Kapuso star and ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition’ Big Winner Mika Salamanca grew emotional as she launched her first children’s book, ‘Lipad’, during an intimate event on September 1.
The book, which Mika herself wrote, is deeply personal and inspired by her own childhood struggles. While reading excerpts aloud, the 23-year-old artist teared up, admitting that some lines reminded her of her younger self.
“Malaking parte po siguro ‘yung pagpapakilala ko sa tao during the time na nasa PBB ako kasi may line po rito, ‘ako na mas malakas na ikaw ay makikilala mo rin ako balang araw,’” she said. “Kasi everyday po for the past years lagi kong hinihintay ‘yun na makilala ako ng mga tao, lagi kong hinihintay na malaman nila ang puso ko kaya po siguro naging emosyonal ako sa part na ‘to. Nakikita ko po kasi ‘yung dating ako kaya po naiyak ako na naghihintay ng saklolo.”
Mika dedicated Lipad to those who feel held back by fear and insecurities.
“Kasi po it’s really easy to cage ourselves because of our insecurities. Minsan po tayo mismo ang naglilimita sa sarili natin sa kung anong puwede nating marating. Gusto ko pong i-dedicate ito sa kanila na hindi po sila mag-isa, na huwag silang matakot lumipad,” she explained.
In the story, the main character Mahika, a fairy afraid to use her small wings, eventually learns that the very thing she hides is what makes her strong. Mika said she hopes readers—kids and adults alike—will see themselves in the story.
A proud Sparkle artist under Aguila Management, Mika is also busy preparing for upcoming acting projects through workshops with Ina Feleo, while balancing her love for singing, vlogging, and writing.
“Simula bata po ako ay sumusulat na talaga ako, kumakanta, nagdo-drawing. Kung kaya ko pong gawin lahat, ayaw kong i-box ang sarili kaya gagawin ko lahat,” she said.
Mika, the youngest in her family, grew up in the U.S. after migrating at age 15, but later returned to the Philippines where she pursued vlogging, showbiz, and now writing. She said her diverse passions all tie back to her lifelong love for the arts.
