Manila Hotel Postcard from Northwest Airlines

Manila Hotel was featured by foreign airline companies since the iconic hotel opens for business more than a century before. Many heritage advocates regard this landmark as national patronage.

This is comparable to Raffles hotel in Singapore, Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand among others.

Manila Hotel is still in business for more than century. Cardinell Vincent is just one of the company which featured this landmark few years after this was built. Early photographers also used real photo postcards and sold them to tourists, postcard collectors and curio collectors .

Unknown to some, There are thematic collectors which collects postcard, stamp and photo of this iconic hotel not just fellow Filipinos but foreigners from different parts of the globe. They also hunt for other collectibles items like matchboxes, table napkins, tickets, letterheads, key chains, pencil or even souvenir items with the hotel logo.

Northwest Airline Postcard

Northwest Airlines is one of the biggest network of airline companies in the world. Until its subsequent absorption by Delta airlines in 2008. But during the heydays of international travel, Northwest airlines have several destination flights to Asia like Bangkok, Busan, Hong Kong,Kaohsiung,Seoul, Singapore, Taipei,Tokyo and even Manila.

The airline company issued some postcards in these major cities and among the landmark featured in their postcards was the iconic Manila Hotel.

This postcard was issued between late 1950’s to early 1960’s by the company. The airline company also featured some Philippine landmarks like Quiapo church during their operation.

Back Portion

The back side had a short written history on the landmark and have a portion where one can affix stamp.

“ Manila Pearl Of the Orient” is fast regaining its pre-war beauty and charm. The Manila Hotel, among others is restored almost fully to its former elegance. Stores and native shops, swimming pools,tennis courts, golf courses and beautiful vistas of tropical splendor will make your Northwest Airlines Philippine holiday a never-to-be- forgotten experience. ( printed in the USA) Kodachrome. With code PF 16-N

This was purchase several months ago during a big sale at an online site. The postcard cost was just $1.99 with a shipment fee of $2.99.

According to an online friend, this postcard used to be commonly sold in many flea market bazaar just few years ago. He was able to purchase the Northwest airline postcard for just few US cents.

Note: the price quoted in this blog was the actual purchase of the author in the online selling site. Prices may differ from time to time and cannot be use for comparing the market value.

Useful Links: American Regime Postcards of Manila

American Regime Manila thru Postcards 1:https://renz15.wordpress.com/2019/08/22/american-regime-manila-thru-postcards-part-1/

American Regime Manila thru Postcards: https://renz15.wordpress.com/2019/08/27/american-regime-manila-postcards-part-2/

American Regime Manila Thru Postcards 3: https://renz15.wordpress.com/2019/09/13/american-regime-manila-thru-postcards-part-3/

American regime Manila Thru Postcards 4: https://renz15.wordpress.com/2020/03/04/american-regime-manila-thru-postcards-part-4/

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Virtual Countdown 2021 at The Manila Hotel with Ms. Lea Salonga and Kuh Ledesma among others

The Manila Hotel which is iconic and historical will be hosting a virtual countdown for a cause with special performances led by Ms. Lea Salonga,Ms. Kuh Ledesma, world-renown soprano Ms. Rachelle Gerodias, Korean baritone Byeong-In Park, Mr. Richard Reynoso, University of the Philippine chorus and others to join The Manila Hotel in a virtual countdown for 2021.

Ms. Lea Salonga

Virtual Countdown at Manila Hotel

The Manila Hotel is known for their iconic countdown and having a chance to see the beautiful Manila bay during new year.

For every P3,500 in a single-receipt transaction from The Manila Hotel, including take out, dining (Cafe Ilang-Ilang, Lobby Lounge, Roma Salon, Cowrie Grill, and the Delicatessen), FIT room bookings, Prestige card membership, and promo purchase, guests will receive one (1) raffle ticket and an invitation to the Zoom party. Part of the proceeds will be donated to Manila Bulletin’s Bag of Hope, which aims to help displaced workers due to the pandemic.

Mechanics on How to Join

Minor prizes shall be drawn before 12:00 midnight while Major prizes shall be drawn after the countdown to 2021. To claim prizes, customers shall present their raffle ticket along with their take out or dine-in receipt.

This promo is open to all F&B takeout and dine-in transactions covering the period from December 16 to 31, 2020. Cut off period shall be at 6 p.m. on December 31, 2020.

Customers who have claimed raffle tickets shall likewise get an invitation to The Manila Hotel’s New Year’s Countdown to 2021 Zoom code. The customer shall be entitled to a bundle of party favors, which includes two (2) pieces of horns and a confetti popper. Dine-in guests shall have their party favors along with the raffle tickets/s while for takeout orders, party favors shall be sent together with their food/beverage orders and a raffle ticket.

