Top 8 Must Collect Items at the Southeast Asian Games 2015 in Singapore

Manila, Philippines

Collectors around the Southeast Asian region and the world looking for a regional games are here for a treat of their lives. This biennial sporting festival which unites 11 countries in Southeast Asia . Memorabilia collectors are looking for official merchandises  which can increase their prices in the near future or something that will bring nostalgia and fond memories of hosting an event. Singapore last hosted the event in 1993 or 22 years ago .

8. SEA GamesT-shirt – Selling Price SGD$ 19.90 ( around Php 658 pesos) This is probably the most practical commemorative souvenir item .  Supporters can wear them during the duration of the the 28th SEA Games and a wise marketing strategy , people wearing the item are like free advertisement for the event and a regional pride. Even non- ASEAN member countries are buying this stuff and an ideal souvenir from Singapore. It comes in blue, red and black colors. It is 60% Jersey Cotton and 40% Polyester . 7. SEA Games Countries Flag with Nila – SG $ 7.90 each or SGD $ 86.90 for 11 countries ( around  Php 261.20 pesos each or Php 2,873.12 for 11 piece set )

A collector had an option of collecting a piece or a set of 11 countries.

6. Tote Bags and Bags SG $ 7.90 and $49. 90 ( Around Php 261.00 and Php 1,649.15 pesos ) Another practical and useful buy at the SEA Games are the Tote Bags ( made from canvass)  and Luggage Bag types. It suits all ages and can be useful even after the games.

  5. Nila Plush Toy- SGD $29.90  ( Around Php 988.00 pesos)

They are cute and cuddly. Nila is the official symbol of Singapore and the 28th SEA Games . I have several collector friends from Singapore and local plush toy collectors told me that it was one of the  hottest selling items . 4.) Charms Collection – SG $ 6.90 and SG $ 8.90 ( Around Php 228 pesos and Php 295 pesos) These items are quite easy to carry , have mass appeal especially on teenagers and young adults . 3.) Ballers / Gel Bracelets – SG $ 3.90 each or $42.90 for 11 piece set ( Php 128.88 pesos each or Php 1,649.11 pesos) This brings a nationalistic pride when you wear this kind of arm band, This appeals among  the teenagers and young professionals. BUT one must bear in mind that once it have been worn and in contact with greasy and sweaty hands, Its collecting value will surely goes down . Merchandise wise, There might be tens of thousands or hundreds of thousand of these might have been produce .  Plastic tends to get brittle with age . 2. Commemorative Pins- Selling Price 50 pins set –  SG $399.90 ( Around Php 13,221.65 pesos ) The 50 pins include designs of Nila playing each of the 36 SEA Games sports and posing against the participating countries’ flags. This is the perfect gift or item for collectors. The limited edition  set was quite popular amongst customers at the launch of the 28th SEA Games Merchandise last  November 2014 .  Just a word of caution, The price of these commemorative pins had greatly fluctuated over the years and some  Olympic and World Cup commemorative pins had greatly suffered losses at several local auction in the Philippines. I have seen a 1988 , 1992 and 1996 Olympic pins in frames and in good condition are just being sold at just a fraction of the SEA Games pins.  Maybe there are more pin collectors in other parts of ASEAN region but not really in the Philippines. 1.) SEA Games Commemorative Stamp and Cover ( Issued by Singapore Post Office ) SG $3. 90 ( Around Php 128.90 pesos ) The value of these stamps are a big marketing boost to these games, They are quite CHEAP . There are a lot of people not only in the ASEAN region which collect stamps but particularly collect sports on stamp theme .  There are 4 stamps to complete the set and not bulky to buy, There is also a First Day Cover for a few additional dollars.  Slogan Collectors around the world will also be able to collect ” We Love Sport ” postmark this coming June to commemorate the hosting of the event.  The stamps will be release to the public on June 5, 2015 date of the opening.

Physical Store:

Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm Venue: Outside Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Road, 238873.

Website Link for orders  :

Sea Games Merchandise :https://www.seagames2015.com/get-involved/merchandise

Singapore Post Office : https://www.singpost.com/

Advertisement

Pope Francis Memorabilia and Souvenir Items a Big Hit among Afficionados

University of Santo Tomas , Manila-Philippines

Pope Francis visit to the University of Santo Tomas

When the pastoral visit of Pope Francis was announced in the last quarter of 2014,  People from all walks of life started to look for  Pope-related memorabilia or would just like a memento of Pope Francis’s upcoming visit, vendors and shops have plenty of items for you. Catholic Trade in Tayuman started selling Pope Francis calendars, t-shirts and books became popular items.

