Multi-awarded thespian Lea Salonga was among attendees of this year's annual Gold Gala in Los Angeles, California.
The Filipina star was included in the A100 list, which honors 100 Asia Pacific leaders who made the greatest impact on culture and society over the past year.
On their official website, Gold Gala shared Lea is to receive the "Gold Legend Honor" for "a lifetime of indelible contributions to the success and representation of the Asian Pacific community."
"Can’t believe I met Lea Salonga! It’s a dream come true," said Bella along with a loudly crying face and two hearts emojis.
Patrick used the same emojis, writing: "I met a DISNEY PRINCESS!"
"Multiple award-winning actress and singer Lea Salonga is renowned across the world for her powerful voice and perfect pitch. She is best known for her Tony Award winning role in Miss Saigon. In addition to the Tony, she has won the Olivier, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World Awards, in the field of musical theatre. She was also the first Asian to play Eponine in the musical Les Misérables on Broadway and returned to the beloved show as Fantine in the 2006 revival. Many fans of all ages recognize Lea as the singing voice of Princess Jasmine from Aladdin and Fa Mulan for Mulan and Mulan II. For her portrayal of the beloved princesses, the Walt Disney Company bestowed her with the honor of “Disney Legend,”" it said. To be honored in the "Activism & Journalism" category as the "most impactful Asian American Pacific Islander" along with Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria and Vanity Fair’s Editor-in-Chief Radhika Jones is Filipino-born American model Geena Rocero. Note that Geena is a four-time Emmy Nominee and an award-winning producer, writer, and director.They’re here: your 2023 Legends! We present this special #A100 honor to those who have held a lifelong dedication to advancing Asian Pacific representation and excellence. #GoldExcellence #WeAreGolden#GoldBridge pic.twitter.com/8OgEX2jWXk
— GOLD HOUSE (@GoldHouseCo) May 5, 2023
Other personalities with Filipino lineage who also made it to the list include Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Nola Gabriel, musical artist Saweetie, and actress Shay Mitchell.
Liza Soberano also graced the event sharing behind-the-scenes pictures on Instagram.AND THAT’S A WRAP ON GOLD GALA 2023!!! Thank you to everyone that attended our second #GoldGala, and a special thank you to our #A100 Honorees and Gala presenters! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/6otXCBYTJn
— GOLD HOUSE (@GoldHouseCo) May 8, 2023
One of the photos shows her posing with Lea. Then there's a snap of her hobnobbing with Geena, Philippine-born American social media personality Bella Poarch, Filipino-American make-up artist Patrick Starrr, and American-born Vietnamese YouTuber Michelle Phan. The four stars also uploaded pictures from the event on their respective social media accounts. All of them shared a photo featuring Lea.
"Can’t believe I met Lea Salonga! It’s a dream come true," said Bella along with a loudly crying face and two hearts emojis.
Patrick used the same emojis, writing: "I met a DISNEY PRINCESS!"