Lea Salonga once again proves she has a heart of gold.

Romeo Salazar went on Facebook and shared how the singer was so generous to his friend.

One of Salazar’s friends from London messaged him, talking about how she wanted to cheer up her friend who recently lost her husband to cancer back in February.

The widow and her late husband were big fans of Salonga. Salazar’s friend was planning on having her widow friend meet up with her idol but it didn’t happen since the meet and greet was fully booked.

“They are both huge fans of Lea Salonga, so she is treating her tonight to Lea’s concert in York. She wanted to surprise her friend with a scheduled short meet and greet with Lea after, but unfortunately, could not secure a spot anymore as it was fully booked.”

Salazar then proceeded to try and fulfill his friend’s wish and sent the singer a message.

“I told my friend am not promising anything as i know how busy or stressful thing like this for Lea is, but i will give it a shot and ask her.”

To Salazar’s surprise, the singer replied and told him to tell a friend to arrange everything and put both his friend and the widow on the guest list.

“Within minutes of messaging her, Lea came back to me and instructed me to tell my friend Wendy Pearse that she will arrange it and will put her and her friend’s names on the guest list.

“Now you know why Lea Salonga is much loved and a genuine role model for many in our business. Maraming salamat ulit Lea!” he concluded.

Along with all the awards she won throughout her career, Lea Salonga was the first Filipino to win a Tony Award and the first Filipino to be signed to Atlantic Records.

Salonga will be coming back to television as a coach for the fourth season of The Voice Kids.

• Jessie J performed Mulan’s ‘Reflection’ for ‘Singer 2018’ competition in China last year
  
• Jessie J is the very first non-Chinese and international singer to win the competition
• Jessie J covered ‘Reflection’ originally sung by Lea Salonga

Jessie J has been wowing her fans with her “Reflection” cover ever since she performed it on Singer 2018‘in China where she emerged as the winner of the competition. The sixth season of Chinese television contest invited some international performers to appear on the show including Jessie J and our very own KZ Tandingan.

On Tuesday, July 16, Tony Award winner Lea Salonga praised Jessie J’s cover of her song ‘Reflection.’

On Twitter, she said, “Oh. My. God. Wig. Snatched. @JessieJ is EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!”

Oh. My. God. Wig. Snatched. @JessieJ is EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!! https://t.co/97S80QeD8t

— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) July 16, 2019

Last year, Jessie J sang the song ‘Reflection’ from the animated Disney movie ‘Mulan,’ which was originally sung by Lea Salonga.

• To underestimate an individual is never a good thing to consider
• “Getting a shout out does not even pay bills or fill an empty stomach. Please do not look down on us.”
• “Your work and skills are worth at least triple the price you quoted. You’re really talented!”

Last Sunday, February 3, Lea Salonga, a singer and actress who is best known for her Tony Award winning role in Miss Saigon, showed support for Hans Alcanzare, who recently posted about an “influencer” who wanted to pay for his services with a mere shout out.

On her tweet she said, “Dear artist, your work and skills are worth at least triple the price you quoted. You’re really talented!”

Dear artist, your work and skills are worth at least triple the price you quoted. You’re truly talented! https://t.co/Yuxhja1IBZ

— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) February 3, 2019

Hans thanked the Broadway star on his Facebook account and re-posted Lea’s tweet.

READ: Celebrities react to Jameson Blake’s viral “shout-out” tweet

The issue arose when Hans posted on his Facebook account a screenshot of a message exchange with an influencer.

The influencer wanted Hans to sketch her like what he did on the portrait of Miss Universe Catriona Gray. As a reply, he said that a portrait with a canvas size of 30X40 will cost 15,000 as  payout for his service.

The influencer was disappointed with the the price that Hans quoted in the message, “Is it dear? Influencer ako, shoutout sana kita! That’s easy!”

After exchanging messages, the influencer block him so the artist decided to share his experience on social media.

