Popular Ancient Spots in Rome, Italy thru Vintage Postcards

Popular landmarks in Rome was a favorite theme in many vintage or old postcards issued in Italy. The postcards had a peculiar way of affixing the stamp. The stamp is usually posted at the face of the postcard rather than the back. portion.

Popular Tourists Spot in Rome and Vatican

The postcard seller posted 4-cartes postales anciennes, old-postcards-ITALIE – The first set of landmarks includes includes Tomb of Caecilia Metella, Saint Peter’s Basilica and Square, Forum of Trajan and Colosseum used to be retailed at 3.95 Euro but was on sale for 2.77 Euro ( Php 160.21). The first set was probably issued between 1910 to 1920’s.

The popular landmarks are also some of the ancient landmarks which dates back during the middle or late Roman empire. Some of which are at least hundreds or even at thousand of years -old.

L-R top view Saint Peter’s Basilica and Arch of Titus, Below (L-R) Roman Forum and Trevi Fountain with stamp in front view ( timbre cote vue)

second lot includes Saint Peter Basilica, Arch of Titus, Roman Forum and Trevi Fountain the first set of postcard was on sale for 2.77 Euro about (Php 160.21) but used to be retailed at 3.95 Euro, there was a 29% off on these set of postcard. the shipping is standard Euro 1.75 or about ( Php 101.21) the second set was issued between 1911’s to 1920’s.

(TVC) Timbre Cote Vue

“Timbre Cote Vue” shorter abbreviation for is TVC is a French term for where the stamp then the cancel were placed on the face or picture side of a postcard. The message from the sender is also written on the front of this card and it is dated on the back by the sender.

L-R Santa Maria de Cosmedia, Spanish Steps ( Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti) Rome, Saint Peter’s Basilica (Vatican City) and La fontana delle Naiadi . All the four postcards have 5 and 10 centisimi definitive stamp posted from Italy. The stamp were posted in front view.

Lot number 3 originally for sale at 3.95 Euros, but was marked down for just 2.77 Euros ( Php 160.21) with 29% discount. The postcards and stamps are dated between 1910 to early 1920’s. The postcards are between 100 to 110 years-old. Considering the big discount, We lost no time to contact the seller and bought the three lots.

This fad is not just in Europe but also in many parts of the world. In the Philippines, This was the practice by some postal authorities and postcard senders in the late 19th to mid 20th century. A sample timbre cote vue is the Puerta Real postcard featured several months ago.

References, Sources and Bibliographies:

Italy Stamps from 1900 to 1909 Stamp World

Stanley Gibbons- Italy Stamps

Scott’s Publishing Company Catalog- Italy

Further Readings and Related Links:

American Regime Manila thru postcards (part 1)

American Regime Manila thru postcards ( part 2)

American Regime Manila thru postcards (part 3)

American Regime Manila thru postcards ( part 4 )

Chicago Postcard Museum

Herpin, Georges. “Bapteme” in Le Collectionneur de Timbres-Postes, Vol.I, 15 November 1864, p.20.

Sutton, R.J. & K.W. Anthony. The Stamp Collector’s Encyclopaedia. 6th edition. London: Stanley Paul, 1966.

Patrick, Douglas & Mary. The Hodder Stamp Dictionary, Hodder & Stoughton, London, 1973, p.261. ISBN 0-340-17183-9.

Philippine Postcards page 130 to 137 Consuming Passions

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Vintage Pope John Paul 2 postcards from Vatican and Rome

There was a big sale few weeks ago by an online seller from France. The seller also sells vintage postcards, stamps, coin, banknotes, photos and first day covers.

The postcards were thematic and featured then Pope John Paul 2 in the early 1983 to mid- 1980’s, mostly issued in Rome, Italy and Vatican City. These types of postcards were commonly sold to pilgrims, tourists, collectors of stamp ( philatelists) and postcards (deltiologists) who collect these types of thematic collection.

( This postcard lot initially cost 3.95 Euro had a marked down price of 2.77 Euro during the flash sale)

Technically, all the postcards were about 37 years-old and are highly collectible items. Thousands of these postcards were printed in many parts of the globe. This marked a long 26 year term from October 16, 1978 to April 2, 2005.

