Lea Salonga's son Nic Chien admits to being bisexual, clarifies parents' relationship

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February 5, 2026 | 3:40pm

MANILA, Philippines — Young artist Nic Chien, the only child of theater star Lea Salonga, revealed that he is bisexual.

Nic made the revelation in an interview with Korina Sanchez ahead of his upcoming production "Spring Awakening" for The Sandbox Collective.

The video started with Nic sharing his experiences with gender and body dysphoria while transitioning. Chien recalled it was an ordeal that brought about mental health issues like anxiety and depression after being diagnosed for the latter at 14 years old.

"This is who I'm really am, I'm not a different person," Nic said. "I am still Nicole but I'm not called Nicole anymore because I'm not a Nicole, [yet] I am still the same person. Some social things might change because I'm a guy, which is fine."

The young actor admitted to being confused about his sexuality for two years when he identified as gender fluid. Nic then stated he was open to declaring that he is bisexual.

"I figured that out in Grade 5. I'm attracted to my friends who are girls, but I'm also attracted to guys," he explained.

Nic shared that he did not blame his parents when he was asked if he was sure about his bisexuality. He recalled that he was young, which made his parents wary because of his age and because of the tendency for him to be boxed by labels, sentiments Nic agreed with.

He even added that when he first told Lea while inside a car at 11 or 12 years old, his mother simply said, "Okay."

The actor also addressed talks that cheating was involved in Lea's separation with businessman Robert Chien, his father.

"My parents are on very good terms, my dad never cheated on my mom, my parents are still friends," Nic stated. "They love each other but not romantically, they care about each other very much and they both love me very much."

Nic said he would be fine if his parents pursued other relationships, adding that Robert is now with another woman, whom Nic calls his stepmother.

"I understand that there's a duty — whether I've decided or not to put it on myself — that I have to uphold to represent other people like me who feel as if though they aren't represented or being heard enough, and it's my responsibility they help gain awareness," Nic ended.

Lea and Nic appeared in their first full-length production last year for "Into the Woods." The Tony winner is currently performing on "Les Misérables World Tour Spectacular" running until March 1 at the Theatre at Solaire in Parañaque City. 

"Spring Awakening," meanwhile, will open on February 13 and run for six weekends until March 22 at the new Black Box at Proscenium at Rockwell in Makati City. — Video from Rated Korina YouTube channel

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