Klarisse de Guzman had nothing but praise for Mika Salamanca as the young singer celebrated the launch of her debut album Mahika at the SM North Skydome. Of course, the seasoned artist made it clear she has been rooting for her since day one.
The two shared the stage for a duet of Rivermaya's "Himala," with Mika expressing her gratitude to Klarisse afterwards for making time despite a packed schedule.
"Thank you, Ate Klang. Sa sobrang busy ng schedule nito, napaunlakan tayo," she said.
Klarisse, in a post-performance interview with Jeremy Glinoga, said their friendship has only grown stronger since their days together inside the Pinoy Big Brother house.
"Nakakatuwa lang na 'yung friendship namin, 'yung bond namin na nabuo namin sa loob ng bahay ni Kuya, hanggang paglabas tuloy-tuloy na siya eh. Parang doon nagsimula, and I think forever na 'yun," she said.
Mika echoed the sentiment to the delight of the crowd. "Totoo ang forever. Kung hindi kayo naniniwala sa forever, tingnan niyo kami ni Ate Klang."
Mika also shared that they only rehearsed on the day of the show, commending Klarisse for her professionalism.
"Alam niyo si Ate Klang, napaka-professional. Ang galing talaga. Kanina lang kami nag-rehearse pero pang-international 'yung prod," she said.
Klarisse returned the praise, highlighting not just Mika's talent but her attitude as a performer.
"Magaling din naman si Mika. Magaan kasama sa stage. Si Mika, nakikinig talaga siya [at] humihingi siya ng advice. Itong si Mika, talagang proud ako sa batang 'to," she said.
Klarisse then delivered a message, recalling how she first heard of Mika's dream while they were still housemates.
"Alam naman ni Mika. Sobrang proud ako sa'yo, Miks. Sa loob palang ng bahay, sobrang excited ka na ituloy 'yung music career mo, i-pursue 'yung album mo. 'Yun talaga 'yung gustong-gusto mo gawin ever since. Naririnig ko sa loob ng bahay ni Kuya," Klarisse said.
She also recognized the effort Mika poured into the album. "Finally, eto na. Pinaghirapan mo 'tong album na 'to. Sobrang hands-on ka.”
Addressing Mika one final time and gesturing to the crowd, Klarisse ended with a heartfelt message.
"At gusto kong malaman mo na lahat ng tao na andito, mga naniniwala sa talento mo. So tuloy-tuloy mo lang 'yan. We love you, and congratulations. I love you, Miks. I'm so proud of you. You see these people? They all love you,” she said.
Also in attendance at the launch were Mika's pre-PBB friends Benedict Cua, Zeinab Harake, Kyo Quijano, and Luigi Pacheco, as well as fellow housemates Will Ashley, Xyriel Manabat, Josh Ford, and LA Santos.
Known for her powerful vocals and her numerous hit recordings under Star Music, Klarisse joined Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition, where she and Mika first formed their friendship.
Mika, who was hailed as the Big Winner alongside Brent Manalo, went on to sign with Star Music following her PBB stint and has since been working toward building her music career, culminating in the release of her debut album Mahika.
Mika’s debut album features six tracks: “Kasalanan,” “Ay, Siya Na Nga?,” “Core Memory,” “Bilog Ang Mundo,” “Ipanalo,” and “San Tayo Next?”
-By Paolo Lim