Manila Central Post Office lobby , Liwasang Bonifacio , Ermita – Manila , Philippines
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
– 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.
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.
It is also amazing how stamp collectors from different part of the country manage to come to the affair with such a short notice.
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. Dione ” Jong ” Caytiles a stamp collector who works for an international banking institution makes a pitch for his province .
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 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.