Customers must be present during the Hotel’s New Year’s Countdown to 2021 via Zoom to win. Raffle draw will be done during intervals of the NY Countdown to 2021 program on December 31, from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. of January 1, 2021.

The raffle will be drawn and the winning ticket number shall be flashed on-screen live. The winner of a particular draw must show his/her raffle ticket on the screen to be tagged as the winner. The name of the winner must correspond with the name given and the control number of the raffle stub. To give chances to others, the winning number will be removed from the digital number generator for subsequent raffles to ensure there are no repeat winners.

Prizes may be claimed within 60 days from January 2, 2021. Unclaimed prizes after 60 days will be nullified. The winner will be allowed to send a representative to claim the prize with a written letter and a copy of the winner’s valid Government-issued ID.

Prizes

The top prize is an overnight stay in the world-famous MacArthur Suite where heads of state, royal guests, and famous personalities have stayed–a grand prize worth P500,000! There are other exciting prizes in store for the lucky ones.

Other major prizes are overnight accommodation to a Junior Suite (worth P60,000.00 nett) and overnight room accommodation to a Sunrise/Sunset Suite (P42,000.00 nett).

Minor prizes include VIP Prestige Card Membership (worth P9,000.00 nett), Two (2) Superior Deluxe Room (P22,000.00 nett), Two (2) Medium size Christmas Hamper (P4,600.00 nett), Three (3) Café Ilang-Ilang dinner for two (2) at P3,370.00 nett per person and Three (3) Café Ilang-Ilang lunch for two (2) at P2,725.00 nett per person, and Four (4) High tea at P880.00 nett.

To join the raffle, customer/guest must make a minimum purchase of P3,500.00 (net of discounts) per single receipt from any of our participating outlets: M Takeout, Café Ilang-Ilang, Lobby Lounge, or Deli. It shall entitle a customer to one (1) raffle ticket.

Do not forget to call them at 8527-0011 or 0998-9501912.

Vintage Thanksgiving Postcard

Happy Thanksgiving to all !

This is the time of the year when Americans, Canadians and even Brazilians celebrates “Thanksgiving” .

This is quite popular holiday that Americans would send letters, postcards whenever they are in any parts of the globe.

According to some old folks and those who witness the American occupation, commonwealth, post war period ( 1946 to 1965) in the Philippines.

During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines ( 1942 to 1944), both the Americans in the country and Filipinos celebrated Thanksgiving Day secretly.

There are some postcards which were printed in the Philippines and send by Americans, teachers, tourists and military personnel to their love ones. Some Filipino-American families would host “Thanksgiving” meal during that time.

Thanksgiving was a holiday in the country all throughout the American occupation,post war period up to the late 1960’s. Manila Hotel would host great parties and events related to the event.

However, upon the declaration of martial law through Proclamation 1081 in 1972, Marcos issued Proclamation 1181 in 1973, moving the annual celebration to Sept. 21 to coincide with the establishment of “Bagong Lipunan” or New Society.

Eventually, this holiday was forgotten by many Filipinos and most of the celebrations are held at the United States embassy, American women’s association and American communities.

Although ” Thanksgiving” postcard printed in the country is abiet rare, I have seen some in private collectors who somehow cherish them.

This postcard was part of the vintage postcard lot bought at a local stamp bourse/ auction few years ago. The consignor was an American stamp, postcard and magazine collector.

Just sharing some useful information and the symbolism of the turkey in their postcard. The postcard is about 100 years old with embossed corner.

Bibliographies, Sources and Interviews:

Postcard collectors- Mr. Reynaldo de Jesus, Mr. Jimmy Ang, Mrs. Leticia Perez, Ms. Nitz Ortega and Mr. John Joseph Hernandez

Philippine Postcards page 130 to 137 Consuming Passions

Useful Links: American Regime Postcards of Manila

American Regime Manila thru Postcards 1:https://renz15.wordpress.com/2019/08/22/american-regime-manila-thru-postcards-part-1/

American Regime Manila thru Postcards: https://renz15.wordpress.com/2019/08/27/american-regime-manila-postcards-part-2/

American Regime Manila Thru Postcards 3: https://renz15.wordpress.com/2019/09/13/american-regime-manila-thru-postcards-part-3/

American regime Manila Thru Postcards 4: https://renz15.wordpress.com/2020/03/04/american-regime-manila-thru-postcards-part-4/

Iconic Manila Hotel real photo postcards

Manila Hotel is one of the most photographed hotels in the country since her establishment in 1912.

With the advent of photography. First known photo studios were introduced in Manila in the later part of the 19th century. Taking photos of people, fiesta, landmarks, recuerdo de patay (memories of the dead) became more popular. Manila hotel postcard with the use of photos became an instant hot commodity among collectors of Filipiniana, memorabilia, postcard, photo collectors not only in the country but also from all over the world.

