Lea Salonga became the fifth Filipino to sit as one of the judges in the Miss Universe pageant. In her Inquirer article today, the multi-awarded Broadway star and Disney Legend shared her two cents worth on how the pageant was being seen on the judges perspective!

Here are excerpts from her Inquirer article…

On the winner Miss Angola Leila Lopes:

“I think we were all unanimous in our decision. She radiated grace and elegance from the moment she stepped on stage, and gave a great answer to her final question (which I happened to ask her; she picked my name out of the fishbowl. And that is all, lest anyone think that I made luto that process. No way.)”

How she ranked our representative Miss Shamcey Supsup:

“I ranked Shamcey Supsup second, if I’m being honest. What the TV audience saw could have been different from what we saw. And although Miss Philippines ranked highly up until the final question, we had to consider every single part of the competition. I really liked her answer as she displayed conviction and honesty. But there are nine of us judging.”

On how Shamcey represented herself:

I thought Shamcey represented our country very well. Smart, spirited, gorgeous. I wasn’t at all disappointed because she displayed what is so great about Filipino women: strength, beauty, intelligence. She should be very happy.

On the other hand, Lea Salonga clarified on Tuesday that she did not write the question for Miss Angola Leila Lopes in the question-and-answer portion of the Miss Universe 2011 competition.

In her Twitter account, Salonga revealed that the winning question that she happened to asked was actually written by the Miss Universe organizers which was assigned to her.

“Just so you all know, I did not write my question. All our questions are pre-written and each judge is assigned one. Luck of the draw.”

Salonga’s question was: “Good evening. If you could change one of your personal characteristics, which one would it be and why?”

Lopes replied: “Thank God, I’m very well satisfied with the way God created me and I would not change a thing. I consider myself a woman with inner beauty. I have my principles. I have acquired many wonderful principles from my family and I plan to follow this through the rest of my life.”

‘I Ranked Shamcey Supsup Second’ – Lea Salonga originally appeared on Starmometer on September 14, 2011.

Miss Universe Organization President Paula Shugart announced that Salonga, together with 6 others, will judge this year’s pageant which is happening on September 12.

Joining our very own Lea Salonga in judging the 89 delegates of Miss Universe 2011, are the following:

• Adrienne Maloof, from Bravo’s hit series “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”
• Amelia Vega, Miss Universe 2003
• Connie Chung, U.S. broadcast legend
• Helios Castroneves, three-time winner of the Indianapolis 500
• Isabeli Fontana, Brazilian supermodel
• Vivica Fox, actress & television producer

Andy Cohen of Bravo’s “Watch What Happens: Live” and Natalie Morales of NBC’s “Today” will be hosting the event.

Live performances will come from Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Bebel Gilberto and Brazilian native pop singer Claudia Leitte.

The live coverage of the 2011 Miss Universe beauty pageant will be shown on ABS-CBN on September 13 in the morning.

Check out our coverage of the 2011 Miss Universe pageant here.

Lea Salonga Chosen as One of Miss Universe 2011 Judges originally appeared on Starmometer on September 8, 2011.

Lea Salonga provided the singing voice for two Disney characters: Jasmine in “Aladdin” (1992), and Fa Mulan in “Mulan” (1998) and “Mulan II” (2004). And for this invaluable contribution, the Olivier and Tony Award winning theater actress was honored as one of this year’s 12 Disney Legends during the 2011 D23 Expo.

Other honorees this year include Jodi Benson (Ariel from The Little Mermaid), Paige O’Hara (Belle from Beauty and the Beast), Linda Larkin (speaking voice of Jasmine from Aladdin), Anika Noni Rose (Princess Tiana from The Princess and the Frog), Muppets creator Jim Henson, TV host Regis Philbin, Guy Williams, who played the title role in the Walt Disney Zorro series; Jack and Bonita Wrather, Disneyland Hotel creators; Ray Watson, who helped in the opening of Epcot; and Barton Boyd, Chairman of Disney Consumer Products.

