Wazup Pilipinas!?
In an era dominated by instant messaging and digital chatter, a single handwritten letter has made waves strong enough to cross oceans—literally and figuratively. The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) proudly announced the national winners of the 54th Universal Postal Union (UPU) International Letter Writing Competition for Young People, a global initiative that elevates the timeless art of letter writing. This year’s theme, “Imagine you are the ocean. Write a letter to someone explaining why and how they should take good care of you,” invited the youth to channel the voice of our planet’s most vital resource—and one student did just that, with remarkable clarity and emotion.
At the heart of this national celebration is Mikaela Ashika Vargas, a student from Catanduanes National High School, whose poetic and impassioned letter rose above submissions from across the country. With a voice as vast and stirring as the seas she embodied, Vargas gave the ocean a soul—and with it, a cry for help that was impossible to ignore.
“I'm the ocean near the Philippines, but really, I’m just a small part of something much bigger. I’m connected to all the other oceans and seas around the world. Water moves, creatures travel, and the winds above me carry my warmth and storms across the planet. What happens to me does not stay with me — it reaches you too!”
Her poignant words not only won her the national first prize of ₱25,000, a medal, and a certificate—but also the honor of representing the Philippines in the international competition to be held in Berne, Switzerland, where the world will listen to the voice of the ocean through the pen of a Filipino youth.
Following closely in this wave of brilliance are the second-place winner Aime Renny B. Suon from Agusan National High School in Butuan City, who receives ₱20,000, and the third-place winner Jayden Lyle Darcy V. Tonosgan from Antique Vocational School in Bugasong, Antique, who takes home ₱15,000. Both students will also receive medals and certificates, a testament to the depth and creativity of their writing.
Beyond the prizes, however, lies a deeper purpose. The competition, sponsored by the UPU—a specialized agency of the United Nations in which PHLPost is an active member—is not just about winning. It aims to develop young people’s composition and communication skills, rekindle the fading joy of letter writing, and above all, foster international friendship through personal expression.
This year’s theme echoes the urgency of today’s environmental crises and aligns closely with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The ocean, often taken for granted, was given a human voice—one that longs to be heard, respected, and protected.
The esteemed panel of judges—Ms. Melanie Viloria-Briones, Vice President for Academic Affairs at the City College of San Fernando Pampanga and founder of the School Press Advisers Movement Inc.; Dr. Rachelle Bellesteros-Lintao, President of the Linguistic Society of the Philippines and UST professor; and Mr. Archie Bergosa, Editor-in-Chief of Explained PH from UP Los Baños—had the herculean task of selecting from letters that were not only eloquent but emotionally resonant and rich with insight.
In celebrating young voices like Mikaela’s, this competition proves that the pen remains mighty. More than a contest, it is a clarion call—written in ink, carried by post, and destined to stir minds and hearts across continents.
As her letter sails into international waters, Mikaela Ashika Vargas is not just representing the Philippines. She is speaking for the ocean—for its depth, its power, and its plea. And the world, we hope, is listening.
Let this be a reminder: the ocean has written. Now it’s our turn to respond.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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