Still Stampin' (Darthphilatelist in Hyper Mode...)

Happy Hearts Day..

2012-02-14T08:02:00.002+08:00

Wishing one and all who take time to read my blogs a very Happy Valentines Day..

The photo I included here are the stamp issues featuring Valentines Day released by the Philippine Postal Corporation on January 25, 2010 and January 14, 2011

Farewell Whitney Houston

2012-02-12T08:12:00.001+08:00

".. And then a hero comes along with the strength to carry on, and you cast your fears aside and you know you can survive. So when you feel like hope is gone, look inside you and be strong. And you'll finally see the truth. That a hero lies in you.."

The lines above are part of the lyrics from Whitney Houston's song titled "Hero" which is one my favorites. Through this song, I was inspired to come up with an exhibit for Cebu Stamp Club at the Elizabeth Mall sometime in August 2007 featuring Philippine Heroes.

To a great lady who has touched millions of people worldwide through her songs, I offer you my heartfelt prayers and admiration. May you rest in peace Whitney Houston.

Above photo features Whitney in a Good Morning America performance in 2009 at Central Park.

Puerto Princesa Underground River Is Among The New7Wonders of Nature

2012-01-30T07:16:00.009+08:00

Filipinos have something to be proud again after the official announcement that the Philippine's Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) is among the World's New7Wonders of Nature. Earlier, the PPUR was also included as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco).

Bernard Weber, the president of the New7Wonders based in Zurich (Switzerland) made the announcement in a press conference last Saturday.

The PPUR and South Korea's Jeju Island have been validated and proclaimed while the Amazon (South America), Halong Bay (Vietnam), Iguazu Falls (Argentina), Komodo (Indonesia), and Table Mountain (South Africa) are still being tabulated and verified.

The quest for the New7Wonders of Nature began in 2007 with 220 countries sending in around 440 entries. Initially, the votes were for the top 77 and was narrowed down to the shortlist of the top 28 then to the provisional 7.

One person who played an important role for the success of this extraordinary endeavor is President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III. His issuance of Presidential Proclamation No. 182 in 2011 that calls for a promotional campaign for the PPUR was a tremendous success. Filipinos heeded his call! One tv news I watched mentioned that there were more than 20 million Filipinos who voted for the inclusion of the PPUR.

The Puerto Princesa Underground River is the longest navigable underground river in the World and is located some 50km north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. It consists of a limestone karst mountain landscape, several large chambers containing significant formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and an 8.2 km. navigable underground river that winds through a cave before flowing directly into the West Philippine Sea. At the exit, a flawless lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water’s edge.

The photo above is borrowed from the New7Wonders of Nature website. Click here to see the site.

It's Cory's Birthday Today!

2012-01-25T16:12:00.005+08:00

If former president Corazon "Cory" Aquino is alive today, she would have been celebrating her 79th birthday and it would have been a wonderful scene to see two presidents in the family celebrating a special occasion.

I wouldn't have remembered Cory's birthday today if I had missed for a minute the short video clip honoring her that was aired this morning in Kris TV, an ABS CBN morning show hosted by her daughter Kris Aquino.

The late president was born on January 25, 1933 and passed away on August 1, 2009. She became the first woman leader of the country after the EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986 ousted President Ferdinand Marcos.

She is the wife of former Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. and the mother of the country's incumbent president, Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III.

In 2009, I came up for Cebu Stamp Club the unique exhibit, A Tribute To Cory Aquino that honored this great lady using stamps and photos of her. I have long considered her as God's greatest gift to the Filipino nation.

The photo above features the September 18, 2009 se -tenant pair stamps, the cachet of the January 25, 2010 Cory Aquino 77th Birth Anniversary limited edition commemorative cover and the August 1, 2011 EDSA People Power Revolution souvenir sheet.

Happy Birthday Cory Aquino! My prayers are with you..

