
Former 'Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition' Big Winner Mika Salamanca shared photos on her social media accounts from a recent community outreach program where she spent time with children suffering from malnutrition, accompanied by a thoughtful reflection encouraging others to support children in need.
Reflecting on the experience, Mika admitted that seeing the harsh realities of malnutrition up close left a lasting impression on her.
“Yesterday was one of those days na alam kong hindi ko makakalimutan. Alam ko namang may malnutrition. We hear about it all the time. Pero seeing it with my own eyes was a completely different experience,” Mika wrote.
The Kapuso actress expressed her heartbreak upon seeing the children's condition firsthand, which made her realize how much people often take for granted in their daily lives.
“Meeting these kids, seeing how underweight some of them were, seeing some of them without slippers… ang sakit pala talaga sa puso. It made me realize how many things we take for granted every single day,” she expressed.
Partnering with the non-profit Project Pearls, Mika Salamanca spent the day sharing meals and gifting copies of her book, Lipad, to children.
She underscored that their mission goes far beyond a single outreach day, pointing to the group's dedicated two-month initiative focused on monitoring the kids' nutritional recovery and well-being.
“One thing that really inspired me was the organization I got to work with. This wasn't just a one-day feeding program. For the past two months, they've been consistently showing up. Providing warm meals, monitoring each child's progress until they reach a healthier weight, and even giving them access to free education and medical care,” she said.
She commended the group, noting that requesting actual necessities, such as meals, medicine, slippers, and school supplies, instead of monetary donations ensures all support goes straight to the children.
“What I admired even more was how intentional they are with helping. They don't accept cash donations. Instead, they ask for things the children actually need. Food, milk, medicine, slippers, school supplies, and other essentials so every donation goes directly to improving these kids' lives,” Mika shared.
Mika admitted that leaving the outreach left her heart feeling “heavy,” admitting it brought her to the profound realization that what she witnessed reflects the undeniable reality many people face every day.
“I left Tondo with a heavy heart. Not because I lost hope, but because I realized this is happening around us every single day. We know it exists, but sometimes it doesn't get the attention it deserves until we're standing right in front of it,” she said.
Reflecting on the impact of the outreach program, Mika Salamanca urged the public to stay consistent in doing good and to never take everyday blessings for granted.
“Yesterday reminded me that kindness isn't about showing up once. It's about showing up consistently, even when nobody's watching,” Mika shared.
She continued, “If you're reading this, I hope this reminds you to never take your meals, your health, your education, or even the slippers on your feet for granted. And if you're in a position to help, even in the smallest way, please do. You don't have to change the whole world. But you can absolutely help change someone's world.”
Closing her message, she offered heartfelt thanks to the brave children of Tondo for their strength, as well as to the dedicated volunteers dedicating their time to the cause.
“To the kids we met yesterday, thank you for reminding me what resilience looks like. And to everyone who quietly dedicates their time and hearts to these children... thank you. The work you do matters more than words can ever express,” she expressed.
This Tondo outreach is just the latest in Mika's history of civic work, following her decision to hand over her Php1 million PBB Celebrity Collab cash prize to Duyan Ni Maria Children's Home, an orphanage in Mabalacat, Pampanga.
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