Why Mika Salamanca’s book might outlast her viral videos

Mika Salamanca during the recent media launch of ‘Lipad.’ Image: Marinel Cruz/INQUIRER.net

Mika Salamanca believes content creators should use their platforms with purpose.

Instead of chasing fleeting trends online, the social media star chose to publish “Lipad,” a children’s book that encourages reading, shields kids from social media’s effects, and teaches values through storytelling.

“They should not be afraid to stand up for something they believe in,” Mika said when asked about what fellow influencers ought to keep in mind when putting out content. “They should be more concerned with how the next generation will grow up. Honestly, when I see what’s happening in the world, I feel sad. I’m very affected—I’m also a taxpayer. I realized na para ako sa bayan [that I am for the country]. Magsasalita ako para sa bayan [I will speak up for the country], even if it means going against people I’ve worked or collaborated with.”

Her passion for protecting the next generation runs deep. Mika is frank about her worries for today’s youth, who are constantly exposed to the dizzying world of social media. “Kailangan nating protektahan ang kabataan [We need to protect the youth],” she told Inquirer Entertainment during the recent media launch of “Lipad.”

“We need to protect them from social media, from whatever challenges they may face in the world. That’s why I publish stories like this for kids—because their mental health is also important. Social media can quickly affect mental health. That’s what I want to protect them from,” said the big winner of “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition.”

“Lipad” was her way of turning that concern into action. It follows the story of Mahika, a fairy with small wings who learns to embrace her uniqueness. Mika said the character mirrors her own childhood struggles, especially with mental health. Growing up, she grappled with anxiety and depression, something she has been open about with her audience. “You don’t magically get rid of it. You have to learn how to live with it,” she admitted. “That’s also my inspiration for wanting people to read this book. So they know they don’t have to feel alone in any of their life battles. Just keep flying.”

The journey of publishing “Lipad” was far from easy. Mika described the process as painstaking, particularly because she was mindful of every word, knowing the book’s audience would be children. She had initially wanted to illustrate it herself, but her packed schedule made that impossible. Fortunately, her management and publisher guided her through the challenges, making the project a reality.

Mika Salamanca says the character in “Lipad” mirrors her own childhood struggles, especially with mental health. Image: Instagram/@mikslmnc

Interestingly, Mika had no plans to sell the book at first. Her original idea was to distribute copies for free during her charity visits. “When I visit them, what do I leave behind? Entertainment, because I also sing to them when I visit? 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. Even if they no longer remember me, as long as they grow up and live by the lesson they learned from my book, OK na ako doon.” It was only at the insistence of her team that “Lipad” was put on sale, ensuring a wider audience and making it possible for proceeds to go directly to charities.

Her preference for physical books over digital editions is also part of her advocacy. Mika wants kids to rediscover the simple joy of holding a book and flipping its pages. “Even when ebooks came out, I still really prefer reading books. I find it less distracting,” she said, recalling how a baggage inspector once teased her for lugging around two heavy books at the airport.

Outside her own writing, Mika is an avid reader of self-help books. The first one she picked up in high school, Mark Manson’s “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck,” came at a time when she needed it most, just after relocating to the US. These days, she’s been engrossed in Baek Se-hee’s “I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki,” a book she describes as “catchy and healthy” for its candid conversations between the author and her psychiatrist.

For Mika, whether through her online platforms, her advocacies, or her writing, the goal is the same: to create something that truly matters. “I hope more artists stay true to their values,” she said of her prayer for the industry. “I hope love always prevails in whatever you produce or show to people.”

Next, Mika is bringing this mission to a wider stage at the Manila National Book Fair 2025, happening from Sept. 10 to 14, where “Lipad” will be among the featured titles. /edv