“Pumasok ako ng PBB na may dalang konting damit at pangarap lang (I went into PBB carrying just a few clothes and my dreams).”

Those were the heartfelt words of Mika Salamanca, now one of the first-ever Big Winners of the historic Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition. Her voice trembling with disbelief and gratitude, Mika reflected on her emotional, vulnerable and triumphant journey inside Kuya’s house — a journey 10 years in the making.

“I didn’t expect to make it this far,” she admitted. “‘Cause wdym umabot talaga TAYO sa dulo?! NO WAYYYYY, legit?”

That disbelief isn’t unfounded. Back in 2014, Mika tried her luck in the auditions but didn’t make the cut. “Siguro dahil hindi pa ako (Maybe it was because I was not yet) ready,” she now reflects. “I’m a firm believer that when plans don’t go your way, it’s because God has a bigger one — at ito yun (and this was it)!”

Indeed, the universe aligned in 2025. Mika, known to her fans as the Controversial Ca-Babe-len of Pampanga, entered the PBB house not with strategy, but with sincerity. “Ang ginawa ko lang naman po ay ang bilin ng mga mahal ko sa buhay — ang maging ako (All I did was follow what my loved ones asked of me — to be myself).”

A journey shared

Mika’s story inside PBB wasn’t a solo act. Along the way, she found family in friendship, courage in community and a safe place in her duo, Brent Manalo. Their tandem, affectionately called BreKa, captivated viewers — not for dramatics, but for their genuine trust and support.

“To Brent,” Mika wrote in her now-viral post, “welcome to the outside world, partner. If not for you, this wouldn’t have been possible.” From the first duo formation to standing together as Big Winners, their bond remained unwavering. “You carried my emotions with me. You never made me feel like I was too much.”

She also paid tribute to housemates who shaped her path: ShuKla, DusBi and her “Immunity Queen” Caca, who reminded her of her inner strength every step of the way. “Ready na ako sa outside world tasks natin (I am ready for the outside world tasks for us).”

A decade of dreams

More than a personal win, Mika treats the PBB Big Winner title as a shared achievement. “Kayo po ang tunay na Big Winner (You are the real Big Winner),” she told her supporters. “Araw-araw po akong maghahanap ng paraan para maibalik sa inyo ang pagmamahal na natatanggap namin (Every day I will try to find ways to give back to you all the love we receive).”

She extended her thanks to the dream makers behind PBB Collab Edition — from Sparkle and ABS-CBN to the entire production and management teams: “You made this show what it is. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Her final shoutout was reserved for the people who’ve stood by her since day one: “To my friends and family, walang hanggang pasasalamat (endless gratitude). Mahal ko kayo (I love you all).”

Reintroducing Mika