EU launches essay writing competition

MANILA, Philippines — Do you have a tale you have been longing to tell? A message to convey? Ideas to express? Now is your chance to be heard.

The Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines (EU) is giving you the chance to share with the world your thoughts, stories, and experiences.

The EU is hosting "What's EUr Story?," an essay competition that aims to shine the spotlight on European experiences and influences of young Filipinos. All you need to do is to share your personal, friend’s or family’s adventures in Europe or tell about your experiences with European nationals in the Philippines. You may also write about how you may have worked with any of the European Union’s NGO (non-government organizations) or Civil Society Organization partners or just simply how one or a group of Europeans made an impact on you.

Write about how European culture has inspired you in your work, or personal life or even your local community. Share your story and get the chance to win prizes and the opportunity to have your work published here and abroad.

European Union Ambassador Franz Jessen expressed his excitement over the possibilities that the contest opens up. As he said, "The Philippines is such a unique melting pot of cultures and Filipinos are truly global citizens, with communities all over the world. Philippine history is rich and Filipinos are also very quick to embrace new trends and technologies. The different experiences of the Filipinos have led to interesting narratives which we can’t wait to hear. These factors make it very exciting for us to be able to gain insights into the imprint that modern European culture has also left on young Filipinos.”

The competition is open to all Filipino citizens aged 16 to 35 years old. The contest will be divided into three categories: High School Students, College Students and an Open Category.

Entries will be accepted online from April 1 to May 12. The submitted essays will be assessed by a panel of judges that includes National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose and Ambassador Jessen.

An iPad tablet will be awarded to the grand winner, which will be selected among the three category winners. The other two category winners will receive a smartphone as prize. Ten best works will also be selected from the finalists in each category, and will be included in a compendium of the best essays submitted in the competition. The compendium will be registered under the publications of the European Union.

Apart from being included in an anthology of literary works that will be published by the EU, the grand winner, along with the other winners from each category of the competition, will have his or her winning essay featured on Philstar.com, the competition’s official online media partner.

All winners will be honored at an awarding ceremony to be announced by the EU.

If you have a story to tell that you want to share, visit the "What’s EUr Story" Facebook page at facebook.com/WhatsEUrStory to see the complete competition requirements and mechanics.