Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition Kapuso Big Winner Mika Salamanca has taken on a new role as a children’s book author with the release of her debut story Lipad.
During the book’s launch event in Quezon City, Mika shared that publishing her own illustrated story has been a lifelong dream.
“Noong nasa US pa ako sinasabi ko sa po sa ate ko na gusto ko gumawa ng libro. Sabi ko, gusto ko makita ng mundo yung outlet ko na gusto ko ishare yung puso at isip ko,” Mika shared.
She shared that writing — through stories and journaling — has always been her way of expressing her emotions and thoughts.
“Lagi po kasi ako nagsusulat before pa kasi it is one of my outlets noong bata pa ako. Yung mga stories ko po shineshare ko lang sa nanay ko, sa ate ko, sa family ko,” she stated.
“Isinulat ko siya actually sa car. Kapag nagsusulat ako, binebase ko siya sa experience ko po or kung ano nakikita ko sa paligid ko. Noong nagstart ako magsulat noong bata ako, more about sa school ko or na-experience ko sa mga classmate ko.”
Following her stint on Pinoy Big Brother, Mika said she found the confidence and platform to open up and be more vulnerable with her audience.
“May time po na gusto na namin magsulat at maglabas ng libro noon kasi po tumutulong na kami before pero may something na parang hindi pa siya nile-let ni Lord mangyari. Looking back, mas naiintindihan ko na po iyon kung bakit kasi dati yung platform ko before nasa maling angulo pa. Kaya rin po ngayon siguro pinahintulutan ng Panginoon na maglabas ng libro ngayon para mas marami pa ma-inspire,” Mika explained.
“Malaking parte po yung pagpapakilala ko sa mga tao during the time na nasa PBB pa po ako,” she expressed. “Everyday po for the past years na lagi kong hinihintay na makilala ako ng mga tao na makita nila yung puso ko. Ang tagal ko po hinintay na makita rin nila kung ano yung nakikita ng mga taong nagmamahal sa akin and isa rin po naiisip ko yung mga parehong tao na kagaya ko na naghihintay na may makakilala sa totoong sarili nila.”
As detailed in a press release, Lipad follows the journey of a young fairy named Mahika, who feels inadequate because her wings are small and unlike everyone else's. The story delivers a powerful message about embracing one's uniqueness, self-love, and finding the courage to soar on your own terms.
During the book launch, Mika shared that the character and story was inspired by the struggles she experienced in early years and her insecurities.
“Ito po sobrang close po sa heart ko kasi si Mahika ay ako po,” Mika stated. “Mahika is me. Ako po talaga siya. Kabuuuan po siya ng pinagdaanan ko sa buhay.”
Mika dedicated the book to people struggling with insecurities, assuring them that they are not alone.
“Gusto ko po ito idedicate sa lahat ng taong takot sumuko na para hindi nila maramdaman na mag-isa. Never sila mag-iisa as long as may kasama silang collectively ng pinagdaanan nila,” Mika said.
In today's social media-driven world, Mika hopes her book can help young readers build a healthy self-image early on.
“Ngayon sa mundo ng social media, it is really easy to get lost, to compare yourself to other people na may mas magandang pakpak sa iyo kaya nagkaroon ako ng eagerness na piliin itong kwento na ito na ibahagi sa kabataan, naniniwala ako na habang bata pa mas mabuting makita nila na mahalaga sila at maganda sila kahit ano makita nila sa internet,” she remarked.
She further explained in a press release: "I believe it is easier to instill these values while they are young so I want to tell them through this book that no matter where you came from, you are beautiful, you are valuable, you deserve love, and you can be whatever you want to be if you believe in yourself.”
Mika’s first book Lipad will officially debut at the Manila International Book Fair 2025, where Mika will hold a special book reading and signing session for select participants. Limited copies of the book will be available at the Paperkat Books Booth #2-122 located on the second floor of SMX Convention Center in Pasay from September 10 to 14.