EDSA People Power Vintage Postcards

Epifanio de los Santos Avenue or acronym called EDSA. The highway stretches about 23.8 kilometers (14.8 miles) and traverses major Metro Manila towns and cities like Caloocan, Quezon City, San Juan, Mandaluyong, Makati and Pasay.

This multi view photo postcard with yellow border was among the most popular postcard sold and was out of stock just few months after this was release. The reason was the yellow border which associate the new regime.

EDSA History

EDSA used to be called Avenida 19 de Junio from 1946 to early 1950’s then Highway 54 from the mid- 1950 to 1959. On April 7, 1959, De los Santos’ birthday, Republic Act No. 2140. It was then referred to as Epifanio de los Santos Avenue or EDSA since then.

single view postcard of the people who joined the 1986 EDSA People Power revolution

It was at the Ortigas corner EDSA which is near Camp Crame and Camp Aguinaldo where the popular four day uprising from February 22–25, 1986. There was a sustained campaign of civil resistance against regime. There were at least several hundreds of thousands to more than 2 million people which went to the 4 day peaceful rally.

It with triumph of the peaceful revolution, Popular National Bookstore printed postcards while other smaller bookstore soon followed. This was popular items send to postcard / deltiologist in different parts of the world.

There were at least a dozen or so multi-view photos per postcard, While there were also single photo postcard which captured the people en mass.

multi-view photos of the EDSA 1986 People Power Revolution

Some local deltiologists and souvenir sellers quickly capitalized the newly released people power stamps issued by PHLPOST and sell them on tourists, deltiologists and maximum philately collectors from all parts of the globe.

1986 People Power Revolution stamps and souvenir sheet (mint condition)

The new administration of President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino together with Vice President Salvador “Doy’ Laurel were featured in the 4 pieces set of stamps (60 centavos – quantities: 1,000,000, 1.20 pesos- quantities: 1,000,000, 2.40- quantities: 641,500 and 3.00 pesos -quantities: 1,000,000 ) and a souvenir sheet stamp ( Php 7.20)quantities -50,000. The stamps also comes within presentation folder, which had a premium and first day issue with different cache designs.

First Day Cover had -Makati cancellation, Camp Crame cancellation, with another variation Makati and Camp Crame cancellation. The stamps and first day cover were printed by APO Neda Printing Company. The used stamps were sold at much cheaper price compared to the mint one.

2021 marked the 35th anniversary of the peaceful change of power with postcards and stamps serves as reminder of the not so distant history.

EDSA People Power :Popularity of Postcards

EDSA People Power postcards during the 1980’s up to early part of 2000 were sold in many bookstore and was used for different purposes. It was used for school projects by students of both private and public schools in their Social Studies, Araling Panlipunan, History, Humanities,Political Science among other subjects. It was reprinted several times and sold en mass by some bookstores in Divisoria and sold in the provinces.

However it is not somewhat rare to find EDSA 1986 People Power postcards even in local stamp bourse, curio stores and online auction sites.

Sources and References:

Personal interview with postcard collectors

Scott’s Stamp Catalog 1987 Philippines

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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

FOLDABOTS TOYBOOK 8 Launching and Signing

Foldabots Toy Book 8, the eighth volume in a series of successful spin off books of Foldabots as featured inside K-Zone magazine. Foldabots are cardboard robot patterns that kids can assemble into automobiles, mythical creatures, and other cool beasts.

These Foldabots are enveloped by a strong Filipino culture that harness the interest of Filipino kids, which gives the brand a strong fan base.

The event is set to happen on November 28, 2015, from 12:00pm – 5:00pm, at the National Bookstore, Glorietta 1. The creator himself, Jomike Tejido, will grace the book launching with his presence.

For more information about these book , Please try to visit the link:

K-Zone Philippines: https://www.facebook.com/kzoneph/

Website: http://www.kzone.com.ph/
Twitter: @kzoneph
Instagram: @kzoneph

 

 

National Bookstore Grand Warehouse Sale 2015

4th Floor , National Bookstore , Quezon Avenue- Quezon City- Philippines

National Bookstore – Quezon Avenue

Book lovers , postcard lovers and bargain hunters,   prices are pegged up to 90 percent off, with some titles sold as low as P10.

people busy searching for books

The warehouse sale, which runs until Aug. 18, offers a variety of selections, including best-selling novels, anthologies, biographies and memoirs, works by Filipino authors, comics, textbooks, academic readings, review materials, self-help books, school supplies , office supplies and even postcards are on SALE.

greeting cards

I bought some greeting cards – They come in handy especially when Christmas season is just few months from now.

postcards

Postcards are used to be priced between Php 5.00 per pack to Php 10 per pack during the last warehouse sale, NOW they are being sold at Php 20 per 2 packs or Php 10 each. There are postcards being sold at Php 25 per pack ( single design) But they are quite limited in terms of landmarks and scenery. Since the last warehouse sale, The postcards seems to have a dramatic increase in their prices .