Creating Personalized Philippine Stamp Album Pages

2012-01-21T20:56:00.003+08:00

Specializing in Philippine stamps is no joke. Aside from acquiring the complete stamps every year, there is really a need to mount them on albums nicely and beautifully. I have come across one or two Philippine stamp albums before but I was not satisfied with the presentations on the pages. It was then that I decided to come up with my own personalized stamp album pages for every year and in every era (e.g. spanish, american, commonwealth and republic period).

Conceptualizing and making the designs of the pages myself was no joke. It consumed a lot of my spare time not to mention the stamps that I placed on them cost a lot. All of the Philippine stamps I collect are mint except the Spanish and the American periods where most are used ones.

For the pages, I decided that the headings carry the year and photos of the inauguration and oath-taking of an incumbent Philippine president during that particular year. So for my 2010 and 2011 stamp albums and until the term of President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino ends, he will be the main design of my pages.

The next task was to individually measure the different stamp issues of a particular year on the pages and then added the write-ups such as the name of the stamp, date of issue, name of printer etc.

With everything done, my stamp pages are now ready for printing. There are more than forty issues of Philippine Republic stamps for every year so the pages I make usually would reach more than forty pages too.

After printing the pages, I painstakingly mounted the stamps in their respective places then put them on a clear book. The end result? I got very positive feedback for my albums. Thanks guys for the compliments! You know who you are...

The photos above are the first two pages of my 2011, 2010 and Japanese occupation stamps.

2011 Philippine Stamp Issues (4th Quarter)

2012-01-16T07:34:00.001+08:00

The last quarter saw four releases of the Philippine Marine Biodiversity series. The October 17, 2011 issue featured the 1p Picasso Trigger, 2p Marmorated Cone, 5p Copper-band Butterflyfish, 10p Triton Trumpet, 20p Bennett's Feather Star, and the 30p Eibl's Angelfish.

October 25, 2011 saw the issuance of the second set of definitives. These were the 4p Blue-faced Angelfish, 7p Murex Shell and the 100p Regal Tang.

The third was on November 4, 2011 that featured the 9p Polyclad Flatworm, 25p Oriental Sweetlips, and the 35p Kunie's Chromodoria.

The last set came out on November 11, 2011 and featured the 13p Valentine Puffer, 17p Polka-dot Grouper, and the 40p Royal Empress Angelfish.

To celebrate the United Nations Day, Philpost came out on October 24, 2011 stamps that highlighted the International Year of the Forests. The stamps were valued at 7p each and in a se-tenant pair.

The design featured Batlag Falls and a big tree in Pansol, Laguna.

On November 10, 2011 the second issue showcasing Dia Del Galleon was released. The stamps came out on a se-tenant strip of 3 valued at 7p each. A 28p souvenir sheet and an 84p miniature sheet of 12 added to the set. The stamps featured a galleon ship with a map of the Philippines, a galleon ship with a map of Mexico and a galleon ship with a map of Spain.

The following day, to celebrate the 2011 National Stamp Collecting Month, a se-tenant block of 4 stamps valued at 7p each came out together with a 28p souvenir sheet. The stamps highlighted the works of Filipino Artist Hernando R. Ocampo. The stamps showed the following paintings: Homage to Jose Rizal (1976), Break of Day (1948), Summer in September (1975), Mother and Child (1954), Fiesta (1957), Abstraction #15, 17 (1976), Kasaysayan ng Lahi (1974), and Abstraction #22, 26 (1976).

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) celebrated its 75th year in 2011. To commemorate the event, Philpost issued a se-tenant block of 4 stamps with a value of 7p each on November 14, 2011. The designs featured the official seal of the NBI, Justice Yulo and President Manuel L. Quezon (Forefathers of NBI), President Manuel Roxas With First NBI Director, J. Pardo de Tavera, a magnifying glass and a laptop.

The traditional Pasko (Christmas) stamps were issued on November 25, 2011. The se-tenant block of 4 stamps were valued at 7p each. The stamps depicted Christmas bells, Christmas flowers, toys and gifts and a Christmas lantern (Parol).

On December 5, 2011 Philpost released the 2012 Year of the Dragon stamp set. The set included two stamps valued at 7p and 30p, an 84p souvenir sheet, a 70p miniature sheet of 10, a 300p miniature sheet of 10 and a 74p souvenir sheet.