Hans’s post, “Hi Ma’am, thank you for blocking me so I now have the opportunity to post this. My work might be just a piece of shape, curve, and shade for you. But for me, I consider it as my greatest workmanship and be able to call it my own ‘masterpiece.’ I respect you as an influencer and I have nothing against it ‘coz I know that’s what you do for a living. But, I know you are getting paid for the product placements and endorsements as an influencer so please, do not expect me to do something for free. I hope you understand that I invest so much on my art materials, time, energy and effort. Getting a shout out does not even pay bills or fill an empty stomach. Please do not look down on us (artists) and on our arts. Thank you!”

As remembered, netizens have also reacted negatively on Jameson Blake, a Hastag member, who called on a “willing” graphic artist to create a banner photo for his social media account, with the username “Lucid Express” through a Twitter post, in exchange for a shout-out.

According to his post, he would choose the best design and in return he will post a “shout out” or a personal message on his social media accounts. This fired up netizens, saying he should pay the graphic artist instead and not with a mere shout out.

In defense to the negative reactions, the ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ alumnus said, “I’m not asking that much. Just a basic graphic art for a profile. No one need to do it, only if you’re willing to help me out I’d really appreciate it.”

In his next tweet, Jameson said, “I’m not asking for a mind blowing graphic art. Something basic, and anyone willing to do me a favor without payment. No pressure, I’d appreciate it a lot!”

Even though Jameson’s tweet have been deleted, the issues continued to spread by criticizing his post.

View this post on Instagram

Telling the story one last time tonight. I am filled with so many feelings that I’m unable to sort out right now, save for one that overwhelms the rest: GRATEFUL. Grateful for the opportunity, grateful for the time spent with this amazing family, grateful for everyone that came to visit. Let’s do this, family, full out and strong!!!

A post shared by Lea Salonga (@msleasalonga) on Jan 6, 2019 at 3:05pm PST

To underestimate an individual is never a good thing to consider. Lea Salonga’s message of showing appreciation of the talent and skill of fellow artists and seeing the worth of their work is truly commendable.

• Stars reacted to Catriona Gray’s victory.
• Gray is the 4th Filipina to win the Miss Universe crown.

It seems like the daily lives of Filipinos have stopped as almost everyone were tuned-in to the coronation night of Miss Universe 2018 that happened yesterday, December 17 in Bangkok, Thailand.

The ordinary citizens aren’t the only ones cheering for her, but the celebrities as well.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrbjNo5gehX/

Here are some stars who posted their congratulatory messages to the newly crowned Miss Universe.

Vice Ganda

View this post on Instagram

And Miss Universe is Miss Philippines!!!!!!!!

A post shared by JoseMarieViceral / Vice Ganda (@praybeytbenjamin) on Dec 16, 2018 at 7:03pm PST

Ruffa Guttierez

https://twitter.com/iloveruffag/status/1074500221923545088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1074500221923545088&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.abs-cbn.com%2Fentertainment%2F12%2F17%2F18%2Fcelebs-congratulate-catriona-gray-on-miss-universe-win

Robi Domingo

WOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!!!!! 😮😮😮 #CatrionaGray

— Robi Domingo (@robertmarion) December 17, 2018

Tim Yap

Extremely proud of you @catrionaelisa!!!! You deserve it. For the Philippines!!!! #MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/acoKEKOr4e

— Tim Yap (@officialTIMYAP) December 17, 2018

Bianca Gonzales

SHE CAME PREPARED.. SHE TOOK HOME THE CROWN!!!!! Queen @catrionaelisa!!!!!!! 👑👑👑👑

— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) December 17, 2018

Alessandra de Rossi

Pahiram ng gown ni Miss Philippines please kakausapin ko yung 3 commentators, teeekaaa! Congratulations!!!!! 🎈🎉 we did it again!! #kapitCatriona 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

— alessandra de rossi (@msderossi) December 17, 2018

Anne Curtis

She did it!!! She brought the crown back! Congratulations Catriona!!!!!! 🇵🇭 #MissUniverse #Philippines

— Anne Curtis-Smith (@annecurtissmith) December 17, 2018

Ogie Alcasid

#mabuhayangpilipinas #Catriona4MissUniverse2018 congrats #catriongray we are so proud of you!!!!

