In a conservative country like the Philippines, most people tend to stay quiet about plastic surgery. Gradually, however, more and more people have been opening up about their cosmetic enhancements in an effort to empower others.
One such case is Gen Z lifestyle vlogger Mika Salamanca. In Will Dasovich’s most recent podcast episode, the 21-year-old influencer got candid about what pushed her to get a nose job last January.
“Gusto kong magpa-rhino ‘cause sinabihan ako na, ‘Your face is good pero may kulang, like your nose,’” Mika shared. “Friend ko siya so feeling ko kaya sinabi niya sa’kin ‘yun kasi ‘di ako ma-o-offend kasi friends kami.”
Although Mika didn’t harbor any hard feelings toward her friend, she took the comment as an opportunity to improve her appearance. Inspired by the tiny noses of anime characters, she decided to get her alars and nose tip modified for a slightly narrower shape.
Mika also admitted that her mother initially didn’t support the surgery. “Nanggaling ako sa Christian family, so sila nagsasabi sa’kin na, ‘Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.’ So parang sobrang hirap i-break noon,” Mika said, recounting that she had to ask for her mom’s permission several times before she eventually agreed.
Meanwhile, Mika’s friends respected her decision but constantly reminded her that she didn’t need the procedure. “I need it for my mental health, for my ‘what-if’ situation in the future. Pero kung titingnan mo talaga siya, ang lagi kong sinasagot sa kanila, ‘Okay, I don’t need it, but I want it,’” Mika countered.
“Kung ‘yun ‘yung something na makakapag-stop ng ‘what-ifs’ ko and insecurities ko sa salamin, sa sarili ko, bakit hindi ko gagawin kung kaya naman?” she concluded.
Notably, other Gen Z vloggers such as Aika Agustin and Gwy Saludes have also previously spoken up about their rhinoplasty experiences.
You can watch Mika’s interview here:
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From The Candy Bulletin Community