A 7p stamp commemorating the 110th anniversary of the Office of the Solicitor General was issued on December 15, 2011. The design showed the official seal of the Office of the Solicitor General.

Also on the same day, the Philippine Endemic Frogs set was also issued. A se-tenant block of 4 stamps, a 28p souvenir sheet and a 112p miniature sheet of 18 completed the collection. The stamps featured the Philippine Spiny Cinnamon Frog, Philippine Pygmy Forest Frog, Philippine Flat-headed Frog, Luzon Limestone Forest Frog, Gliding Tree Frog, Northern Luzon Tree-hole Frog, Taylor's Igorot Frog, and Mary Inger's Wart Frog.

2011 Philippine Stamp Issues (3rd Quarter)

2012-01-15T09:36:00.001+08:00

The third quarter issues supposedly cover the stamps issued from July to September but the Philippine Postal Corporation (Philpost) did not release any stamps for the month of September. Featured here are the complete listings of the stamps.

The Yuchengco Group of Companies (YGC) celebrated their centennial with a stamp released on July 20, 2011 with the design featuring the old and new YGC complex and their centennial logo.

After the release of the EDSA @ 25 pre-stamped envelopes some months earlier, Philpost finally came up with stamps to highlight the said event. The EDSA People Power Revolution 25th Anniversary stamps were issued on August 1, 2011. The 7p se-tenant block of 4 stamps highlight former president Corazon Aquino and Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin. A 56p souvenir sheet completes the set.

On August 15, 2011, a se-tenant block of 4 stamps were issued to highlight the 60th anniversary of Holy Cross of Davao College Inc. The designs featured the Bajada Campus Facade, Grade School and High School Buildings, Palma Gil and Mabutas Halls, and lastly, the Babak and Camudmud Campuses.

Two days later, a new set of definitives featuring the Philippine Marine Biodiversity series was released by Philpost. The August 17, 2011 stamps showcased the 1p Dendronepthya Soft Coral, 5p Sea Apple, 7p Spotted Boxfish, and the 9p Broadclub Cuttlefish.

The 300th Death Anniversary of Mother Francisca del Espiritu Santo de Fuentes was celebrated on a 7p stamp that came out on August 24, 2011. The nun and her various works were highlighted on the stamps.

The last stamp for the quarter showcased the Philippine Endemic Lizards. The 7p se-tenant block of 4 stamps feature the Luzon Giant Forest Skink, Luzon Karst Gecko, Southern Philippine Bent-toed Gecko and Luzon White-Spotted Forest Skink. The 28p souvenir sheet featured the Philippine Forest Dragon, Philippine Spring Stream Skink, Philippine Sailfin Lizard and Cordilleras Slender Skink. A miniature sheet of 16 valued at 112p is also available,

2011 Philippine Stamp Issues (2nd Quarter)

2012-01-14T10:08:00.014+08:00

We stamp collectors were very glad when Philpost resumed coming out with stamps. We were afraid then that the number of issues will dwindle and pre-stamped envelopes (PSE) will come out more often.

The period starting April to June saw a lot of releases once again. The fist release for the quarter was the University of the Philippines College of Law se-tenant pair valued at 7p each. The April 11, 2011 stamp highlighted the centennial celebration with the design showcasing the Malcolm Hall and the UP College of Law logo and the UP College of Law centennial logo.

On April 25, 2011 two stamps were released by Philpost. The first issue celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), a 7p stamp was issued with the design featuring the DBM Complex, DBM Logo and DBM Anniversary Logo. The next one highlighted the 25th anniversary of the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Mutually Reinforcing Institutions(CARD MRI). The 7p stamp has for its design the exchange of money and the CARD MRI anniversary logo.

Wenceslao Vinzons, a politician and leader of the armed resistance against the Japanese occupying forces during World War II was featured on a 7p stamp released on May 3, 2011.