— ogie alcasid (@ogiealcasid) December 17, 2018

Troy Montero

Congratulations Philippines!! Now everyone can go back to work lol #MissUniverse #MissPhilippines
🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭

— Troy Montero (@troymontero) December 17, 2018

Ciara Sotto

PHILIPPINES FOR THE WIN!!!! 🇵🇭💙♥️💛 Congratulations to us!!!

— Ciara Sotto (@ciara_anna) December 17, 2018

Jaya

Yahoooo Ms. Philippines is now Ms. Universe 2018 🇵🇭 #MissUniverse #MsUniverse2018

— Jaya (@jayasoul) December 17, 2018

Dra. Vicki Belo

https://www.instagram.com/p/BreQIwBni9R/?utm_source=ig_twitter_share&igshid=mimumymgckpe

Pokwang

Ok na yeeyyy dahil dyan magluluto na ako ng callos wala pa kami lunch anong oras na hahahahaa thank you Lord balik ang korona sa pinas yeeyy congrats satin at nakaka proud ka #CatrionaGray

— marietta subong (@pokwang27) December 17, 2018

Marvin Agustin

https://www.instagram.com/p/BreRcF9lOBH/?utm_source=ig_twitter_share&igshid=163cddx0er6ps

Jolina Magdangal

https://www.instagram.com/p/BreP6JyFam0/

Angelica Panganiban

https://www.instagram.com/p/BreRq2PnqX7/

Janine Tugonon

Yeeessss!!! Congratulations Catriona!! QUEEN indeed. 🇵🇭❤

— Janine Mari Tugonon (@janine_tugonon) December 17, 2018

Maymay Entrata

PHILIPPINES!!!! Waaaaahuhuhuhuhu pic.twitter.com/xDUBpgrAsF

— Maymay (@maymayentrata07) December 17, 2018

Yeng Constantino

https://www.facebook.com/yengconstantinoreal/videos/2380421628699238/

Pia Wurtzbach

https://www.instagram.com/p/BreYir6Hdfp/?utm_source=ig_embed

Lea Salonga

What wonderful news to wake up to!!! Congratulations, Catriona Gray (Philippines), for winning the Miss Universe crown!!!

— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) December 17, 2018

• Personalities who once experienced discrimination.
• The following people experienced bullying and racism in and out of the country.

With the recent discrimination that gone viral, let’s look back to other well-known personalities who did not escape such.

Gilas Pilipinas.

Who can forget the controversial game of Gilas Pilipinas against Australia‘s team that resulted to a huge fight at the mid-game of FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier.

The fight did not start from nothing as the Gilas players claimed that the members of the opposing team called them midgets and monkeys.

Wilma Doesnt.

A socialite actress once uttered the words to Wilma: “Pwede ba maligo ka pagkatapos niyan?

“May nag-discriminate sa akin, isang socialite actress. Oo, nagtrabaho na ako noon. Kasi kausap ko ‘yung asawa niya so may kausap din akong friend, most of my friends are boys. So baka kasi dahil nga lumaki ako sa neighborhood ng boys.

“So kausap ko ‘yung asawa niya gani-ganiyan, so ‘yung asawa niya tawa nang tawa because komedyante ako. Alam mo ba humarap sa akin [at sinabi niya] ‘Puwede ba maligo ka pagkatapos niyan ha.’”

Veejay Floresca.

Fashion designer Veejay was once denied entry at  high-end lounge and bar Valkyrie in Taguig.

The designer showed her California State ID that indicated her female name and gender marker, however, the bouncer still muttered, “Lalaki pa rin yan.”

She said that this was her second time being denied in the club because of their no-cross-dressers policy.

Trixie Maristela.

The Miss International Queen 2015 was also denied entry to Valkyrie because of her “inappropriate” outfit.

She took it to Facebook to share her disappointment as she was wearing a simple neon dress with sleeves at the time.

