Mika Salamanca on longevity, relevance, and why her first book is for kids

Mika Salamanca turns her personal struggle with anxiety into “Lipad,” an uplifting message of self-acceptance for Filipino children.

“I’m diagnosed with anxiety and depression… You have to learn how to live with it. That’s why I wrote this book—for kids to know they don’t have to feel alone in any of their life battles. Just keep flying.”

In the volatile world of digital fame—where creators rise overnight and fade just as quickly—Mika Salamanca has defied the odds. 

From viral vlogs to mainstream acting projects, and now to the release of her debut children’s book Lipad, Mika proves that relevance comes with growth, timing, and reinvention.

“Dati na akong nagsusulat. Ngayon lang ako nagka-audience kaya nailabas ko na ito,” she said. For Mika, writing has always been about expression, not popularity. “Do it not because you want many people to read it. It’s more of kung ano ang maibibigay mo sa libro, kung ano ang libro para sa iyo.”

From virality to maturity

Mika first captured audiences as a teenager with her relatable online persona. But survival in the content economy means constant evolution. Now in her mid-20s, she’s ventured into TV, film, and literature. “If I released a book before, baka ‘di nila makita ang gusto kong ipakita. Kaya ngayon, feeling ko mas maiintindihan na ng mga tao.”

Why children’s literature?

Lipad, illustrated by Jewelle Villarisco, reflects Mika’s advocacy for mental health—a struggle she has publicly shared. “I’m diagnosed with anxiety/depression. You have to learn how to live with it. ‘Yon din ang inspiration ko kaya gusto ko ipabasa ang book. Para malaman nila that they don’t have to feel alone in any of their life battles. Just keep flying.”

Targeting children was intentional. “Naniniwala ako na kailangan nating protektahan ang kabataan. We need to protect them from social media, sa kung anumang pwedeng harapin sa mundo. Kaya rin ako naglalabas ng stories like this for kids.”

Beyond algorithms

Unlike most influencer-led projects, Lipad was not conceived for profit. “Kaya ‘di talaga namin planong ibenta ito originally. I had just wanted to give them away,” Mika admitted. Her management eventually urged her to sell copies for wider reach. “Kapag dumadalaw ako sa charities, what do I leave to them? In the future, will they still remember that I sang for them? I don’t think so. But with this book, what’s important is that they read it and remember its lesson. Kahit di na nila ako maalala basta they live by the lesson.”

Protecting the next generation

Mika is outspoken about creators using their influence responsibly. “They should not be afraid to stand up for something they believe in. They should be more afraid na pangit ang kalalakihan ng next generation. Para ako sa bayan. Magsasalita ako para sa bayan, even if it means going against people I’ve worked or collaborated with,” she declared, clearly a sign of growth: from internet star to a young voice calling for accountability.

The author era

The public launch of Lipad—on the same day National Artist for Film and Broadcast Ricky Lee introduced two new titles—marks what Mika calls a “special era” in her life. “Masaya ako na tinatangkilik at inaabangan sa bookstores. This was just a dream. And now it’s real. Matatawag na rin akong author.”

Advance orders have been strong, with copies shipped abroad, used as giveaways, and shared in provinces. “Nakakataba ng puso na excited silang mabasa ang book,” she said.

Her personal prayer? “Sana mas marami pang artista ang maging totoo sa values nila. Sana laging pagmamahal ang manaig sa kahit anong bagay na ipoproduce mo or ipapakita mo sa tao.”

In that line lies Mika’s quiet formula for staying relevant: sincerity, adaptability, and love.

 

 

Lipad, illustrated by Jewelle Villarisco, reflects Mika’s advocacy for mental health—a struggle she has publicly shared.

 

 

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