Monday, December 31, 2018

Sunday, December 30, 2018

Saturday, December 29, 2018

Philatelic Flashes

I wonder what was inside this envelope mailed by the Stamp and Philatelic Division of the Bureau of Posts to the editor of Philatelic Flashes.
Was it a new issue bulletin? Mint new issue stamps? These covers addressed to Georgie M. Martin span the years from the 1950s to 1970s.
Maybe she was a subscriber to Philippine new issues.

Friday, December 28, 2018

Philippines-Croatia relations

New Issue alert:

25th Anniversary of Philippines-Croatia Diplomatic Relations

Kind of Issue :Commemorative
Printing Process : Litho - Offset (4 colors)
Denomination & Quantity : P12 & P55 - - - 4,000 (se-tenant pair)
Paper : Imported Unwatermarked
Date of Issue :December 5, 2018
Printer : Amstar Company, Inc.
Last Day of Sale : December 4, 2019
Size of Souvenir Sheet : 112mm x 73mm 
Size of Stamps : 30mm x 40mm
Perforation : 14 
Designer : Eunice Beatrix Uy Dabu PHLPost/Sabina Resic Hrvatska pošta
Designs : Digital Artworks of Fort Santiago and St. Michael’s Fortress
The Philippines and Croatia established diplomatic relations on February 25, 1993. The Philippines recognized Croatia as an independent nation in 1993. The two countries have links between their shipping industries, including port management, investment, and seafarers. 2018 marks the 25th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries and both are committed to strengthen bilateral relations.
The stamp design featured Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila and St. Michael’s Fortress in Šibenik.
Fort Santiago is a citadel fort built by the Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legaspi for the newly established city of Manila in the Philippines. The defense fortress is part of the walled city of Intramuros, Manila. The fort was named after St. James (Santiago in Spanish), the patron saint of Spain. It is located at the north of Pasig River and served as the premier defense fortress of the Spanish Government during their rule of the country.
St. Michael’s Fortress in the Croatian town of Šibenik is a medieval fort situated on a steep hill above the old historic center of the city. It is named after the oldest church in Šibenik, St. Michael’s church which was located inside its walls. The importance of the fortress is evident not only in its favorable geographical position, but also in numerous archaeological findings, ranging from the Iron Age to 20th century.
Souvenir Sheets and Official First Day Covers ofthe 25th Anniversary of Philippines-Croatia Diplomatic Relations will be available starting December 5, 2018, at the Philatelic Counter, Manila Central Post Office, Liwasang Bonifacio 1000, Manila and all the postal areas of the Philippine Postal Corporation.

Thursday, December 27, 2018

EFO 1978 Sipa 75s

White spot on yellow color
Color shift affecting sipa player
More EFOs of the 75-sentimo Sipa stamp of 1978.

See also October 26, 2016, August 27, 2017, October 26, 2017 and January 9, 2018 posts.

Monday, December 24, 2018

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Cebu PO reopening

Here's a victory postal card that was cancelled on the day the Cebu Post Office reopened during Liberation.

Friday, December 21, 2018

Pangasinan capitol

New Issue alert:

Centennial Anniversary of the Provincial Capitol Building, Pangasinan

Kind of Issue : Commemorative
Denomination & Quantity : P12 - - - 50,000 (2 designs)
Date of Issue : December 17, 2018
Last Day of Sale : December 16, 2019
Size of Stamps : 40mm x 30mm
Sheet Composition : 40 (4 x 10)
Perforation : 14
Printing Process : Litho Offset (4 colors)
Paper : Imported Unwatermarked
Printer : Amstar Company, Inc.
Stamp Designer : Virgilio C. Paterno
Lay-out Artists : Victorino Z. Serevo/Marco S. Sales
Project Coordinator : Ma. Luisa Amor-Elduayan (PTCAO)
Stamp Design 1 : Digital Artwork of the Capitol Building façade
Stamp Design 2 : Actual photo of the Capitol Building facade
The Pangasinan Provincial Capitol, on Lingayen Gulf, is the present seat of the government of Pangasinan. It was declared as “One of the Eight Architectural Treasures of the Philippines” by theNational Commission for Culture and the Arts(NCCA).
Construction of the “Kapitolyo” started on September 21, 1917 with the laying of cornerstones during the American period. Its over-all design was influenced by the city master plan of renowned 20th century American Architect and urban planner, Daniel Burnham and implemented by Architect William Parson under the direct supervision of Architect Ralph Harrington Doanne. Twenty ninehectares (29.2231) of land was obtained by the provincial government and the construction was led by the seventh governor of Pangasinan, Daniel Maramba. Construction of the Capitol Building was completed on December, 2018 at a cost of Php 411, 942.
The architectural style (Neoclassical) is marked by the used of columns, entablatures and pediments. To make it an enhanced capitol building, the plan used two stories with a monumental main floor lobby and court room on the second floor.
Today, the Provincial Capitol Building stands an icon of commitment to the preservation of Pangasinan’s built heritage under the administration of Governor Amado I. Espino III.
Stamps and Official First Day Coversof theCentennial Anniversary of the Provincial Capitol Building, Pangasinan will be available starting December 17, 2018 at the Philatelic Counter, Manila Central Post Office, Liwasang Bonifacio 1000, Manila and all the postal areas of the Philippine Postal Corporation.

Thursday, December 20, 2018

Gensan 50th

New Issue alert:

General Santos City 50th Anniversary of Cityhood

Kind of Issue : Commemorative
Denomination & Quantity :P 12 - - - 60,000
Date of Issue : December 10, 2018
Last Day of Sale : December 9, 2019
Size of Stamps : 40mm x 30mm
Sheet Composition : 16 (4 x 4)
Perforation : 14
Printing Process : Litho Offset (4 colors)
Paper : Amstar Company, Inc.
Designer : Victorino Z. Serevo
Designs : 1. Hen. Paulino Santos
            : 2. Plaza Heneral Santos
            : 3. GenSan Tuna Festival
            : 4. Fresh Tuna
General Santos City is a First class highly urbanized city in Mindanao. It is geographically located within the province of South Cotabato. Formerly known as Dadiangas, The city is named after General Paulino Santos, a former commanding Generalof the Philippine Army.
On July 8, 1968, the Municipality of General Santos was converted into a city upon the approval of Republic Act no. 5412, authored by Congressman James L. Chiongbian. It was inaugurated on September 5, 1948 with Antonio C. Acheron as the new citys’ first mayor.
General Santos City (GSC or GenSan) became known as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines due to its tuna industry that begun to flourish in the 1970s.
GenSan marks its 50th anniversary of cityhood on June 15, 2018. The commemoration date is moved to June 15, 2018 as it is the date of approval and effectivity of Republic Act no. 5412 titled ”Charter of the City of General Santos City” signed by President Ferdinand Marcos.
Stamps and Official First Day Covers of General Santos City 50th Anniversary of Cityhood will be available starting December10, 2018 at the Philatelic Counter, Manila Central Post Office, LiwasangBonifacio 1000, Manila and all the postal areas of the Philippine Postal Corporation.

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Sunday, December 16, 2018

FSCC auction December 2018

A spirited bidding animated the crowd in today's auction sale and Christmas party of the Filipinas Stamp Collectors' Club held at Manila.
Can't say for sure why. Maybe it was the excellent lots in general. The good food that awaited all? Or maybe both! Whichever, the committee did a great job, and they raffled off some presents in the holiday spirit.
Got four panes of 100 each of the 2c rice planter and 4c nipa hut definitives of the Japanese occupation.
Some 550 philatelic and nonphilatelic lots were offered, and more than 30 bidders participated.

