Broadway legend Lea Salonga is once again proving that her greatest role goes beyond the stage—as a loving, supportive mom.
In an inspiring and heartfelt cover feature for the April issue of PEOPLE magazine, Lea appears alongside her son, Nic Chien, where they open up about his transition journey and how unconditional love and acceptance at home shaped his path.
“The one thing I’ve learned is that you have to raise your child the way your child needs to be raised,” said Lea in the interview. “As a parent, I want to set my child up for success. I want my child to feel safe and strong and ready to conquer the world on their own terms.”
Nic, who was assigned female at birth, shared that he came out as transmasculine at 14—a process that was emotional and at times difficult.
“I’m still figuring it out. It took a while. A lot of crying,” he admitted, describing the struggles he faced. “She [Lea] just didn’t want my life to be as hard as it would be.”
Now 18, Nic feels more comfortable in his identity and credits his parents’ steadfast support as a crucial part of his journey.
“Sometimes I feel alone, but I’m not… It does really help to have people in your corner,” he said.
Lea, who is currently starring in the Sondheim revue Old Friends on Broadway, was praised online for her advocacy and grace as a parent. She proudly shared the PEOPLE cover on her Instagram, receiving love and support from fellow celebrities and fans alike—including Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, Filipino actresses Iza Calzado and Dolly de Leon, drag queen Eva Le Queen, and Korean-American singer Kevin Woo.
Beyond the pages of PEOPLE, Lea and Nic are also preparing to share the stage together this August in Theater Group Asia’s Philippine production of ‘Into the Woods’. Lea will portray the Witch—a role she previously played in Singapore at age 23—while Nic will step into the role of Jack, marking a full-circle moment in his personal and artistic growth.
“Nic always dreamed of playing boy characters,” Lea revealed in the interview, proud to see her son thrive on his own terms.
The limited-run musical will be staged at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati from August 7 to 24, with additional dates added due to overwhelming demand.
