LEA SALONGA: I don't know that I consider myself one... nor can I dub myself one. If I am seen as a role model, it's flattering, but it also is a position of responsibility. I have to watch how I behave in public, and be mindful of the roles I choose to do.

US ASIANS: As the only artist of Asian descent that has achieved success within the American theater (having been involved with three trailblazing productions (i.e. Flower Drum Song, Les Mis and Miss Saigon), what is your opinion on why this is a fact? Could it be that there is a lack of talent, lack of training, lack of opportunities, lack of support and/or lack of roles?

LEA SALONGA: I really have no idea. I guess in my case, it was pure luck. It's not a lack of training, or anything. A lot of the time, it's a lack of opportunity.

US ASIANS: For aspiring Asian/Asian Pacific American actors, do you feel that past pioneers such as Anna May Wong, Philip Ahn, Sessue Hayakawa and Bruce Lee are important to know and to learn from?

LEA SALONGA: It's VERY important to find out who these people are and learn what their own struggles have been in this business.

PERCEPTIONS OF OUR PAST AND FUTURE

Mercury News' Marian Liu reports that "For Asian-Americans, the move toward entertainment careers has been a recent one, stretching the past 40 years, starting with such stereotypical films as the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical "Flower Drum Song." (Editor's Note: This "stereotypical film" was based on the first Chinese American novel to be published by an established publishing house, the first Chinese American novel to be on the best-seller list, the first Broadway/major movie studio production to feature, star and about Asian Americans, the female stars of the Broadway show -- Pat Suzuki and Miyoshi Umeki -- became the first Asian Americans to be on the cover of Time and Newsweek and the film that launched the careers of Miyoshi Umeki, Jack Soo, James Shigeta, and Nancy Kwan.) For more info, click HERE.   EARLY ENTERTAINMENT PIONEERS               Anna May Wong Phillip Ahn   Keye Luke   Sessue Hasakawa

SUPPORTING EVENTS/ORGANIZATIONS THAT PROMOTE DIVERSITY
US ASIANS: Noting your few and careful selection of which Asian/Asian Pacific American organizations you have supported in the past (because of legitimate questions of production values, the proper profile in the entertainment industry, finances, scheduling, etc.) what are your criteria of the event and/or organization that would be major factors in your decision of whom to support or participate?

LEA SALONGA: I just have to be careful with the organizations I align myself with. There are groups that, on the outside, appear to be helping the community but in reality have alterior motives and intentions.

US ASIANS: What were the circumstances and reasons that prompted your participation in recording the single "How Wonderful We Are" with Peabo Bryson for Disney's special feature People: A Musical Celebration of Diversity (music & lyrics by Lebo M)

LEA SALONGA: I was nicely asked... I also saw the list of artists who were also involved in the project, and got to know what the project was about.

US ASIANS: From East West Players, Golden Ring Awards, Concert of Excellence, CAPE, FAAIM, AAA Celebrations and other organizations that advocate the integration of Asian/Asian Pacific American talents in the entertainment industry – which ones do you feel have been the most effective and beneficial?

LEA SALONGA: I'm not familiar with the groups mentioned, so I can't really answer. East West is a great company putting forth Asian talent, be it in acting or scriptwriting.

	Lea with Lalaine
	Read Lalaine's Interview

INFLUX OF ASIAN/ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN TALENT
US ASIANS: As an extension of your commitment to Pinoy/Pinay Pride in the entertainment industry, which people have provided you with the greatest joy as the result of their success? (i.e. Van Partible of Johnny Bravo, Fritz Friedman of Sony, Lalaine of Lizzie McGuire fame, Tia Carrere, Roddy Chiong/bass player for Shania Twain, Enrique Iglesis, Gary V., etc.)