Watch Lea Salonga’s acceptance speech and performance of “Reflection” from the movie Mulan:

Over 237 Disney Legends have already been honored since its establishment in 1987 and Lea is the first Filipino to become one. Past Disney Legends awardees include Tim Allen, Robin Williams, Julie Andrews, Tom Hanks, Elton John, Steve Martin, Phil Collins and Barbara Walters.

Lea Salonga is the First Filipino to Become a Disney Legend! originally appeared on Starmometer on August 23, 2011.

Hollywood actor George Takei (“Star Trek,” “Heroes”) is scheduled to star with Tony Award winner and Philippine pride Lea Salonga (Miss Saigon, Les Miserables) in the new musical “Allegiance,” which is set to premiere in Broadway next year.

Allegiance is described as “a new musical about love, loss and heroism in the backdrop of the Japanese American internment.”

George Takei and Lea Salonga to Star in Upcoming Broadway Musical ‘Allegiance’ originally appeared on Starmometer on June 11, 2011.

“Us Girls” continues to sizzle on its anniversary month as it recognizes the fabulous women in the country led by broadcaster Pinky Webb, international theater star Lea Salonga, and 2010 Miss Universe 4th Runner-Up Venus Raj this Thursday (Mar 17) on Studio 23.

Find out what makes these amazing Filipina stand out and excel in their fields in exclusive interviews conducted by Iya Villania, Chesca Garcia-Kramer, and Angel Aquino.

Iya, Chesca, and Angel will also put the spotlight on the feisty women of UAAP Volleyball this season. Be inspired as they bare the secrets of their winning drive to the country’s fashion and lifestyle magazine show authority.

It’s Women’s Month so it’s all about “Eve” this Thursday (Mar 17), 6:30pm in “Us Girls” on Studio 23.

‘Us Girls’ Honors Fab Pinays Pinky Webb, Lea Salonga & Venus Raj originally appeared on Starmometer on March 16, 2011.

Photo Credits:

GMA-7 – Nadine Samonte and Sheena Halili
ABS-CBN – Valerie Concepcion

Previously:

76. Agot Isidro
77. Iwa Moto
78. Diva Monteliba
79. Jessy Mendiola
80. Dimples Romana
81. Donita Rose
82. Bela Padilla
83. Camille Prats
84. Andi Manzano
85. Megan Young
86. Arci Munoz
87. Ruffa Gutierrez
88. Regine Angeles
89. Diana Zubiri
90. Jean Garcia
91. Rica Peralejo
92. Nina Jose
93. Queenie Padilla
94. Vicky Morales
95. Princess Velasco
96. Jonalyn Viray
97. Karla Paula Henry
98. Stef Prescott
99. Wendy Valdez
100. Sandra Seifert

The Top 20 Final Poll is ongoing. To vote, click here.

100 Most Beautiful Women in the Philippines – Nos. 71 to 75 originally appeared on Starmometer on October 15, 2010.

Join hosts Iya Villania, Chesca Garcia-Kramer, and Angel Aquino as they get to know more about the racing champion-turned-actor, who is one of the country’s up and coming leading men on primetime television.

World-class theater actress and recording artist Lea Salonga will also share a secret or two in her girl talk with Angel. Find out how she’s continued to be an idol to Filipinos all over the world.

Television’s most fabulous trio will also take you to really cool and exciting shops and stores here in Manila that you may not even knew existed. They will also tell you how to make ten different stylish get ups using one wonderful accessory.

Find out everything that’s fashionably one-of-a-kind in the premier lifestyle magazine show “Us Girls” on its new timeslot at 9pm on Studio 23.

Matteo Guidicelli and Lea Salonga Hang Out with ‘Us Girls’ originally appeared on Starmometer on April 7, 2010.

