Christmas shines brightest when it is shared with people who matter.
And for Mika Salamanca and Brent Manalo, affectionately called “MikBrent” by fans, this season is a reminder of how far they have come yet they remain anchored on what really brings them true joy.
At the Jollibee Joyful Christmas Store Lighting on November 13, 2025, PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) and other members of the press had the chance to interview the winning duo.
When asked about their holiday plans, the PBB Celebrity Collab Big Winners spoke about their excitement over the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), where they star together in Vice Ganda's movie Call Me Mother.
Responding with a playful cheer, Brent exclaimed, “MMFF. Wooh!”
Mika followed with enthusiasm, saying, “Call Me Mother po, MMFF! At saka siyempre po, kasama po yung family namin.”
Both young stars are juggling multiple commitments, and yet they carry a sense of calm and thankfulness.
Mika explained that she has nothing but gratitude for all the blessings coming her way.
“Super grateful po e. Nagpapasalamat po talaga kami kapag may nare-receive kaming blessings.
"Ngayon po, tina-try po namin yung best namin para ma-balance ang lahat sa trabaho namin, sa MMFF, stuff like that. Yun po. Super grateful.”
Brent, for his part, shared that his way of handling the pressure is to take things slowly, refusing to let stress overpower the joy in what he does.
“Ako po, siguro parang I'm taking it one at a time,” he said. “Kasi, parang ayoko masyado ma-stress, e. But, of course, I'm always gonna be grateful for all the blessings.”
Even with cinema premieres scheduled on Christmas Day itself, the pair is committed to carving out time for their families.
“Uuwi at uuwi pa rin po kami sa pamilya namin,” Mika assured.
FAMILY FIRST: PRESENCE, DISTANCE, AND TRADITIONS THAT ENDURE
Both Mika and Brent have experienced being away from their families this year as they get busy with shooting a film, commitments for endorsements, and other work engagements.
Talking about how fame has altered his life, Brent replied, “Sobrang laki po ng pinagbabago.
"Parang siguro bilang ko lang sa kamay ko yung times na nakita ko yung family ko ever since I got out of the house. Pero siyempre, suportado pa rin naman nila ako kahit malayo sila sa akin.”
Mika, whose mom works in the U.S., highlighted the importance of being regularly in touch with her mom despite their distance.
“Physically, wala naman po masyado kasi malayo po talaga yung family ko sa akin.
“As much as we can po, yung everyday video call po namin ng family ko, ginagawa pa rin po namin.”
When asked about her Christmas plans, she happily revealed, "Usually, it's either ako po yung uuwi ng abroad or sila po yung uuwi dito sa Philippines. Ngayong taon po, sila po yung uuwi dito sa Pilipinas.
“Kapag Christmas, yung pinaka-gift na nila sa akin is yung sila yung umuwi ng Philippines to spend time with me.”
For his part, Brent recalled the most memorable gift he received last Christmas.
Laughing, he revealed, “Last year, binigyan akong ng mop ng mga siblings ko kasi yung mop ko daw sa condo kailangan na palitan. Natatawa lang ako sa gift niya sa akin.”
It was a light moment that showed how Brent remains grounded, embracing even the simplest gestures from home.
WHAT'S ALWAYS ON THEIR CHRISTMAS TABLE
During the interview, PEP also asked the pair about staples at their families' Noche Buena feast.
Mika immediately answered with warmth and a hint of nostalgia, "Ako, no bias, Jollibee talaga. Imposible kung wala talaga siya sa hapag-kainan namin tuwing Christmas, even sa U.S.
She explained how this simple tradition connects her to her roots.
“Kasi sa U.S., sa state namin, mahirap humanap ng Jollibee. Pero tuwing Christmas, yun yung parang nagiging way namin para makakain talaga ng Jollibee.”
Brent agreed with her choice, but added a family favorite.
“Ako, same with Mika. Jollibee din. Pero besides Jollibee, isa pa sa favorite ko talaga na luto ng mom ko is yung Baked Salmon Head,” he said with a smile.
THE JOY, THE LOVE, AND THE "BUO" FEELING OF CHRISTMAS
Asked to sum up Christmas in one word, Mika and Brent gave answers that reflect where they are in life right now.
Mika chose “joy," while Brent described his as: “Buo. Buo ang Pasko.”
Both admitted they remain overwhelmed by the love they receive from fans.
Noting how the fans kept calling their names at the event, Mika said she is thankful for the support that she gets from them.
"Siyempre po, binabalik ko pa rin po sa mga taong sumusuporta sa amin yung pagmamahal, kasi wala po kami dito kung wala po sila," she added.
Brent agreed, "I always remind myself to be grateful and huwag umakyat sa ulo yung pagmamahal kasi alam kong wala nga kami dito, kung hindi dahil sa kanila.”
Mika added, "At parang lagi namin siyang bago umabot sa utak, ise-stay muna namin siya sa puso.”
And when asked about their Christmas wishes, their answers remained simple and heartfelt.
Brent said, “Ako time lang talaga with family okay na sa akin. More than enough.”
Mika echoed, “Same din po. Yun lang po talaga. Time with family.”
LOOKING TOWARD 2026: BALANCE, PASSION, AND GROWTH
As the year comes to an end, Mika and Brent have already set intentions for 2026.
Brent shared his hope for a healthier work-life rhythm.
“Siguro next year, hopefully ma-balance yung rest at saka yung work. Kasi this year talaga, mas focused sa work.”
Mika hopes to nurture her passion without losing herself to exhaustion.
“Yung ma-sustain po yung love ko sa ginagawa ko, yung passion, hindi mag-burnout,” she said.
At the end of the interview, one thing became clear: despite the fame, the workload, and the growing responsibilities, Mika and Brent hold tightly to the values that matter most—family, gratitude, and the traditions that make Christmas feel like Christmas.