UNICEF Philippines National Ambassador Anne Curtis keeps the tradition of handwritten notes alive as she writes heartfelt messages on UNICEF Christmas cards for her loved ones. © Photo: UNICEF Philippines
What do handwritten notes mean to you? UNICEF Philippines National Ambassador Anne Curtis brings a unique kind of happiness. Handwritten letters reflect the thoughtfulness of someone who sat down and crafted a heartfelt message just for you.
“[Handwritten notes] have become a lost art. People don’t send cards anymore. People don’t write notes. Everyone is just a text away. We should pick up the habit of writing to one another again—snail mail—especially among loved ones and friends because it makes them feel extra special. And you can keep those letters, revisit them, and they can bring back a flood of memories,” says Anne.
Anne hasn’t outgrown the tradition of writing letters. For her, nothing compares to the personal touch of a handwritten note. It’s a practice that continues in her family.
Even now, in 2024, when sending a quick text or a message on social media is the norm, Anne and her husband still send postcards to each other when they travel. She also leaves notes for her husband, Erwan, and daughter, Dahlia, around the house when she’s away for work.
National Ambassador Anne Curtis calls on the public to support UNICEF programs by donating through the UNICEF greeting cards via donate.unicef.ph.
UNICEF Christmas cards
This passion for handwritten letters is why Anne encourages everyone to keep the tradition alive through UNICEF Philippines’ Christmas greeting cards. The limited-edition card set features the works of renowned Filipino folk artist Manny Baldemor, highlighting Philippine culture and Christmas traditions such as simbang gabi, caroling, festive feasts, and family gatherings.
For her, taking the time to write and send a card shows effort and thoughtfulness, making the gesture all the more sincere. Plus, by donating through the cards, people can help ensure that disadvantaged children in the Philippines get access to education, health and nutrition, protection, and emergency aid.
“People tend to forget that many of our fellow Filipinos, especially children, need an extra hand. It’s such a simple thing, but through this, you can already make a difference in a child’s life.”
Her advocacy
As a UNICEF National Ambassador, Anne’s advocacy focuses on early childhood education, which is crucial in laying a solid foundation for learning in later years but is, unfortunately, vastly overlooked. Only 19% of 3 to 4-year-olds in the Philippines attend preschool (APIS,2022).
Anne also pointed out the importance of learning through play and song. Playing in daycare or home is crucial to children’s physical, emotional, cognitive and creative development.
Another advocacy close to her heart is children’s health, particularly in raising awareness of the importance of checkups and routine immunization. Vaccines protect children from life-threatening diseases like measles, polio, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, and human papillomavirus.
“Even before I became a UNICEF Ambassador, I’ve been very vocal about wanting to help children. So, I am happy to have used my platform to reach more people and encourage them to support children’s causes.”
Anne calls on the public this holiday season to support UNICEF programs by donating through UNICEF Christmas cards. Just visit donate.unicef.ph or check out UNICEF’s official Facebook page: facebook.com/unicefphilippines. The cards are also available in Lazada and Shopee.