Filipino Broadway star Lea Salonga took to social media to pen a heartfelt post for her son Nic as the latter celebrated his birthday on Friday, May 16.
"This is the most precious human being in my little world. 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 at 12:12 p.m. on May 16, 2006," Lea posted on her Instagram page as she shared her snapshot with Nic to celebrate the occasion.
The Tony-award winning theater actress expressed how proud she is of her son as he continues to grow into his authentic self. "And now, he is turning 19. With each step into adulthood, my heart grows in ways I couldn’t have predicted. That he is, with honesty and courage, growing into who he’s meant to be makes me incredibly proud. Happy Birthday, my Nic!!! I love you to infinity!" she said.
Fans online were also quick to extend their birthday wishes for Nic.
"What a heartfelt tribute!! Happy happy birthday, Nic! God bless you today and always!!" one fan commented.
"This made me cry. Such a glorious thing to be loved and supported unconditionally," another an wrote.
Nic is Lea's only child with her husband, Robert Chien.
In an interview with PEOPLE in April, Lea opened up about her journey as a parent and how she has supported Nic since he came out as transmasculine at the age of 14.
"Every child that comes into this world is different. You have to meet your kid where they are," she remarked.
She emphasized that parenting naturally comes with expectations. "Homework needs to get done… I'm glad that this kid can cook and do his own laundry and doesn't forget to feed the cat! But really, the one thing that I've learned is that you have to raise your child the way your child needs to be raised," she highlighted.
That philosophy, she added, applies to "literally any kid," regardless of gender or identity. "As a parent, I want to set my child up for success. The grown-ups in the room need to help kids feel safe and strong and ready to conquer the world on their own terms," she stated.