Lt. Cesar Fernando Basa Dies As A Hero

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

DECEMBER 12, 1941

Lt. Cesar Fernando Basa (June 21, 1915 - December 12, 1941), of Isabela, Negros Occidental died a hero during World War II. 

In the morning of December 12, five Curtiss P-26A "Peashooter" planes of the Philippine Army Air Corps (PAAC) led by Capt. Jesus Villamor engaged 54 Japanese planes composed of A6M Zeros and bombers in a dogfight over Batangas Field. 

Lt. Basa, who came from a reconnaissance patrol and short on fuel joined his comrades. 

Enemy fighters intercepted his plane so he bailed out on a parachute but was killed.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan Uy) All rights reserved

Photo credit: forum worldofwarplanes.com and wikimapia.org

CSCI Gatherings

Cebu Stamp Club gatherings are not just stamps. 

We bond, create friendships, enjoy the company of like-minded collectors and food. Yes, lots of food through the years! 🇵🇭

Cebu Stamp Club's Mae Redempta L. De Jesus

At 7 years old, Mae found a stamp album in her aunt's house and was allowed to take it home. She was told it belonged to her mom. That started her passion for stamps. 

She would even befriend the mailman and accompany him as he delivers her neighbors' letters. Her reward was returning home with stamps. 

While in college, Mae started buying stamps from the money she saved. 

Her favorite collecting interest is Royal People on stamps although she also collects topical stamps. 

Based in Manila, she is not only a philatelist but a numismatist and a doll collector as well. 

Mae Redempta L. de Jesus joined the club in 2011 and just renewed, with Membership ID No. M110005  🇵🇭

The Balangiga Bells Are Back At Last

It finally happened after 117 years. The Balangiga Bells were finally returned on December 11, 2018! 

During the Philippine-American War, the bells became spoils of war and were brought to the United States when the Americans retaliated after some troops were killed by Filipinos in what is known in history as the Balangiga Massacre. 

I have written three articles for Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition) Series 1 and 2 that featured the Balangiga Massacre. 

Thanks to former president Rodrigo R. Duterte for making the Americans decide to return the bells! ~ Rich Uy

Photo credit: ABS-CBN News Online, GMA News, Richard Allan Uy’s Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition, Series 1 and 2)

Pacquiao Stamp Giveaways

These Manny Pacquiao mint stamps, aside from other philatelic items will be given to Cebu Stamp Club members who will be joining the December 18, 2022 F2F Meetup  🇵🇭

National Assembly Supports The U.S. And Declares The Election Winners

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

DECEMBER 11, 1941

Resolution No. 115 was passed by the National Assembly, which pledged support for the United States after Japanese Imperial forces attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. 

It also declared Manuel L. Quezon and Sergio Osmeña as winners of the presidential elections held in November. 

The two later took their oath of office as president and vice president respectively of the Commonwealth of the Philippines in the island of Corregidor amidst the heavy bombardments in the country by Japanese planes.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan Uy) All rights reserved

Photo credit: henerasyonpilipinas.blogspot.com

The 1898 Treaty Of Paris

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

DECEMBER 10, 1898

The 1898 Treaty of Paris was signed between Spain and the United States in Paris, France. This agreement formally ended the Spanish-American War that resulted in Spain’s surrendering the control of Cuba and ceding Puerto Rico, parts of the Spanish West Indies in Guam, and the Philippines. 

Emilio Aguinaldo tasked Felipe Agoncillo to represent the First Philippine Republic in the negotiation but was denied and ignored by Spain and the American delegates of Pres. William McKinley. 

The United States paid Spain $20 million for the cession of the Philippines.     

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan Uy) All rights reserved

Photo credit: philippineamericanwar webs com