In a world where moments often pass by unnoticed, some carry a weight that changes everything. For acclaimed singer and actress Lea Salonga, that moment came 19 years ago when she welcomed her son, Nic Chien, into the world.
On his 19th birthday, Salonga took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute, a celebration of not just a birth date but a profound journey of love, self-discovery, and personal growth. Recalling the exact moment of Nic’s birth at 12:12 p.m. on May 16, 2006, Salonga reflected, “The one who captured my heart from the word go. The one that made me realize how insignificant my life was, until that initial piercing cry.”
With each passing year, Nic has not only grown but has also become a source of immense pride for Salonga. She expressed how witnessing her son’s journey into adulthood has been a transformative experience, one that continues to expand her heart in ways she couldn’t have imagined. “That he is, with honesty and courage, growing into who he’s meant to be makes me incredibly proud,” she wrote.
Salonga and Nic recently opened up about their shared experiences in a People Magazine feature, touching on the challenges and beauty of parenting, self-discovery, and the ongoing evolution of their bond. It’s a powerful reminder that life’s most meaningful connections are often forged in moments of vulnerability and authenticity.
As they prepare to co-star in the Philippine production of “Into the Woods,” with Salonga as the Witch and Nic as Jack, their story continues to unfold on and off stage. The production, set to open in August at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati, is yet another chapter in their shared narrative, a testament to how art can both mirror and amplify life’s most poignant lessons.
Salonga’s message to Nic is more than a birthday greeting — it’s a universal ode to the power of love, the importance of self-acceptance, and the transformative beauty of witnessing someone you cherish grow into their own. It’s a reminder that life’s most profound moments often arrive quietly, in the form of a simple, heartfelt expression of love.
