The typhoons that struck the Philippines in the past year did not diminish the Christmas cheer from a group encouraging people to write letters of wishes and hopes to Santa Claus.
The Facebook group Santa Claus_PH received around a thousand letters and postcards this year in 2025, according to “John,” one of the group’s “elves.” He told The STAR that fewer letters arrived compared to last year, possibly due to the typhoons. In 2024, they held Santa Claus_PH exhibits in Manila, Cebu, and Davao, which they could not carry out this year amid the challenges.
Despite this, John said, “Our benefactors and friends are consistent and they always welcome us with open arms... They are all cheering for the betterment of the Santa Claus_PH project.” Letters to Santa Claus_PH were sent to Santa Box 12-25, Tiwi Post Office 4513, Albay, Philippines. They came from various parts of the Philippines and even overseas, including Japan, complete with local stamps.
One sender was “Bert,” a Manila resident working in the banking industry. “I tell Santa about the year that passed, giving my regards to Mrs. Claus, Rudolf and the elves as well as wishing them a wonderful Christmas! My most requested wish if Santa could reply back to me,” he shared.
The enthusiasm shown by thousands in joining the Christmas mail campaign over the past five years has kept Santa Claus_PH going, John said. This highlights the resilience of the tradition amid disasters.