Cebu Stamp Club Holds Summer Meetup in Alcoy

Another exciting activity Cebu Stamp Club came up with was the holding of the May 2010 stamp meetup in a beach resort in Alcoy, Cebu upon the invitation of CSCI's Edmund Gruenbaum from May 29 to 30.

The group converged yesterday at the Cebu South Bus Terminal at 7:30AM. Me and Jerald Kervin Uy arrived earlier than the rest. Soon afterwards, Kenneth Turner and wife Gina came followed by Sharee Ann Trapa, Janice Benolerao, Janus Bariñan and girlfriend Juliet. Dinah Potolin and her family decided to go ahead earlier.

After two hours, we arrived in Alcoy and were glad to see Edmund and Denden. In a few minutes, we were off to Edmund's summer hideaway which is just a short distance from where we got off.

As we arrived in Atabay, we were treated to a breathtaking view of the resort. The rest of us did not waste time and decided to take a dip in the cool water.

For lunch, Janus and Janice grilled beef, pork and fish for all of us. After a very hearty meal, we proceeded with the stamp meeting. Everyone got a lot of freebies from Edmund who earlier demonstrated how to use some philatelic gadgets.

I decided to cook a pork stew dish for dinner while Sharee Ann made a beef steak meal. After bonding with each other over a bottle of beer and red wine, we decided to call it a day.

This morning's breakfast was prepared by Janice and Gina. After lunch, we decided to go back to the city at 2:00PM. We all thanked Edmund for being a wonderful host then said our goodbyes.

The summer meetup in Alcoy was one of the rare meetups we at Cebu Stamp Club will surely cherish. It has made our bond stronger.

ABS-CBN Cebu's MagTV Na Visits Us Again

Yesterday got me and my son Jerald Kervin very excited after getting a phone call from ABS-CBN Cebu's segment producer Blaine Uy, informing us that the network's top-rating morning show MagTV Na would like to include Kervin in their Back To School segment to be aired on June 6, 2010 at 8:30AM.

After finalizing everything, the network crew arrived in our house this morning at 10:00AM. I got to meet the show's host Blinky once again as well as Blaine and the rest of the crew.

Jerald Kervin didn't mind the two hours of different takes in different angles. He sure acted like a pro and even got the director's thumbs up.

The last time the show came to the house was when they featured both of us and our stamps and Star Wars collections last year.

Thanks MagTV for featuring us the second time around.

Australian World Heritage Sites

On May 25, 2010 Australia Post celebrates on stamps four UNESCO World Heritage listed sites.

The stamps feature Purnululu National Park, Kakadu National Park, The Gondwana Rainforests and the Tasmanian Wilderness.

Sharon Rodziewicz designed the four stamps.

Cebu Stamp Club's Jerald Kervin Uy Models for SM Storyland Cebu

Another modeling stint Cebu Stamp Club's Jerald Kervin Uy did was for SM Storyland Cebu's Camp Storyland 2010 Kids' Fashion Show held yesterday at the SM City Cebu Event Center.

The 10:00AM event showcased the kids in their denim wear and Michael Jackson inspired outfits.

It was a hectic three-day affair for father and son as both had to be in two rehearsals in two different events. Good thing that the events were held in just one mall.

Cebu Stamp Club's Jerald Kervin Uy Is Among SM City Cebu's Kid Models

Cebu Stamp Club's youngest member Jerald Kervin Uy is among those included in SM Department Store Children's Wear department's summer fashion show dubbed as "My Summer Adventure" held at the Northwing Atrium of SM City Cebu on May 15, 2010 at 2:00PM.

Jerald Kervin along with cousin Duchess Uybengkee and other kids who were earlier chosen after a very rigid audition, showcased their summer attire down the runway in their hottest looks.

The fashion show showcased top trends such as nautical inspired by blue and white stripes, bohemian with colorful and printed sundresses and safari, which showcases summer party dresses. The kids also wore two-piece bikinis and board shorts.

Thanks to SM City Cebu's Sansan for providing me with a DVD copy of the event. She also informed me that the video will be shown in all SM branches nationwide.