Manila Hotel photo postcard circa 1925

Manila Hotel real photo postcards

The Manila bay harbor was dredged with millions of tons of mud, gravel and sand were used to reclaim and extend the Luneta, making room for the Elks Club, the Army Navy Club and the crown jewel of the project was a premiere hotel with modern amenities that soon to be called the Manila Hotel.

The Malecon drive which was popular as seaside passageway and promenade area during the Spanish regime was widen and reclaimed. Eventually the drive became Dewey boulevard or Roxas boulevard.

The moat which connects parts of intramuros or walled city to the Manila bay was filled and turned into a municipal golf course and garden.

The site of the hotel was next to Pier 7, where it was now possible to berth four large passenger ships.

Pier 13 is also near the hotel which added more traffic and guests to the hotel.

Visitors can book a room at the hotel and short calesa ride into the historic city centers like Intramuros, Ermita, Malate and Luneta park. During those times, the social event would center in escolta. Eventually the grand social hall of the hotel serves as a nerve center to even the political meetings and gatherings.

It was the in-thing for the wealthy and socialite during American colonial regime to be spotted within Manila Hotel, much of today’s Bonifacio Global City or BGC.

Mr. Daniel Burnham commissioned American architect William Parsons to design the Manila Hotel as well as many buildings with the California style mission which was in vogue in many parts of the United States and Europe.

Manila Hotel circa 1947 photo postcard

Manila Hotel circa 1957 with post war cars and trees growing

Manila Hotel with large acacia and narra trees circa 1959

Please try to visit the other previous article links for Manila Hotel :

American Regime Manila thru postcards part 3: https://renz15.wordpress.com/2019/09/13/american-regime-manila-thru-postcards-part-3/

Manila Hotel postcard by Cardinell Vincent :https://renz15.wordpress.com/2020/10/27/manila-hotel-postcard-cardinell-vincent-company/

Manila Hotel Postcard by Cardinell- Vincent Company

Manila Hotel is one of the iconic Philippine hotel landmarks which had been popular among postcard, memorabilia, stamp, matchbox and ephemera collectors from all corners of the globe.

The hotel had been featured by several postcard companies like Philippine Educational Company (PECO), Cardinell-Vincent Company, Denniston, Goldsteins Philippine Postcards, Sun Photo supply Philippine Postcards, The Camera Company Philippine postcards and later by Goodwill Bookstore, Max Basker & Sons, National Bookstore, Sterling – International airline companies like Northwest Orient Airlines, Pan-Am, Philippine Airlines among others.

Manila Hotel obverse portion with American flag and manicured garden

Manila Hotel also have their own set of postcards printed and sold at their gift shop.

Cardinell-Vincent Company is one of the several dozens of companies which printed their postcard series – They have 37 in a series which featured landmarks in the country. The company sold postcards and distributed the items in local bookstores, tourist areas, escolta and major Philippine cities during the American colonial and commonwealth regime.

reverse side or back portion of the postcards in which recipient name and the sender’s name is listed. The upper right portion with box is were stamps is affixed

The company is international base and also have postcards from the United States and other areas.

My friend spotted this postcard on sale few years ago at a popular online platform for just $1.00. The seller had about 70% discount for this American era postcard- originally price was for $2.80 – It was listed for several months.

The postcard had go unnoticed, since there were a lot of sellers at the online platform and maybe there were not enough buyers. The condition of the postcard is good despite the age and some scribble handwriting at the back portion.

He took no time to inform me about this big sale and bought the postcard. The shipping was a little bit more expensive at $3.00 from United States of America to the Philippines. I think it took about two weeks before we got this postcard.

This postcard is unused and was printed around 1920. The size of the postcard is approximately 3 1/2 inch x 5 1/2 inch or 9 centimeters x 14 centimeters.

I was able to find this postcard tucked in one corner while arranging my vintage postcard collection.

Aside from deltiologist, philatelist and memorabilia collectors, Postcards featuring landmarks had been popular subject for school project in Social Studies, Araling Panlipunan, Filipino, History and Architecture during much of post war period until early part of the millennium.

Sources, Bibliographies and References:

American Regime Manila thru Postcards part 1: https://renz15.wordpress.com/2019/08/22/american-regime-manila-thru-postcards-part-1/

American Regime Manila thru Postcards part 2: https://renz15.wordpress.com/2019/08/27/american-regime-manila-postcards-part-2/

American Regime Manila thru Postcards part 3: https://renz15.wordpress.com/2019/09/13/american-regime-manila-thru-postcards-part-3/

American Regime Manila thru Postcards part 4: https://renz15.wordpress.com/2020/03/04/american-regime-manila-thru-postcards-part-4/

Personal interview from postcard collectors and dealers

Philippine Postcards page 130 to 137 Consuming Passions

http://www.philippinepostcards.com