Another set of definitives on Philippine Marine Biodiversity was issued on May 5, 2011. These are the 2p Yellowstripe Snapper, 20p Two banded Anemone Fish, 30p Lipstick Tang, and the 40p Yellow-backed Damselfish.

New pre-stamped envelopes highlighting Pacific Paint (Boysen) Philippines, Inc. came out on the same day. The set of 2 pse's were priced at 17p and 20p.

On May 10, 2011, the second printing of the Grace Christian College, 60th Anniversary issue was released. The set included a 7p se-tenant block of 4 and 28p souvenir sheet.

A new set of Philippine Marine Biodiversity definitives was issued on May 12, 2011. The stamps feature the 4p Banded Vexillum, 10p Mushroom Coral, 17p Cowfish and 100p Pink Tube Sponge.

Philpost released the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Featuring Philippine Crocodiles on May 16, 2011. The set included a 7p se-tenant block of 4, miniature sheets of 8 in four designs and miniature sheets of 16.

For the sports on stamps enthusiasts, the Arnis, New National Sport stamp set was issued on May 25, 2011. 7p se-tenant pair feature arnis players in colorful uniform and in white uniform. A 28p souvenir sheet featured the similar designs.

One of my favorite issues is the May 30, 2011 Beatification of Pope John Paul II set. The 7p se-tenant block of four shows the Pope at the grandstand in Rizal Park, the Pope at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Main Building, the Pope at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), and the Pope with the Popemobile along Roxas Boulevard. All the designs were Pope John Paul II's 1995 Visit to the Philippines. A 40p souvenir sheet and a 112p miniature sheet of 16 completes the collection.

The Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) – June as National ICT Month issue came out on June 13, 2011. The 7p se-tenant block of four designs feature all the industries that are involved in the information and communications technology such as the Community e-Center, Nationwide Automated Election, Creative Content Industry and the Business Process Outsourcing.

Security Bank celebrated its 60th anniversary through the June 18, 2011 10p se-tenant pair. The designs showcase the corporate headquarters of Security Bank located at Plaza Goiti, Manila in 1951 and its present location at Ayala Avenue, Makati City and the evolution of the corporate logo through the years.

The whole nation celebrated the 150th birth anniversary of the national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal on June 19, 2011. The Jose Rizal @ 150 stamps were released on the same day to commemorate the event. The 7p se-tenant pairs feature Rizal while the 150p souvenir sheet shows the different Rizal monuments here and abroad.

The last issue for the quarter was the Goethe Institut Philippinen, 50th anniversary stamps. Also released on June 19, 2011, the 7p se-tenant block of four stamps feature Jose Rizal's statue in Wilhelmsfeld, Germany; the fountain donated by the German government now found at the Luneta Park; the house where Rizal lived when he was in Germany and the street was named after him “Jose Rizal StraBe; and the colors of the German and Philippine flags, celebrating the deep and continuing friendship between the two countries whose cultural ties have remained strong for more a century.

2011 Philippine Stamp Issues (1st Quarter)

2012-01-13T11:39:00.003+08:00

2011 was an exciting year for Philippine philately. Wonderful issues were released that commemorated great people such as Jose Rizal and Pope John Paul II and events such as the EDSA People Power Revolution. The beautiful marine life through the Philippine Marine Biodiversity series showcased the marine life found in Philippine waters.

This compilation I did is aimed to enjoin people to take a look at our beautiful stamps and get hooked with the hobby once again.

To open the year, the Philippine Postal Corporation (Philpost) released the January 14, 2011 Valentine's Day 7p se-tenant pair stamps. The stamps highlighted the Philpost mascot Pheepoy delivering chocolates and flowers for the special occasion.

On January 20, 2011 the first stamp for the year featuring the Philippine Marine Biodiversity series was released featuring the 3p Striped Surgeonfish.

The following day, a 7p stamp came out featuring the Kiwanis Club of Manila. The stamp design shows a photo of a child and the logo of the Kiwanis Club of Manila.

