Did You Know? Mika Salamanca Never Intended to Sell Her Children’s Book

Profit was never Mika’s motivation for writing a children’s book. She initially created it with the intention of giving it away as a meaningful freebie, especially during her visits to charities. (Did you know that she once donated her entire one-million-peso cash prize from winning PBB?) She began writing the story as early as her second day out of the famous Bahay ni Kuya, driven by the desire to turn her experience into something that could uplift others.

Her management eventually encouraged her to rethink her initial plan, emphasizing that selling the book could allow her to reach—and help—more children. With that intention in mind, Mika agreed to make it available for purchase, ultimately making the book more accessible.

Her literary debut proved to be a success, with pre-orders piling up in a short span of time. Supporters even bought copies in bulk to distribute in their provinces, share within their companies, and send to children abroad. Still, Mika keeps her focus on the bigger picture: her mission to reintroduce the joy of reading to children in an increasingly digital age. She worked closely with illustrator Jewelle Villarisco to ensure the visuals—with all their thoughtful details—would captivate young readers and spark their imagination.

“Hindi naging madali, pero every step was filled with love, hope, and faith,” she shared through an Instagram post. She emphasized that the book was made for not just kids, but for anyone who has a heart looking for a sort of resolution. “Sana habang binabasa nyo siya, maramdaman nyo rin yung same magic that carried me through.”

“Sabay-sabay tayong lumipad, and may we never stop flying.”