Celeste Legaspi recalls Lea Salonga’s early theater days before Walk of Fame star

Before Lea Salonga made history by becoming the first Filipino to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, veteran singer-actress Celeste Legaspi had the chance to witness the former’s early years in music and theater.

Legaspi shared a photo of herself with Salonga on Instagram on Sunday, Sept. 21, revealing that international theater star watched the closing night of “The Notebook: The Musical” in Circuit Makati.

“Lea Salonga watched The Notebook last night and graciously said hi to the whole cast,” Legaspi wrote.

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The veteran performer then recalled meeting Salonga during an OPM Christmas party in the 1980s, when they were recording together.

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“I am very proud of our Lea,” Legaspi continued. “I can still remember when I listened to her crystal clear tones while recording with her and noting how sharp her ears were in remembering a melody.”

READ: Lea Salonga celebrated by Filipino celebs after Hollywood star unveiling

Legaspi said those qualities came to mind years later when she was asked to recommend OPM singers who could audition for “Miss Saigon.”

“She was at the exact right age; with a theater background and the perfect voice to convey innocence,” shared Legaspi.

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Salonga went on to land the role of Kim in “Miss Saigon,” which became a major turning point in her theater career. Her performance earned her the Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical and later the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.

Legaspi also celebrated Salonga’s latest milestone, referring to her newly unveiled Hollywood Walk of Fame star.

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“And today she has her own star in Hollywood. Bravo Lea,” she wrote.

Salonga became the first Filipino to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her star, the 2,855th on the landmark, was unveiled on Sept. 4, at 6255 Hollywood Boulevard in the Live Performance category. 

Meanwhile, Legaspi starred as Older Allie in Theatre Group Asia’s “The Notebook: The Musical,” which had its international premiere in Manila on Sept. 3.

The musical, based on Nicholas Sparks’ novel and the 2004 film adaptation, features music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson and a book by Bekah Brunstetter. 

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Legaspi shared the role of Allie with Morissette and Sheena Belarmino, who portray the character at different stages of her life. /edv