Mika Salamanca marks birthday month with book reading and donation for kids with cancer

MANILA, October 2 ------ Pinoy Big Brother Collab Edition Big Winner and now author Mika Salamanca kicked off her birth month with a heartwarming gesture, reading her children’s book “Lipad” to young cancer patients and making a donation for their treatment needs.

Held in partnership with advocacy groups for children’s health, the event brought together kids from different communities, where Salamanca read passages from her book and engaged with the children in lively storytelling. “Lagi akong nare-remind kung para saan ko ginagawa lahat ng ito tuwing nagbabasa ako para sa mga bata,” Salamanca shared. “Ito 'ata ang pinakamaraming bata na nabasahan ko sa isang araw, at sobrang saya ko dahil naging magandang simula ito ng birthday month ko.”

The book “Lipad,” written just days after she exited the PBB house, follows the story of Mahika, a young girl learning how to believe in herself and her dreams. Salamanca said she was inspired to write it in one sitting while reflecting on her own journey. “Ginawa ko ang Lipad para sa mga bata. Ang advocacy ko talaga ay para sila’y magkaroon ng inspirasyon at matutong mangarap,” Salamanca explained. “At kapag nakikita ko ang reaksyon nila, parang fuel siya. Mas nai-inspire ako gumawa ng mas maraming libro para sa kanila.”

When asked if she plans to write for grown-ups in the future, Salamanca was clear: “For now, mas gusto ko talagang mag-focus sa mga bata. Advocacy ko sila, at gusto kong gawing meaningful ang mga libro ko, hindi lang para sa entertainment kundi para magkaroon ng awareness tungkol sa mga social issues na kinakaharap nila.” Beyond storytelling, Salamanca emphasized the importance of giving back. “Kahit sa management ko sinasabi ko na at least once a month, dapat meron tayong araw na hindi para sa atin, kundi para sa mga tinutulungan natin,” she said. Salamanca hinted at future projects that continue her children’s book journey, this time tackling themes of social awareness. But for now, her heart remains with the kids who inspire her every step of the way. “Para talagang matuto silang mangarap at maniwala na kaya nilang lumipad,” she said with a smile.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com