Remembering Lea Salonga’s wedding as she confirms split from Robert Chien
By Elton Lugay
More than two decades ago, I counted myself among the fortunate few reporters invited to witness the wedding of Lea Salonga and Robert Chien. At the time, I had just relocated from Cebu to Daly City to reunite with my mother and had begun working as a correspondent for Philippine News.
I did not yet know that the event I was covering would stay with me as one of the most moving assignments of my career.
The wedding took place on January 10, 2004, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles. It was open to the public—simple, dignified, and not overly crowded—but emotionally rich. Lea was luminous in a Monique Lhuillier lace gown, walking slowly down the aisle as Rob struggled to contain his tears. He had recently lost his mother, and the grief was quietly visible. The love between them felt sincere. In a moment I will never forget, Lea sang her vows, transforming the ceremony into something intimate and personal.
Among the few celebrities in attendance was Boy Abunda, dressed in his signature black and covering the wedding exclusively for ABS-CBN. I remember being the only Filipino American journalist present. Later, I wrote my story titled “Miss Saigon Becomes Mrs. Chien,” for Philippine News, a nod to Lea’s Tony-winning role that had made her a global star.
Not long after, Lea and her brother Gerard surprised me with an invitation to the reception at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. It was a gracious gesture—one that revealed much about Lea’s character. Over the years, I continued to cover her remarkable career: from “Les Misérables,” “Allegiance,” and “Here Lies Love” on Broadway, to her concerts at Town Hall, The Carlyle, and Lincoln Center in New York.
When I founded The Outstanding Filipino Americans (TOFA) Awards in 2011 at Carnegie Hall, Lea was among the first to show her support. Alongside Loida Nicolas Lewis and then-Consul General Mario de Leon, she stood behind the mission to honor Filipino excellence in the United States. She also joined intimate gatherings hosted by Atty. Lewis, often accompanied by Rob, their child Nicole, and Lea’s mother, Mommy Ligaya.
Lea has always been a commanding presence—disciplined, outspoken, and authentic. Some have labeled her standoffish, mataray or mayabang, but longtime admirers understand that her firmness comes from a deep respect for professionalism and boundaries. She knows her worth and refuses to be diminished. That strength safeguards not only her peace, but also her artistry. Perhaps that is why news of her separation did not ignite the usual swirl of gossip.
Earlier this month, while promoting “Les Misérables,” Lea confirmed that she and Rob – who were introduced while she was performing “Flower Drum Song” in L.A. in 2002 — had “been apart for a while.” She quickly added they remain friends and continue to support their son, Nic Chien, through his transition. The quiet, dignified way the news was received speaks volumes about the esteem in which she is held.
For decades now, Lea Salonga has been our Broadway pride, Disney voice, and cultural icon. She does not claim perfection—only honesty, consistency, and excellence. To those of us who remember that January day in 2004, her journey continues to inspire. As she gently closes one chapter of her life, her legacy remains untouched, her place in our hearts, unshakable.
