Acts of service have become a recurring part of Mika Salamanca’s public life. Beyond her work as a content creator and former Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition housemate, she has quietly participated in charitable initiatives, from community outreach activities to supporting causes involving children. Her latest effort saw her partner with Project PEARLS and GoodZone for an outreach program aimed at helping children overcome malnutrition.
Project PEARLS, a nonprofit organization that helps underserved communities through education, nutrition, healthcare, and livelihood programs, recently held its second weigh-in celebration with partner GoodZone, recognizing children who have successfully reached healthier weights after months in the program.
Mika with her managers Katrina Aguila and Jan Enriquez of Aguila Entertainment
According to Katrina Aguila, CEO of Aguila Entertainment and Mika’s manager, Salamanca attended the awarding ceremony and spent time serving meals, reading stories to the children, and giving away copies of her self-authored book, Lipad.
Sharing photos from the event, Aguila described the influencer as their “Big Winner with a Big Heart” and said Project PEARLS gave Salamanca “the chance to advocate for all kids in less fortunate communities to have the opportunity to have healthy meals.”
Aguila also emphasized that the need remains urgent despite the celebration.
“As of now, there is a lot more that is needed for the kids. They need donations—not cash, but food.”
She added that, “Every child deserves to be loved and cared for,” expressing hope that Salamanca’s platform could help bring greater awareness to children experiencing food insecurity, “not only in Metro Manila, but all over the country.”
Project PEARLS highlighted one of the day’s biggest milestones, announcing that 61 children had officially stepped out of the malnutrition line in just two months.
“We are proud to share that our 61 little champions have officially stepped out of the malnutrition line in just two months!” the organization wrote.
The children marked the occasion by wearing colorful hats they made for Nutrition Month, sharing a warm meal, and celebrating their progress.
Project PEARLS also acknowledged Salamanca’s participation, saying they were “glad that Mika Salamanca also joined the fun, warming hearts by reading to the children and donating books she authored herself.”
The organization also thanked its partners, writing, “Maraming salamat, The Good Zone and Mika, for putting healthy smiles on our children’s faces,” before adding, “This is what community is all about.”
For Salamanca, however, the experience made a mark. “Yesterday was one of those days na alam kong hindi ko makakalimutan,” she wrote in a personal reflection on social media.
Although aware that malnutrition has long been a national concern, she admitted that witnessing it firsthand changed her perspective.
“Seeing it with my own eyes was a completely different experience,” she shared. “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.”
What stood out to Salamanca most was Project PEARLS’ long-term commitment to the children. “This wasn’t just a one-day feeding program,” she wrote. “For the past few 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 also praised the organization’s approach to giving. “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.”
Salamanca admitted she left the community with mixed emotions. She said, “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.”
The experience also reinforced what she believes meaningful kindness looks like. “Yesterday reminded me that kindness isn’t about showing up once. It’s about showing up consistently, even when nobody’s watching.” She encouraged her followers not to take life’s everyday blessings for granted.
“I hope this reminds you to never take your meals, your health, your education, or even the slippers on your feet for granted.”
Salamanca also urged those who have the capacity to help to take action, no matter how small. “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,” she appealed.
She ended her message by thanking both the children and the volunteers behind Project PEARLS, “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.”