Vintage Pope John Paul 2 Postcards from Vatican and Rome, Italy

( one of the postcard depict Pope John Paul 2 with Vatican Papal seal )

Pope John Paul 2 postcards were sold per lot of 4 pieces – each lot initially cost Euro 3.95 , During the big sale, The lots were sold at Euro 2.77 or almost 30% discount , all the three lot cost only Euro 8.31 excluding shipping.

The three lot cost about Php 480.15 based on April 1, 2021 rate. This is also one way to commemorate his 16th death anniversary.

Pope John Paul 2 postcards dated 1983 ( Pope John Paul 2 upper left side a repeat postcard from the second lot)

According to a fellow deltiologist, Pope John Paul 2 postcards are highly collectible theme and the retail price of the postcard had risen by at least 3 to 5 times over the time.

Pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, Batangas

A visit or pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina or Pambansang Dambana at Parokya ni Santo Padre Pio in Santo Tomas, Batangas is incomplete whenever a group travel to the famed town.

National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio signage

The tour was  arranged by Jotun ( Philippines)and United Architects of the Philippines ( UAP Makati chapter) as part of the cultural, heritage, environmental architectural tour of the town. This is my second time to visit this shrine.

History

The property sits on a 1.6-hectare agricultural land in Barangay San Pedro which is almost a kilometer away from Maharlika Highway, Santo Tomas, Batangas was donated the generous couple Mr. Ernesto and Adelaida Gonzaga to the Archdiocese of Lipa, where a new and larger church would be built. Dr. Isabel Malvar-Villegas donated a 200-square meter parcel of land that would be used as a right of way from the barangay road leading to the site.

Mary Mother of Mercy belfry

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), on their semi-annual Plenary Assembly in 2015, unanimously approved the elevation of the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Padre Pio into a national shrine.

welcome arch

We left Jotun Paint Plant at past 2:30 pm, in three vans. The group arrived past 3:00 pm at the National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio.

National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio 

There were not so many pilgrims when the group arrived at the shrine and was escorted to a private parking area ( parking fees is Php 30).

Schedule of Mass and Healing Service

commercial stalls

Saint Padre Pio half size statues for sale and healing oil

Saint Padre Pio statues made from fiber glass, fiber resins

There were several stalls which sells Saint Padre Pio statues in different sizes. Small one cost Php 150 each while larger one sells between Php 400 to Php 500.

ambulant vendor

An ambulant vendor sells candles, rosaries and sampaguita garland

rosaries, beads, bracelets and key chains for sale

Saint Padre Pio statue with donation box- right side is the office and  religious store

Saint John Marie Vianney chapel

dedication marker

Most of the chapels and main church architecture was inspired by salakot ( native hat ) Using steel, bamboos, wood, adobe stones, stones, sasa (Nypa fruticans ) or nipa leaves, sawali panels /woven bamboo strips and cement.

man-made forest

jackfruits

The rector and parish priest Joselin C. Gonda envisioned this concept for the main church, to have a place of worship and prayer that is distinctly Filipiniana, eco-friendly and adapted to the tropical climate of the site surrounded by  green environment.

Asplenium nidus / Pakpak lawin or Bird’s nest fern adorn trees

interiors

devotees

main altar

There were driftwood, bamboo panels and stones which are some of the materials used in the lectern, altar and seats. Ornamental potted plants like variegated dracena, bromeliads were used as live floral arrangements.

San Padre de Pio relic with love offering

Santo Niño with petition or love offering

San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila

life-size statues of religious saints

wooden benches

Divine Mercy Sanctuary for Pilgrims

There was an ongoing free religious concert at the Divine Mercy Sanctuary for Pilgrims.

main entrance

The 4th World Apostolic Congress on Mercy in the Philippines held on January 18, 2017 attended by thousands of participants and pilgrims from all over the country and other parts of the world was held at this chapel.

interior

Chapel of the Saints and Baptistry

Chapel of the Saints and Baptistry is located at the back of the main church. There are several improvements on the compound within the past few years. The relics were given by Ermelindo di Capua, OFMCap, the only surviving Italian Capuchin priest in 2013. Few years before he died.

chapel

The chapel is the place where baptism is held. One can also pray silently in this area.

different religious statues

religious statues

Saint Padre Pio painting and other religious statues

There were different kinds of religious statues within the chapel. Some were donated by devotees or parishes. Materials range from hard wood, soft wood, eskayola ( plaster of paris), fiber resin materials.

