Mika Salamanca, Brent Manalo donate P1 million PBB cash prize to orphanage
Fresh from their victory as the Big Winner of Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition, Mika Salamanca and Brent Manalo aren't just enjoying their victory; they are spreading that sunshine around.
On its social media pages, Sparkle GMA Artist Center shared that Salamanca donated her entire P1 million prize money to Duyan ni Maria, a decades-old orphanage in Mabalacat, Pampanga.
The 24-year-old Sang'gre actress also visited a community of elderly residents "to extend her gratitude and compassion."
'That's what I think a big winner should do'
In an interview with GMA, Salamanca shared that she and Manalo want to give back. She sees her win as a "miracle" brought about by the people who voted for them. So the only way for her to genuinely feel she earned that money is to return it to the very people who supported her.
"To be honest po, wala naman po talaga sa list ko gawin sa Bahay ni Kuya ang pagiging Big Winner. Pero in my head, if a miracle happens and manalo dahil sa taong bayan, I want to give the winnings kasi for me to feel like I actually deserve it, I want to give it back to the people who put me here in the first place," she said.
"That's what I think a big winner should do," she added.
Salamanca further emphasized that she and Manalo both share a connection to Pampanga as Kapampangans, and the orphanage is located there, which is why they chose Duyan ni Maria.
She also mentioned that both she and Brent are Kapampangans, with strong roots in Pampanga. So, it was a no-brainer to choose Duyan ni Maria orphanage.
Salamanca also explained that their decision was also fueled by a mutual belief in the importance of education. She explained that the orphanage's commitment is to provide the children with a level of schooling that will help them succeed in the future.
"What me and Brent really value is 'yung education and we see na si Duyan ni Maria, they make sure the children under their care receive a level of education na makakatulong sa kanila in the future," the Kapuso actress continued.
This year's PBB edition ended with Salamanca and Manalo, collectively known as "BreKa," being named as the winning duo of the show's historic season.
During the grand finale on July 5 at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City, the pair won the coveted title after garnering 33% of the total combined votes.
Ralph de Leon and Will Ashley followed as first runner-up, Charlie Fleming and Esnyr in third place, and AZ Martinez and River Joseph in fourth.