 Dapitan street  crowd

I woke -up early at around past 3:30am and commuted from Quezon City to Dimasalang street. When i arrived past 5:00am , long lines already greeted me. Some of the eager crowd where already camping along the vicinity of University of Santo Tomas the day before , while pension houses and dormitories are also cramped with visiting pilgrims and relatives .

Mr. Alfonso Cruz together with his family

I accidentally met Mr. Alfonso Cruz ( stamp and memorabilia collector) . He left his home at around past 2:00am in Malabon City together with almost all the members of his family. He wanted to be blessed by the Pope.

University of Santo Tomas campus ( Gate 10)

Ordinary people had to fall in line along Dapitan street and long line that stretches for more more than a kilometer-long.

a devotee holding santo niño

An ambulant vendor selling Pope Francis key chain

Pope Francis button pins

There are so many kinds of button pins for sale along the Papal route. They are priced between Php 20 to Php 30 each depending on the area .

Some vendors would sell them at a slightly discounted rate of 3 button pins for Php 50 .

calendars and towels

Calendars are being sold from Php 30 to Php 100 depending on the size and materials

Pope Francis t-shirts

In this part of the Sampaloc , T-shirts were selling from Php 150 to Php 300 depending on the sizes and quality of the shirt.

Pope Francis T-shirts

Pope Francis towels and handkerchiefs

Pope Francis busts, key chains and rosaries

Pope Francis foldable fans

Pope Francis calendars

special response unit

Unlike the 1995 Papal visit of then Pope John Paul 2 , the security protocols are quite strict.  Even the nearby condominium units and residential areas were not spared from the inspection and manning by the security forces by PNP, baranggay and volunteer groups.

selfie

I met a group of students waiting patiently in line and using their mobile camera to record everything. They are standing along España corner Moret street  in Sampaloc.

army in fatigue uniforms

Despite the large crowds and strict security protocols , Some still manage to brought umbrellas and pointed objects .

crowd eagerly waiting for the arrival of the pope

It was very festive and almost everyone is very happy . I met a small contingent from San Mateo , Rizal

Mr. Angelo Diego Castro

I also met some celebrities along the papal route, One of them is Mr. Angelo Diego Castro , a popular teenage celebrity in the mid 1990’s . His daily show and weekly shows includes Gimik, Esperanza and TGIS in ABS-CBN channel 2  and GMA channel 7. He is the son of ABS-CBN channel 2 anchor Mr. Angelo Castro, Jr and EDSA People Power  1986 radio announcer Ms. June Keithley Castro.  I think he is together with his wife and immediate friends.

University of Santo Tomas -Gate # 4

It started to rain by the time Pope Francis and his convoy entered the main gate , Everybody shouted on top of their lungs and took their gadgets to record the momentous occasion. Some older people even started crying, It was not in despair or anguish . But it was tears of joy and celebration.

We waited for more several hours and under the rains. Nobody complained , But i saw several people that fainted . According to one devotee ” Para kang nakarating sa Roma” It is like you have went to Rome .

people walked from UST en-route to Luneta via Quezon Avenue underpass

I was able to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis visit to the University of Santo Tomas and his route along Quirino Avenue . The busy street of Manila is a beehive of people. My.conservative crowd estimate within UST , Dapitan, Lacson , España and Governor Forbes would easily be more than 200,000 from 5:00am to past 12noon.

The problem with big events like Papal visit , transportation like LRT is full to its capacity and LRT Quirino station is – NO loading and Unloading zone ( for security purposes). We have to wait for more than 30 minutes at the Doroteo station , so we decided to walk the Rizal Avenue going to Luneta.

Santa Cruz bridge or Mac Arthur bridge

Alternative transportation such as tricycles, pedicabs, kalesas ( horse drawn carriage) became a hit, normally they are banned from plying major street thoroughfares .

message to Pope Francis collage within Plaza Lawton / Liwasang Bonifacio

The rains are not strong but the cool air Northeast Monsoon  ( Amihan ) that worries some people.

News 9 crew stationed near Finance  Building ( National Museum for Filipino People )

Poncho type raincoats were also a big- hit among the rain drench crowd. They are sold between Php 35 ( ordinary ones ) to Php 200 .

crowd waiting near LRT Quirino station

Pope Francis block of 4 Php 10 each

Philippine Postal Corporation and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas also started to sell commemorative stamps and coins to mark the special occasion.

Pope Francis coinage stamps with face value of Php 200

This is a collective voice from a lot of ordinary stamp , coin and memorabilia collectors , We had to endure long lines just to buy stamps at the main post office, We have to wait for several days from January 12,13, 14  just to purchase the much coveted coinage stamp from Manila Central Post Office . We also had to endure a non-responsive email from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for our short list of orders .  While the author got several hundreds of email from fellow stamp and even coin collectors asking where to buy or asking the author to buy for them .