BB Gandanghari.

BB Gandanghari was denied entry to Aruba Bar & Restraurant in Metrowalk. She was not allowed to enter as cross-dressing was not allowed at the place.

She was supposed to watch Rannie Raymundo‘s concert, however, she decided not to push through.

Bianca Gonzales.

Bianca once admitted that she’s a victim of bullying and discrimination because of her tan skin.

She shared her experience in one episode of Boy Abunda’s The Bottomline.  

“Sinasabi lang nila negra, baluga. Masakit talaga.

“Hindi ko maintindihan. ‘Di ba Pilipino tayo? We are supposed to have brown skin. It was a mystery to me bakit binu-bully ang brown skinned?”

She added that it hurts more because she once had a crush at the guy who bullied her.

Sam YG.

The DJ and television personality revealed that he was bullied as a kid just because he’s Indian.

“Nandoon ‘yung notion ng five-six, na mabaho [ang mga Indian]. Lahat ng mga kaklase ko, pinagti-trip-an ako. Parang ‘ah, ayaw naming makipag-basketball sa iyo kasi mabaho ka. Bawal kang makipaglaro sa amin.’ As in solid discrimination, talagang heart-crushing. Masakit talaga.”

Lea Salonga.

A few years ago, Broadway Diva Lea Salonga shared that she was once rejected for the role of Eliza Doolittle in ‘My Fair Lady’.

The reason was that she  she’s Asian. But instead of dwelling on the rejection, it urged her to prove that race has nothing to do with any talent.

Pia Wurtzbach.

“I experience bullying in different forms” the 2015 Miss Universe stated. “I felt like I was the odd one out growing up in the province because I was half-Filipino and half-German, so I wasn’t full blooded Filipina and of course I was the tallest in my class and I felt kind of awkward. I went through an awkward phase and even when I was an actress, there was a lot of scrutiny there as well.”

She also shared that she had a hard time finding a job in England just because she’s a female.

Rhian Ramos.

Rhian shared on Instagram and unpleasant experience while having a vacation in France.

She said that she encountered a racist lady in a restaurant but instead of arguing, she brushed off the incident.

Jake Zyrus.

In an interview with GMA Network’s news program “24 Oras”, Zyrus opened up about his experience using public bathrooms in the Philippines. He said that whenever he approaches a restroom, he gets “the look” from people, which leads him to sometimes use the separate stall for people with disability, just to avoid conflict.

KaladKaren Davila.

The most recent incident of viral discrimination was KaladKaren‘s encounter at a H&J Sportsbar in Poblacion, Makati.

She and her friends were denied entry by the security personnel because according to the latter, gay people are not allowed inside.

• Tim Yap marries long-time boyfriend Jarvi Pardo
• Lea Salonga witnessed the union of Tim Yap and Jarvi Pardo

Known for his wit and unwavering charm, TV/Radio host Tim Yap have privately tied the knot with long-time boyfriend Javi Martinez Pardo in New York.

Wedding Bells

The ‘very private’ wedding took place during the day of Christmas, December 25, 2017. As Tim Yap would describe it, this wedding is by far, the most private ceremony they had–with only two witnesses and ‘without a hashtag’.

Yap broke the news after posting a photo of him holding hands with his now-husband Pardo with a brief caption, ‘married’.

Moments after, Lea Salonga, who happened to be one of the two witnesses posted a photo of the two congratulating them for a sweet wedding.

It is remembered that at the beginning of 2017, Yap announced that he got engaged to Pardo. Now, they will start 2018 as husbands.

So, here you go. Some of the photos we collected from Lea Salonga, Tim Yap, and Javi Pardo’s Instagram accounts.

Tim Yap even poked fun that this photo can pass as their prenup.

By the looks of it, the power couple really wanted to have an intimate wedding inviting just two witnesses.

Lea Salonga felt extremely happy for her good friend, Tim Yap.

Here, we could really be inspired by their love and courage. The newly-weds!

What do you think guys? Share us your thoughts.