You can catch them wearing the channel’s most vibrant colors in its newest logo in the mini-plugs aired in between the programs. This is in celebration of their 1st decade on Philippine television and will be highlighted through a week-long photo exhibit which will be held at the Archaeology Wing, Powerplant Mall, 2nd Floor from October 23 through the 31st.

The channel prides itself in its top 10 picks of outstanding women : Singer-Actress Lea Salonga who’s a world-class persona and lived large on the world stage; Host-Actress Donita Rose who has found out that the center and happiness is simply being a mother and having a quiet life whilst active in other things like her advocacy; model and former model lifestyle Network host Isabel Roces who’s an outspoken advocate of animal rights and a strong supporter of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals); Fashion Designer Hindy Weber-Tantoco who’s a fashion designer, mother and supporter of causes all rolled into one; Stage Actress Menchu Lauchengo-Yulo who’s a supporter of the Culture and the Arts.

Completing the list is cancer survivor and advocate Kara Alikpala who bravely faced the challenge of defying cancer; Chef and Entrepreneur Margarita Fores who best represented the channel’s food EQUITY; Former President and CEO of Mc Cann Phils and Chairman of CCP Emily Abrera who has accomplished many things and believed that a woman can; Managing Director of ABS-CBN Foundation Gina Lopez who’s continuously extending her hand in her charitable works especially with her concern on the country and children’s future; Ballet dancer Lisa Macuja who’s a world class performer and very dedicated to the Arts and her craft .

Lifestyle network’s loyal viewers who are as important and has been regularly following the channel’s daily offerings, various events and promos are just as valuable. As such, they are making known to everyone 10 inspiring stories of people who inspire our viewers. There is a call to send in their narration on these people they look up to and the top 10 will be aired as well as be featured in the said photo exhibit.

For more surprises and treats, continue to tune in to the Lifestyle Network the channel where life and style blend and visit www.thelifeyoulive.tv for more details.

(Standing, l-r: Gina Lopez, Kara Alikpala, Margarita Fores, Donita Rose, Hindy Weber-Tantoco, Emily Abrera)

(Seated, l-r: Lisa Macuja, Menchu Yulo, Lea Salonga, Isabel Roces)

10 Icons and 10 Inspiring Stories on Lifestlye Network’s 1st Decade originally appeared on Starmometer on October 20, 2009.

51. Pauleen Luna

52. Mirriam Quiambao

53. Regine Velasquez

54. Gretchen Barretto

55. Sheena Halili

56. Carlene Aguilar

57. Alex Gonzaga

58. Jackie Rice

59. Isabel Oli

60. Lea Salonga

61. Yasmien Kurdi

62. Charlene Gonzalez

63. Karla Paula Henry

64. Jodi Sta. Maria

65. Bianca Manalo

66. Ehra Madrigal

67. Angel Aquino

68. Maxene Magalona

69. Carmina Villaroel

70. Yeng Constantino

71. Bianca King

72. Phoemela Barranda

73. Jennica Garcia

74. Diana Zubiri

75. Agot Isidro

76. Georgina Wilson

77. Denise Laurel

78. Donita Rose

79. Rica Peralejo

80. Kyla

81. Valerie Weignmann

82. Francine Prieto

83. Princess Ryan

84. Bernadette Sembrano

85. Bubbles Paraiso

86. Amanda Griffin

87. Maggie Wilson

88. Sandra Seifert

89. Rufa Mae Quinto

90. Jean Garcia

91. Sarah Meier

92. Bianca Roque

93. Pia Guanio

94. Teresa Herrera

95. Jo Ann Bitagcol

96. Krista Ranillo

97. RR Enriquez

98. Vicky Morales

99. Wendy Valdez

100. Janna Dominguez

100 Most Beautiful Pinays of 2009 – Nos. 51 to 100 originally appeared on Starmometer on September 23, 2009.

The June “Independence” month issue of Metro pays tribute to the 20 Global Filipinos who have put us on the map, may it be in music, in fashion or sports.

