For millions who watched Mika Salamanca rise to stardom on “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition,” her charm and vulnerability made her a favorite among fans. But behind the glitz of reality TV, the social media fame and the “big winner” crown, Mika had long been nurturing a dream — one that would take flight not on television but through pages and illustrations.
And now, that dream has a name: “Lipad” — Mika’s debut children’s book that’s more than just a bedtime story. It’s a love letter to anyone — child or adult — who’s ever questioned their worth.
During the recent launch of “Lipad,” Mika stood on stage, emotional, holding the book that had once existed only in her imagination.
“Kinakabahan po ako,” Mika confessed. “This one is very special to my heart… kasi ito po ‘yung kabuuan ng mga pinagdaanan ko simula pagkabata. Hindi ko po alam kung paano siya tatanggapin.”
The book, illustrated hand in hand with artist Jewelle Villarisco, tells the story of Mahika, a little fairy with imperfect wings and filled with self-doubt. Mahika mirrors the insecurities Mika had growing up.
“Yung pinaka-insecurity ko talaga, ‘di kami palaging magkakasama ng family ko. Lagi kong sinasabi sa interviews, pag nakakakita ako ng pamilyang buo — nai-insecure ako.”
In one of the book’s most emotional scenes, Mahika meets a mysterious fairy — one with damaged wings but unshakable confidence.
“At sino bang nagsabi na hindi ko tanggap kung sino ako? Sino bang nagsabi na pangit ang mga pakpok ko?” the stranger tells Mahika.
It’s this fairy who later pushes Mahika to discover that no wing is too broken to soar.
“Hindi mo gustong maglaho. Gusto mo lamang na may makita sa’yo at magsisimula iyon sa’yo,” the older fairy said.
She also assures her: “Ako ang mas malakas na ikaw. Makikilala mo rin ako balang araw. Basta magtiwala ka sa paglipad,” the fairy declares.
Mika paused while reading this passage aloud at the launch. Her voice cracked, tears filling her eyes.
“Every day for the past year, lagi kong hinihintay na makilala ako ng mga tao… na makita nila ‘yung nakikita ng mga nagmamahal sa akin,” she said. “Baka hinihintay lang nilang makilala ‘yung sarili nila na mas stronger. Naiiyak ako kasi naiimagine ko ‘yung dating ako — naghihintay ng sagot.”
Mika will be holding a meet and greet at the Manila International Book Fair 2025, where limited copies of Lipad will be available from September 10 to 14 at the PaperKat Books booth (#2-122) on the second floor of the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Queuing for the signing on September 12 will begin at 5:30 p.m. near the Function Room 4 stage area, on a first-come, first-served basis. The first 50 attendees will receive book signing cards.
Mika could’ve easily written a book for her generation, and fans would’ve lined up to read it. But she didn’t.
“Pwede akong magsulat para sa age group ko, pero sinulat ko ito para sa mga bata kasi gusto kong may maiiwan ako sa kanila na babasahin nila. Kahit tumanda na sila, kahit ‘di na nila ako kilala. Sana maalala pa rin nila ‘yung kwento.”
Growing up, Mika wrote stories as an outlet — sharing them with her mom and sister. But she always dreamed of leaving something behind that could plant seeds of self-love early.
“Ngayon sa mundo ng social media, madaling makalimot. Madaling makalimutan kung gaano ka kahalaga dahil sa mga nakikita mong mas magaganda, mas sikat, mas ‘perfect.’ Kaya gusto ko pa lang habang bata pa sila, may babasahin sila na magpapaalala: Mahalaga ka. Maganda ka. Tama ang pakpak mo.”
When asked how much of Mahika is really Mika, the answer was clear.
“Ako po siya,” Mika answered without hesitation. “Buong-buo. Every insecurity, every doubt.”
Despite her success, Mika insists that “Lipad” isn’t just her story.
“Gusto ko pong i-dedicate itong libro sa lahat ng taong takot sumubok,” she said. “Kasi madalas, tayo mismo ‘yung naglilimita sa sarili natin. Pero sa paglipad mo, hindi ka mag-isa. May sarili kang lakas. May mga taong tutulong sayo. At kahit hindi mo pa sila nakikilala, darating sila.”
She hopes to share Lipad not just with children but also with teens and adults quietly carrying self-doubt, depression or the weight of not feeling enough. For her, the book is a reminder that no one has to earn their worth.
Asked what she most wants people to know about her, Mika proudly said: “Ako si Mika Salamanca. Ito ang puso ko. Kung hindi niyo tanggap — okay lang. Pero tanggap ko na.”
And sometimes, accepting yourself is the first step toward helping others believe they can, too.