The 4th centennial celebration of the University of Sto. Tomas was commemorated on the January 25, 2011 issue. The set consists of a 7p se-tenant block of 4 and a 37p souvenir sheet. The designs show the Main Building, Central Seminary, Arch of Centules, "The Foundation of the University of Santo Tomas" Painting, Benavides Monument by Tony Noel (1889) and the Quattro Mondial Monument by Ramon Orlina.

The St. Stephen's High School Class of 1966 was featured on two pre-stamped envelopes valued at 15p each. The designs featured the school's insignia but varied in their background colors. One has a white background while the other one has a violet background.

The People Power Revolution's 25th Anniversary was highlighted through the release of two pre-stamped envelopes valued at 15p each. The design featured Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino and his wife Corazon "Cory" Cojuangco Aquino.

On March 8, 2011. the Philippine Hoyas was featured on a 7p se-tenant block of 4 and a 28p souvenir sheet. The stamps showcased the Mindoro Hoya, Grandmother's Wax Plant, Summer Hoya, Benito Tan's Hoya, Siar's Hoya, Shooting Star Hoya, Imperial Hoya and Buot's Hoya.

Pope Benedict XVI's Apostolic Travels on Stamps

2012-01-02T10:40:00.008+08:00

Just recently my postman came to the house to hand in some materials from the Vatican Postal Service. The mail included the Apostolic Journeys of His Holiness Benedict XVI - 2010.

The beautiful stamps released on November 18, 2011 featured the different pastoral journeys of the Holy Father outside of Italy in 2010.

The first stamp shows the Pope in his April travel to Malta for the 195th anniversary of the shipwreck of Paul of Tarsus.

The following month, he went to Portugal for the 10th anniversary of the beatification of two of the three visionaries of Our Lady of Fatima. His itinerary included visits to the cities of Lisbon, Fatima, and Porto. On May 13, he celebrated the Mass to highlight the anniversary of the first apparition at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima where 500 thousand people came to attend.

The third stamp showcases His visit to Cyprus, the first Pope to come to this island where he met with the Archbishop of the Orthodox Church to renew and strengthen Catholic-Orthodox relations.

His fourth journey that took place in September features the stamp highlighting his trip to the United Kingdom where he met with the Archbishop of Canterbury. During his England travel, he beatified Cardinal John Henry Newman, an Anglican priest who became a Catholic.

The last stamp depicts the Pope's last journey for the year where he went to Spain and took a pilgrimage to the Shrine at Santiago de Compostela then to Barcelona where he consecrated the Sagrada Familia church thereby elevating it to a minor basilica.

The five stamps done by Giorgio Borghesani are valued at 0.60, 0.75, 1.40, 1.60 and 2.00. All the stamps are in Euro.

Lyceum of the Philippines University Celebrates 60 Years

2012-01-02T09:31:00.006+08:00

The Philippine Postal Corporation (Philpost) comes out with its first stamp for 2012 that commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Lyceum of the Philippines University.

Founded by Jose P. Laurel on July 7, 1952, the university's educational vision was based on the principles set by its founder. The school derived its name from lykeion, the grove in ancient Athens where Aristotle taught his students.

Foreign service is the flagship course of the school and is considered to be the best in the country. A lot of graduates from Lyceum became leaders and officials in the public service and in the foreign affairs department.

The Lyceum of the Philippines University commemorative stamp is released today, January 2, 2012 with a value of Php 7.00.

Prominent on the stamp is the magnificent tower of the LPU that has survived the test of time. The number 60 on golden yellow represents the anniversary celebration with the Philippine map in the background. Also shown is the inscription on white, "A Jose P. Laurel Legacy" which immortalizes the man who has inspired the university to achieve academic excellence through the years.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T10:50:00.009+08:00

Good bye 2011 and hello 2012! I open my first blog for the year with a prayer to the Almighty for all the wonderful blessings that have come my way and to my family.

Thanks also to everyone who take time to read my articles and send in positive comments. You guys rock!

One more reason that makes every new year significant to me is that this is the day my dad and my brother Bob were born.

