Cover Lea Salonga and designer Rajo Laurel poses with the wax figure from Madame Tussauds Singapore (Photo: Jove Moya)
Lea Salonga and designer Rajo Laurel poses with the wax figure from Madame Tussauds Singapore (Photo: Jove Moya)
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In this exclusive interview, Lea Salonga discusses her collaboration with Madame Tussauds Singapore and emphasises why creativity should not diminish with age
They say imitation is the highest form of flattery, but Lea Salonga says her wax figure from Madame Tussauds Singapore is more than just a copy. She quips that if you stand at a specific spot, it will stare at you as if it is alive. “She’s very approachable!”
Dressed in a blue Rajo Laurel gown, Salonga’s wax figure impressively mimics her grace and poise. It holds the mic as if it is ready to sing anytime. “It’s not an imitation. I don’t even know what to call it. This is truly incredible because its likeness freaked out my friends, and they know me very well—it’s very special to have this happen,” she tells Tatler.
In case you missed it: On Centre Stage: Lea Salonga looks back at her iconic roles and shares why self-care matters
Above Lea Salonga poses with her wax figure from Madame Tussauds Singapore (Photo: Jove Moya)
Lea Salonga poses with her wax figure from Madame Tussauds Singapore (Photo: Jove Moya)
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In her decades-long stint in the realm of entertainment, Salonga’s creative juices have never ceased to evolve. “You don’t stop creating just because you get older, and you don’t stop having opinions or something to say just because you’re here long enough,” she says.
“I hope that as my career continues, I will always have something to contribute, an opinion to share, and something to say about the shows I choose to do.”
More from Tatler: Lea Salonga on her long overdue Madame Tussauds wax figure: “It’s an absolute honour”
Full circle moment
Above Lea Salonga working with Madame Tussauds
Salonga’s earliest memory of Madame Tussauds dates back to when she and her mother, affectionately known as “Mommy Ligaya,” posed with a wax figure of Liza Minnelli.
“I was 12, and there was a wax figure of Liza Minnelli, who I would later meet in my own life—she was there, posing in her tux and pixie haircut. My mother and I were both looking at it, and she said, ‘Anak, you never know, one day.’”
That ‘one day’ arrived 40 years later, with Salonga and Mommy Ligaya now looking at her wax figure in delight.
“I am so excited that my mum is here and got to see this. My 12-year-old self is very happy. This is unbelievable,” says Salonga.
Related: How Lea Salonga maintains her youthful glow with the help of Facial Care Centre
Above (L-R) Rajo Laurel, Mommy Ligaya, Lea Salonga and her wax figure (Photo: Jove Moya)
(L-R) Rajo Laurel, Mommy Ligaya, Lea Salonga and her wax figure (Photo: Jove Moya)
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I am so excited that my mum is here and got to see this. My 12-year-old self is very happy
The first in Singapore
Salonga’s figure marks a historic milestone for the country as it is the latest addition to Filipino representation at Madame Tussauds. A team of expert sculptors dedicated at least six months to mould the figure, carefully focusing on every detail to ensure it truly captures the artist’s spirit and charisma.
“She was so great. She was so professional throughout the entire process. So forthcoming. When she visited the team in London, you could see her excitement—evident in our photos and videos; overall, she’s a great artist to work with,” Madame Tussauds Singapore head of sales and marketing Elaine Quek shares with Tatler.
Quek points out that selecting Salonga for their next project was a no-brainer, given her status as a well-respected figure in the Philippines and overseas.
“Whenever we think about the figure we want to make for our next attraction, we always begin with market research—we have to understand what our visitors want— Lea’s name appears all the time,” Quek reveals.
She adds that Madame Tussauds’ goal has always been to immortalise well-respected figures who inspire many through their achievements, artistry, or contributions to society.
“Lea inspires many people worldwide, not just the Philippines; she has a global presence, and we think seeing how she’s risen from her early days to today inspires people in the same industry.”
For her part, Salonga says it was a pleasure to work with Madame Tussauds' team. What she treasures most were their fun times during the series of measurements in London. “They were wonderful, incredibly respectful, lots of humour.”
Fans can meet Salonga’s wax figure starting September 20, 2024, at the Music Zone of Madame Tussauds Singapore, along with other international artists such as Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and more.
Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