• Celebrities with Filipino descent conquering the larger than life entertainment business, Hollywood.
• Filipino singers and actors in theatrical performance center, Broadway.
• Filipinos are usually a triple-threat when it comes to the entertainment industry.

Filipinos are known to be talented. We can sing, dance and act. We usually are a triple-threat when it comes to the entertainment industry. But these Filipinos aren’t just conquering Philippine entertainment industry. They are conquering Hollywood, the larger  than life entertainment business and the . So get ready to wave your miniature Philippine flags for these celebrities:

Lea Salonga

Let’s start with the legend herself, Maria Lea Carmen Imutan Salonga, was born in Manila. She was the first Filipina ever to win the prestigious Tony Award for her role as Kim in the Broadway Musical, Miss Saigon. She was, then, offered the role of the singing voices of Jasmine in Aladdin and Fa Mulan in Mulan.

Her work with Disney was so remarkable that she was dubbed as a Disney Legend. She has also already performed in front of former U.S presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton and Her Royal Majesty, the Queen Elizabeth II.

Karla Garcia

Karla Garcia is the first ever Filipino to join Broadway’s Hamilton created by Lin Manuel-Miranda. She holds a swing role which job is to know multiple parts of the production that include dance, moves, props, lines and such. She is happy to represent the Filipino community in Broadway. She also used to be a part of the 2009’s So You Think You Can Dance and the second season of Smash.

Rachelle Ann Go

Rachelle Ann Villalobos Go was born in Pasig. She had joined singing contests ever since she was a young girl. One of the first ever contests she joined was on Eat Bulaga! at the age of eleven. She was the Grand Champion in a reality talent search, Search for a Star in 2004. Her debut in theater musical was in The Little Mermaid as Ariel which led to winning the Best Actress award from Broadway World Philippine Awards.

She was cast for the West End revival of the hit musical, Miss Saigon, for the role of Gigi Van Tranh in 2014. She was also cast as Fantine in the 30th Anniversary Staging of Les Miserables. In 2017, she plays the role of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton in the West End production of Hamilton.

Adam Jacobs, Joshua dela Cruz, Bobby Pestka, Angelo Soriano, Don Darryl Rivera

These names may not be familiar but they are going to be! These are the five Filipino men that were cast in Broadway’s Aladdin.

Adam Jacobs, born in California, has a Filipino mom who works as a nurse in Pangasinan. His grandfather also used to be a Philippine Scout.

Joshua dela Cruz is an understudy for Aladdin. In his Showbill bio he wrote, “Para sa mga mahal ko sa buhay…” Showbill is essentially a magazine with a program in the middle.

Bobby Petska was born in the Philippines. He was first cast in the Seattle production of Aladdin in 2011. After two years, he moved to New York and joined the cast here.

Angelo Soriano, as a swing, assumes many different roles, including the principals Aladdin and the adorable villain Iago. In his Showbill, he wrote “Mabuhay!”

Don Darryl Rivera was born and raised in Seattle. He used to sing or dance ‘tinikling’ when he was young in family parties. He is grateful to his parents for encouraging him to immerse himself in his Filipino culture and at the same urging him to remain a typical American boy.

David Bautista

David Michael Bautista, Jr. was born in Washington D.C. His mother, Donna Raye was of Greek descent and his father, David Michael Bautista was a son of Filipino immigrants.  In 2002, Bautista made his debut in Smackdown with “Batista” as his ring name.

After a move to Raw and two victories against Kane, he began to make noise in the WWE universe. His most recent works were Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 as Drax the Destroyer, Bushwick as Stupe and Blade Runner 2049 as Sapper Morton.

Jo Koy

Jo Koy made his way from Las Vegas coffee houses to selling out clubs across United States. He has appeared to Chelsea Lately for more than a hundred episodes. His infectious, explosive energy onstage, insightful jokes, and family inspired humor cross all boundaries. His Filipino mother inspired him to go to school talent shows and impromptu performances for his family and friends.

