Pasko 2020 Stamp and First Day Cover Issued by PHLPOST

Philippine Postal Corporation or PHLPOST issues the yearly Pasko 2020 stamp and first day cover in a virtual launching during the end of the ” National Stamp Collecting Month. On November 28,2020, the launching was held at the iconic Manila Central Post Office within Liwasang Bonifacio, Ermita, Manila.

Pasko 2020 Stamp and Meaning

“At the end of this extraordinary difficult year, the Christmas stamp will remind us that spending time together with the Family will bring much needed respite from the worries and adversity, and looking forward for better days to come.”

The “Pasko 2020” stamp features an image of the contemporary Filipino family. They gather around for support and encouragement, maintaining a positive outlook, with the traditional Parol (Christmas lantern) in the background to complement the postage stamp.

Technical Description

Date of Issue: November 23, 2020

Kind of Issue: Special

Denomination: Php 12.00

Designer: Ms. Eunice Beatrix Dabu

Size: 30mm x 40mm

Sheet Composition: 40 (10×4)

Printing Process: Offset Lithography

Printer: Amstar Company Incorporated

Perforation: 14

Quantity :10,000 pieces

First Day Cover : 400 pieces

PHLPost said the stamp and official first day Covers of “Pasko 2020” will now be available at the Philatelic Counter, Manila Central Post Office, all Mega Manila Post Offices, Area 1, Tuguegarao, Area 2, San Fernando, La Union, Postal Area 4, San Pablo, Postal Area 5, Mandaue, Postal Area 6, Iloilo, Postal Area 7, Davao, Postal Area 8, Cagayan de Oro, and Postal Area 9, Zamboanga.

Advertisement

1950’s Philippine Christmas Postcards and Greeting Cards Haul

It is just 35 days before Christmas. Got a chance to arrange a couple of family memorabilia tucked in one corner.

obverse side of the Christmas greeting card ( Bank of Commerce building) circa 1950 to 1951

Christmas greetings

only few Christmas greeting cards were kept which dates back earlier than 1950’s. Most were destroyed by two fires which gutted most of the memorabilia and other items during the war and in the late 1960’s. Some where thrown away, while others were eaten by termites.

obverse side with Season’s Greetings and building

A Soriano Y Cia

Sending Christmas greeting cards and postcards were normal way of greeting clients, friends, family members from all over the world. Unfortunately, with the advent of internet and social media age, fewer people even dare to send this traditional way of greeting.

Maligayang Pasko with traditional nipa hut circa 1951( obverse)

They think that it was expensive and crude-some to send someone Christmas greeting cards. Some may not even arrive on time, while other may lost in transit.

with handwritten message and a generic type written greeting

“Kapayapaan sa lupa at Kaluwalhatian  sa Langit ang umaatin sa araw na ito.”

This is one of the early Christmas greeting card printed in the country. The greeting card was address to Lasena in 1951 by Mr. Ceferino S. Reyes c/o Philippine Education Company P.O. Box. Manila.

Handwritten” Don Berto, y Distinguido Señora

The lithography was made by Carmelo and Bauermann, Inc. Exclusively for Philippine Education Co. Inc.

Marcelo Industry ( obverse) 1951 to 1952 printed in the Philippines probably customized. ( possibly printed in Malabon, Rizal province )

greetings from Marcelo Industry- Malabon , Rizal province

Philippine Christmas Postcards and Greeting Cards

Christmas Greeting from Chua Yap – Manila 1951 (Philippine Mirror Factory)

From F. E Zuellig Inc. ( well known multi-national pharmaceutical company )

It was middle part of the 19th century when sending Christmas greeting cards became cheaper with printing cost and distribution went down.  Most of the greeting cards were printed in  Great Britain, United States of America, Germany, Spain and France.

The greeting cards that were available in the country were sold in Escolta, bookstores and bazaars in downtown Manila.  It is quite rare to encounter Christmas greeting cards or postcards printed in the country before the 1930’s. Most were imported from other countries, particularly the United States, Great Britain or Spain.

obverse ( with embossed poinsettia flowers) circa 1951 to 1952

People would prefer imported Christmas cards since it had nice color and had a glossy finished.

from P.E Domingo Inc. which had their office in 13 to 15 Escolta street, Manila

It was only during the early 1950’s when some big corporations, politicians and rich families started customization of Christmas postcards or greeting cards printed in local printing stores or publishing companies.

greeting card from Mr. and Mrs. Jose Fernandez Zorrilla

They would be send via Bureau of Post or personally handed the card to the recipient.

greeting card from Lt. Colonel and Mrs. Emigdio C. Cruz circa 1951 to 1952 from Agno Street, Quezon City

Wide variety of materials were used in printing of Christmas postcards like photo-paper print which depict some tourist spots.

obverse ( our lady of lourdes ) with cartoonish character riding on top of a carabao

Sam Studio 250 Ongpin Street, Binondo , Manila ( probably late 1950’s to early 1960’s) reverse side.

I also got a few Christmas postcard from an online friend base in Laguna province. Her grand uncle use to have a private printing press in Quezon City. The uncle collects a couple of old photos, postcards, stamps and Christmas greeting cards send to him by his friends and clients.

The Christmas greeting cards featured were between 60 to 68 years-old. Other bookstores would follow the trend and popular Hallmark greeting cards would become common in the following decades.

By purchasing some of these well-known postcard or greeting cards, one can help a child or a community. Plus the value of collecting these items will surely bring nostalgia and cherishing effort.

Meralco Traditional Christmas Lightning at the Liwanag Park

Liwanag Park , Meralco Compound , Pasig City -Philippines

life-sized Christmas village complete with railroad tracts and train greet visitors to the Liwanag Park

Meralco officials and executives led by Manuel V. Pangilinan , employees and their families ,  Meralco Bolts,  Philippine Volcanoes and some ASKALS were at the ceremonial Christmas lightning of the Meralco compound .

Meralco Bolts and their coaches 

The park in recent years has been a popular Christmas destination and a tourist spot not only in Metro Manila but among foreign tourists and expats living in the country.

larger than life- nativity scene

The park features light displays and attractions like Christmas figures made of scrap copper wire, a mini train ride for visitors, the Toy Town and a bazaar, among others.

I like the way the MERALCO creative team have used the scrap copper wires and old lines in giving them new lease as pieces of art works.

It looked like organic materials ( like cogon grass ) until you try to go near the nativity scenes.

night bazaar

There is also the nightly bazaar called dubbed Liwanag Bazaar were there are over 2 dozen stalls selling native delicacies like bibingka, puto bumbong, barbecue ,clothes,  souvenir items, t-shirts , toys and accessories.

Meralco t-shirts 

In recent years, the park has been recognized as a must-see Christmas destination in the metropolis.

Started in 2006, the “Maliwanag ang Pasko” program seeks to encourage Meralco’s customers to light up and decorate their homes, establishments and cities to spread the beauty and joy of Christmas in their communities.

invited guests marveled at the Christmas lights and fireworks display

Department of Education- Secretary Brother Armin Luistro also graced the lightning ceremony and received , on behalf of DepED , a donation of 2,000 solar lamps from MERALCO employees , partners and customers.

The donation is the result of One Meralco Foundation’s ” One Child , One Lamp ” campaign launched in November to raise funds to donate solar lamps to public schools in mountain and island villages without electricity.

Liwanag Park Rules and Regulation

Liwanag Plaza within Meralco compound is open to the public from December 2 until January 6, 2015

Time: 4:00pm to 10:00pm – Weekdays

           4:00pm to 11:00pm – Weekends and December 25 to Jan. 1

The park will be close on December 18 for Meralco Corporate Christmas Party

Noted : I would like to Thank Ms. Millet for the invitation to the event.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/meralco

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meralco/

Website: http://www.meralco.com.ph/

Meralco Bolts: https://www.facebook.com/meralco.bolts/

Shopping and Cheap Bargains at Tutuban Center

Shopping and Bargain is on everyone’s list when you hear of Tutuban and Divisoria in Manila. It is where you can buy the cheapest and unique shopping in this side of Metro Manila.

As early as September , the shopping and entertainment destination right in the heart of the City of Manila is offering the widest variety, quality holiday items and yet affordable.

If you are planning to design your home with festive decors, check out the wonderful Yuletide garlands, colorful lights and all types of Christmas tree trimmings available at Tutuban Center. From the simplest Christmas balls to the biggest parol, you are sure to find the best holiday ornaments that you need.

Christmas gift shopping for family, friends and colleagues is fun and easy with Tutuban Center’s complete offerings – from jewelry, designer shirts, fashion finds, fragrances, shoes, novelty items, even electronic gadgets such as mobile phones, laptops, cameras or tablets.

Just walk through the hundreds of stores inside and around Tutuban Center with wide array of merchandise and you can surely find what you need in one of the country’s most visited shopping center. Whether buying by piece or in bulk, there’s no need to worry because this much-admired retail destination is your perfect Christmas shopping solution.

Apart from the budget-friendly items, you’ll be amazed with the festive holiday mood as Tutuban Center unveiled its holiday display to help keep your mind off the stressful Christmas rush and for the enjoyment of the shoppers.

There’s also the “Christmas Wonderland sa Tutuban” where the young—or even the young at heart—can go to and enjoy with its amazing rides and other well-loved attractions.

If you suddenly grow hungry, explore delicious food fare at the Tutuban Center Food Bazaar. Meantime, for those who want to avoid the shopping frenzy at daytime, the Tutuban Center Night Market offers a comfortable shopping experience even after the regular shopping hours.

Lastly, if you want to take first crack at shopping and avoid the mad rush both in time and traffic, you may check-in at Orion Hotel, Tutuban Center’s swanky yet right-in-your-budget accommodations located right inside the center. This allows you to shop fresh and fabulous in the morning.

All of these and more in Tutuban Center, located along C.M. Recto Avenue in Manila. Operating hours are from 9 am to 12 midnight, from Monday to Sunday.

Here is my article link on the lighting ceremony held last year: https://renz15.wordpress.com/2013/11/30/andres-bonifacio-day-celebrations-and-big-discount-sale-at-the-tutuban-center/

For more updates about their activities , please try to visit their website: Tutuban.com.ph : http://www.tutuban.com.ph/

8th Philippine Christmas and Toy Fair at SM Megamall

SM Megatrade Hall 1, Mandaluyong City – Philippines

8th Philippine Christmas Toy and Collectibles Fair 2013 poster

It is FRIDAY the 13th today  , when i decided to visit   SM Megatrade Hall 1– after a short lunch meeting . The  Pinoy Coke Fanatics scheduled an impromptu eyeball and an informal meeting in order to support the event in which several coke dealers and members are having their booths at the fair . I decided to arrive shortly after lunch at the venue to see and even buy some cool collectible items for Christmas.

stage area

I decided to make a short tour around the site ,  paid  Php 50 entrance fee  and scout for some items.

75th anniversary of Superman

I quickly took some snap shots some of the commercial booths and bought some coke die-cast toys , hot-wheels ( jetson capsule car) , Batman automobile at Php 100 each !!!!! It was a bargain indeed.

Hotwheels ( Jetson Capsule Car ) 2014 edition

I have seen some Jeston Capsule Car in some malls selling between Php 99.00 to Php 150.00 .  But they always run out of stock ! This time,  i quickly grab the items and immediately paid the saleslady . It seems to be a hot item at the fair. The saleslady told me that i have an EYE for collectible issues !!!!  Internet sites selling the Jetson Capsule Hotwheel  die-cast car would range between $ .50  per piece to a high of  $ 1. 99  excluding shipping cost.  Although it is cheaper to buy them in some bidding sites. The problem that i have encountered is when the item is shipped to the country. Additional freight cost, customs duties , taxes and mishandling of courier services etc..   Makes the item more expensive than in malls or at trade fairs.

coke delivery truck  scale 1:87

I also bought a coke delivery truck 1937  replica.  There are only 2 designs.  A dealer told me that there were 75 commercial stalls and there are a lot of applicants  who wanted to join the fair . However the SM management only gave 1 hall to the organizers of the event. Maybe due to other holiday trade shows.

 Mr. Armando Muncal –  He is a member of Pinoy Coke Fanatics and a dealer of magazines, posters, books, tin, glass, collectibles, old toys, posters , books, postcards among others.  He is fondly called Mang Armando or Mr. Armand by some of the members.

DONG’s ANTIGO AT IBA Pa

Munksville Building -C-2 Capulong Road , Magsaysay Village , Tondo -Manila

Cellphone (0929) 38498669

Mr. Jason Voorhees

When i was about to leave the fair, I saw Mr. Jason Voorhees cosplayer holding a signage ( Friday the 13th , FREE Hugs) . Almost all mall goers capitalized the opportunity and took photos with him. After all , it is not everyday that you can encounter Mr. Jason Voorhees !!!!!

Gundam cosplayers

Note: The Christmas Fair will run from December 13 , 14 and 15 and there will be on the spot raffles, games, cosplay events and a whole lot of stuffs. There is an entrance fee of Php 50.00