Iglesia Ni Cristo Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo and Philippine Postal Corporation Chairman Cesar N. Sarino, together with Postmaster General Ma. Josefina dela Cruz and INC General Secretary Radel G. Cortez, officially unveil the INC Centennial Commemorative Stamp which was launched on Saturday, May 10, 2014, on the occasion of the 128th birth anniversary of the INC’s first Executive Minister Bro. Felix Y. Manalo. (Photo courtesy INC Executive News)
MANILA, Philippines (ENS) — The Philippine Postal Corporation on Saturday, May 10, officially launched the “Iglesia Ni Cristo Centennial Commemorative Stamp” inside the INC Central Office in Diliman, Quezon City, to mark the 100th anniversary of the Church’s registration in the Philippines which it said was “of national historical significance.”
In a brief formal ceremony held at the Bulwagan of the INC Central Office, INC Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo, PhlPost Chairman Cesar Sarino and Postmaster General Ma. Josefina M. dela Cruz unveiled the INC Centennial Commemorative Stamp that featured the sprawling INC Central Temple and a photo of the first INC Executive Minister Felix Y. Manalo in sepia. The colored INC Centennial logo is also placed at the bottom.
The May 10 launching date of the INC stamp was itself significant since it was timed to coincide with the 128th birth anniversary of the late Felix Y. Manalo whom the INC believes is the fulfillment of a biblical prophecy on the “last messenger of God.”
It was also the first time that PhlPost issued a 50-millimeter by 35-mm stamp, which is bigger than the ordinary-sized stamp of 40mm by 30 mm.
“This is not an arbitrary decision,” said Postmaster General Dela Cruz on the issuance of a bigger-than-ordinary “INC Centennial Commemorative Stamp.”
“It passed through the certification of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines,” she said in Filipino. This meant that the INC centennial, including its rich history, was “of national historical significance,” she said.
Dela Cruz said PhlPost will be issuing 1.2 million copies of the INC stamp, which is more than twice the usual maximum number of stamps they had issued before for a single design.
PhilPost usually issues a maximum of 500,000 stamps per batch, or even lower at 300,000 pieces. There are even instances that they only issue 20,000 pieces for a stamp design.
The issuance of 1.2 million INC Centennial stamps was done , she said, to accommodate the expected big number of people who will be interested to buy the stamps, particularly INC members all over the Philippines and INC brethren who would be coming over from other countries this year. The INC centennial stamp, which was designed by INC minister Bienvenido “Dindo” A. Santiago Jr., was made available starting Saturday at P10 a piece so it would be more affordable to the public, PhlPost said.
Dela Cruz said it was “an honor” for PhlPost to issue the INC Centennial Commemorative Stamp, so “we could be a small part of the INC’s celebration of its Centennial this year.”
She also noted how the INC was able to spread in more than 100 countries and territories worldwide, a hundred years since it was first registered by Felix Manalo on July 27, 1914.
“Sa inyong paglaganap at pagpunta sa marami pang mga bansa, nandoon rin at dala ninyo ang tatak ng Pilipino,” Dela Cruz said in her speech before the official unveiling of the INC stamp, as she stressed that the growth of the INC is already a phenomenon in Philippine history.
After the unveiling, Manalo, Dela Cruz and Sarino participated in the ceremonial signing of the INC stamp’s “first day cover.”
The “official first day cover” of the Iglesia Ni Cristo Centennial commemorative stamp. (Courtesy PHLpost)Iglesia Ni Cristo Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo receives the” official first day cover” of the INC Centennial Commemorative Stamp from Philippine Postal Corporation Chairman Cesar N. Sarino. (Photo courtesy INC Executive News)
Dela Cruz also presented a souvenir frame of the INC Centennial commemorative stamp to the INC leader.
Eduardo V. Manalo is the third executive minister of the INC, succeeding his father, Eraño G. Manalo, who had served as the INC’s leader from 1963 until his death in 2009, during which time the church had spread in more than 100 countries and territories all over the world.
Before this, it was Felix Y. Manalo who first preached about the biblical doctrines of the Iglesia Ni Cristo after secluding himself inside a room for three days and nights in intense prayer and studies of the bible sometime in November 1913. He continued to preach about the biblical beliefs of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, baptized new INC members and on July 27, 1914, the Iglesia Ni Cristo was registered with the Philippine government. Before his death on April 12, 1963, the INC had spread all over the country. The INC believes that the establishment of the Church of Christ in the Philippines on July 27, 1914 that coincided with the start of World War I, is the fulfillment of God’s prophecy on the re-emergence of the Church established by Christ for mankind’s salvation in “these last days.”
In his speech after the official unveiling of the stamp, “Ka Eduardo” said the INC’s string of victories was the “handiwork of God.” He said this is why it is only proper and fitting that in the Church’s celebration of its Centennial on July 27, all INC brethren should give honor and glory to God for making all these victories possible.
