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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50th Years of Diplomatic ties of Philippines and Singapore on stamps

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) and the Republic of Singapore issued a joint Commemorative Stamps to celebrate the 50th anniversary of both countries friendship and close bilateral ties.

 To symbolize the two nation’s diplomatic relations, the stamps will feature the popular butterflies’ Cethosia luzonica or the “Luzon lacewing butterfly” which represents the Philippines, and Pachllopta aristolochiae or the “common rose butterfly” to embody Singapore.

Around the world, people view the butterfly as representing endurance, change, hope, and life.

The relationships between the two countries for the past five (5) decades remain vibrant, and have grown stronger through the years.

The diplomatic relations were formally established between the Philippines and Singapore on May 16, 1969. The two countries were present during the establishment of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) making them both founding members.

Mr. Chee Wee Kiong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore, Philippine Ambassador Joseph Del Mar Yap, PHLPost Chairman of the Board of Directors Norman Fulgencio, Singapore Post Senior Vice President Marjorie Ooi, IMDA Deputy Director Ruth Wong, and PHLPost Business Lines Department Manager, Maximo Sta. Maria has jointly launched the commemorative stamps of both countries.

PHLPost Chairman Norman Fulgencio and Business Lines Department Manager, Maximo Sta. Maria visited the Lion City to formally presented the Souvenir Frame of the joint commemorative stamps.

PHLPost has printed 5,000 copies of the special commemorative stamps designed by PHLPost In-house graphic artist Rodine C. Teodoro, sold for P114.00 each.

Limited copies of Souvenir sheets and official first day covers of Philippines-Singapore 50 years of Diplomatic relationship are now available at the Philatelic Counter, Manila Central Post Office.

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.

 

 

 

 

World Poetry Day 2017 at Kamuning Bakery

World Poetry Day 2017 was celebrated yesterday at the historic Kamuning Bakery . Mr. Jose Maria Flores Lacaba or Pete and his wife Marra Pl. Lanot  was invited to share their thoughts and insights about Poetry .

Poetry reaffirms our common humanity by revealing to us that individuals, everywhere in the world, share the same questions and feelings. Poetry is the mainstay of oral tradition and, over centuries, can communicate the innermost values of diverse cultures.

Lacaba is currently the executive editor of Summit Media’s YES! magazine, the sister publication of PEP.

Mr. Wilson Lee-Flores and Her Excellency Kok Li Peng of Singapore Embassy

The press conference started at about 9:30 am. Singapore ambassador Koh Li Peng shared some insights about Singapore role at the ASEAN . Ambassador Koh Li Peng in her two year stay in the country also shared some of her impression about Filipinos: among which are the Sense of Humor,  Sincerity and Love for Foods.

During the free-wheeling Pandesal Forum with local and international media, Ambassador Kok extolled the warm diplomatic and economic ties between the Philippines and Singapore, as well as the general optimism of the Asean region as it celebrates its 50th anniversary this year with a high-level summit hosted by chairman the Philippines. She said that there are high hopes on the RCEP economic agreement being worked out between the 10-member nations of Asean region and China, that she thinks both this RCEP and even the TPP are all good initiatives to promote freer global trade.

             Ambassador Kok declined to comment to media’s questions on controversies like some Western criticisms of the draconian war on illegal drugs and the new death penalty bill, she reiterated that Singapore respects the sovereignty of its nation to govern itself and solve its own problems. She said Singapore has a very strong policy against illegal drugs. Kok also declined to comment on territorial dispute issues, since Singapore isn’t a claimant state but expressed hopes that Asian regional peace and stability shall be maintained by all Asian countries in order to sustain the region’s strong economic growth.

After the press conference, There were groups of students who joined the affair , for Poetry reading and appreciation.

The “Pandesal Forum”: The non-partisan, liberal, pro-people and informal Pandesal Forum of Kamuning Bakery Cafe was started on September 15, 2015 by writer Wilson Lee Flores as convenor and moderator. It welcomes all speakers, not just limited to political leaders. It is inspired by the centuries-old tradition of the “tertulia”—the informal and learned salon discussions of the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America; it is also inspired by ancient China’s “li lun” or intellectual discourses. The “Pandesal Forum” hopes to help elevate the quality of public discourse in the Philippines on current affairs, politics and other topics, also focusing on economic, gut or “pandesal” issues. It also advocates genuine reforms and new ideas.

Website: https://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/mfa/overseasmission/manila.htmlhttps://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/mfa/overseasmission/manila.html

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/