Stamp Collector’s Night at the Manila Central Post Office

Manila Central Post Office lobby , Liwasang Bonifacio , Ermita – Manila , Philippines

former President Fidel Valdez Ramos together with ABS-CBN channel 2 Malacanang Palace correspondent Mr. Willard Cheng ( now stamp ambassador)

I heard several weeks ago about the plan of the Philippine Postal Corporation to invite stamp collectors,  stamp bloggers , media and stamp enthusiasts for a get together ” salu-salo ” at the Manila Central Post Office.

L-R Mrs. Josefina T. Cura , Mr. Willard Cheng, Mr. Alfonso Cruz and Ms. Lourdes Watiwat

The  initiative was through the office of Postmaster Maria Josefina ” Josie”  dela Cruz and Philpost President Ceasar Sarino .  It was one BIG momentous occasion . The get- together aimed to foster the bonding ties between private collectors and the Philpost.

Mr. Jonathan  J. Blaza together with Postmaster General Josie dela Cruz

Mr. Jonathan J. Blaza is a blogger, post-crossing ambassador , bird enthusiast ,  orchid ,  postcard and stamp collector.

It was last week when i got a verbal invitation from the Philatelic section through Mr. Vic Serevo ( Philatelic Designer ). While i was purchasing some tricycle stamps.

two war veterans ( left side ) together with Mr. Rey Ong de Jesus,  Josie dela Cruz , Mr. Ceasar Sarino and Mr. Willard Cheng

 A more formal invitation from Mr. Rey Ong de Jesus ( stamp advisory committee member  and board member of various stamp clubs ) was printed in a small piece of paper , which he personally distributed during the monthly meeting of Filipinas Stamp Collectors’ Club last November 17, 2013.

L-R Mr. Lawrence Chan , Mr. Willard Cheng and Mr. Alfonso Cruz

I  got  another invitation via email ,  Surprisingly from the head of the Philatelic section on November 18, 2013 MONDAY afternoon.  Rarely got any email correspondent from the Philatelic head  .  In particular , the much needed TECHNICAL information about the stamp issuance which is very vital in the information dissemination and PUBLIC information.  I was just amazed that she managed to send an invitation this time.

Mr. Willard Cheng together with on the job trainees students

–  On Tuesday November 19,  After after buying some FDC’s and stamps  at the Philatelic section . Most of which are ordered by my friends, relatives and swap mates in different parts of the world. I again re-confirm my attendance on this special night.

former President Fidel Valdez Ramos

 The event took place when  former President Fidel V. Ramos arrived at the lobby of the Manila Central Post Office at around past 6:00pm. All eyes and ears were  on him. He is a respected statesman , military officer ,  shell , book and stamp collector too! He is also vital for the passage of several laws which helped the Philippine Postal Bank and the Postal System of the country.

He wanted a postal system and stamps to be at par with “World Class” since there are also foreign stamp collectors which specializes in Philippine stamps.

Mr. Willard Cheng together with Ms. Macaria J. Leonardo- head of the Postage and Metered Machine Division and other colleagues

 Naga Philatelic Club and Quezon Philatelic Society members

It is also amazing how stamp collectors from different part of the country manage to come to the affair with such a short notice.

Mr. Stanley and Mrs. Siu  and  Mr. Ceasar Sarino standing at the middle

The members of Quezon Philatelic Society had to travel more than 5 hours just to attend this affair. According to Mr. Stanley Siu – They were stuck  at the SLEX north bound area for about 1 hour.  While  some members of the Naga Philatelic Club arrived past 7:00pm .

Mr. Jong Caytiles a stamp collector  makes a pitch for ” Bangon Antique “

Mr. Dione ” Jong ” Caytiles a stamp collector who works for an international banking institution  makes a pitch for his province .

Mr. Santi Fernandez , Ms. Josie dela Cruz and Mr. Willard Cheng

Mr. Santi Fernandez is a young stamp collector studying at the Angelicum College ( home school) in Quezon City  . He only started collecting stamps, FDC’s and letters just a few months ago but he is not new to the field of collecting. He also collects coins, paper bills and some object d’ arts. He became aware of stamp collecting from his father , uncle and aunt .

Mr. Jimmy Ang holding  several FDC’s  at the back of  former president Fidel Valdez Ramos

Mr. Jimmy Ang is the current President of the APO Philatelic Club. He had one of the most number of FDC ‘s , books, memorabilia that he brought to be autographed by former president.

Mr. Nemensio Miranda  presented  his self sketch portrait to former President Fidel Ramos

Mr. Robert Tan – President of the Philippine Philatelic Federation

One of the highlights of the evening was awarding Filipino philatelists which brought international honors to the country during the Thailand World Stamp Exhibition .  Mr. Robert Tan  exhibited entitled  Philippines 1854-1877 (Pre-U.P.U. Era)
Award: Vermeil and another entry
China Pre-UPU Era
Award: Large Vermeil

Mr. Rey Ong de Jesus

Philippine Postal Activities
during Japanese Administration 1941-1945
Award: Vermeil

Mr. Alfredo Roxas

Mr. Alfredo Roxas is a long time stamp collector and Philippine stamp dealer . His clientele are stamp wholesalers from different parts of the world. His international participation helps promote Philippine stamps .

Dr. Ngo Tiong Tak

Dr. Ngo Tiong Tak is  well-known for  his publication on Philippine Stamp Catalog ,   stamp advisory committee chairperson ( Philpost )  for more than 10 years. He is also an TB Seal stamp advisory member.

different kinds of sweets and pastries

Barbaras waiters and staffs

Everyone were treated to a sumptuous dinner party where Postal employees and officers have a light conversation with well-known stamp collectors as well as  the new generation stamp collectors. Some of them took an early leave just to attend this historical ( RARE ) occasion. Thanks for the invite !

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