(L-R) Miss Universe titleholders Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray are among the Filipino celebrities who have the rare honor of having their own wax figures exhibited at Madame Tussauds Wax Museums in Hong Kong and Singapore.
PHOTO/S: Courtesy of madametussauds.com

Recognized for its collection of lifelike wax figures, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum celebrates individuals who have achieved notable popularity and cultural significance.

Some of these individuals are Filipinos who have made their mark and gained worldwide acclaim for their talents and achievements.

PIA WURTZBACH

In addition to being the third Filipina to win the Miss Universe title, Pia Wurtzbach also holds the distinction of being the first Filipino and the first beauty queen to have her own wax figure.

Pia made the announcement in September 2018.

Months later, in March 2019, her wax figure was officially unveiled at a mall in the Philippines before it took its place at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong.

The wax figure is an exact replica of Pia during her final walk as Miss Universe 2015, adorned in a stunning royal blue ball gown designed by Michael Cinco, who also crafted the gown for her wax “twin.”

However, the wax figure is holding a replica of the iconic Phoenix Mikimoto Crown, which is not the design of the crown she wore when she won. Pia Wurtzbach crowned her successor, Iris Mittenaere, with a different crown during the Miss Universe 2016 coronation night in the Philippines in January 2017.

The actual crown, featuring blue diamonds, light blue topazes, and blue sapphires, was created by the Czech company Diamonds International Corporation (DIC).

Photo/s: Courtesy of madametussauds.com

In March 2024, Pia’s wax figure was temporarily relocated to the museum’s Singapore branch for a special exhibit, and will be displayed there until September 1, 2024.

MANNY PACQUIAO

Boxing champ Manny Pacquiao became the first Filipino male to have his likeness created by the wax artists at Madame Tussauds.

Manny’s wax figure was officially unveiled in November 2021 at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong.

His wax figure is wearing the actual boxing gear that Manny considers among his lucky garments throughout his boxing career.

The figure is set in a boxing ring, giving fans around the world the chance to take fun snapshots with him in action.

CATRIONA GRAY

Catriona Gray is the third Filipino celebrity to have a wax figure.

The creation of Catriona’s wax figure took over two years, largely due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Initially announced in January 2020 by Madame Tussauds Singapore, the life-sized figure was eagerly awaited.

Finally, on March 30, 2022, Catriona’s stunning wax figure was unveiled at the Singapore branch.

The wax figure captures the magic of her crowning moment during the Miss Universe 2018 pageant in Thailand. It is adorned with everything Catriona wore at that iconic moment, from her signature ear cuff to her Jojo Bragais heels.

To add a special touch, Filipino fashion designer Mak Tumang recreated his renowned “Lava Gown” specifically for Catriona’s wax counterpart.

Photo/s: Courtesy of madametussauds.com

Catriona’s wax figure was relocated to the Hong Kong branch on September 1, 2023, and is now featured in the Fashion Zone of the museum.

ANNE CURTIS

Anne Curtis is the fourth Filipino celebrity to be honored with a wax figure.

Photo/s: @madamtussaudshongkong on Instagram

The Hong Kong branch of the renowned Madame Tussauds announced this exciting news on Friday, December 1, 2023.

According to a report by Preview.ph, Anne’s wax figure will capture one of her iconic fashion moments.

Though the official launch date has not been announced yet, hers will be displayed in the Glamour Zone of the museum, alongside a host of famous Hollywood stars.

LEA SALONGA

Lea Salonga is set to join the ranks of Filipino celebrities immortalized in wax at Madame Tussauds.

Photo/s: @mtssingapore on Instagram

On Wednesday, June 5, 2024, Madame Tussauds Singapore made the exciting announcement via Instagram.

Its post read: “Shining, Shimmering, Splendid! The legendary Lea Salonga will have her very own wax figure in #MadameTussuadsSG! Are you as excited as we are?”

Scheduled for unveiling in the third quarter of this year, Lea’s wax figure will be a highlight at the Singapore museum in time for its 10th anniversary celebration.

THE PROCESS OF MAKING A MADAMe TUSSAUDS WAX FIGURE

According to an article by CNET.com, the creation of a typical Madame Tussauds figure spans about four months, involves around 20 skilled artists, and costs roughly GBP150,000, or approximately PHP11,220,185.73.

The process begins with the museum obtaining permission from the celebrity, as not all celebrities agree to having their own wax figures.

This is followed by a detailed consultation to decide on the pose and expression of the wax figure. An extensive data and measurement collection session then ensures every detail is precise.

Next is the sculpting process, which includes creating a clay model, forming a plaster cast, and ultimately crafting the wax figure. This phase can take up to six weeks.

Interestingly, not all parts of the wax figure are made of wax; some components are actually crafted from fiberglass.

After sculpting, the painting process begins. Artists meticulously hand-paint the entire figure, including the eyes, to perfectly match the celebrity.

Following the painting, the clothing phase takes place, where celebrities either donate their clothing or have outfits custom-made for the wax figure.