Manila Cathedral postcard with timbre cote vue cancellation

Manila Cathedral is one of the most photographed and featured cathedral in the country. Several postcard companies had featured this church since photography and postcards were introduced towards the end of the 19th century up to late 20th century.

Prior to the advent of photography, Majority of the early Manila Cathedral feature were drawn by local sketchers and international painters. Some of which are still around collected in different local archives like the one by Intramuros Administration, National Archives , National Library, Ortigas Library Foundation and foreign archives like those in Spain, Mexico, France and some early deltiologist (postcard collector).

Manila Cathedral circa between 1908 to 1910 with stamp in front and cancellation mark- the one on the right side was the Palacio del Gobernador ruins– the main square in front used to be called Plaza Mayor or Plaza Mckinley before it was renamed to Plaza Roma in 1961.

There are flame trees planted in the plaza towards the end of the 19th century and only the facade and pineapple ornamentation on the right side survived the last world war.

Manila Cathedral Postcard

back portion with handwriting and cancellation mark

Manila Cathedral is considered as mother of all churches in the archipelago. It was separate diocese on February 6, 1579 upon the issuance of papal bull.

The cross on top of the the central dome is a reference point of astronomical longitudes of the archipelago. Also it serves as a point of reference or kilometer zero for distances in the country.

Majority of the postcards printed during the American regime featured the 7th Cathedral architecture which is known as neo-byzantine style which only the main facade survived the last world war.

The present cathedral was a Romanesque revival or neo- Romanesque revival which was rebuilt between 1954 to 1958.

Timbre Corte Vue

This is called timbre cote vue or TVC which was normal way to place a stamp and 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.

There was a practice in the late 19th century to first quarter of the 20th century for early postcards to have stamps posted in front of the view. the cancellation marks also adds beauty to the front side. Unlike the usual practice among present day postcard collectors ( deltiologists) .

It had a 2 centavos Dr. Jose Rizal stamp with cancellation of January 5, 1910 4:30 pm and the postcard was send from Manila, Philippines to Rhone , France . It is an undivided back. The postcard was printed in Germany.

The recipient was Mr. A Rochet from 22 Rue Longue, Lyon, France

The sender or the postcard seller could be Mr. Jose A. Del Barrio with local address from Manila, Philippines.

Glad to have this postcard for a price of a pizza.

References and Useful Links:

Sources and References:

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)

Personal interview with postcards collectors

Philippine Postcards.com: https://www.philippinepostcards.com/

American Regime Manila Thru Postcards (Part 4)

The arrival of the Americans in 1898 saw the increase number of colorful postcards, these gradually replaced printed postcards during the last decade of the Spanish regime. The postcards were first printed in the United States, while other foreign postcards like French photo postcards, British painted postcards, Germany and Japanese sponsored postcards followed in the local market.

Paco River with bamboo raft

American Regime Postcards

There were at least 30 known companies which printed and distributed postcards from the early 1900 to the mid- 1950’s in the country. This does not include the Japanese sponsored postal cards which were printed during the Japanese controlled republic from 1943 to 1945.

Raphael Tuck and Son Postcard printed in England ( Suspension Bridge )

 The first bridge started its construction in 1849 and was completed in January 4,1852. It used to be called Puente de Claveria (Claveria Bridge)named after the Governor General Narciso Claveria y Zaldua; who was governor-general of the Philippines from July 16, 1844 to December 26, 1849. It was built and owned by Ynchausti y Compañía.

It was built to ease the traffic going to the north side of the Pasig river which includes Binondo, Quiapo and Santa Cruz districts.

the old suspension bridge had two lanes that allow passages of horse and carabao drawn carriage during that time. It was also opened for pedestrians from Quiapo going to Intramuros and nearby areas. The total length of the bridge was 110 meters.

Its old name was Puente de Colgante, and became the first suspension bridge not only in the Philippines but in Southeast Asia as well. This was later replaced by Quezon bridge in 1939.

The suspension bridge was one of the famous landmark in Spanish and American era, Manila.

Pasig river postcard

Mr. Raphael Tuck and his wife started the business in Bishopgate in London in October 1866, The company eventually expanded into printing, distributing and featuring landmarks from all over the world.

Denniston’s Manila, Philippines ( Binondo Canal)

Denniston is one of the printer and distributor of American era postcards in the country.  The code for the company Denniston Philippine Postcards with numbered “D” with at least hundreds of featured landmarks from different parts of the country.

