Still Stampin' (Darthphilatelist in Hyper Mode...): January 2023

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Pedro Abad Santos

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

JANUARY 31, 1940

Around 30,000 workers staged a huge parade in San Fernando, Pampanga to celebrate the 64th birthday of Pedro Abad Santos and to show support to President Manuel L. Quezon’s labor policies.

Earlier, a reform program was formulated by the administration to address the social problems in the country.

Quezon planned to launch it in San Fernando. Pedro’s group was asked to organize the farmers and workers for that purpose.

Santos, who was popularly known as Don Perico introduced Quezon as a "Friend of the masses and of the poor” and told the audience to "plant in your hearts what he will say" but before Quezon’s speech, Don Perico laid out the peasants' grievances, accused the judges and fiscals of working for rich landowners, then turned to his brother Jose Abad Santos who was sitting beside Quezon and challenged him, as Secretary of Justice to clean up the courts.

Jose Abad Santos would later become Supreme Court Chief Justice.

Pedro Abad Santos (January 31, 1876 - January 15, 1945), was the eldest of the 10 children of wealthy couple Vicente Abad Santos and Toribia Basco.

He completed his secondary education at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of Santo Tomas and topped the medical board examinations.

He studied law all by himself and took the bar exams (this was allowed at the time ), which he topped in 1906.

Santos was a major under General Maximino Hizon during the Philippine-American War.

He was captured, charged and found guilty for his guerrilla activities and allied crimes but was later pardoned by US President Theodore Roosevelt.

He founded the Partido Sosyalista ng Pilipinas (PSP) in 1929.

Luis Taruc, the founder of the guerrilla force Hukbalahap (Hukbo ng Bayan Laban sa Hapon), was his protege and right hand man.

Pedro Abad Santos died on January 15, 1945 at a guerrilla base in Minalin, Pampanga due to complications of his stomach ailment.

Photo credit: en.wikipedia.org

Lost Birds Of Norfolk Island

World Stamp Today:

JANUARY 31, 2023

Australia Post releases the Lost Birds of Norfolk Island stamps on January 31, 2023.

The stamps feature two of the larger forest birds that once inhabited the South Pacific territory: the Norfolk Island Pigeon and Norfolk Island Kaka.

The minisheet and first day cover show two smaller birds no longer found in the territory: the Norfolk Island Thrush and the Norfolk Long-tailed Triller.

The stamps are designed by Sharon Rodziewicz, of Australia Post Design Studio.

Monday, January 30, 2023

Taal Volcano Erupts

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

JANUARY 30, 1911

Taal Volcano erupted killing around 1,500 people with seven barangays completely wiped out.

Post mortem examination of the victims indicate that all had died of scalding by hot steam or hot mud, or both.

The effects of the blast reached the west shore of the lake destroying a number of villages.

Hundreds of cattle died while crops suffered from ash deposits that fell to a depth of almost half an inch in places near the lakeshore.

When the fan-shaped black cloud spread, it created a downward blast that forced hot steam and gases down the slopes of the crater bringing a shower of hot mud and sand.

Taal Volcano, the second most active volcano in the Philippines is located in the province of Batangas.

It comprises an island in Lake Taal, known as Volcano Island and is situated within a caldera formed by an earlier powerful eruption.

The island consists of overlapping cones and craters.

The volcano has erupted many times in the past with 34 recorded eruptions since 1572 and has cost lives in the areas surrounding the lake.

The latest Taal Volcano eruption was on January 12, 2020 with an eruption plume 1-kilometer high.

Photo credit: en wikipedia.org

The 44th Chess Olympiad, Chennai 2022

World Stamp Today:

JANUARY 30, 2023

On January 30, 2023 the Ministry of Digital Development of the Kyrgyz Republic issues the 2022 Kyrgyz Express Post postage stamps featuring the 44th Chess Olympiad, Chennai 2022.

The stamps are designed by Daria Maier. This latest chess olympiad was organized by the Fédération Internationale des Échecs in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India from July 28 to August 10, 2022.

It consisted of open and women's tournaments, and several events that promote the game of chess.

Sunday, January 29, 2023

NHL All-Stars Sixth Series From Canada

World Stamp Today:

JANUARY 29, 2005

Canada Post released on January 29, 2005 the sixth series of stamps that pays tribute to NHL All-Stars from yesteryears.

The stamps feature goaltender Grant Fuhr, forwards Henri Richard, John Bucyk, and Bryan Trottier and defensemen Allan Stanley and Pierre Pilote.

Stéphane Huot of Montréal designed the stamps. She is assisted by Pierre Rousseau, a computer artist who did the retouch in all of the portraits and added color to some which were black and white.

The sheet consists of six stamps just like the previous issues and illustrated by François Escalmel plus six portraits of the "stars", retouched by Rousseau.

The stamps on the left and right sides of the sheet feature action shots of the players in puck-shaped frames.

The interior of the sheet has formal head-and-shoulder portraits of the players - superimposed upon star-shaped backgrounds.

