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Actress Yasmien Kurdi shared a heartfelt congratulatory message for Broadway legend Lea Salonga after the latter made history as the first Filipino to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Posting a photo of them together on Instagram, Yasmien paired her congratulatory caption with a nostalgic story detailing her lifelong admiration for the iconic performer.

“Congratulations Ms. Lea Salonga, on your well-deserved star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!” Yasmien wrote in her post.

The actress opened up about her early days in show business as a teenager, revealing how deeply she looked up to the Broadway star back then.

“I've been a fan of yours for as long as I can remember. I still remember being a newbie actress at 14 years old and literally chasing your car during one of your guestings for SOP, hoping I could get your autograph and a photo with you,” she recalled.

Yasmien admitted to being overcome with emotion when the two finally shared a stage back in 2019 to perform together.

“That little girl could never have imagined that years later, I would have the privilege of sharing the stage with you. That's why I became so teary-eyed when I finally got to sing with you on September 21, 2019, at the PICC, together with Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, for Soap Opera ng Buhay Ko of the UP College of Music,” the actress shared.

“It was such a surreal experience for a fan girl who grew up listening to your voice,” she added.

She went on to reflect on how central Lea's music was to her childhood, calling it a source of inspiration that empowered young girls to dream big and believe in their potential.

“I grew up with Disney songs, hearing you as Jasmine in Aladdin and Mulan. Your voice was part of my childhood, and your talent became an inspiration to so many young girls, including me and so many millennials who grew up dreaming big because women like you showed us that it was possible,” she wrote.

Celebrating the achievement, Yasmien expressed immense joy over Lea's international recognition, praising her dedication to putting Filipino talent on the global map.

“Seeing you receive the Hollywood Walk of Fame makes me so happy. You deserve this and so much more. Your talent, hard work, professionalism, and the way you continue to represent Filipinos on the world stage make us all so proud,” Yasmien expressed.

The actress wrapped up her sweet message with a fond expression of love and lasting support: “Congratulations Ms. @msleasalonga This star is long overdue. I'm forever a fan. I love you! Congratulations!”

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A post shared by Yasmien Kurdi (@yasmien_kurdi)

Lea Salonga is musical theater royalty renowned for her iconic stage performances as Kim in Miss Saigon and Éponine in Les Misérables.

Beyond her legendary stage career, she lent her singing voice to Disney characters as Princess Jasmine and Mulan.

On top of her Hollywood Walk of Fame star, Lea cemented her place in entertainment history as the first Asian actress ever to win the prestigious Tony Award.

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