Friday, December 14, 2018

Dagupan Doctors

New Issue alert:

PRESS RELEASE: PHLPost releases Dagupan Doctors Villaflor Memorial Hospital 50th anniversary stamps

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) released new stamps to mark the 50th Founding Anniversary of the Dagupan Doctors Villaflor Memorial Hospital (DDVMH) on December 7, 2018.
The Dagupan Doctors Villaflor Memorial Hospital is a private tertiary hospital in Mayombo District Dagupan City. With more than 150 highly-trained medical practitioners and paramedical personnel, it is considered one of the leading health care institutions in Northern Luzon.
The commemorative stamps feature the founder Dr. Vivencio V. Villaflor, Sr., a surgeon and visionary from Pitogo, Quezon and the modern hospital.
Dr. Villaflor Sr. opened a humble clinic along Arellano Street in 1968 to make quality medical care accessible to Dagupeños.
PHLPost Assistant Postmaster General Luis D. Carlos said that the recent commemorative stamps underscored a milestone in its history as it looks back at 50 years of dedicated service based on the vision of its founding patriarch – Dr. Villaflor Sr.
An ISO 9001:2008 certified hospital, the Dagupan Doctors Villaflor Memorial Hospital (DDVMH), joined the ranks of hospitals in the world that meet international quality standards.
PHLPost has printed 60, 000 copies of the DDVMH stamp sold for P12.00 each.
The layout of the stamp was done by PHLPost in-house graphic designer Mr. Victorino Z. Serevo.
The stamps and official first day cover shall be available starting December 07, 2018
at the Philatelic Counter, Central Post Office, Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila and selected Area Post Offices.

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Popular Flowers P17

New Issue alert:

POPULAR FLOWERS featuring BIRD OF PARADISE

Kind of Issue : Definitive
Denomination & Quantity : P17 - - - 500,000 
Date of Issue : October 9, 2018
Size of Stamps : 25mm x 25mm 
Sheet Composition : 100 (10 x 10)
Perforation : 13.5
Printing Process : Litho Offset (4 colors) 
Paper : Imported Unwatermarked
Printer : Amstar Company, Inc.
Designer : Rodine C. Teodoro
Design : Bird of Paradise
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae). A tropical-looking evergreen plant valued for its unique, large, bird-like, orange, blue and white flower heads. Crowns of long stalks with large grey-green foliage provide year-round interest. Long lasting cut flowers. Use an accent, especially on patios or near pools. Works well for containers.
The bird of paradise is known as the ultimate symbol of paradise and freedom. Due to its tropical nature, this flower also symbolizes freedom and joy.The bird of paradise, flower meaning includes joy and paradise, as it is the quintessential tropical flower. It originates from South Africa, where it is 
also nicknamed the Crane Flower. This flower has been grown at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, South Africa, since 1773. The scientific name for the bird of Paradise is Strelitzia reginae, which was named by Sir Joseph Banks, who was the director of the royal gardens. He named genus, Strelitzia, after Queen Charlotte who was the Duchess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.
The bird of paradise gets its name from the fact that its flower is made of three bright orange petals which are fused together into a single bud. As the flower blooms, each petal makes its debut and the resulting shape mirrors that of a tropical bird in flight.
Bird of paradise meanings include joyfulness and paradise, as well as anticipation and excitement. Other meanings include faithfulness, love, and thoughtfulness. The bird of paradise is the official flower for ninth wedding anniversary. Bird of paradise flower also represent having a good perspective on life.

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Mailing Center new issue

New Issue alert:

PHLPost MAILING CENTER STAMPS


Kind of Issue : Definitive
Denomination & Quantity : P 5 - - - 250,000
P17 - - - 250,000 
Date of Issue : November 8, 2018
Size of Stamps : 25mm x 22.5mm
Sheet Composition : 100 (10 x 10)
Perforation : 13.5
Printing Process : Litho Offset (4 colors) 
Paper : Imported Unwatermarked
Printer : Amstar Company, Inc.
Designer : Victorino Z. Serevo 
Design : PHLPost (PPC) Building 