Binondo canal with native cascos and rice

Binondo canals and Pasig river was very popular subject in many of the early postcard issuance. The river is still clean and there are native cascos which ply the river.

Quinta Market is located in the Quiapo district, It is one of the larger public market and it is still around. However the old structure was demolished few years ago to pave way for a newer public market.

Plaza Lawton or Liwasang Bonifacio during the early part of 1900 during the early part of the American administration.

Old Spanish Gate within Intramuros – This was printed by Philippine Educational Company ( PECO).

Botanic Garden– This is one of the oldest known botanic garden not just in the country but in Southeast Asia.  This used to be called Jardin Botanico de Manila then changed the name to Mehan Garden.

Botanic Garden by Photo Supply Co.

Manila Central Post Office – This building is one of the first neo-classicial style built during the American regime.

Tanduay Fire Station – This fire station is another iconic landmark and still around.

Calle Palacio – This is one of the most important street in Intramuros.

Manila Cathedral – This is one of the most featured cathedral in the country.

Manila Cathedral with Pope Pius XI

This was a postcard issued sometime in commonwealth the mid- 1930’s. Pope Puis XI served from 6 February 1922 to his death in February 10, 1939.

Manila Cathedral facade

Bilibid Prison –  This correctional institution is another well-known landmark in Manila.

Rotunda Fountain and Tranvia – The fountain was built in 1884 to commemorate the inauguration of Manila’s waterworks system. However, in 1976 the Rotonda de Sampaloc paved way to ease traffic congestion and was eventually moved the fountain to the MWSS office in Quezon City. Where it stayed for almost 20 years, until it was moved again in Plaza Santa Cruz in 1995 during the second term of then Mayor Alfredo S. Lim.

YMCA Building Postcard– This was the old building by  Young Men’s Christian Association in Manila issued in the 1907.  The old building location is near Sm Manila which is at the back of the Manila Cityhall.

According to a postcard and stamp collector, This type of postcards used to be quite common in many curio stores and even old bookstores in Metro Manila even until the mid- 1970’s.

Sources and References:

American Regime Manila Thru Postcards (part 1)

American Regime Manila Thru Postcards (part 2)

American Regime Manila Thru Postcards ( part 3)

Collins English Dictionary : Postal Card

Littrell, Robert, Ed; Postal Cards of Spanish Colonial Cuba, Philippines, Puerto Rico, UPSS, 2010.

Personal interview from postcard collectors

Philippine Postcards page 130 to 137 Consuming Passions

Philippine Postcards.com: https://www.philippinepostcards.com/

Puente Colgante. ( 2005). In Virgilio Almario ( Ed.), Sagisag Kultura ( Vol 1). Manila: National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

Big Crowd at the 40th Grand Marian Procession in Intramuros

Big crowd attended the 40th grand marian procession within intramuros. This year also marked the ruby anniversary of the parade and procession.

devotees from Piat, Cagayan province

Nuestra Señora de Piat with devotees in colorful floral costumes. We visited few months ago the Minor Basilica of Piat in Cagayan province.

There were at least 120 Marian images, canonical and venerated images of the blessed virgin mary. Delegates come from different parts of the country. Some traveled from as far as Cagayan, Quezon, Laguna, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Batangas, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bataan, Cavite, Zambales, Camarines Norte, Aurora and La Union provinces.

There were also large contingent from different Metro Manila parishes and foreign tourists.

We organized a small tour and went early at around past 2:00pm, Met a lot of marian devotees, heritage advocates and friends along the parade route.

Nuestra Señora Delas Flores owned by Mrs. Imelda Ongsiako Cojuangco

local band from Pangil, Laguna province

40th Marian Procession

The marian carriages were lined along the old Intendencia or Custom House, Plaza de España, Andres Soriano avenue and Plaza Roma.

order of procession

There is an information counter near the BIR building along Andres Soriano Avenue which provided some clues on the parade routes.

participants from Bulakan, Bulacan province

These are the participants and devotees from Bulakan, Bulacan province. They gave some suman and bottled water to us while walking.

devotees

Nuestra Señora dela Leche y Buen Parto

Nuestra Señora dela Leche y Buen Parto image first time debut in the grand marian procession. Devotees also gave away some estampitas to visitors.