This 2012, Chinese astrology calls this the Year of the Dragon. The dragon year is always considered special and significant by the Chinese owing to the fact that this is the only animal in the zodiac year that is fictitious. The Chinese dragon is a combination of a tiger, snake, eagle and a fish. It is a symbol of power, rule and superiority.

Featured in today's blog is a souvenir sheet of the 2012 Year of the Dragon, Chinese New Year stamp issue released by the Philippine Postal Corporation on December 5, 2011 to usher in the new year. Also included in the issue are stamps valued at Php 7.00 and Php 30.00.

Philippine Azkals Clobbers Sri Lanka

2011-07-03T19:01:00.007+08:00

One of the favorite topics I collect on stamps is football. Even before the Philippines got into the fever with the rise of the Philippine Azkals lately, I loved football together with basketball.

I was glued watching today's game on tv as the Philippine Azkals dominated the game against Sri Lanka who was no match to the passing, solid defense and goal keeping employed by the team.

The Azkals advances to the next round of the World Cup Qualifiers after defeating Sri Lanka 4-0 in a game at the Rizal Memorial Stadium that accommodated 13,000 fans. Their next stop is to defeat Kuwait this month.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Philippine Postal Corporation (Philpost) comes up with a stamp featuring the Azkals in the near future just like what they did to Manny Pacquiao who has his own stamp.

Go, go, go Philippine Azkals!

John Paul II Celebration Exhibit in August

2011-06-30T09:01:00.003+08:00

A few days after Pope John Paul II passed away, this philatelist came out with a presentation to pay tribute to the great Pope. Interesting stamps and philatelic items from different parts of the globe were exhibited at the Mactan Shrine in Lapulapu City, Cebu; Talisay City Post Office, Talisay City; Ayala Center Cebu in Cebu City and at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation main entrance hall.

The successful exhibit tour also coincided with the launching of Cebu Stamp Club’s official website during the Ayala Center Cebu presentation. It drew a lot of members and was the start of the club’s commitment in bringing stamp collecting to the I.T. level.

On August 28, 2011 at 10:00 in the morning, to celebrate the beatification of John Paul II and to highlight Cebu Stamp Club’s 15 years in promoting philately to everyone, John Paul II Celebration Exhibit, a first-of-its-kind presentation will be launched at Ayala Center Cebu. Featured are the stamps and covers issued in the countries of the world where the late Pontiff has visited and the complete collection of John Paul II’s stamps and philatelic items issued in the Philippines. This exhibit includes large photos of the late pontiff, and the complete images of all the 265 popes in history from St. Peter to Benedict XVI. An interactive presentation, a scale model of St. Peter’s Basilica during the beatification of Pope John Paul II completes the presentation.

The Vatican Postal Administration will be shipping some materials to add that will include the Pope John Paul II beatification issue and the Pope Benedict XVI stamps issued by Vatican Post.

To cut the ceremonial ribbon, the club has thought of inviting His Eminence Jose Palma, the Archbishop of Cebu to do the honors. This will be the biggest presentation that Cebu Stamp Club has embarked so far.

Cebu Stamp Club's June 2011 CSCI Newsletter

2011-06-29T09:20:00.004+08:00

These past months had been very hectic for me but in spite of the busy schedule at work and at home. I still found time to sit and come out with fresh issues of the CSCI Newsletter for Cebu Stamp Club.

This latest issue features a lot of interesting and exciting articles. Some of my blogs that I wrote for the month are included for those club members who don't have time to read blogs online.

The CSCI Newsletter is exclusively available only to Cebu Stamp Club members of good standing. To have a copy of the newsletter please send membership or renewal inquiries to cebustampclub_inc@yahoo.com

Canada Adds Third Royal Wedding Stamp

2011-06-28T15:13:00.001+08:00

On June 28, 2011 Canada Post comes out with the third installment that will complete the Royal Wedding series.

The domestic Permanent™ stamp shows a candid photo of the newlyweds in their open landau shortly after completing their wedding vows at Westminster Abbey. The stamp will commemorate the first Royal Visit to Canada after their wedding.

