Public Declaration of Philippine Post Office Building as Important Cultural Property

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) aims to inspire Filipinos to protect, preserve and promote these exceptional and outstanding cultural properties in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA), concerned public, private and civil society stakeholders.

Manila Central Post office compound  viewed from Jones bridge

Aside from declaring the main post office as important cultural property of the country. The Main post office was designed by well-known Filipino architects Tomas Mapua, Juan Arellano and Ralph Harrington Doane.

It took almost 10 years study before the actual construction began and the building is one of the most iconic neo-classical building built in 1926.

Biography

Ralph Doane graduated from MIT in 1912. In 1916, he was appointed consulting architect to the Philippine government, where he remained until 1918, having designed several public buildings, including the public library in Manila (now the Museum of the Filipino People). He returned to Boston in 1919 and opened his own architect’s office. He remained a sole practitioner until his death.

l-r Postmaster General Joel Otarra , Mr. Dojie Lutera, Mr. Hans Baecker, Mr. Jimmy Ang and Ms. Zenaida Trambulo

The left portion of the side will be converted into postal museum and philatelic resource center.

l-r Mr. Dojie Lutera, Mr. Hans Becker, Mr. Isidro Tan and Mr. Robert Tan with some invited guests ( photo courtesy of : Ms. Zenaida Trambulo )

l-r Ms. Carrie Junio, Ms. Zenaida Trambulo, Mr. Hans Becker, Mrs. Josie T. Cura and Dojie Lutera ( Photo courtesy: Ms. Zenaida Trambulo )

tinikling

“Public Declaration of the Philippine Post Office Building as an Important Cultural Property”, “Unveiling of Museum Ceremonial Groundbreaking Marker” and “Launching of the Year of the Pig Stamps to celebrate the coming 2019” To culminate the 251st Anniversary of the Philippine Postal Service, and National Stamp Collecting Month (NSCM), the iconic Post Office Building shall now possess an “exceptional cultural, artistic and historical significance, officially recognized as an essential part of the patrimony of the Filipino people. 

This will also be the venue for the launching of the Year of the Pig stamp to welcome the coming 2019 as well as an exhibit featuring modern and classical stamps.

Among the special guest of honors included Mr. Rico Pableo Jr., Executive Director, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Mr. Ludovico Badoy, Executive Director, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Dr. Anna Labrador, Assistant Director, National Museum of the Philippines (NM) Postmaster General Joel L. Otarra PHLPost Board Chairman Norman Fulgencio.

group photo

2019 Year of the Pig stamps

Year of the pig stamps are available at Manila Central Post Offices and major post offices in the country.

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12 Tips on How to Thrift Shopping at Dapitan Arcade and Kanlaon Street

It is Christmas season once again.  One way to get best value for your money is to visit some thrift market or bazaars in Metro Manila.

shells and shell crafts

makeshift tents and stall line the sidewalk area

One of the best places to visit aside from Divisoria is Dapitan Arcade and adjacent streets like Dapitan Street and Kanlaon Street.

assorted nutcrackers

The area is known for the export overrun items, handicrafts items, Christmas decor and some cheap China made items.

Christmas decors are the most popular items for sale

Here are 12 Important Tips on How to Thrift Shopping

plastic poinsettias flowers and Christmas decor balls may also be found in other market places

Christmas village complete with lights and accessories (probably made in China or Taiwan)

1.) Try to scout other well-known areas beforehand. – Some items might also be sold at far more expensive or cheaper prices.

mid-century house with some make shift stalls selling figurines and decors

2. ) Know what items you need. – One must have a ready list of items you needed at home or items that you want to give away as gifts. Try to make a short list of items. Some people who do not have a list, sometimes end up buying more items which they do not need.

different kind of figurines, candle holder and display items- most are made from hard resin or fiberglass from China.

suki market

3.)Suitable parking space is limited- Parking space is rather limited, try to bring 1 or 2 more people for extra helping hands. Try to spare some loose change for watch your car boys.

4.)Try to Scout the area- The area also includes some side streets and make-shift tents before making any purchases.

5.) Be Early – Try to shop early, Some stall holders would even give ” Buena Mano” or discount to early shoppers.

Some of the figurines are made locally

6.) Changes in Style and Season- Some of the items being sold at the Dapitan Arcade and adjacent streets are export overruns. These correspond to seasonal changes in other countries and fashion trends. Hence some styles and decor might not be suitable.

baskets made from water hyacinth, terracotta pots and containers

7.) Always be Cheerful – Having a sunny disposition makes everyone happy.  Getting their business card and knowing the stall location would be a great help for future transaction.

Christmas tree made from local materials

8.) Wear Light Clothes- Most of the stalls are located on outdoor settings. Unlike malls and trade bazaars had air condition units. Try to bring face towels and water bottles.