Manalo also mentioned the significance of the launching date of the INC Centennial Stamp as part of remembering the INC’s first executive minister Felix Y. Manalo and his ministry, citing a biblical verse, Hebrews 13:7. He also thanked PhlPost on behalf of the INC for issuing the Centennial commemorative stamp.
PhlPost Chair Sarino said the INC is notable for being a “Filipino” Christian religion that had spread throughout the world, exporting the Filipino character and qualities to other countries. He said that being a Filipino himself, he takes pride in this achievement of the INC even if he is a not a member of the Church.
Presently, the INC church membership includes not just Filipinos, but various nationalities all over the world.
Alvin Alcid, chief of the Research, Publications and Heraldry Division of the National Historical Commission noted that not all organizations celebrating their centennial are given a commemorative stamp.
But after a thorough study, the INC centennial had been decided by the Commission to be of national historical significance, particularly because the INC originated in the Philippines and had reached more than 100 countries and territories in its 100 years of existence, he said in an interview after the program.
Alcid said this was why the Commission is also deliberating on issuing a historical marker for the INC Centennial this year, hopefully in time for its 100th anniversary celebration on July 27.
During the program, Dela Cruz also said Philpost is also interested in setting up a “selfie stamp” booth at the Philippine Arena on the centennial celebration of the INC in Bocaue, Bulacan
The INC’s Philippine Arena, which is touted as among the world’s largest domed arenas, will be the center of the Church’s Centennial celebrations on July 27. (Eagle News Service)
PHLPost Postmaster General Josefina Dela Cruz and Assistant Postmaster General Luis Carlos present Pope Francis stamps to His Holiness Pope Francis at the St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. The stamps commemorate the Pope’s second year as the leader of the Catholic Church.
Miss World 2013 Megan Young Stamp Launching in 2014 with Postmaster General Josie Dela Cruz , Miss World Megan Young and PHLPost Chairman Cesar Sarino.
MANILA, Philippines—To welcome the year of the wooden horse, the Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost) made available to the public the first ever gold-foiled three-dimensional (3D) stamp in the country on Friday.
Adopting a 3D embossing technology to produce the stamp, PHLPost said that the Year of the Horse Stamp-Special Issue Souvenir Sheet features a horse figure printed in gold foil stamping.
The government-owned postal services corporation said that the stamp is “the perfect souvenir stamp” to welcome the Chinese New Year.
“With its golden and embossed feel, the said stamp aptly showcases the grandeur Chinese New Year brings not only to the Chinese community but for common Filipinos alike,” PHLPost said in a statement.
According to PHLPost, the special issue has 12.5 to 14 holes perforation, printed using a special offset ink (processed ink) and was released in 7,000 copies only.
“We have made it available to the public especially among philatelists starting today,” Postmaster General and CEO Josie dela Cruz said.
The Horse Stamp-Special Issue Souvenir Sheet is sold P200 per piece while the regular ones cost P10 and P30.
Message of Post Master General Josie Dela Cruz in Galing Pook 2014
With utmost felicitations, let me congratulate this year’s recipients of the Galing Pook Awards.
Through the course of its existence, Galing Pook Awards has been a beacon of excellence in search for outstand- ing government programs that thrive in promoting innovative practices in the local governance arena.
As you join the roster of good governance champions, your winning pro- gram has become an instrumentality for genuine reform, public accountability, and transparency.
This recognition will serve as an inspiration among government officials to harness their creative minds and available local resources so as to cultivate novel ideas and developmental programs responsive to the needs of their con- stituency. Further, this will spark hope and optimism at the grass-roots level amid a number of controversies in the country’s political landscape.
We at PHLPost are honored to be a part of this endeavor that mirrors the same ethos that we are espousing in the corporation. We value efforts geared towards innovation, solving problem, and making a difference, in the same way that this year’s outstanding local government programs had pioneered transformation, addressed problems and made an im- pact in the society.
Let this achievement lead you one step closer to a more meaningful journey of arousing other communities to rep- licate your winning program in their locale.
Truly, the hope for a better tomor- row, a better future, and a better Philippines, is within reach as Galing Pook Awards Program and awardees jointly smooth the path to a road marked with opportunities, progress and growth.
Manila Central Post Office lobby , Liwasang Bonifacio , Ermita – Manila , Philippines
former President Fidel Valdez Ramos together with ABS-CBN channel 2 Malacanang Palace correspondent Mr. Willard Cheng (now stamp ambassador)
I heard several weeks ago about the plan of the Philippine Postal Corporation to invite stamp collectors, stamp bloggers , media and stamp enthusiasts for a get together ” salu-salo ” at the Manila Central Post Office.
L-R Mrs. Josefina T. Cura , Mr. Willard Cheng, Mr. Alfonso Cruz and Ms. Lourdes Watiwat
The initiative was through the office of Postmaster Maria Josefina ” Josie” dela Cruz and Philpost President Ceasar Sarino . It was one BIG momentous occasion . The get- together aimed to foster the bonding ties between private collectors and the Philpost.
