The Final Presentation for the 2015 Letter to My Parents Contest^TM in Hawai‘i was held on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Executive Dining Room, Campus Center in UH Mānoa where eleven finalists recited their letters dedicated to their parents/guardians.

Unlike the previous two years, the Organizing Committee decided to recognize three letters by the following categories: Bravery, Reflection, and Proposal. For this year’s contest, these awards were presented to Sheena Juliano for Bravery, Abigail Badua for Reflection and Shirell Bell for Proposal. Each of them received a prize of $500 sponsored by Kalamansi Books and Things, Filipino Association of University Women and Reiyukai America.

“The eleven young people represented different ethnic groups within Oceania, educational levels (high school and college), communities across the state, and family situation/circumstance,” mentioned Rouel Velasco, one of the co-organizers representing Sariling Gawa –Youth Council.

Other finalists included: Florence Andres, Chimako Anitok, Rosario Joaquin, Headrick Letuli, Angela Lin, Brandon Lorezco, Janica Pascua, and Stephanie Yasay.  Each finalist received gift certificates from Read 2 Succeed Foundation, Zippy’s, and Reiyukai America. In addition, each finalist also received a certificate for a “1 Year BenchPrep TestPrep Course Subscription” courtesy of BenchPrep.

“Everyone tonight witnessed that one letter can bring the change in each family. Each of the letters are a result of deep reflection with an intention to show gratitude but also to show an intention to improve the family relationship. And that intention is what brings a positive change to our community!!” Says Noriko Sotta, Member of the Reiyukai America National Committee.

The 2015 Letter to My Parents Contest^TM in Hawai‘i was organized by Kalamansi Books and Things, Sariling Gawa – Youth Council, Read 2 Succeed Foundation, and Reiyukai America.

The sponsors were Budget Color Litho., Filipino Association of University Women, BenchPrep, La Raza Unida, and Zippy’s

The judges were Maiana Minahal (Kapi‘olani Community College), Mia Porecca (Read 2gether Foundation), and Dusty Santos (KNDI 1270AM).

“We are committed to continue this noble project. We invite all the youth in state of Hawai‘i to participate! Second timers are welcome! This can be the very first step for the ‘Change,’” said Rose Churma, Kalamansi Books and Things, co-organizer of the contest.