Lea Salonga doesn't mind being called 'patola queen'

MANILA, Philippines - Lea Salonga doesn't mind being labeled by netizens as "patola queen," or someone who always reacts to what the bashers say.

 

"Well, when someone says something obviously wrong, you have to stand up for yourself also," said Lea in an interview on Wednesday. "There are things na hindi ko na papatulan because it's a waste of time. But if there's someone attacking something I feel strongly about, then oo, papatulan talaga kita."

 

With almost three million followers on Twitter, Lea is one of the most popular Filipino celebrities on social media. She is known for being opinionated on social media, often commenting on national and showbiz issues.

 

"I have to be discerning of how to answer," she explained. "When it gets super, super bastos then they won't get an answer, they'll just be blocked."

 

The internationally renowned singer also believes that being vocal on her social media accounts won't affect the votes for her two young artists on ABS-CBN's "The Voice Kids," where she is one of the three coaches.

 

For this season, the four grand finalists will be determined solely through text votes. The three coaches cannot save a participant who they believe deserves to be in the grand finals.

 

The six aspiring artists fighting for "The Voice Kids" grand champion title are Kyle and Zephanie from Team Sarah, Elha and Sassa for Team Bamboo, and Reynan and Esang for Team Lea. 

 

"I don't think it's a disadvantage," she said. "I look at the number of social media followers I have and if a small percentage of this watches the show and support these kids, then it's definitely an advantage."

 

READ: Lea Salonga: Lip syncing a case to case situation

 

She also noted that "I'm very complimentary with the kids. Kailangan panindigan ko na lang kung ano ang mga sinasabi ko on my social media."

 

The two-part semi-finals of "The Voice Kids 2"will air this weekend, August 22 and 23, on ABS-CBN.