Maria Lea Carmen Imutan Salonga-Chien,, known professionally as Lea Salonga, is a Filipina singer and actress. Primarily known for her work in theatre, she has starred in musicals on the West End and Broadway. Her accolades include a Tony Award and a Laurence Olivier Award, in addition to nominations for two Grammy Awards. She was conferred with the Presidential Medal of Merit in 1990 and the Order of Lakandula in 2007, and she was honored as a Disney Legend in 2011.
Salonga in 2021
Salonga performing at the Malacañang Palace in 2014
Salonga after a performance of Once on This Island
Salonga at a White House state dinner in 2023
The Order of Lakandula is one of the highest civilian orders of the Philippines, established on September 19, 2003. It is awarded for political and civic merit and in memory of Lakandula’s dedication to the responsibilities of leadership, prudence, fortitude, courage and resolve in the service of one’s people.
The badge on a neck ribbon, the star and miniature suspended from a chest ribbon of a Grand Officer of the Order of Lakandula.