A nationwide writing contest that drew thousands of entries from across the Emirates has placed two students from The Philippine School – Abu Dhabi among its top honorees.
Organized by the Emirates Literature Foundation under the Department of Culture and Tourism, the competition recognized only nine students from public and private schools throughout the UAE. Two of those spots were secured by TPS–Abu Dhabi learners competing in the 14–18 age category.
Emirha Alyssandra Mendelebar of Grade 11C was declared champion in her age group, while Precious Joy Guangca of Grade 12A earned third place.
For mentor Cedrick Atizon Lumibao, the announcement carried weight beyond individual awards.
“I was overwhelmed with pride and gratitude. Knowing that out of thousands of participants across the UAE, only nine students were selected—and two of them came from The Philippine School – Abu Dhabi—was truly incredible. It was a moment of validation not only for the students’ hard work but also for the school’s commitment to excellence in literacy and creative expression.”
In a TGFM interview, Lumibao described Mendelebar’s work as marked by maturity and clarity. According to him, her ideas were layered and emotionally grounded, delivered with confidence and coherence that resonated naturally with readers.
Guangca, he said, brought a different strength to the page. Her letters reflected imagination and sincerity, supported by carefully chosen language that made her message accessible and heartfelt. Both students, he added, showed strong command of English and a natural instinct for storytelling.
Preparing for a national-level contest required more than basic writing drills. Lumibao explained that their sessions centered on both mechanics and meaning. Structure, audience awareness, and clarity were sharpened through repeated drafting and close review. Vocabulary choices, tone, and emotional impact were refined through revisions.
“The preparation focused on refining both technical skills and creative expression. We worked on understanding the purpose and audience of letter writing, strengthening structure, and improving clarity and impact. Drafts were reviewed thoroughly, with emphasis on revision—enhancing vocabulary, tone, and emotional appeal. Most importantly, they were encouraged to write from the heart while maintaining discipline in organization and grammar.”
He emphasized that sincerity guided the entire mentoring process.
“The main focus was authenticity and voice. In a competition like this, technical correctness matters, but what truly stands out is sincerity. I guided them to ensure that their letters were not only well-written but also meaningful and personal. We aimed for balance—strong structure, clear message, and emotional depth.”
Asked what separates a strong entry from the rest, Lumibao pointed to clarity of message and emotional engagement as decisive elements.
“A standout letter is genuine, purposeful, and emotionally engaging. It has a clear central message, a logical flow of ideas, and a powerful conclusion that leaves a lasting impression. Strong imagery, thoughtful reflections, and a unique perspective also help a letter rise above the rest. Above all, authenticity makes the biggest difference.”
Within the TPS–Abu Dhabi community, the recognition is seen as a milestone. Lumibao noted that the result affirms the school’s emphasis on literacy and creative development while encouraging other students to pursue opportunities beyond the classroom.
He also offered guidance to aspiring participants in future editions of the competition.
“Read widely, write consistently, and never underestimate the power of revision. Take time to understand the theme and write with clarity of purpose. Be honest in your expression—don’t try to sound impressive; aim to be meaningful. Lastly, believe in your voice. Every powerful piece of writing begins with the courage to share your thoughts authentically.”