“This stamp is an excellent way for Canadians to commemorate the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s first visit to Canada,” announces the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport). “I am pleased and proud that Canada will welcome the Royal Couple on their first official visit abroad.”

USPS Mark Twain Stamp is Now Out

2011-06-25T14:59:00.000+08:00

World famous author and humorist Mark Twain was honored on a postage stamp on June 25, 2011 by the United States Postal Service (USPS).

This commemorative First-class Forever stamp is the 27th stamp in the Literary Arts series.

The First Day of Issue ceremony was held at the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum in Hannibal, MO.

Postal Service Board of Governors member James H. Bilbray said that “Our literary tribute this year rightfully honors Mark Twain, author of one of the greatest novels in American literature and the man whom William Faulkner called ‘the first truly American writer’.. Mark Twain was a rarity, as he was one of the first writers to exploit the vernacular voice in his books, using the speech of common Americans.”

Mark Twain (1835—1910), is the author of great works such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is one of the greatest novels in American literature.

The postage stamp portrait features an old Mark Twain; the background showing a steamboat evokes a way of life along the Mississippi River that played a big role in many of Twain’s works, as well as in his own life. Art director and stamp designer Phil Jordan collaborated with stamp artist Gregory Manchess, who based his portrait of Twain on a photograph taken in the year 1907.

New Rizal Stamps Are Out

2011-06-21T11:17:00.000+08:00

The Philippine Postal Corporation (Philpost) came out with commemorative stamp issues on June 19, 2011 to celebrate the sequicentennial birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal.

The Jose Rizal 150th birth centenary issue includes two se-tenant pairs valued at 7p each and a souvenir sheet of 10 at 150p.

The Goethe Institute's 50th anniversary issue highlighting Rizal was also released on the same day. The stamps in a block of four are valued at 7p each.

The Top most images show the stamps for Rizal's 150th birth anniversary and the souvenir sheet that highlights different Rizal monuments in the county, followed by the Goethe Institute stamps featuring Rizal.

Remembering Jose Rizal @ 150

2011-06-20T14:43:00.003+08:00

President Benigno Aquino III led the nation in paying tribute to the country’s national hero Dr. Jose Rizal who celebrates his 150th birthday on June 19, 2011.

To formally kick-off the celebration, he led the flag-raising ceremonies at the Rizal ancestral home compound and offered a wreath at Rizal’s statue as a boy. A 21-gun salute in honor of the national hero was accorded by members of the Presidential Security Group.

The President enjoined the Filipinos to emulate Rizal’s heroism and praised him for choosing to do the right thing. “Rizal could have used his wealth and education to become rich and marry any girl he fancied, but he chose to correct the injustices done to the motherland.. Even with the crossroads that he faced, Rizal never strayed away from the right path.” Aquino said.

Furthermore, he adds “For most people, heroism is measured by how we face our everyday struggles.”

The President was presented with five commemorative tokens for the Jose Rizal @ 150 celebration. These are; a certificate of restoration of the Noli Me Tangere by German Ambassador to the Philippines Christian Ludwig Weber Lorssch; the e-Rizal tablet from Gov. Ejercito; a “Rizal at 150” commemorative medal from Central Bank governor Amado Tetangco, Jr.; a “Rizal at 150” commemorative stamp from Post Master General Antonio de Guzman; and a book on the “Lineage, Life and Labors of Jose Rizal” by Tulay Foundation chairman Manuel Chua.

Later, the president unveiled the tallest statue of Rizal together with local officials of Calamba, the hometown of Rizal. The 22-foot bronze monument designed and created by Jonas Roces of Marikina stands on a 6.7-hectare property in front of the Calamba City Hall complex.

Members Gather for the June 2011 Stamp Meetup

2011-06-20T09:43:00.000+08:00

It was a rainy Sunday when Cebu Stamp Club members met again for the June 19, 2011 stamp meetup at the second floor of McDonalds Jones, Cebu City.

Together with my son Jerald Kervin Uy, we welcomed everyone including the guest of the day Bob Gooding who came with his wife, Nenita. Bob is an Englishman who presently lives in Australia.

