By Robert Requintina
Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition grand winner Mika Salamanca surprised fans when she published her first children's book in Quezon City recently.
Titled "Lipad," Mika expressed the challenges of writing, emphasizing that every word crafted was a journey infused with love, hope, and unwavering faith. Each sentence reflected struggles but also conveyed warmth and possibilities.
"I’ve been working on this dream with my team. Hindi naging madali, pero every step was filled with love, hope, and faith. And now, hawak-hawak ko na siya. Something that used to live only in my heart is finally real," Mika said during a media conference.
She added: "I keep reminding myself to believe na tatanggapin nyo rin ito with the same love and warmth na binuhos ko/namin dito. This book is not only for kids, kahit anong season ka ng buhay mo ngayon, I know it will find its way to your heart and give you a little resolution. Kaya sana habang binabasa nyo siya, maramdaman nyo rin yung same magic that carried me through. (I keep reminding myself to believe that you will also receive it with the same love and warmth that I/we poured into it. This book is not only for kids; no matter what season of life you are in now, I know it will find its way to your heart and give you a little resolution. So I hope that as you read it, you will also feel the same magic that carried me through.)"
Mika revealed that writing has been a cherished outlet for her since childhood, serving as a canvas for her imagination and a refuge for her thoughts.
From the moment she discovered the magic of words, she embarked on a journey of expression that has blossomed throughout her life.
"Writing was one of my outlets when I was still a kid. So yung mga stories ko pinapadala ko lang sa mga parents at sa ate ko. Sa family ko lang talaga. (So I only sent my stories to my parents and my sister. Really, just to my family.)
"But this one, before ako nakapasok sa 'PBB,' sinulat ko siya sa car. Pag nagsusulat ako, I based it sa experience ko po or sa nakikita ko sa paligid ko. (But this one, before I got into 'PBB,' I wrote it in the car. When I write, I base it on my experience or what I see around me.)"
"So, when I started writing, it was more about a school-like experience with my classmates, or the experiences of my classmates with one another," Mika also said.
Mika shared the heartfelt reasons behind her choice to pen a whimsical children's book, unveiling the inspiration that sparked her creative journey.
"It's easy to write something for my generation. When I attend events with children, I always give a message in front of them or pinapakanta rin nila ako minsan. (They ask me to sing.)"
"So naisip ko lang kung ano yung something na pwede kong maitulong sa mga bata Naka-smile naman sila pero ano kaya yung pwede kong iwan sa kanila na maalala nila kahit matanda na kami or hindi na nila alam ang pangalan ko. Doon ko naisip na perfect ang book para kapag pupunta ako sa bahay ampunan, meron akong iiwanan sa kanila. (So I just thought about what I could do to help the children. They were smiling, but what could I leave with them that they would remember even when we were old or they didn't know my name anymore? That's when I thought the book would be perfect so that when I go to the orphanage, I can leave something with them,)" Mika said.
Growing up, insecurities
Mika became emotional while reading the book, as she also revealed her insecurities from growing up.
"Isa talaga yung height. Sa appearance yun lang po talaga. Pero ang pinaka-insecurity ko ay hindi kami magkakasama ng family ko ko. Lagi ko itong nababanggit sa interviews before. Kapag nakakakita ako ng buong pamilya, insecure ako kasi nasa malayo ang parents ko. (Height is one thing. That's only for my appearance. But my biggest insecurity is that my family and I aren't together. I've always mentioned this in interviews before. When I see my whole family, I'm insecure because my parents are far away.)"
Mika remembered fondly that her sister was the first to dive into the book.
"Unang nakabasa nito ay ang ate ko. Masaya naman siya noong nabasa niya. Noong nasa US pa po ako, sinasabi ko na talaga sa kanila na gusto kong gumawa ng libro. Outlet ko talaga ang pagsusulat, sketch and paint. Gusto kong makita ng mundo yung puso at isip ko. (My sister was the first to read it. She was happy when she read it. When I was still in the US, I was really telling them that I wanted to write a book. Writing, sketching, and painting are really my outlets. I want the world to see my heart and mind)," she also said.
Mika dedicates this heartfelt book to children who dream of endless possibilities and to those who struggle with insecurities. It offers hope and understanding to everyone who seeks acceptance and confidence.
"I want to dedicate this book to all those who are afraid to try in life. It's really easy to cage ourselves because of insecurities. Sometimes, we limit ourselves, but I hope they won't be afraid to fly," she added.
"Lipad" will make its official debut at the Manila International Book Fair 2025, which will be held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay from Sept. 10 to 14. She will also have a reading session and a book signing at the event.
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