The Philippine Postal Corporation will issue additional PHLPost Mailing Center Stamps. These definitive stamps are exclusively made for Postal Station operations. The Postal Station is one of PHLPost’s answer to the call of President Noynoy Aquino for government agencies to venture into Public-Private Partnership. It aims to give business and livelihood opportunities to people who want to enter in this kind of activity without having to invest large capital. Also, it is PhiPost’s way of bringing the postal service closer to the mailing public. Any would-be postal operation operator will have to pay an accreditation fee of Twenty Thousand Pesos (P20,000.00). Sixty percent (60%) of which (P12,000.00) shall cover the marketing tools and equipment, the starter kit and the training needed to operate. In return, he is entitled to a twenty percent (20%) rebate on PHLPost products, services and merchandise. But more than a business partner, the Postal Station Operator is seen as one of PHLPost’s advocate of efficient and effective public service. The Postal Station offers postal business transactions anytime, anywhere.

Stamps and Official First Day Covers of PHLPost Mailing Center will be available starting November 8, 2018, at the Philatelic Counter, Manila Central Post Office, Liwasang Bonifacio 1000, Manila and all the postal areas of the Philippine Postal Corporation.

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Estancia

New Issue alert:

CENTENNIAL FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY MUNICIPALITY OF ESTANCIA, ILOILO

Kind of Issue : Commemorativel
Denomination & Quantity : P12 - - - 50,000 (2 designs) 
Date of Issue : November 21, 2018
Last Day of Sale : November 20, 2019
Size of Stamps : 40mm x 30mm 
Sheet Composition : 40 (4 x 10) 
Perforation : 14
Printing Process : Litho Offset (4 colors) 
Paper : Imported Unwatermarked
Printer : Amstar Company, Inc.
Designer : Victorino Z. Serevo
Designs : Photograph of the Municipality of Estancia, Iloilo
Estancia is a second-class municipality in the province of Iloilo known as a center for commercial fishing so much so that it carries the name Alaska of the Philippines. Various commercial species of fish are harvested in Estancia such as mackerel, barracuda, sardines, grouper, squid, prawns, shells, etc. It is also home to some of the best dried fish products in the country.
Estancia lies in the Visayan Sea triangle, which is part of the Sulu Sea and neighboring Indonesia where a large concentration of marine organisms coupled with climate conditions support a massive marine ecosystem.
Estancia became a pueblo in 1847 and its name came the Spanish word “estancia” (ranch) because it was a part of the wide ranch of Don Felipe Aguilar. During the Philippine revolution the people drove the Spaniards out of the municipality. When the Americans came, they made Estancia a mere barrio of Balasan.
The inhabitants agitated for the separation from Balasan and that resulted in the establishment of Estancia as a town with the help of Governor Gregorio Yulo and Senator Jose Ma. Arroyo. The town became a melting pot in Northern Iloilo where many Tagalog and Waray fishermen and merchants eventually found their home there.
Stamps and Official First Day Covers of the Centennial Foundation Anniversary Municipality of Estancia, Iloilo will be available starting June 12, 2018 at the Philatelic Counter, Manila Central Post Office, Liwasang Bonifacio 1000, Manila and all the postal areas of the Philippine Postal Corporation.

Monday, December 10, 2018

Year of the Pig

New Issue alert:

2019 New Year: Year of the Pig


Kind of Issue : Special
Perforation : 14
Denomination & Quantity : P12 & P45 - - - 50,000
Printing Process : Litho-Offset (4 colors)
Date of Issue : November 23, 2018
Paper : Imported Unwatermarked
Last Day of Sale : November 22, 2019
Printer : Amstar Company, Inc.
Size of Souvenir Sheet : 160mm x 70mm
Designer : Rodine C. Teodoro
Pig is the twelfth in the 12-year cycle of Chinese zodiac sign. 2019 is the year of the earth pig.
People born under the Chinese zodiac Pig sign are considerate, responsible, independent and optimistic. They always show generosity and mercy to endure other people’s mistakes, which help them gain harmonious interpersonal relationships. However, sometimes they will behave lazy and lack actions. In addition, pure hearts would let them be cheated easily in daily life.