Foreigner members, Kenneth Turner with wife Gina and Edmund Gruenbaum were present too. As usual, Ken brought along his stamp freebies that made all of us busy. Eyan Yu, Sharee Ann Trapa, Ralph Ordiz, Richard Guimbarda and Dinah Potolin who was with her kids got their haul of the day.

During the course of the meeting, I shared to the group the registration fee for the upcoming Cebu Stamp Club @ 15 Grand Reunion which will be held at the Montebello Villa Hotel on August 28, 2011. The choice of food was announced. The mouth-watering lunch buffet would include: cucumber, shrimp & mango salad, fish fillet w/ blackbean sauce, chicken pork adobo w/ potato, mixed vegetables w/ oyster sauce, rice, lechon, chicken inasal, chocolate roll, and soda drinks. For snacks there will be chicken sandwiches with fries and drinks. The formal wear was also mentioned.

The John Paul Celebration Exhibit layout was shown to the members and the ribbon cutting of the exhibit is set on August 28, 2011 at 10:00 AM at Ayala Center Cebu. Members will then proceed to the reunion venue at Montebello Villa Hotel, just an 8-minute ride from Ayala.

Philatelic sharing followed after the new stamp issues for the quarter released by the Philippine Postal Corporation (Philpost) were announced. Check out more photos at Cebu Stamp Club's Facebook page. Just type Cebu Stampclub

Cebu Stamp Club Member Exhibits Rizal in Davao

2011-06-18T14:53:00.000+08:00

The people of Davao City got a rare treat when Davao-based Cebu Stamp Club member Renato Adapon (M110001) came out with an exhibit consisting of stamps, coins and paper bills featuring Rizal on June 17 until June 20, 2011.

Photo above shows Rene sharing his cherished Rizal collections to the public.

Security Bank's 60th Anniversary Stamps

2011-06-17T15:28:00.002+08:00

The Philippine Postal Corporation (Philpost) released these commemorative se-tenant stamps highlighting the 60th Anniversary of Security Bank (1951-2011) with a denomination of P 10.00.

This issue came out on June 18, 2011.

Celebrating American Scientists

2011-06-16T15:56:00.001+08:00

The United States Postal Service (USPS) dedicates new Forever Stamps honoring four distinguished scientists.

The third in the American Scientists series, the distinguished scientists who dedicated their lives to understanding the fundamental process of nature and made extraordinary contributions to the advancement of science are: chemist Melvin Calvin; botanist Asa Gray; physicist Maria Goeppert Mayer; and biochemist Severo Ochoa.The stamps comes out today, June 16, 2011.

Thomas the Tank Engine Chugs in Royal Mail's Stamps

2011-06-16T15:08:00.004+08:00

Royal Mail celebrates the birth centenary of Reverend Wilbert Awdry, the creator of the hit TV show, Thomas and Friends that was first aired in 1984.

This special stamp issue released on June 14, 2011 features the engines as they as they appear on TV and in the original book illustrations.

Relive the adventures of Thomas, James, Percy, Daisy, Toby and Gordon through these beautiful stamps.

Royal Australian Navy Sails on Stamps

2011-06-13T15:32:00.000+08:00

Australia Post commemorates 100 years of the Royal Australian Navy with the release of a ‘then and now’ stamp issue.

Featured on the stamps are the HMAS Australia (I), the first flagship of the new Australian fleet which served from 1913-1922; and the HMAS Sydney, one of four Adelaide Class guided missile frigates currently in service.

An image of Boy Seaman Frederick Mills graced the historic stamp. He served in HMAS Australia when it was attached to the British Grand Fleet in World War I. He was killed in action in World War II while serving in the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Acasta.

The contemporary stamp shows 21-year-old Combat Systems Operator, Able Seaman Rebecca Florance who is a recent crew member of HMAS Sydney (IV). The image represents the modern day sailor wearing combat uniform with a headset.

The Royal Australian Navy 1911-2011 commemorative stamp was released on June 12, 2011.