Content creator and ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition’ big winner Mika Salamanca has extended words of encouragement to fellow housemate Shuvee Etrata, reminding her to rise above online criticism and focus on growth.
In a recent interview with ’24 Oras’, Mika spoke candidly about how she understands what Shuvee is currently going through — referring to the latter’s ongoing backlash online.
“Pinakamasasabi ko lang kay Shuvee siguro is piliin mo ‘yung mga papakinggan mo tsaka tatanggapin mo sa sarili mo,” Mika advised.
“Kung meron kang mistake, own it, say you’re sorry, change. Own it. Parang kung constructive criticism, take it. Pero kung pure hate lang, let it go, slow down.”
The two became close during their stint on ‘PBB: Celebrity Collab Edition’, the joint reality show between GMA Network and ABS-CBN where Mika and her partner Brent Manalo emerged as the season’s Big Winner Duo.
Mika’s words came amid the controversy surrounding Shuvee, who recently apologized after a resurfaced video showed her praising former President Rodrigo Duterte for projects in her hometown of Bantayan Island, Cebu. The clip went viral just as the International Criminal Court (ICC) filed three counts of crimes against humanity against Duterte related to his administration’s war on drugs.
In her public apology, Shuvee expressed remorse and pledged to learn from the experience: “I understand that what I said in the past caused pain to some, and I take responsibility for it,” she wrote.
“Please don’t worry, I’ve learned my lesson. I will broaden my perspective for all of us. I stand for and with the Filipino people — always.”
Mika, who also faced criticism for her past association with Duterte’s daughter Kitty Duterte, likewise issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) clarifying her stance.
“I understand where the disappointment and frustration are coming from and I am truly sorry,” she wrote.
“Yes, I admit that I had questionable choices of friends when I was at my lowest, but one thing has always been clear to me — I’ve always made sure to stand my ground even during those times.”
Both apologies have drawn mixed reactions from netizens, with some lauding their accountability while others questioned the timing of their statements.
For Mika, however, the focus now is to remind her fellow artists — especially Shuvee — to stay grounded amid noise and negativity.
“Kung constructive criticism, take it. Pero kung pure hate lang, let it go,” she reiterated.
Mika Salamanca is set to star in the upcoming GMA Network x ABS-CBN collaboration series ‘The Secrets of Hotel 88’, while Shuvee Etrata is filming ‘Master Cutter’ and ‘Huwag Kang Titingin.’
