New stamps fete PH Olympians, local festivals
Last April 23, the Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost), led by postmaster general and CEO Luis Carlos, launched the National Philatelic Exhibition 2025. The three-day event held at Lucky Chinatown in Binondo consisted of various activities such as stamp exhibits, philatelic gatherings, a sale of collectibles, and even cultural performances. The highlight for many attendees were the stamp and postcard launches. One visitor called it “the highlight of their collecting career.” There were launches of stamps featuring the 2024 Paris Olympic Games Philippine medalists and Philippine Festivals as well as “Love the Philippines” postcards—a take on the Department of Tourism’s campaign.
The souvenir stamps with iconic Philippine festivals feature the Kadayawan Festival of Davao City, Panagbenga Festival of Baguio City, Singkaban Festival of Bulacan, and Sinulog Festival of Cebu City. The postcards feature various tourist spots of our nation.
“It is a great honor to celebrate these festivals not only in parades and performances, but also in our unique way, through commemorative stamps and philatelic frames that preserve these moments in time and share their stories across the country and around the world,” Carlos said.
Joining him at the launch were Dr. Vinaya Prakash Singh, secretary-general, Asian-Pacific Postal Union; Victorino Mapa Manalo, National Commission for Culture and the Arts chair; Norico M. Mizoguchi, general manager, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Megaworld Lifestyle; and two-time Olympic Gold medalist Carlos Edriel Yulo.
Spirit, joy, and artistry
“Each stamp captures these cultural events’ spirit, joy, and artistry through vivid imagery and traditional costumes, highlighting the regional pride and communal unity that these festivals bring. From floral parades to religious processions, the series pays tribute to the unique ways Filipinos celebrate life, faith, and tradition,” Carlos said.
The most awaited launch was the 2024 Filipino Olympic Medalists stamps. Launched was a block of four stamps, featuring the bronze, silver, and gold medalists. The launch was attended by Yulo, who is the second Olympic gold medalist of the country.
“This special release highlights the unwavering dedication, skill, and spirit of our national heroes who brought pride and glory to the country. Featuring dynamic images of Olympic champions such as Carlos Edriel Yulo, Nesthy Alcayde Petecio, and Aira Villegas, each stamp immortalizes the triumphant moments of gold and bronze medal victories in gymnastics and boxing,” PHLPost said in a statement.
Yulo is featured in a special souvenir sheet priced at P100 each. It celebrates the winning moves Yulo executed to secure the nation’s second and third gold medals. The stamps were presented in souvenir frames to Yulo, as well as Philippine Sports Commission’s Commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo and Cynthia Carrion, president of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines.
“These stamps are a tribute to the strength, discipline, and perseverance that define the Filipino athlete. Through this inspiring collection, PHLPost encourages Filipinos to honor our champions, support Philippine sports, and share the pride of these historic victories with the world. Let these stamps serve as enduring symbols of hope, unity, and national pride,” PHLPost said in the statement.
PHLPost also conducted a stamp exhibit competition in partnership with the Philippine 17 Stamp Collectors that displayed their priceless collections at the venue.
Themes
The exhibitions’ themes were: 1980 World Tourism Conference (Cesar Gulmatico Jr.); Ancient Chinese Art Treasures (Robert Tiu Sy); Selyo, Disenyo (Ernesto Oscar L. Agcaoili ); Come and Visit the City of Davao (Jasmine Goforth); My Teacher, My Hero (Christian Ronel F. Austria); Philippine Map on Stamps (Maria Poncesca Lim); Timeless Heroines (Fernando Lozano); Life and Legacy of Cory Aquino (Amelie Lopez); Philippine National Heroes (Jewel Vernice Abrenica); Tiny Treasures, Big Dreams (Shane Emarie Lagosa); Antonio Franco and the Afran Stamp Company (Zamyra “Mia” Baguio); The Evolution of British Postal History (Lunesita Breuer); God save the Queen (Kim Robert De Leon); The Garden Show (Robert Tiu Sy); Audubon’s Birds on Stamps, FDCs, errors (Enrique Frio); and Joint Issues (Gerson Dansec).
The exhibit was done with the help of different stamp organizations across the nation through the Philippine Philatelic Federation Inc., such as the Filipinas Stamp Collectors’ Club, Philippine Stamp Collectors’ Society, Philippine Chinese Philatelic Society, International Philippine Philatelic Society, Leyte Philatelic Society, Naga City Philatelic Society, Cebu Philatelic Society, Quezon Philatelic Club, Robert Tan, Reynaldo Ong, Hans Becker, and Jeremiah Eufemio.
PHLPost commemorated its anniversary with the passing of Republic Act No. 7354, otherwise known as the Philippine Postal Service Act of 1992, which paved the way for the corporatization of the then Postal Service Office.
The stamps, postcards, and first-day covers will be made available in select postal offices and stations nationwide. For more information, check out the PHLPost Facebook page.