Nuestra Señora de Porta Vaga de Manila- the processional carriage had thousands of yellow dancing lady orchids or oncidiums arrangement.

devotees from Laguna

Nuestra Señora Inmaculada Concepción de Salambáo

participants in colorful terno

Immaculada Corazon de Maria

devotees from Bulacan province

Nuestra Señora dela Paz ( Apung Maria de Manila )

Our Lady of Sorrows

students and nuns

Maria Mananabang Sang Mga Kristianos from Capiz province

Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Imus

Mary Mediatrix of All Graces

Devotees from Batangas gave away estampitas, devotional booklet to the early birds. Most of the devotees came from Lipa and nearby towns of Batangas.

devotees from San Fernando , Pampanga sell some handmade scapular

Plaza Roma and Manila Cathedral Basilica

Nuestra Señora Delas Saleras from Nueva Ecija province

marian images

Nuestra Señora Virgen de Mar Cautiva from Santo Tomas La Union province

ladies in traje de mestiza

devotees in colorful balintawak dress

The mood is very festive and processional carriages bedeck with flower arrangements, fruits, vegetables and live plants.

Intramuros Open House 2019

It was a hot sunny day when our small blogger group met at Plaza Roma past 7:30 am for the one day Intramuros Open House event.

Manila Cathedral Basilica

They took a chance to explore and enjoy these museums within the walled city. Some of the bloggers are living in northern part of Metro Manila like Deparo,Novaliches, Fairview, Rodriguez, Montalban and San Mateo, Rizal did not have much time to visit the place during ordinary days.

Intramuros Open House

https://photos.app.goo.gl/nxsgfrKrLFzmaD2x8

Old Manila Eco Market

Mr. Philip Reyes is one of the early bird at the meet-up place which was the Old Manila Eco Market in front of Manila Cathedral Basilica.

Manila Cathedral Basilica and former Manila Collectibles place

flowering Dendrobium orchids and ornamental plants for sale

Old Manila Eco Market had stalls selling environment sustainable products, flowering plants, handicrafts and food made by locals or ethnic groups.

Manila Cathedral interior

Archbishops of Manila from late 1579 up to the present

Manila Cathedral Basilica – We have waited a couple of minutes and took some time explaining a brief history of the church to the participants.

La Pieta

Fort Santiago entrance

Fort Santiago is our second stop, The well manicured space was a delight to photographers, we saw a lot of intagramers. However it seems hotter compared to what we have accustomed with. It was the paved concrete which gives a heat island effect.

Plaza de Armas

historical marker at the Dr. Jose Rizal’s shrine

Dr. Jose Rizal wax figure

tribunal

Dr. Jose Rizal cell

lego exhibit- Manila Hotel

The Lego exhibit is one of the MUST See attractions inside the Fort Santiago. I have been there several times. Some visitors keep on touching and playing the lego buildings that some of them have missing parts.

tranvia

The group met a lot of familiar faces and friends during our tour.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/RuWukfrsBEocc7iW6

San Agustin church facade

 Except for Philip Reyes and the author. It was the first time for the rest of the group at the museum. The last time i have entered the San Agustin museum was two months ago, when the company that i am working organized a pre-conference tour in intramuros.

columbary units

retablo

https://photos.app.goo.gl/7g2hupejEqYDoSK26

At the ground floor of the San Agustin Convent and Museum, There was an ongoing Marian exhibit entitled ” Regina Caeli”  which also attracted record number of people.  We saw Sir Jeff Fernando ( a santo devotee and collector).

botanical prints and samples

We also saw a couple of stamp collectors and heritage advocate at the museum.

 immaculate conception carved from elephant ivories – Don Luis Ma. Araneta collection

 The group enjoyed the two hour or so tour inside the San Agustin convent and museum.

Casa Manila and San Luis Complex

Casa Manila is a three -story rich merchant house in the late 18th and early 19th century. According to travel brochures and some books, This  merchant house was replicated from an actual house in San Nicolas district in Manila. Some materials were from demolished period houses in Manila and nearby provinces.

second floor

The collection also included furniture f rom estate and family collection acquired by Intramuros administration in the early 1980’s up to the mid-1990’s

sala

kitchen area

toilet

Casa Manila central courtyard

Casa Manila central courtyard is favorite location set for films, television commercial and wedding reception venue.

bambike

Instituto Cervantes – There was an art and bazaar at the second floor of the institute.

The group took a short lunch at the nearby convenient stores, It is much cooler inside compared to the karinderia.

