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Mika Salamanca now spreads her wings as an author with ‘Lipad’, a children’s book that inspires readers to embrace courage, self-love, and individuality
MANILA, Philippines – Filipino content creator Mika Salamanca recently added “author” to her growing résumé with the release of her first children’s book, Lipad.
Set to be available at the Manila International Book Fair 2025 from September 10 to 14, this fairy tale framed in a grandmother’s garden features flower characters and a protagonist named Mahika, a little fairy with small, unique wings.
Through Mahika’s journey, Mika encourages readers to embrace their differences, step out of their comfort zones, and find the strength to soar on their own terms.
The story is deeply personal. Mika revealed that Mahika is a reflection of herself, a synthesis of her fears, experiences, and the lessons life has taught her.
“Since my 2nd day after I went out of BNK, I’ve been working on this dream with my team. Hindi naging madali, pero (It wasn’t easy, but) every step was filled with love, hope, and faith. And now, hawak-hawak ko na siya,” Mika wrote on Instagram.
She noted that while Lipad is written for kids, its messages can offer guidance and hope to adults, too. Mika also shared the meaning behind the book’s color symbolism: yellow for her sister, who affectionately calls her “sunflower”; red because her sister is especially close to her heart; and blue for her brother, as she always thinks of him whenever she sheds tears of joy.
Long before becoming an author, Mika was first known to the public as a YouTuber and lifestyle vlogger. She launched her self-titled channel in 2014 and began uploading regularly, focusing on song covers, vlogs, and beauty and skincare content — eventually amassing well over 4 million subscribers.
Her career, however, was not without controversy.
In 2020, Mika made headlines after being arrested in Hawaii for violating mandatory quarantine protocols, an incident that drew criticism but also served as a turning point in her public journey. Despite the controversy, Mika remained active in the industry.
By 2023, Mika had successfully transitioned into acting, taking on supporting roles on GMA Network. She first appeared as Sarah in the drama Maging Sino Ka Man (2023), followed by Megan in the action-comedy Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis (2024).
That same year, she portrayed Emerald Anonuevo in the long-running medical drama Abot-Kamay na Pangarap, and most recently, she landed the role of Anaca in Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre, a fantasy series that aired while she was still inside the Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) house.
She also showcased her comedic side as a guest performer on the iconic gag show Bubble Gang, a staple of Philippine television that helped introduce her to a broader, more mainstream audience. Her biggest leap into the national spotlight came in 2025, when she joined Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition.
It was a full-circle moment for her. Back in a 2018 “Facts About Me” vlog, Mika revealed that it had been her childhood dream to become a PBB housemate, but her first audition didn’t work out. She held firm, though, saying she wouldn’t give up until she made it inside the famous house. Seven years after that video, her persistence paid off.
This time, Mika not only became a fan favorite housemate but also emerged as the big winner duo of Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition alongside Brent Manalo. Together, the two were dubbed BreKa, sealing their place in the show’s history and elevating Mika’s status as a household name.
Mika donated her entire cash prize of P1 million to the Duyan Ni Maria Children’s Home in Mabalacat, Pampanga. The 24-year-old Big Winner said in an interview with ABS-CBN News, though, that even before the show’s winners were determined, she already knew that she wanted to donate her cash prize.
That same compassion to children shines through in her debut book. With Lipad, Mika reaches a new milestone: from rising YouTube star and actress to published author.
As Mika put it, “something that used to live only in my heart is finally real.” – Trixia Policarpio/Rappler.com
Trixia Policarpio is a Rappler intern studying BA Creative Writing at University of the Philippines Diliman.