The list is spearheaded by Lea Salonga, who in the late 80s, won the highly-coveted lead role in the megahit Broadway musical Miss Saigon. And eventually, Lea became the fist Asian to win Best Actress award from Olivier in England and Tony in the US. She was also hailed by Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and the Theatre World Awards for the same role in 1991.

Aside from Miss Saigon, Lea was also known for playing the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in the Disney animated feature Aladdin. She became the first Filipino to perform at the Oscar Awards to sing the award-winning theme song of the said movie “A Whole New World” with Brad Kane.

Lea Salonga also released her self-titled international album in the US with Atlantic Records. It has sold more than 3 million copies worldwide with multi-platinum awards recognition in the Philippines.

These are just some of Lea Salonga‘s global achievements that paved the way for other Filipinos to believe that they can also conquer not just the Philippines but the world.

Here are the rest of the 20 Global Pinoys list of Metro Magazine:

World’s most talented girl Charice

Journey’s new frontman Arnel Pineda

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano

Global brand Bench mogul Ben Chan

World’s best pound-for-pound boxer and one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People Manny Pacquiao

World renowned fashion designer Rose Anne de Pampelonne

Skin-care CEO Laura Verallo de Bertotto

Zen Zest’s proprietor Michelle Asence

Criticine’s Alexis Tioseco

Director Raya Martin

Photographer Romeo ‘Romy’ Gacad

White House chef Cristeta Pasia Comerford

Equestrienne Toni Leviste

Figaro’s Pacita ‘Chit’ Juan

Fashion designer Jeannie Goulbourn

Fashion designer Lesley Mobo

Theater actress Joanna Ampil

ABS-CBN Global’s Rafael ‘Raffy’ Lopez

Lea Salonga Covers Metro’s ’20 Global Pinoys’ Issue originally appeared on Starmometer on June 7, 2009.

“Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia” (Stranger in the World of Elementalia) or simply “Dayo” (stranger/guest) is an all-digital, full-length animated film entry to the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

The theme song of the movie is entitled “Lipad” and it’s interpreted by Tony Award winner Lea Salonga. Music by Jessie Lasaten and lyrics by Temi Abad, Jr, the song was recorded with the FILharmoniKA, conducted by Gerard Salonga.

Video Link: Lea Salonga – Lipad Music Video

Lipad
(Lea Salonga)

Ipikit mo ang iyong mata, huminga ng malalim
At saka ka dumilat at pagmasdan ang tanawin
Damhin mo ang hangin sa iyong mukha
Habang nakalutang ka sa ibabaw ng mundo

Lipad, lipad, kaya mong lumipad
Lipad, lipad, ano man ang iyong hangad
Maniwala sa iyong galing, abot mo ang bituin
Lipad, lipad, kaya mong lumipad

Basta’t kaya mong isipin, kaya mong gawin
Kalimutan ang kaba, tayo’y sama sama
Maaabot mo din ang pangarap mo
Pagkat sa puso mo, kayang-kaya mo

Lipad, lipad, kaya mong lumipad
Lipad, lipad, ano man ang iyong hangad
Maniwala sa iyong galing, abot mo ang bituin
Lipad, lipad, kaya mong lumipad

Pagkat sa puso mo ay kayang-kaya mo

Lipad, lipad, kaya mong lumipad
Lipad, lipad, ano man ang iyong hangad
Maniwala sa iyong galing, abot mo ang bituin
Lipad, lipad, kaya mong lumipad

Maniwala sa iyong galing, abot mo ang bituin
Lipad, lipad…
Kaya mong lumipad….

Lea Salonga Sings Dayo Theme Song ‘Lipad’ originally appeared on Starmometer on December 10, 2008.

Here is the complete list of winners for the 2008 Awit Awards:

Best Inspirational/Religious:
“Salamat” Yeng Constantino (Star Recording Inc. / Dream Big Productions)

Best Christmas:
“A Perfect Christmas” Jed Madela (Universal Records, Inc.)

Best Regional Recording:
“Matud Nila” Mark Bautista (Star Recording, Inc. / ASAP Music)

Best Dance:
“Sumayaw Ka” Gloc 9 (Sony-BMG Music Philippines)

Best Musical Arrangement:
“Probinsyana” Bamboo (EMI Philippines)

Best Vocal Arrangement:
“Souvenirs” Moy Ortiz (Viva Records Corporation)

Best Engineered Recording:
“Probinsyana” Angee Rozul – Tracks Studio (EMI Philippines)

Best Album Package:
Moonlane Gardens Orange & Lemons (Universal Records)

Best Ballad:
“It’s Over Now” Kyla (EMI Philippines)

Best Rock:
“Tatsulok” Bamboo (EMI Philippines)

Best Novelty:
“Itaktak Mo” Joey de Leon (Sony-BMG Music Philippines)

Best World/Alternative/Bossa Music:
“Turning My Safety Off” Sinosikat? (Warner Music Philippines)

Best Rap:
“Lando” Gloc 9 feat. Francis M (Sony-BMG Music Philippines)

Best Jazz Recording:
“Akin Ka” Sinosikat? (Warner Music Philippines)

Best R&B:
“Let Me Love You Tonight” Ryan Cayabyab Singers (Sony-BMG Philippines)

Best Song Written for Movie/TV/Stage Play:
“Paano Kita Iibigin” Piolo Pascual and Regine Velasquez (Star Recording, Inc. / Viva Records Corporation)

Music Video of the Year:
“Probinsyana” Bamboo (EMI Philippines)

Best Performance by a New Group Recording Artist:
“Let Me Love You Tonight” Ryan Cayabyab Singers (Sony-BMG Philippines)

Best Performance by a New Male Recording Artist:
“I’ll Take Care of You” Richard Poon (MCA Music, Inc.)

Best Performance by a New Female Recording Artist:
“Grateful” Julianne (MCA Music, Inc.)

People’s Choice Favorite Music Video of the Year:
“Time In” Yeng Constantino (Star Recording. Inc.)

People’s Choice Favorite Song of the Year:
“Salamat” Yeng Constantino (Star Recording, Inc. / Dream Big Production)

People’s Choice Favorite New Group Artist:
3rd Avenue “Why It Can’t Be” (Universal Records, Inc. / Barnyard Music Phils.)

People’s Choice Favorite Group Artist:
Sinosikat? “So Blue” (Warner Music Phils.)

People’s Choice Favorite New Male Artist:
Daniel Razon “All My Life” (EMI Philippines / Breakthrough & Milestone Production Int’l)

People’s Choice Favorite Male Artist:
Martin Nievera “Hard Habit to Break” (EMI Philippines)

People’s Choice Favorite New Female Artist:
Olivia “Oh Lori” (Ivory Music & Video)

People’s Choice Favorite Female Artist:
Aicelle “Ikaw Pa Rin” (GMA Records)

Dangal ng Musikang Pilipino Awardee:
Lea Salonga

Best Performance by a Group Recording Artist:
“Tatsulok” Bamboo (EMI Philippines)

Best Performance by a Duet:
“Hard Habit to Break” Jed Madela and Gary Valenciano (Universal Records, Inc.)

Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist:
“Sana Maulit Muli” Gary Valenciano (Star Recording, Inc. / ASAP Music)

Best Performance by a Female Recording Artist:
“Tulak ng Bibig” Julianne (MCA Music, Inc.)

Best Selling Album of the Year:
“Salamat” Yeng Constantino (Star Recording, Inc. / Dream Big Productions)

Album of the Year:
“Salamat” Yeng Constantino (Star Recording, Inc. / Dream Big Productions)

Song of the Year:
“Ikaw” Sarah Geronimo (Viva Records Corp.)

Lea Salonga Receives Highest Honor in the 21st Awit Awards originally appeared on Starmometer on November 27, 2008.