The new generation of Philippine postcards. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Iconic Filipino personalities and events were transformed into visuals with the recent launch of four next-generation postcards by the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) at the 1st Visayas Art Fair held in Cebu City.
Led by Postmaster General Norman Fulgencio, the unveiling featured postcards commemorating outstanding Filipinos in sports, the arts, lifestyle and event pageantry.
Among them, the world bowling champion Paeng Nepomuceno, the grandmaster Eugene Torre, the actress and theater singer Lea Salonga, the innovator and technological entrepreneur Diosdado Banatao, the fashion designer and entrepreneur Josie Natori, the player of the National Basketball Association Jordan Clarkson, billiard legend Efren “Bata” Reyes, the iconic Filipino mascot of the fast food chain Jollibee, and Cebuanos Kenneth Cobonpue, a furniture designer, and Monique Lhuillier, a fashion designer.
Also in the list are Olympic gold medalist weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and Miss Universe titlists Gloria Diaz, Margie Moran, Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray.
Postcards were also issued highlighting milestones in Cebu’s history – commemorations of the fiftieth anniversary of the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity; 500th anniversary of the Battle of Mactan; and the Murillo-Velarde map, known as the “mother of the Philippines maps”.
“Stamps are windows through which we see the world. Postcards are the doors to which we explore it. Postcards are used to travel to distant lands, promote creativity and the arts, express our feelings and our emotions, while staying in touch with our loved ones, ”said Fulgencio.
He was joined by Secretary Michael Dino from the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas and Under Secretary Debold Sinas from the Office of the President.
“The Post is at the forefront of change. Besides the usual delivery of mail and parcels, this time we will bring good news, hope and inspiration to millions of our compatriots in all parts of the world, ”said Fulgencio. .
“As the pandemic abates, perhaps now is the perfect time to breathe a breath of fresh air, appreciate the artistic talents of our compatriots and present a new generation of stamps and postcards recognizing the true treasure of the Philippines, our country’s most precious asset – the Filipino people, ”he added.
Each new generation postcard has a high quality print of 135g / m² (grams per square meter) paper, with a gloss and matte finish, a new and improved size of 250 millimeters (mm; width) by 150 mm (height) ), and is rectangular, with the exception of the Living Legends series.
Special stamps and postcards can be purchased at Cebu City Central Post Office (near Plaza Independencia) and Manila Central Post Office Store in Liwasang Bonifacio.