Loom bands being sold for just Php 30 per pack, It used to be retailed at Php 170.00 per pack .

bargain books

controversial Mr. Donald Trump book on sale !

Here are Few Tips  :

1.Try to come as early as possible , It will give more leg time in choosing books , school supplies and other bargain stuffs.

2. Try to bring re-usable bag or eco-bags and hand sanitizer

3. Try to have a companion/ friend and bring candies or biscuits . Since the long lines can take  at least 1 hour just queuing going to the 4th floor and again in paying the cashier. Having a companion to look for the things , maybe chatting and meeting new friend will probably help. I met 2 UST architecture students whom i have a fine time chatting and looking for each others stuffs while falling -in line.

4. Try wear comfortable clothes as the entire floor is stuffy and packed with people looking for bargains and other stuffs, it is also possible to bring face mask , as it also tends to be dirty/ dusty  inside the warehouse.

5 . Bring as little as possible, preferably a small bag instead of a bulky knapsack, as book and bargain hunter aficionados are bound to buy several copies with the low price of both paperbacks and hardcovers.

6. Bulk buyers – NBS sales personnel distribute boxes for customers to place their finds, but it is better to prepare your own shopping bags for convenience in navigating the corridors.

7. Try to bring extra money and credit card as there are a lot of unforeseen items at the warehouse sale , it is also good for early Christmas shopping , I have seen Christmas decoration, Christmas wrappers and nice gift ideas like office organizers.  I have also met a couple of relatives while i was on my way out of the department store.

30th Manila International Book Fair

SMX Convention Center, Pasay City -Philippines

The Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) once again unrolls the carpet at the Exhibit Halls of the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, in Pasay City with the theme “Opening Doors and Pages: A Legacy of Books.’’

Goodwill Bookstore booth

Last September 18, 2009 friday ,   I went to the largest book fair in town. The 30th Manila International  Book Fair was scheduled from September 16th to 20th. This event was  considered  as the  Philippines’ premiere book event and the longest-running book fair in Asia, the annual MIBF celebrated their Pearl Anniversary. the show  featured new and  interesting events that  draw double, if triple the visitor-turnout this year.

Rex Bookstore

The five-day fair  included storytelling sessions (reading and interpretative performances for kids and kids-at-heart); book and product launching; live musical performances; cooking demonstrations; and competitions.

Tomas Pinpin- Prince of Filipino Printer  and Fray Francisco Blancas de San Jose- Father of Philippine Printing

There were  seminars on how to  published, freelance writing, intellectual property protection, care and repair of books, digital debate on archives, museum, and libraries, projecting a good image of the library, professional etiquette for librarians, how to export books, ICT in education, and dealing with the challenges the publishing industry faces amid the ongoing global financial crisis.

Vibal Publishing booth

With reading and literary as its battle cry, the MIBF has been successful in gathering and uniting publishers, authors, booksellers, educators, librarians, and readers of varying generations, cultures, interests, and backgrounds.

seminar

It has made books more accessible to an increasing number of Filipinos, especially those who have had little or no access to books. There were  foreign exhibitors which came from ASEAN member countries and Asian countries like Taiwan and China.

life -sized mannequin on display

Aside from the regular lectures, there are also life- sized mannequin exhibits and cos players during the event. The people who participated in the  cosplay event drew a lot of young spectators.

Diwa Publishing mobile van

MIBF has efficiently and effectively provided a venue for promoting new titles and authors, for dialogue with customers and readers, and for discussing ways to improve the quality of books with peers in the publishing industry. In its bid to promote reading and literacy, it has showcased traditional and new media and presented books and other published works in all their permutations to an ever increasing number of audiences.

National Bookstore

The MIBF is organized by Primetrade Asia, Inc. in partnership with the Asian Catholic Communicators, Inc., the Book Development Association of the Philippines, the Philippine Booksellers Association, Inc., and the Publishers’ Representatives Organization of the Philippines.

National Artist Dr. Bienvenido Lumbera and Dr. Elmer Ordoñez during the PEN Writers talk

Philippine literary greats  appeared at the MIBF. The Philippine PEN (Poets, Playwrights, Essayists, Novelists) holds a series entitled “Dialogue with the Writers” at the business lounge, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Every year, thousands of book lovers would troop to the venue to buy the most interesting paperbacks or get the latest bestsellers at a much lower rate.

Anvil Publishing booth

Students , professors, bargain hunters, bibliophile also get to buy textbooks at discounted price. This is the event where books are sold at a wholesale or bargain prices.

children enjoyed playing inside the bus

It is heartwarming to know that despite the tougher challenges confronting the book and publishing industries, new trends and breakthroughs in technology, the economic crunch, and the fact that Filipinos are not a reading bunch compared to other Asian countries , the MIBF continues to espouse the noble mission of providing a venue that encourages reading, publishing, and book selling.