Php 50 coin being sold at Php 100 and Php 500 being sold at Php 1,000 by BSP

I also got some angry responses from fellow stamp collectors residing even in Metro Manila that their local post offices did not even have the Pope Francis stamps.  We all know that there is already a steady decline in the stamp collectors nationwide. BUT this is different , I personally believe that distribution to local post offices is the key to the solution . MORE stamp printed , the More people from all walks of life can enjoy the hobby.

In a recent television interview by a well-known stamp collector/ dealer  ( one at ANC channel and another one at Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho ) . The prices of the stamps had already doubled and even tripled from the face value of the item.  ( Some greedy bunch of grumpy people )

* Note: With the mad frenzy for Pope Francis memorabilia items , We collectors must always remember that the main purpose of his visit to the country is Mercy and  Compassion .  Learn to share whatever small items and blessing that we received .

Website Links:

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas : http://www.bsp.gov.ph/

Philippine Postal Corporation :https://www.phlpost.gov.ph/

3rd Philippine International Flora and Fauna Green Living Expo 2010

The organizers  would like to welcome you to the 3^rd Philippine International Flora and Fauna Green Living Expo (PIFGEX 3) with the theme “Gifts of Nature” to be held on July 22-25, 2010 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City.

PIFGEX 2010 poster

We endeavor to bring together and educate people about the Philippine’s natural beauty, its rich yet fragile biodiversity, its endearing culture and also, its unique products.

PIFGEX is the first event that has brought together both government and private industry. It is one of the major projects that RPN Flora and Fauna Inc. organizes annually.

year’s event gave an opportunity for companies, government and private groups to exhibit their products and ideas to the greater public and to special targeted groups. In past shows we have offered exhibitors a chance to talk and make presentations about their products, ideas or services. We also have special interest areas set aside such as live animal displays and provide some exhibitors a display area in the front of the venue as a secondary showcase area. This has been a very successful format allowing exhibitors to introduce new and current products in the market place. Our media partners like Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Business Mirror and Business World has also extended their help and support by way of reaching our intended audience.

The exposition will also be attended by representative exhibitors from different regions of the Philippines. The participation and great contributions of these regions, through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), helps to accentuate the issue of environmental awareness, as well as share visuals and informations about their place and their industries.

It is  a collaboration of major and developing companies, NGO’s and the government sector to elevate public awareness about what we have to offer, and how our companies and groups are doing their part in the urgent call to revive our land and our planet and in caring for our country’s resources. Together we can make this a crusade and our personal commitment to our country and the environment. Recent calamities have shown we need to take a more proactive role in environmental protection wherein each individual can play their part. Education is an important part of this process and PIFGEX is the only trade show that addresses this important concern.

RPN Flora and Fauna Inc. will continue to improve and innovate in future shows giving exhibitors a chance to discuss and introduce new products and ideas that could contribute to the greening of our country, and reduce industrial and consumer wastes.

Proceeds from the event will be used to fund all expeditions that RPN Flora and Fauna Inc. has been organizing for the research, survey, documentation and eventually, the creation of books that will showcase the flora and fauna of the Philippines from the Batanes group of islands up to the island of Tawi-Tawi.  Let us all become a part of this urgent and worthwhile project that is of great help in upbringing further interest to study and preserve our wildlife and our country as a whole.

Should you need more information, please call Mr. Delmer Rivera at (02) 534 9826 or 0905 3538487 or email him at // events@philippinefloraandfauna.org

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

We have attached an application form for you to fill up, should you wish to exhibit again in PIFGEX .

Department of Education Culture and Sports issued a DepED Advisory no . 6 series 2010 dated January 11, 2010  endorsing the event to all public and private academic institution all over the country to come and visit the event.

Articles from : PIFGEX 2010 website

Events Highlight:

CHED- This institution highly endorses this event for college and universities from all over the country. The event will draw livelihood seminars, educational information from academe , industry and practitioners .

Department Of Environment and Natural Resources – This government institution will have an exhibit and a special conference will be attended by top DENR officials.

Partner Exhibitors:
AANI – One of the largest Agriculture,Aqua -Fisheries , Environmental , Organic, Educational , Inventor  organizations  will proudly showcase their products, services and new technologies in the event.

BIOMOD- is a computer platform for ensemble forecasting of species distributions, enabling the treatment of a range of methodological uncertainties in models and the examination of species-environment relationships.

Filipinas Stamp Collectors’ Club – One of the most dynamic stamp societies in the Philippines which popularized the FREE Postal Heritage Walking Tours around the city with the use of stamps as a guide will exhibit rare and endemic Flora and Fauna on stamps. A lecture series by Mr. Lawrence Chan (VP) on July 22 and 23, 2010 will also focus on how to start collecting stamps on thematic like flora and fauna on stamps.