Christmas parols made from local capiz shells while some decors at the back are made from China.

wood crafts and holders

9.) Not all items are export overruns- Some items are imported from Thailand, China, Taiwan, Indonesia and other countries. One must have a keen eye and learn to differentiate the items for sale. Some may also be available in Divisoria or Quiapo.

nativity scene

religious statues, crucifixes and figurines

10.) Learn to Haggle – Haggling is part of the experience.

paintings

11.) Check items that may have cracks, minor damages and imperfection. -Try to inspect the items for some imperfections and dents.

Santa Clause

12.) Buying in Bulk- Some stalls would give extra discount on bulk orders.

Visit Dapitan Arcade at 37 Dapitan Corner, Kanlaon Street, Laurges, Quezon City

 

 

Old Cattleya Cultivar Hybrid Blooming

It is cattleya blooming season once again, This particular cattleya hybrid is one of the more popular hybrid grown within our neighborhood vicinity. This type of cattleya can bloom up to three times a year, given proper fertilization and cultivation techniques.

Cattleya hybrid ( photo taken around November 4, 2018)

We suspect that the name of this is hybrid is Cattlianthe Portia or Porcia which is a primary hybrid of Guarianthe bowringiana x Cattleya labiata.

Our old time neighbor gave us a few cuttings way back in 1991 which got them from her mother-in law who grew tried growing them at their North Fairview residence for at least 10 years.

She brought a few pots of this cattleya hybrid along with some Dendrobium hybrids, Oncidiums, native orchids ( Dendrobium anosmum, Dendrobium crumenatum) and started dividing them during the onslaught of the rainy season.

Within 5 years period ( from 1991 to 1996 ), Our neighbor was able to propagate the cattleya hybrid to more than 120 clumps which she grew in different types of medium from old kakawate trunks, tree fern slabs, terracotta pots then hanging them at their perimeter walls even mounted a few of these orchids at their Christmas palm.

( close-up view of the flowers)

During their blooming season, People within the neighborhood would marvel and appreciate them for the light lavender colored flowers which would bloom almost simultaneously.

They also kind to gave away several pots of these orchids to their neighbors and friends within the subdivision.

Unfortunately, They sold the old house few years ago and settled elsewhere in Caloocan. We are still clueless if this is the real name of the hybrid.

(cattleya still in bloom after almost 1 week)

They are considered by many Cattleya experts to be among the finest and most spectacular Cattleya hybrids ever bred. Cattleya Portia was registered by James Veitch & Son in 1897 and C. Porcia by H.G. Alexander in 1927.

References/ Sources:

Ball State University

Royal Horticultural Society of London

http://bluenanta.com

 

 

Postcrossing PH Meet-up at Museo ng Sining, GSIS Complex in Pasay City

PostcrossingPH FB members and enthusiasts had a memorable eyeball, meet-up that was held at the Luna Room in Museo ng Sining in Pasay City.

Ms. Arlene Collado

The eyeball and meet-up is much anticipated by the members. There were over 30 members who attended the meeting. These also include PHLPOST Business Line manager Mr. Maximo Santa Maria and some Philatelic section employees.

postcards

A short program was held past 2:00 pm where a short introduction of each members.

postcards, stamps, postcard holders, key chains, ball pen were some of the items raffled-off to the participants

There was the regular swapping of local postcards, gotochi or shaped postcards, mini-raffle and meet-up autograph signing was held.

postcards printed on photo paper

There are also some self made PostcrossingPH meet-up postcards made by some individuals.

There was many familiar faces at the meet-up since some of the members also participate at the local stamp club meeting and auction.

We decided to leave the place past 3:30pm and head for the food review held somewhere in Quezon City.

 

Bridging Generations thru Philately at Philatelic Forum held at GSIS

Philippine Postal Corporation in partnership with GSIS and with active participation of the members of the Philippine Philatelic Federation, Postcrossing- Philippines, Philippine Philatelists and Collectibles FB group, Filipinas Stamp Collectors Club and other individual stamp, postcard and enthusiasts  from all walks of life had participated at the much anticipated forum.

PHLPOST philatelic and marketing section

This month’s Philatelic Forum is part of the National Stamp Collecting Month activities which jump started last November 5, when several activities like the launching of Philippine Lakes on stamp, philatelic exhibition, seminars, trainings , postal heritage and operational tour among others.

GSIS Building

The registration started at past 8:00 am while waiting for the participants, I manage to take a few snapshots of the museum.

registration

Philatelic forum

Major topics lined-up to tackle in this forum are: Landscaping: Thai Post – Philately in the International Landscape.

Mr. Robert Torres

Adapting: ABS-CBN Media – Digital Media’s Effect on the Postal Service, Modernizing: PHLPost – Current Trends and new strategies in philately and mails, Preserving: Postal Museum – Significance of preserving philately and the new approach to stamp collecting.

The forum was held at the Museo ng Sining main exhibit area within the GSIS complex in Pasay City.

Philatelic Forum speakers

token of appreciation from Mr. Maximo Santa Maria were given to the speakers

token of appreciation was given to the GSIS curator

luncheon hosted by PHLPOST and GSIS

fried turon and slices of fruits

There was a Postcrossing PH eyeball and meet -up after the forum where about 30 participants from FB group and former members was held at the Luna room.