Bahay Tsinoy – Bahay Tsinoy is a resource center,venue and museum. The place also had an auditorium area and resource library.

terracota warrior replica from Xian- donated to the museum

We used to include the museum as part of the extended postal heritage tour.

life size mannequin

The group of Mercedes Maata left after the Bahay Tsinoy museum tour. We were able to get some postcards, books and Tulay newspapers at the lobby.  They use to sell the postcards before.

Museo Destileria Limtuaco signage

We continued our Intramuros and visited the Museo Destilleria Limtuaco which opened their door in 2018.  It was my 8th time in this museum and first time for the rest of the participants.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/CDFV9rdYxTajMibv5

Museo Destileria Limtuaco facade

( photo courtesy of Mr. Philip Reyes)

Museo de Intramuros– We arrived past 1:30pm at the museum and fall in line to revisit the museum. It was the first time for the rest of the participants. Saw Axl Guinto and Dennis Dy Kho fellow bloggers. According to the security guards manning the museum, The museum is still FREE until the end of the year. Do not the miss the chance to visit the place.

Museo Destileria Limtuaco– This used to be an ancestral house of the Limpe family acquired in the late 1970’s. Eventually the ancestral house was converted into a museum and memorabilia center.

bottles

Destileria Limtucao company had tucked into their colorful history 5 generations of master blenders.  It was established by a Chinese immigrant born of a merchant family in Amoy, China, Lim Tua Co.

visitors

barrels

Lights and Sound Museum– The museum opened past 1:00 pm. There were two other schedule held within 1 hour interval.

life-size mannequin

Boy Scout monument  ( photo courtesy : Philip Reyes)

Boy Scout Monument  sometimes called Laging Handa Monument beside Colegio de San Juan de Letran. The monument was featured in a local postcard in the late 1960’s. It was printed by Madonna and distributed by Goodwill Bookstore.

The three boy scout featured were the three boy scout from Colegio de San Juan de Letran.

The group also went to the Parian gate area where is an ongoing Likhaan booths. By this time, most of the participants were tired and could not take any photos.

We accompanied Ms. Darylle and her daughter at the foot of Quezon bridge, where they rode an AUV express going to Fairview and the author took an LRT line 1 Central station. Finally bid farewell after almost 8 hours of walking tour within intramuros.

Tota Pulchra EST Maria Exhibit within Manila Cathedral

Tota Pulchra est Maria exhibited  different Immaculate Conception statues at the side chapel near the entrance of  Manila Cathedral  also known as Minor Basilica of Immaculate Conception .

Immaculate Conception statue in front of the Manila Cathedral facade

The statues are mostly done in the old traditional craft done by atelier Rafael Lopez , a well-known craftsman of Marian and religious images in the country. Special participation of the devotees of Barangay Ligas in Malolos City . The exhibited was opened last November 28 and will run until December 8, 2016.

Immaculate Conception statues on wooden peana with special enclosed glass container called verina ( photo courtesy of Ms. Buena Mai Tunac -student of UST college of Architecture and Postal Heritage tour participant )

There were 20 collectors which lend their personal and family heirloom religious statues at the exhibition area.

photo courtesy of the exhibitor

list of exhibitors

Mr. Raymond Naval , Ms. Monette Peralta , Mr. Justin Henry Alino , Mr. Manuel Cruz , Atty. Victor Reginald Dimacuha , Mr. Francis Jason Diaz Perez III , Mr. John Felix Concepcion Santos , Mr. Vicente Roman ” Mike ” Santos , Mr. Noel Flores , Mr. Mike Jerome Joson , Mr. Aniceto “Chito” Sumera , Mr. Luisito ” Chito ” Tayag , Dr. Rafael A. Lopez, Mr. Vicente ” Jun ” Ladia , Mr. Arnualdo ” Arnie ”  Macapagal , Senor Francisco Vecin , Mr. Roberto Villanueva , Mr. Jayson Moses, Mr. James A Yee, Mr. Noel Menguito

Mother Mary statues 

Since some of the these religious statues are old , touching is strictly prohibited and are fragile. In fact , we saw some exhibitors at the site.

Some of the statues seems it was recently made by the same artisan with ivory heads and hands  . But we must say that the craftsmanship was quite superb !

 One of our foreigner friend told us that it was at par or even better than the ones that they saw in Central and South American countries .

We would like to congratulate all the exhibitors,  for sharing your wonderful devotion and collections to the general public. Until Next Exhibit