An address from first prize winner of Green Fins Slogan Contest

Phuket, Thailand

Emilygrace Angelie D. Lerio

15 years old; 3rd Year Highschool

RamonMagsaysayHigh School

Manila, Philippines

Sawadee ka! Mabuhay!

I always wanted to become a professional artist - sitting in my chair, 

facing the canvass, holding the paint brush and making my very own 

masterpieces.

I remember Mr. Fernando Belen-Sena, national artist from the 

Philippines. He taught me many things and once told me that being an 

artist means being close to nature, it means recreating the God’s given 

creation through artworks.

I remember them all upon reading the Green fins Slogan Contest and 

took it as sign of my entrance to dive the magical world of the ocean.

I and my sisters deliberately discuss about it and we even Google the 

net for more information. We surprisingly found out that Philippines 

is one of the active members of Green Fins-promoting correct diving while 

protecting coral reefs.

This is actually another wake-up call for me. I will be in my senior year 

in high school this June and soon I’ll become a legitimate adult member 

of the society. I ought to start making good decisions. My country, just 

like Thailand has many beautiful beaches and diverse coral reefs. I bet they 

need tender-loving-care too.

I like to share a Filipino movie entitled Muro Ami. It sadly tackled about 

kids in Bohol, very much younger than me, harvesting coral reefs illegally, 

without any protection and proper knowledge on diving. They hurt themselves 

and the coral reefs; they could destroy the entire ecosystem unknowingly, 

just to earn several pesos.

This contest made me realize my responsibility to promote the conservation 

of coral reefs, the importance of diving --- the discipline and the proper 

information behind it. 

I am greatly thankful to the Southeast Asian Seas Coordinating Unit, 

to Dr. Srisuda Jarayabhand for being patient in calling me prior to this, 

the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, Tourism Authority of Thailand, 

Siam Group, Nikon Corporation of Thailand,  Thai Airways International, UNEP, 

to the management and staff of Bay Hotel, Phuket and of course to the Green 

Fins that brought me in this magnificent country of Thailand. 

Thanks and I hope to meet you again in the future.  

Long Live Green Fins! Mabuhay!

Now, as I go back to the Philippine shore I am oath to paint 

and share my canvass and that is to save the coral reefs today 

and dive the Green Fins way!