Arzen Rose Dulzura

Nic Chien pens birthday message for mom Lea Salonga: ‘I honestly don’t think I could’ve asked for a better momma in the world’

Article (news)

Alyana De Guzman

Push Team

<p>Nic Chien took to social media to greet his mother, theater and Broadway icon Lea Salonga, on her 55th birthday. </p><p>“Happy Birthday @msleasalonga !!! 💕🎉 I love you so much Momma,” Nic wrote in his Instagram post.  </p><p>He followed this with a message of gratitude, saying, “I honestly don’t think I could’ve asked for a better momma in the world; and I thank my lucky stars that you ended up being my mom whenever I can. Happy happy birthday momma, I love you 🙂 ⭐️💜.” </p><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-14" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVDF6jhE8ot/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A14%2C%22os%22%3A20705924.200000048%2C%22ls%22%3A147647%2C%22le%22%3A147896.80000007153%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="769" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-14" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2026/2/3/lea-salonga-s-son-nic-chien-shares-that-he-is-bisexual-i-am-okay-with-saying-that-out-loud-2023"><strong><u>READ: Lea Salonga&#x27;s son Nic Chien reveals that he is bisexual: ‘I am okay with saying that out loud’</u></strong></a></div><p>Along with the message, Nic posted a series of photos showing moments from their life together. These included throwback images of Lea carrying him as a child, photos of her supporting him during his theater work, his school graduation, and more recent photos of Nic as a trans man, with Lea visibly present and supportive. </p><p>Fans were quick to respond in the comments, extending their birthday wishes to Lea and expressing admiration for their relationship.  </p><p>“You&#x27;re so blessed to have each other. Happy birthday to your momma, Nic!” one commenter wrote.  </p><p>“Happiest Birthday, Ms. Lea!!!! ❤️ What a heartfelt message/birthday post, Nic!! 👏❤️,” another added.  </p><p>Nic is the only child of Lea with her former husband Robert Chien.  </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2026/2/4/nic-chien-details-experience-with-gender-dysphoria-it-really-affected-me-0918"><strong><u>READ: Nic Chien details experience with gender dysphoria: ‘It really affected me’</u></strong></a></div><p>In April 2025, Nic and Lea spoke with PEOPLE about their journey as mother and child, particularly discussing how Lea, as a mother, supported Nic after he came out as transmasculine at the age of 14. </p><p>“She didn’t want my life to be as hard as it would be. This was the most ideal situation for me… It was rough,” Nic said. </p><p>“Every child that comes into this world is different. You have to meet your kid where they are,” Lea emphasized.  </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/4/3/lea-salonga-shares-how-she-supported-her-child-nic-chien-into-transitioning-1529"><strong><u>READ: Lea Salonga shares how she supported her child Nic Chien into transitioning </u></strong></a></div><p>She added that while expectations are part of parenting, flexibility and awareness are crucial. “Homework needs to get done… I&#x27;m glad that this kid can cook and do his own laundry and doesn&#x27;t forget to feed the cat! But really, the one thing that I&#x27;ve learned is that you have to raise your child the way your child needs to be raised,” she explained. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/11/17/nic-chien-celebrates-milestone-in-transition-journey-after-undergoing-top-surgery-1736"><strong><u>READ: Nic Chien celebrates milestone in transition journey after undergoing top surgery</u></strong></a></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-12" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJs1U9eO6A-/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A12%2C%22os%22%3A20598071.600000024%2C%22ls%22%3A147647%2C%22le%22%3A147896.80000007153%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="746" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-12" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>Earlier this February, Nic also spoke with Korina Sanchez about his transition, including his experience with hormonal therapy and chest masculinization surgery. During the interview, Nic highlighted how supportive his parents have been of his personal decisions. He shared that Lea allowed him to begin hormonal therapy even before he took on the role of Jack in the Philippine production of <em>Into the Woods</em>, despite possible changes to his voice and physical appearance. </p><p>Nic said that at the time, he was experiencing significant mental exhaustion and gender dysphoria, and that his mother fully supported his decision to prioritize his well-being. Nearly a year into his hormonal therapy, Nic assured that both of his parents continue to support his journey, even after their separation. </p><p>Meanwhile, Nic is currently portraying the role of Moritz Stiefel in<em> Spring Awakening: A Musical </em>while Lea is playing Madame Thénardier in the Manila leg of<em> Les Misérables The World Tour Spectacular.  </em></p>

<p>Nic Chien shared a birthday message for his mother, Broadway icon Lea Salonga, recalling their strong relationship and her continued support for him.</p>

Nic Chien shared a birthday message for his mother, Broadway icon Lea Salonga, recalling their strong relationship and her continued support for him.