that dress.
"So it brings a lot of memories for quite a few of us especially for me performing in this actual, exact dress.
"And Rajo [Laurel] was here today when it was unveiled and I was so glad that he actually got to see this."
Would Lea want a replica of the original blue dress on her wax figure?
She answered, "If ever I want another one, I'd absolutely, I'm sure, but maybe in another color. Because this has to remain its own unique thing for this wax figure now."
As it turns out, the dress is available in other colors.
In an Instagram post, Rajo shared that he had made several versions of the gown for Lea.
He wrote (published as is): "I was so delighted and deeply grateful that she chose my creation for this life highlight.
"I had the good fortune of getting close to the wax figure and the hairs of my hand started to tingle as the likeness was unbelievable.
"I mean the details were insane…. down to her little mole above her dimple was spot on. I could not believe me eyes!
"Lea chose a gown that truly represents her perfectly. I have made many versions of this gown for her ( Red, Green, Black etc.) however this colour is her favourite.
"It is always about sublime elegance when it comes to creating for her."
LEA SALONGA: YES TO MORE REPRESENTATION!
Grateful to be to be honored at Madame Tussauds Museum, she said, "There's Catriona Gray, there's Manny Pacquiao, there's Pia Wurtzbach.
"And now, I'm number four. It feels really great. It feels great that there are these global, iconic representatives of our country immortalized in wax.
"And I'm hoping that any Filipino visitor to any of the Madam Tussauds where these figures are present, when they come to visit, that they feel a sense of pride that we are there."
Read: Filipino Celebrities with Wax Figures at Madame Tussauds
When asked which local personality she wishes to see immortalized in wax, Lea named Sarah Geronimo.
On a global scale, she also expressed her wish for all BTS members to have their own wax figures at Madame Tussauds.
Meanwhile, the Singapore branch of the iconic museum is enthusiastic about adding more Filipino celebrities to their collection.
In fact, the actress Anne Curtis is next in line to have a wax figure at Madame Tussauds.
In a brief conversation with Elaine Quek, the Head of Sales and Marketing, she expressed their excitement and actively invited feedback from Filipino visitors on which personalities they would like to see immortalized in wax next.
"We love making wax figures of Filipino celebrities because it's a bit of Asian pride, and that they have done so well internationally.
"And it's not just that, it's just the sparking personality.
"I wasn't joking when I said that when Filipino guests visit our attraction, they are singing, they're dancing.
"And that kind of personality comes out with the Filipino figures that we make.
"So we are always on the lookout and as we always ask our guests who visit or who are our fans, 'Who do you want to see next?'
"So that will be the question we will keep asking.
"Maybe even you yourself, you could tell me, who would you like to see next? So with that, we will explore further opportunities."
Lea's wax figure will be displayed at Madame Tussauds Singapore starting September 20, 2024.
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