Mr. Jonathan J. Blaza together with Postmaster General Josie dela Cruz
Mr. Jonathan J. Blaza is a blogger, post-crossing ambassador , bird enthusiast , orchid , postcard and stamp collector.
It was last week when i got a verbal invitation from the Philatelic section through Mr. Vic Serevo ( Philatelic Designer ). While i was purchasing some tricycle stamps.
two war veterans (left side) together with Mr. Rey Ong de Jesus, Josie dela Cruz , Mr. Ceasar Sarino and Mr. Willard Cheng
A more formal invitation from Mr. Rey Ong de Jesus ( stamp advisory committee member and board member of various stamp clubs ) was printed in a small piece of paper , which he personally distributed during the monthly meeting of Filipinas Stamp Collectors’ Club last November 17, 2013.
L-R Mr. Lawrence Chan , Mr. Willard Cheng and Mr. Alfonso Cruz
I got another invitation via email , Surprisingly from the head of the Philatelic section on November 18, 2013 MONDAY afternoon. Rarely got any email correspondent from the Philatelic head . In particular , the much needed TECHNICAL information about the stamp issuance which is very vital in the information dissemination and PUBLIC information. I was just amazed that she managed to send an invitation this time.
Mr. Willard Cheng together with on the job trainees students
– On Tuesday November 19, After after buying some FDC’s and stamps at the Philatelic section . Most of which are ordered by my friends, relatives and swap mates in different parts of the world. I again re-confirm my attendance on this special night.
former President Fidel Valdez Ramos
The event took place when former President Fidel V. Ramos arrived at the lobby of the Manila Central Post Office at around past 6:00pm. All eyes and ears were on him. He is a respected statesman , military officer , shell , book and stamp collector too! He is also vital for the passage of several laws which helped the Philippine Postal Bank and the Postal System of the country.
He wanted a postal system and stamps to be at par with “World Class” since there are also foreign stamp collectors which specializes in Philippine stamps.
Mr. Willard Cheng together with Ms. Macaria J. Leonardo- head of the Postage and Metered Machine Division and other colleagues
Naga Philatelic Club and Quezon Philatelic Society members
It is also amazing how stamp collectors from different part of the country manage to come to the affair with such a short notice.
Mr. Stanley and Mrs. Siu and Mr. Ceasar Sarino standing at the middle
The members of Quezon Philatelic Society had to travel more than 5 hours just to attend this affair. According to Mr. Stanley Siu – They were stuck at the SLEX north bound area for about 1 hour. While some members of the Naga Philatelic Club arrived past 7:00pm .
Mr. Jong Caytiles a stamp collector makes a pitch for ” Bangon Antique “
Mr. Dione ” Jong ” Caytiles a stamp collector who works for an international banking institution makes a pitch for his province .
Mr. Santi Fernandez , Ms. Josie dela Cruz and Mr. Willard Cheng
Mr. Santi Fernandez is a young stamp collector studying at the Angelicum College ( home school) in Quezon City . He only started collecting stamps, FDC’s and letters just a few months ago but he is not new to the field of collecting. He also collects coins, paper bills and some object d’ arts. He became aware of stamp collecting from his father , uncle and aunt .
Mr. Jimmy Ang holding several FDC’s at the back of former president Fidel Valdez Ramos
Mr. Jimmy Ang is the current President of the APO Philatelic Club. He had one of the most number of FDC ‘s , books, memorabilia that he brought to be autographed by former president.
Mr. Nemensio Miranda presented his self sketch portrait to former President Fidel Ramos
Mr. Robert Tan – President of the Philippine Philatelic Federation
One of the highlights of the evening was awarding Filipino philatelists which brought international honors to the country during the Thailand World Stamp Exhibition . Mr. Robert Tan exhibited entitled Philippines 1854-1877 (Pre-U.P.U. Era)
Award: Vermeil and another entry China Pre-UPU Era
Award: Large Vermeil
Philippine Postal Activities
during Japanese Administration 1941-1945
Award: Vermeil
Mr. Alfredo Roxas
Mr. Alfredo Roxas is a long time stamp collector and Philippine stamp dealer . His clientele are stamp wholesalers from different parts of the world. His international participation helps promote Philippine stamps .
Dr. Ngo Tiong Tak
Dr. Ngo Tiong Tak is well-known for his publication on Philippine Stamp Catalog , stamp advisory committee chairperson ( Philpost ) for more than 10 years. He is also an TB Seal stamp advisory member.
different kinds of sweets and pastries
Barbaras waiters and staffs
Everyone were treated to a sumptuous dinner party where Postal employees and officers have a light conversation with well-known stamp collectors as well as the new generation stamp collectors. Some of them took an early leave just to attend this historical ( RARE ) occasion. Thanks for the invite!