Canada's Marine Life Joint Stamp Issue With Sweden

The fun-loving sea otter (Enhydra lutris) and the timid harbour porpoise (Pocoena phocoena) appear on Canada Post stamps issued on May 13, 2010.

This joint issue with Sweden was designed by Swedish freelance stamp designer Martin Morck who produced art works for postal administrations worldwide since 1978.

Britain Alone

In the dark days of 1940, Britain and the Commonwealth stood very much alone against the Axis powers.

The darkest period in England's history was also her finest hour as millions of Britons came together to 'do their bit' for the war effort.

Royal Mail comes out with a special issue on May 13, 2010 to honor those fine people whom the country owe so much.

Vote Casted

Today is a historic day for us Filipinos. This is the first time that our elections will be fully automated.

The country will be voting for the next president, vice president, senators, congressmen, partylist, governor, vice governor, provincial board members, mayor, vice mayor and councilors.

As usual, together with my wife and siblings, we went early to the polling precint at the Subangdaku Elementary School. Long time ago, my great grandfather, Isidro Velasquez donated one half of the lot where the school now stands that's why our houses are just adjacent to the school.

We left at 7:00 AM and arrived at our precint 5 minutes later but had to wait for almost 45 minutes. After casting my vote, there was a feeling of apprehension whether the Print Count Optical Scan (PICOS) machine would accept my vote. After waiting for a few seconds, I was glad that the machine confirmed my vote was successful.

It is my belief that my vote will bring Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino to the presidency. We need a new leader who will eradicate corruption and bring prosperity and unity to the Philippines.

The stamp above features the 50th anniversary of Woman Suffrage in the Philippines released on December 7, 1983.

Model T Ford Sets

The Isle of Man features the Model T Ford in a stamp issue released on May 7, 2010. The issue is timed to coincide with the 50th Anniversary Tour when the Isle of Man branch of the club will host the event.

With specially-commissioned images from local motorsport artist Peter Hearsey this 6 stamp issue features the once ubiquitous Model T in its many guises.

The Model T Ford Register of Great Britain is dedicated to providing its members with rallies, new and used spares supplies, technical advice, historical research and social events involving Model T Fords.

Russia Releases Stamp Featuring Children's Books

Russia Post releases today a stamp for Europa 2010 featuring Children's Books. The stamp depicts a boy reading children's books.

The stamp valued at 10.50 rubble is designed by A. Butov.

Europa 2010's theme is "Children's Books" and countries all over Europe are set to issue stamps on this subject.

One Planet One Ocean

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) celebrates its fiftieth anniversary this year starting on June 8 and will coincide with the World Oceans Day.

Founded in 1960, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO aims to promote international cooperation and to coordinate programmes in research, services and capacity-building, in order to learn more about the nature and resources of the ocean and coastal areas and to apply the knowledge gained to the improved management, sustainable development and protection of the marine environment, and to assist the decision making processes of its 136 member States.

To commemorate the occasion, the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) will issue on May 6, 2010 six se-tenant mini-sheets of four stamps each (for a total of 24 commemorative stamps) on the theme "One Planet, One Ocean".

On the release date of the stamps, UNPA will also issue three prestige booklets.

The Centennial of the Canadian Navy

The men and women of Canada's naval forces have stood their guard at sea for the past century. They serve to protect the country from threats of terrorism, illegal resource exploitation, pollution violation, narcotics trafficking and illegal immigration. On board the navy's warships, they defend Canada's interests in home waters and around the world.

To celebrate the navy's 100th anniversary, Canada Post issues on May 4, 2010 two commemorative stamps.

Expo 2010 Shanghai China Opens Today

Expo 2010 Shanghai China opens today until October 31, 2010 on the banks of the Huangpu River in the city of Shanghai, China.

The theme of the exposition is "Better City, Better Life" and signifies Shanghai's new status as the next great city in the world.

Considered as the largest World's Fair site ever at 5.28 square km, the Expo has attracted 227 countries and numerous international organizations and all have registered to participate.

Around 100 foreign leaders and millions of people from across the globe are expected to come and visit the World Expo. Various countries are expected to issue stamps to highlight the event.

Photo above shows New Zealand's Expo 2010 Shanghai China stamps released on April 30, 2010.