Relic of the Holy Cross 

relic

devotees

wooden processional urna

Santo Padre Pio Bukal ng Pag-Asa / Saint Padre Pio Fountain of Hope

handkerchiefs, rosaries, prayer beads, padlocks are tied at the fence made from wire mesh

votive candles, padlocak and bottle of holy water can be purchase at this store

red and white candles for sale

Holy Water Sanctuary

Holy Water Sanctuary is another place to visit, pilgrims can throw coins at the fountain area.  Water is not potable.

pilgrims

chapel of saint padre pio chapel of lights

One can light candles in one of these mini chapels located within the ground.

station of cross

The stations of the cross are neatly landscaped with tropical ornamental plants and ferns.

Platycerium coronarium

The area had several pocket gardens with manicured lawns and mini man-made forest.

San Padre Pio rectory

vicinity map

There is a useful guide for those first time visitors and pilgrims at the shrine.

walkway with chapel of the holy cross and belfry

There is a gentle sloping walkway going down to the man-made forest area. There are a lot of flowering plants, shrubs, trees, orchids and ferns within the property.

orchids attached on driftwood

lower portion of the belfry

local delicacies

religious and souvenir stores

Saint Padre Pio relics

Saint Padre Pio relics

UAP Makati chapter

The group had a meaningful, solemn pilgrimage at the shrine. We left the shrine at around past 4:00 pm, with some participants buying some native kakanins and souvenir items.  One can easily make this a part of the holy week retreat.

One can commute via several bus companies which ply the route going to Batangas province. One must leave early in Metro Manila and  travel time take at least 2 to 2 1/2 hours going to the shrine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Around the World Toys Series 2 from Jollibee

The country’s largest fast food chain again release another set of kiddie meal toy which will bring delight for children and fast food collectors not only in the country but the rest of the collecting community.

Dubbed as ” Around the World series 2” this showcase Jollibee mascot in different tourist destination sites around 6 destinations and countries.

California, USA shows Jollibee on top of surf and waves. It had a movable base which can move up and down.

Venice in Italy where gondola is a traditional, flat bottomed boat, often the gondola is propelled by a person portrayed by Jollibee (the gondolier) who stands facing the bow and rows with a forward stroke. The character had a detachable paddle and its arms can move forward.

Hawaii, USA – Jollibee had a garland of yellow flowers and guitar. Hawaii is well known for her flowers and guitar makers. Large Filipino expats community also lives in the state.

Hong Kong, China – Jollibee is sitting on a dragon boat with movable arms beating a drum. Dragon boat race is quite popular in the territory.

London, United Kingdom – Jollibee is portrayed as Queen’s guard (guards on foot) wearing full-dress uniform of red tunics and bearskins (hats). With its iconic black tall hat and movable arms. The company just recently opened a branch within the outskirt of the the city.

Singapore– Jollibee is standing beside the country’s most iconic symbol. The merlion is part mythical creature with head of a lion and body of a fish is an iconic mascot of the city state. The merlion is detachable,  It can be lighted up and change into different color specks by a switch on the side of the merlion.

The downside of having a battery operated lighting merlion, Is that it’s lighting feature may not last long when children keeps on playing the item.

This is a better kiddie meal series compared to the first one issued earlier this year.  Aside from bringing joy and happiness, This also bring educational awareness on geography of the respective country and marketing on other foreign branches of the company.

The toy series can be bought at all Jollibee stores nationwide from November 1, 2018 until supplies last.

First Series

The first series of the Jolly Kiddie Meal Jollibee “Around the World” toys was released from February 1 to 28, 2018 and  part of Jollibee’s 40th anniversary.

Among the countries featured where Canada, Vietnam, New York, Texas, and the Philippines, dressed in some of the most iconic costumes from these places.

Note: The author is lucky to have completed both set of kiddie meal toys.

Warning : The toys had some small parts which can cause some choking hazard for children less than 3 years-old. Adult supervision is a must for children playing this toy set.

Full Disclosure: This is not sponsored post by the company. All sentiment, opinion was based on the toys bought and reviewed by the author. The author is also a member and administration in some FB group which collects fast food toys.