Nicole Gale Anderson

Nicole Gale Anderson was born in Indiana. Her mother was born in the Philippines and moved to the United States with her father, a Commander in the United States Navy. Anderson used to be in competitive gymnastics where she won some national competitions. Although due to injuries, she had to give it up.

Her most notable roles are: Macy Misa in Jonas, Hope Plotkin in Mean Girls 2 and Miranda Collins in Pretty Little Liars and its supernatural spin-off, Ravenswood.

Lalaine

Lalaine Vergara – Paras, or simply Lalaine, resided in the Philippines from 1990 – 1995. Her parents are both from the Philippines; her mom from Batangas and her dad from Pampanga. She is the youngest of four siblings; Marian, Francisco and Cristina. She is notably known for her role as Miranda Sanchez as Lizzie’s best friend in the hit television series, Lizzie McGuire.

Anna Marie Perez de Tagle

Anna Marie Perez de Tagle is one of the hottest triple threats here in this list. It may be in her blood since she is the granddaughter of the Kundiman Queen herself, Sylvia La Torre. She was born in California but still as proud of her Filipino blood.

De Tagle was voted the “Best Featured Female Artist in a Musical” at the 2012 Broadway World Awards. She was Ashley Dewitt in Hannah Montana and Ella Pador in both Camp Rock and Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam.

Jessica Sanchez

She was born as Jessica Elizabeth Sanchez. Her father, Gilbert Sanchez, is Mexican-American and her mother, Edita Bugay, is a pure Filipina from the Bataan province. She started singing when she was just two years old. She joined the 11th season of American Idol and finished as a runner up. She appeared in the musical TV show, Glee, as Frida Romero.

She recently sang the American National Anthem in the National Football League game Raiders vs. Chargers in Oakland then took a knee after her performance.

apl.de.ap

The performer was born as Allan Pineda Lindo in the Philippines. He was born to a Filipino mother and an African-American father who he never met. He grew up in a poor but loving family in Angeles, Pampanga.

When he was fourteen, his mother and stepfather allowed him to be adopted (with his consent) by a kindhearted American man who took him to the U.S to have a more promising future. He, then, founded the International Hip-Hop Band, “Black Eyed Peas,” with will.i.am, Taboo and Fergie.

Darren Criss

Darren Everett Criss, another triple-threat, was born in California. His mother was from Cebu City, Philippines. He actually wrote every song for Team Starkid’s A Very Potter Musical. His most notable works are: Blaine Anderson in Glee, Harry Potter in A Very Potter Musical and Music Meister on the crossover of Supergirl and The Flash.

Rob Schneider

Robert Michael Schneider was born in San Francisco, California. His maternal grandmother was a Filipino named Victoria Estacio. He grew up in the suburb of Pacifica or “the back of the valley.” He got his first break as a comedian in an appearance on The Late Night with David Letterman.

He frequently makes an appearance, either a big role or just a cameo, in movies starring his best friend, Adam Sandler. His most notable roles are: Clive or Jessica in The Hot Chick, Ula in 50 First Dates and Rob Hilliard in Grown Ups.

Nicole Scherzinger

Nicole Elikolani Valiente Prescovia Scherzinger was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her mother was a professional hula dancer in Hawaii and her father was of Filipino descent from Batanes Island, Philippines. Inspired by another Filipino legend, Lea Salonga, she auditioned for the musical, “Miss Saigon.”

Although she didn’t know what the results were because she was already accepted as a member of The Pussycat Dolls. She later became the Lead Pussycat in the group.

Bruno Mars

Born as Peter Gene Bayot Hernandez in Honolulu, Hawaii. His mother, Bernadette Bayot, was a Filipino hula dancer and singer and has been credited with encouraging her children’s love of music. Unfortunately, she died at age 55 in 2013 due to brain aneurysm. He co-founded the production team, The Smeezingtons in 2009.

The team was responsible for the singles “Nothin’ on You” by B.oB and “Billionaire” by Travie McCoy. He is now one of the best-selling artists of all time having sold over 130 million records worldwide. He has seven number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 since the start of his career in 2010.

