Since her historic win in the milestone season of “Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition,” content creator-actress-singer Mika Salamanca is now flying higher than ever. Fresh off a successful run on the reality show, and with her hit single “Sino Nga Ba Sya?” topping streaming charts, she has added a new feather to her cap – becoming a published author. Her first children’s book, “Lipad,” is a deeply personal project that showcases a new, more vulnerable side of the Sparkle artist and Aguila Entertainment talent. The book was officially launched at a media conference on Monday, September 1, at the Citadines Hotel in Quezon City where Mika couldn’t hide her excitement. “I am still in awe that here we are having a mediacon for a book I wrote and published,” she shared. “I’ve been super blessed this year but this one holds a very special place in my heart. You have no idea how much this means to me.”
@randomrepublika PART 1: #MikaSalamanca is now a children's book author! In an intimate launch, she just launched #Lipad, a book targeted to inspire young readers to love themselves and embrace their uniqueness. #Mahika ♬ original sound – randomrepublika
A Story Born from Insecurities
The book’s protagonist, Mahika, is a young fairy who feels inadequate because her wings are small and different from the rest. This character is not just a figment of Mika’s imagination, she is a reflection of Mika herself. “Si Mahika ay ako po,” Mika revealed. “Ako po siya. Kabuuan po siya ng mga pinagdaanan ko simula pagkabata.” Through Mahika, Mika tackles the themes of self-doubt and insecurity, which she believes are crucial for children to understand at a young age. “I believe it is easier to instill these values while they are young so I want to tell them through this book that no matter where you came from, you are beautiful, you are valuable, you deserve love, and you can be whatever you want to be if you believe in yourself,” she explained.
Si Mahika ay ako po. Ako po siya. Kabuuan po siya ng mga pinagdaanan ko simula pagkabata. -Mika Salamanca, children’s book Lipad author
Mika, who has a combined social media following of over 20 million, is aware of the mental health challenges faced by today’s youth due to social media. She sees her book as a tool to help prepare the next generation. “We live in a generation where social media is heavily embedded in our day-to-day routine,” she noted. “Social media is going to be inevitable for them so we really have to prepare this generation and even generations to come to have the right values and mindset so they can protect their mental health.”
Social media is going to be inevitable for them so we really have to prepare this generation and even generations to come to have the right values and mindset so they can protect their mental health. – Mika Salamanca
Giving back through Lipad
Mika’s commitment to philanthropy is well-known through PBB, especially among her fans and Youtube viewers. She is a dedicated advocate for children and senior citizens and has actively participated in relief efforts for those affected by tropical storm “Crising.” “Lipad” is an extension of this work. While the book will be sold commercially, Mika’s initial vision was to give it away for free. “Hindi po talaga namin siya una balak ibenta talaga,” she shared. “It’s something na pag pumunta po ako sa charity works namin libre ko po siyang ibibigay sa mga bata.” To compromise, she and her management agreed on a condition.“Lahat ng makukuha natin sa librong ito, charity pa rin,” Mika shared. This ensures that the book will continue to fulfill its charitable purpose.
“Lipad” will officially debut at the Manila International Book Fair 2025, where Mika will hold a book reading and signing session. The book will be available for purchase at the PaperKat Books Booth #2-122 from September 10-14.
Soaring to New Heights
Mika’s post-PBB career is phenomenal. After clips of her as a little girl resurfaced, her single, “Sino Nga Ba Sya?” has already exceeded 500,000 streams on Spotify and hit #3 on Spotify’s Viral Songs chart in the Philippines. She is also set to release her highly anticipated debut album under Star Music.
@randomrepublika ♬ original sound – randomrepublika
On top of her musical success, Mika has become a sought-after brand endorser, securing deals with major companies like Jollibee, Acer, MET, Awesam Dental, Dove, Maya, Jhaena Jewels, Luxe Organix, Mobile Legends, Taptap, and Aivee. To prepare for her future in acting, she is currently taking one-on-one workshops with Sparkle’s Ana Feleo. While these projects are still under wraps, her management has confirmed that fans can expect to see her on both the small and big screens soon. From a reality show contestant to a multi-hyphenated artist and now a published author, Mika Salamanca continues to prove that with hard work and self-belief, she can truly “fly.”
WATCH her book launch mediacon:
