Filipino Music Icons to be Feature by PHLPOST

Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) will issue limited edition stamps to launch their Pinoy Music Icons series this coming November 15, 2019.

This will also coincide with “National Stamp Collecting Month” and to honor the distinguished careers of Mr. Joey “Pepe” Smith, Rico J. Puno and Rene Garcia of Hotdog that transcend generations and continue to resonate with music fans of all ages.

The Pinoy Music Icons stamps of Smith, Garcia and Puno was designed by PHLPost in house creative artist Rodine Teodoro as part of PHLPost’s celebration for National Stamp Collecting Month and 252 Years of Postal Service.

Mr. Maximo Sta. Maria III, Officer-In-Charge at the Office of the Assistant Postmaster General of PHLPost said their Pinoy Music Icons concept began to take shape following the demise of the three pillars of Original Pilipino Music.

Filipino Music Icons on Stamps

In other countries like the United States have issued stamps to honor their music icons like in 2013, the Music Icons series in the US have honored popular music artists such as Elvis Presley, Janis Joplin and John Lennon.

When the idea of issuing stamps for Smith, Garcia and Puno was first presented to the Philippine Stamp Committee composed of representatives from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Philippine Philatelic Federation (PPF), the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and PHLPost, it was unanimously approved without any objection.

Regarded as the face of Pinoy Rock, Pepe Smith helped pioneer the OPM sub-genre as a member of the classic line-up of the Juan Dela Cruz band together with Mike Hanopol and Wally Gonzalez. A highly influential figure in the local rock scene, Smith was the voice behind iconic hits like “Himig Natin,” “Beep Beep” and “Titser’s Enemi No. 1” and was actively performing until his untimely demise.

Rene Garcia is a founding member and lead singer of Hotdog, the band that pioneered The Manila Sound, another popular sub-genre. Characterized by his signature, sexy twang, Garcia’s vocals propelled Hotdog to greater heights with hits like “Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko” “Annie Batungbakal,” “Bongga Ka Day” and the band’s anthemic signature song, “Manila.”

Dubbed as The Total Entertainer for his ability to wow audiences in every show he headlined, Rico J. Puno was also an exceptional balladeer who occasionally strayed into rhythm and blues territory. Distinguished by his husky, baritone vocals, Puno was responsible for some of the most iconic OPM classics that include “Kapalaran,” “May Bukas Pa,” “Lupa” and his signature song, “Macho Gwapito.”

The families of the three icons were likewise thrilled with the idea of their kin being honored with commemorative stamps.

As part of the stamp’s launch, PHLPost will mount an exhibit of memorabilia items from the three icons courtesy of their respective families. The exhibit will take place also this November at the Manila Central Post Office building in Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila.

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