Shay Mitchell

Shannon Ashley Mitchell was born in Canada. Her mother, Precious Garcia, was Lea Salonga’s first cousin from Pampanga. Mitchell loved J.Lo so much that when she was young, her friends had shortened Shannon to Shay Lo. In her late teens, she was already a successful model in Hong Kong, Bangkok and Barcelona.

She returned to Toronto to focus on her passion: acting. She is most notable from her role in the Pretty Little Liars as Emily Fields.

Hailee Steinfeld 

Hailee Puring Steinfeld, another one of the hottest triple threat in this list, was born in California. Her maternal great grandfather was from Bohol. Her mother, Cheri, had made her aware early on that her Filipino blood is what makes her passionate and proud in what she’s doing.

Her most recent roles were: Nadine Franklin from The Edge of Seventeen where she received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical and Emily Junk in Pitch Perfect 2.

Vanessa Hudgens

The ultimate and hottest triple threat from this list: Vanessa Anne Hudgens. She was born in Salinas, California but moved to San Diego when she was just a toddler. Her mother, Gina Guangco Hudgens, was a native of Manila in the Philippines.

Sadly, her father, Greg, passed away in 2016, losing his battle with cancer. The day after his death, she was set to star as Betty Rizzo in the live musical production of Grease Live! She vowed to perform as a tribute to him.

Her most notable role on screen was Gabriella Montez in the High School Musical franchise, Sa5m in Bandslam, Lindy Taylor in Beastly, Blondie in Suckerpunch, Kailani Laguatan in Journey 2: The Mysterious Island and Candy in Springbreakers.

There aren’t that much of Filipinos in Hollywood and Broadway. So continue to slay, fellow Filipinos!

I always knew I was a star.
And now, the rest of the world seems to agree with me. -Freddie Mercury

Stars were just like ordinary people before they became famous. Some of them already had a share in the limelight even before making a name. Some were already stars in the making, and some were struggling for their star to shine bright.

Let’s see how some of the Filipino celebrities look like before they became famous. Did most of them already have star quality before they shone bright in the Philippine entertainment industry, or did they only shine after years of hard work?

Take a look at some of the most famous stars in the past and today and look back at how they started.

Here are some Pinoy celebrities before they became famous stars:

Dolphy

Before Dolphy became the “King of Comedy”, he was a theater performer and an extra in may films.

Fernando Poe Jr.

“Da King” started out as a stuntman before he took lead roles.

Christopher De Leon

Christopher started his acting career in 1974.

Vilma Santos

Vilma has always been pretty since she was a child actress.

Sharon Cuneta

Tito Sotto, Sharon’s uncle-in-law produced her first album which included the immortal “Mr. DJ” song.

Regine Velasquez

“Asia’s Songbird” was once a regular in singing competitions, amateur and professional.

Gary Valenciano

Before Gary became “Mr. Pure Energy”, he started out as a commercial model for a softdrink.

Vic Sotto

Vic was a singer known as “Marvic Sotto” even before he joined VST and company.

Lea Salonga

Lea has been singing since she was a child and even recorded albums before she was in Miss Saigon.

Whether you admit it or not, Pinoys love interacting with celebrities particularly on the social networking site Twitter. The site which enabled users to express their thoughts in 140 characters became instrumental in connecting actors, hosts, models, singers, dancers  and band members to their fans as well as their haters.

Early this year, we put up a list  of Pinoy celebrity millionaires on Twitter. As the year ends, we’re updating our list. Find out who went up, down, and stayed on the list.

