Yes, what a ridiculous way to make the point. The point is, she's the first nonwhite (or woman of color) to play this role on screen. That's true for both Disney versions and any other film/TV adaptations, right? And that's what they should have said.
Being the first Afro-Filipina isn't all that impressive...considering the very small number of Afro-Filipinas who might have been cast in this production. I mean, when you say somebody is the first Black woman to play a role, win such-and-such award or whatever, at least you're talking about a large pool of contenders. Not the case with the Afro-Filipinas who would be considered for the lead in a highly touted TV special (which usually is star-driven). |
