Bernardo’s wax figure was officially unveiled on July 9, giving fans the first chance to see her “Kath-twin” before it travels to its permanent home in Hong Kong.
The figure makes Kathryn Bernardo the fifth Filipino personality to join the attraction, alongside Pia Wurtzbach, Manny Pacquiao, Catriona Gray, and Anne Curtis.
For Filipino travelers heading to Hong Kong, that means one stop at Madame Tussauds can now feel a little like a homecoming.
Related story: Kathryn Bernardo joins Madame Tussauds HK, following Anne Curtis and other Filipino icons
Kathryn’s figure recreates a major moment in her career
Bernardo’s wax figure is based on her appearance at the 2023 Seoul International Drama Awards, where she received the Outstanding Asian Star award.
Her wax double wears the original gown designed by Filipino fashion designer Martin Bautista, the same look Bernardo wore during the ceremony. Madame Tussauds’ artists also recreated her hairstyle, makeup, expression, and pose to capture the moment as closely as possible.
It was a smart choice for the figure. The awards night marked another step in Bernardo’s growing international career, while the Filipina-made gown made the tribute feel even more personal.
“My wax figure is a reminder that big dreams are valid, and Filipino talent belongs on the global stage,” Bernardo said during the launch. “At the end of the day, I’m just so proud to be here as a Filipina, and I hope it makes everyone feel the same about who we are and what we can do.”
The unveiling was attended by Bernardo’s family, friends, fans, and colleagues from ABS-CBN, Star Magic, and Dreamscape Entertainment.
Hong Kong already has a special place in Kathryn’s career
Bernardo began acting as a child in 2003 and has since grown into one of the Philippines’ biggest movie stars.
Her films include The Hows of Us, A Very Good Girl, Hello, Love, Goodbye, and Hello, Love, Again. Her work has also earned her major acting honors, including Best Actress at the 2024 FAMAS Awards.
There is also something fitting about her figure being displayed in Hong Kong. The city served as the setting for Hello, Love, Goodbye, the 2019 blockbuster, in which she starred alongside Alden Richards. Bernardo played Joy, a hardworking OFW trying to build a better future for herself and her family.
Now, fans visiting the same city can add a meeting with Kathryn, or at least an impressively accurate version of her, to their itinerary.
Five Filipinos, five different kinds of success
Pia Wurtzbach became the first Filipino personality to receive a wax figure at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong in 2019. Her figure celebrates one of the biggest moments in Philippine pageant history. The wax figure wears a replica of Wurtzbach’s blue Michael Cinco gown, decorated with shimmering details that closely resemble the original look.
Wurtzbach was also the first beauty queen to receive a figure at the Hong Kong attraction, making her inclusion a milestone for both Filipino fans and pageant followers.
Manny Pacquiao became the second Filipino figure at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong in 2021, bringing boxing history to the lineup. He was the first Filipino man to join the collection. His figure shows him in boxing gear with his fists raised, ready for a fight or, more realistically, several rounds of tourist photos.
His figure is displayed in The Champions zone, alongside global sports stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Stephen Curry, and Yao Ming.
Catriona Gray joined the Filipino lineup with a figure inspired by her Miss Universe 2018 victory. Her wax double wears a replica of the red lava gown designed by Mak Tumang. Inspired by Mayon Volcano, the dress became closely tied to Gray’s winning performance and her now-famous lava walk.
In 2024, Anne Curtis became the first Filipino actress and television host to join the attraction’s Hong Kong Glamour zone. Her figure wears a custom Mark Bumgarner gown with a sparkling finish and train. Curtis’ wax figure represents the many sides of her career: actress, host, performer, fashion favorite, and longtime household name.
Related story: Anne Curtis on dreaming big and embracing imperfections
See Kathryn Bernardo, other Filipino icons at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong
Kathryn Bernardo’s addition gives a Filipino lineup that covers several corners of popular culture. There are two Miss Universe winners, a boxing legend, and two actresses whose careers span movies, television, fashion, and endorsements.
“We recognize true Filipino talent that shines through different industries and categories,” Chang said at the Manila launch. “From pageants, sports, TV, and even film.”
Bernardo’s wax figure will officially go on display at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong on July 17.
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong is offering a special ticket package priced at HK$271, which includes admission, a digital photo, and a guidebook. The offer is available until August 31, 2026. Guests can use the promo code KATHCAKES when booking through the Madame Tussauds Hong Kong website.
Related story: Lea Salonga’s Madame Tussauds wax figure was manifested by her mom when the singer was only 12
