By John Romme Alba and Fiel Gia Ramada
“Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition” Big Winner Mika Salamanca recently launched her first-ever children’s book, “Lipad,” at Citadines Hotel in Quezon City, marking a big moment in her career as an artist.
The book tells the story of a young fairy named “Mahika” who struggles with insecurity because of her small wings, believing she is not good enough as a fairy who cannot fly high. Mika revealed that Mahika’s journey is a mirror of her own experiences during her childhood up until her rise to stardom.
“Mahika is me. Ako po talaga siya. Ako po siya. Kabuuan po siya ng mga pinagdaanan ko simula pagkabata,” she said.
Sharing her personal insecurities that resonate with the main character, she continued, “‘Yung pakpak po, isa lang po ‘yan sa struggles na napagdaanan ko nu’ng bata ako. Insecurities, isa po talaga yung height. Sa totoo lang po, sa appearance ‘yun lang naman po talaga.
“Ang pinaka-insecurity ko po is hindi kami magkakasama ng family ko. ‘Pag nakakakita ako ng pamilyang buo na magkakasama, nai-insecure ako kasi yung magulang ko nasa malayong lugar.”
Mika has been an active advocate for children and part of the reason she wrote the book was that she wanted to create something lasting, something that would remain with the children for a long time.
“Kasi po, pagka tumutulong po ako sa mga bata, lagi po akong pinapamensahe or pinapakanta. Ako po naisip ko na parang, ano ba ‘yung something na matutulong ko sa mga bata? Ano ba ‘yung something na pwede kong iwanan sa kanila na maaalala nila hanggang kahit hindi na nila alam ‘yung pangalan ko, kahit hindi na nila ako kilala, may alaala sila sa akin,” she said.
For her, “Lipad” is not just another project as a celebrity, it is an extension of her heart for children.
“Doon ko po naisip na perfect ‘yung children’s book para ‘pag pumupunta ako sa bahay ampunan, mayroon akong iiwanan sa kanila, na babasahin nila.”
During the press conference, Mika revealed that “Lipad” was originally intended for charity purposes only and she had no plans for it to be sold.
“Hindi po namin siya talaga balak ibenta talaga. It’s something na kapag pumunta po ako sa charity works namin, libre ko po siyang ibibigay sa mga bata.
She emphasized that she envisioned her book to be given for free to children during her outreach programs. However, after discussions with her management, she agreed to make it available for sale but on one important condition.
“Lahat ng makukuha natin sa librong ito charity pa rin.”
Though “Lipad” is written for children, Salamanca believes its themes will resonate with readers of all ages. The story carries messages of self-acceptance, courage and overcoming insecurities.
“Hindi lang po siya pambata pwede po natin siyang basahin at may makukuha po tayo sa kaniya depende kung anong season ng buhay natin at kung ano yung magreresonate sa atin sa moment na babasahin po natin siya,” the newly debuted author said.
She also dedicated the book to those who may feel trapped by their fears and limitations.
“Gusto ko po itong ide-dedicate sa lahat ng taong takot sumubok. Kasi po it’s really easy for us to cage ourselves because of our insecurities. Minsan po or madalas tayo mismo ang naglilimita sa sarili natin, sa kung ano ang pwede nating marating o kung ano ang pwede nating makita natin sa mundo. Gusto ko po ‘tong ide-dedicate sa kanila, na hindi po sila mag-isa. Na huwag silang matakot lumipad kasi sa paglipad nila never silang mag-iisa as long as mayroon silang sarili nila na collective history ng mga taong nakasama nila sa mundo.”
Mika revealed that the very first person to read “Lipad” was her older sister who shared a big part in the story. But, among her Pinoy Big Brother co-housemates, it was none other than her duo partner, Brent Manalo, who got to meet Mahika first.
“Siya ‘yung duo ko, isa din siya sa mga unang nakabasa ng librong ‘to.”
According to Mika, Manalo had already read the book even before it was released to the public as she had been asking for some advice from the latter about the book.
The public release of “Lipad” will happen at the Manila International Book Fair 2025, from September 10 to 14 at SMX Convention Center in Pasay. Salamanca will also be hosting reading sessions and book signings during the fair in a booth under PaperKat Books.