Filipino Inventors Society – Will showcase distinctive and unique Philippine made inventions that are truly world class .

Flower Club Philippines- with modern and stylized art of flower arrangement , These group of young creative designers raises flower arrangement into an unique blend of modern and contemporary design fit for modern lifestyles.

Planet Earth T-shirt – Export oriented t-shirt company . These wonderfully crafted t-shirt are pioneer in environmental designs such as animal motifs , flora and glow in the dark shirt.

Earth Institute, Asia – This international research and development institute provide environmental advocate and educating the public through mass media critical issues like Climate Change, Environmental degradation among others .

Bayer Health Care- One of the leading companies in the world will provide interesting product demonstrations and innovative product lines for health and environment .

Klub Natur – will exhibit unique environmental photography and landscape settings.

Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office- This organization will provide selected indigent communities a livelihood opportunities in turning waste products into profitable fashion items such as recycled bags, recycled newspaper , fashion accessories, gift items among others.

Pepsi Philippines- One of the world’s most famous beverage company will sponsor the outdoor tents and product sampling during the show.

Mister cool – Philippines largest outdoor cooling de-humidifier equipment .

Rizal Technological University – One of the largest technical , tertiary universities in the country will display and showcase its mushroom and urban gardening modules.

Field Trips from various schools, colleges and universities from all over the country and the world .

Mr. Florentino Cayco memorabilia

Mr. Florentino Cayco Sr. memorabilia housed inside the library

The late Florentino Cayco, Sr., first Filipino Undersecretary of Public Instruction and illustrious educator, conceptualized the birth and administered the growth of Arellano University.

This prestigious institution of learning opened in 1938 as the Arellano Law College, named after Cayetano Arellano, first Filipino chief justice. It closed in December 1941 until March 1945 under the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War II. At the end of the war, this educational institution reopened in April, 1945 and was renamed as Arellano Colleges offering a two-year preparatory law course and the regular four-year law course, as well as a complete secondary education curriculum.

In June 1945, Arellano Colleges offered a four-year course in education (Bachelor of Science in Education), a two-year teacher training course (Elementary Teacher’s Certificate) and an elementary school training department. Likewise offered were courses in commerce, foreign service, and arts and sciences.

A year later, in June 1946, Florentino Cayco, Sr., became the first President of Arellano Colleges. Through his efforts, Arellano Colleges was elevated to, and recognized as, Arellano University on February 22, 1947 by the Department of Education, Culture, and Sports.

It was also in 1947 that the graduate school was organized and authorized to offer a course leading to the degree of Master of Arts in education as a requisite for the grant of university status.

In 1954, Arellano University opened a school of nursing which offered a basic nursing course. In April 1960, the School of Nursing expanded its curricular offerings by adding courses in post-basic nursing with majors in public health and clinical teaching. The School of Nursing was later renamed College of Nursing. At about the same time, a preparatory medical course was added to the general curriculum of the College of Arts and Sciences.

In 1978, the graduate school was renamed Florentino Cayco Memorial School of Graduate Studies, in honor of the founder and first president of Arellano University. Added to the graduate courses were the degrees of Master of Business Administration, Master of Science and Economics and Master of Arts in Nursing. In the same year, the management of the College of Law was turned over to Arellano Law Foundation under a Memorandum of Agreement.

Its incessant expansion in all areas and locations has evolved into a network of campuses, the better to serve Metro Manila by going closer to the people.

At present, the Arellano University System boasts of seven campuses, as follows:

Arellano University Main, Legarda Campus Juan Sumulong Campus in Legarda , Manila Jose Abad Santos Campus in Pasay City (AU School of Law) Apolinario Mabini Campus in Pasay City Andres Bonifacio Campus in Pasig City Plaridel Campus in Mandaluyong City Elisa Esguerra Campus in Malabon City.

Arellano University- Legarda main library

A street in Sampaloc was named after this famous educator. The Legarda campus also boast some of his memorabilia like photographs, awards, plaque, certificate, collections of rare books  , medals and other stuffs. The current collection is housed within the university main library .

Unique collections !

Collections of Mrs. Adoracion S. Bernabe

Tita Dorie as she is fondly remembered by her peers in various plant societies and other affiliate organizations had vast collections of plants, rocks, stones, memorabilia , paintings , antique and stamps among others in her Pansol  Laguna home.

She is  the current president of Cactus & Succulent Society of the Philippines and also an active member and officer of various horticultural societies  across the country.

For security reasons , the author will not disclose the exact location of her home and the  extent of her own collection.