50. Iza Calzado with 1.34 M followers

49. Sam Concepcion with 1.37 M followers

48. Teddy Corpuz with 1.39 M followers

47. Miles Ocampo with 1.39 M followers

46. Ramon Bautista with 1.4M followers

45. Jericho Rosales with 1.43 M followers

44. Ryan Bang with 1.45 M followers

43. Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla with 1.46 M followers

42. John Prats with 1.49 M followers

41. Jed Madela with 1.52 M followers

40. Camille Prats with 1.52 M followers

39. Manny Pacquiao with 1.52 M followers

38. Maja Salvador with 1.65 M followers

37. Maxene Magalona with 1.67 M followers

36. Sarah Geronimo with 1.7 M followers

35. Jasmine Curtis- Smith with 1.72 M followers

34. Liz Uy with 1.74 M followers

33. Jugs Jugueta 1.76 M followers

32.Robi Domingo 1.77 M followers

31. Coleen Garcia with 1.8 M followers

30. Rachelle Ann Go with 1.84 M followers

29. Karylle Tatlonghari with 1.99 M followers

28. Jodi Sta Maria with 2.07 M followers

27. Pokwang with 2.12 M followers

26. Christian Bautista with 2.14 M followers

25. Jhong Hilario with 2.15 M followers

24. Solenn Heussaff with 2.22 M followers

23. Gary Valenciano with 2.26 M followers

22. Xian Lim with 2.35 M followers

21. Ruffa Gutierrez with 2.36 M followers

20. Georgina Wilson with 2.42 M followers

19. Enrique Gil with 2.57 M followers

18. Lea Salonga with 2.64 M followers

17. Vhong Navarro with 3 M followers

16. Kim Atienza with 3.08 M followers

15. Nikki Gil with 3.18 M followers

14. Daniel Padilla with 3.22 M followers

13. Iya Villania with 3.28 M followers

12. Julia Montes with 3.35 M followers

11. Sam Milby with 3.39 M followers

10. Bianca Gonzalez with 3.67 M followers

9. Cristine Reyes with 3.69 M followers

8. Luis Manzano with 3.71 M followers

7. Yeng Constantino with 3.79 M followers

6. Kathryn Bernardo with 3.91 M followers

5. KC Concepcion with 3.96 M followers

4. Angelica Panganiban with 4.29 M followers

3. Vice Ganda with 4.61 M followers

2. Angel Locsin with 5.4 M followers

1. Anne Curtis with 7.59 M followers

The Newbie Millionaires on Twitter

Several celebrities reached the 1 million-mark for the number of followers for the first time in 2014. They are as follows: Lovi Poe with 1.09 M followers; Elmo Magalona with 1.08 M followers; Khalil Ramos with 1.05 M followers; Mo Twister with 1.04 M followers; Denise Laurel 1.03 M; Heart Evangelista with 1.03 M followers; Papa Jack with 1.02 M followers; Julie Ann San Jose with 1.02 M followers; Paulo Avelino with 1.02 M followers; Jamich with 1.01 M followers; and Melissa Ricks with 1 M followers.

Meanwhile, some celebrities maintained their millionaire status on the social networking site including Tim Yap with 1.23 M followers; Zsa-zsa padilla with 1.22 M followers; Rhian Ramos with 1.19 M followers; Matteo Guidicelli with 1.18 M followers; Kean Cipriano with 1.18 M followers; Carmina Villaroel Legaspi with 1.16 M; Derek Ramsay with 1.16 M followers; Sam Pinto with 1.13 M; and Kris Aquino with 1.03 M followers.

Lea Salonga, who played Kim in the 1989 debut of “Miss Saigon,” and Rachelle Ann Go (2014 revival’s Gigi) sang a duet of ‘The Movie In My Mind’ on Monday (September 22), in celebration of the well-loved musical’s 25th anniversary in London. Salonga’s appearance at the close of last night’s show brought the house down.

On her Instagram account, Go thanked Salonga for letting her auditioned to “Miss Saigon.” Here’s the full caption of the said post: “I am still overwhelmed! Last night was just phenomenal. I still could not believe I was part of the 25th anniversary of Miss Saigon. God is amazing! Thank You.. To Ms. Lea Salonga who asked me 2 years ago if I was going to audition for Miss Saigon, salamat po… I didn’t imagine we are going to share a West End stage.. Haaay… You are an inspiration.. I will forever be grateful to all the people who helped me reach my dreams. Yes, dreams do come true… “