Dr. Francisco Santiago

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

JANUARY 29, 1889

Dr. Francisco S. Santiago (January 29, 1889 - September 28, 1948), the Father of Kundiman Art Song, was born to Felipe Santiago and Maria Santiago in Santa Maria, Bulacan.

He pursued his studies in piano although they were poor. In 1916, he became a piano instructor just when the University of the Philippines Conservatory of Music was established.

His most famous piece Kundiman (Anak Dalita), was sung upon the request of King Alphonso XIII before the Royal Court of Spain in 1917.

Santiago along with Nicanor Abelardo and Antonio Molina came to be known as the musical triumvirates of the Philippines.

Among his compositions were “Sakali Man," "Hibik ng Filipinas," "Pakiusap," "Ang Pag-ibig," "Suyuan," "Alaala Kita," "Ikaw at Ako," "Ano Kaya ang Kapalaran?,” “Hatol Hari Kaya?,” "Sakali't Mamatay," "Dalit ng Pag-ibig," "Aking Bituin," "Madaling Araw" and "Pagsikat ng Araw."

The “Concerto in B Flat Minor” for piano and orchestra, considered his masterpiece, was presented at the Chicago Music School where he also received his doctorate degree in 1924.

He was the musical director for the films “Manileña," "Madaling Araw” and "Pakiusap."

From 1930-1946, he was the director of the U.P. Conservatory of Music, and was named U.P. Emeritus Professor of Piano Forte and Orchestra on May 25, 1946.

His “Anak Dalita” was popularized by Honorata “Atang” dela Rama, National Artist for Theater and Music, and the first Filipina Film actress. “Pilipinas Kong Mahal" was composed by Santiago and written by Ildefonso Santos in 1931 during the American colonial period.

Dr. Francisco Santiago died on September 28, 1947.

Photo credit: muntingnayon.cocom

January 2023 Stamp Meetup

First meetup for the year with my Cebu Stamp Club members.

These guys just came inspite of the afternoon drizzle.

Thanks Sharee, Ma'am Dinah, Sir Steve, Jan Jill and kids, Richard G. and Jerald.

Saturday, January 28, 2023

Ireland's Love and Marriage

World Stamp Today:

JANUARY 28, 2021

Ireland's An Post released on January 28, 2021 the Love and Marriage stamp.

The stamp is a great accompaniment to adorn wedding stationery posted in Ireland.

It is also ideal for Valentine's Day and birthday cards.

The design carries a graphic of the word ‘Love’ with a Love Hearts Sweet superimposed as the letter ‘O’.

To give the stamp a distinctive Irish identity, the word ‘GRÁ’, which means ‘LOVE’ in Irish, is written on the Sweet.

Julian Felipe

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

JANUARY 28, 1861

Julian Felipe (January 28, 1861 - October 2, 1944), a music teacher, band leader, and composer of the Philippine National Anthem was born in Cavite to parents Justo Felipe and Victoria Reyes.

He started to play music under Leandro Costa at the age of 10.

After the death of Cosca, Recollect Father Pedro Catalan taught him how to play the piano and later hired him to be the organist at the San Pedro Parish Church in Cavite.

He taught music at the La Sagrada Familia, and came up with music pieces such as Aurorita, Danza, and Reina de Cavite (Queen of Cavite).

He was a member of the Santa Cecilia Musical Society, and joined the Philippine Revolution in 1896.

The Spanish authorities arrested and imprisoned him at Fort Santiago together with the “13 Martyrs of Cavite.” Felipe was released on June 2, 1897 after he was found innocent of the charges against him.

On June 5, 1898 he handed a letter of introduction to Emilio Aguinaldo which came from Gen. Mariano Trias recommending him to compose the independence march.

Aguinaldo asked him to make a musical score to be used for the June 12, 1898 Declaration of Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite.

He presented his draft composition Marcha Nacional Magdalo to President Aguinaldo and was asked to play it on the piano in the presence of other revolutionary leaders on June 11, 1898.

After a short consultation and discussion with his generals, Aguinaldo agreed to adopt it as the Marcha Nacional Filipina.

Felipe became councilor of Cavite after the Philippine-American War.

He died at his residence in Sampaloc, Manila on October 2, 1944.

Photo credit: Historia.Caviteña

Friday, January 27, 2023

Vietnam Post Issues The 50th Anniversary Of The Paris Peace Accords Stamp

World Stamp Today:

JANUARY 27, 2023

Vietnam Post comes up with a stamp on January 27, 2023 commemorating the Paris Agreement on Ending the War and Restoring Peace in Vietnam (Paris Peace Accords).

January 27, is also the date on which the document was signed fifty years ago.

The stamp, designed by Vietnam Post artist Nguyen Du, features the image of the four parties involved around a giant table as part of their roundtable discussion at the Kléber International Convention Centre in France.

The image has the brown-yellow-black tone, instead of its original black and white colour, to reflect the tense atmosphere of the event.

Earlier on January 27, 1975, Vietnam Post issued two stamps featuring the historic event titled 2nd Anniversary of Paris Agreement on Vietnam.

The Paris Peace Accords was signed on January 27, 1973 by the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam, the Republic of Vietnam, and the United States.

Juan Crisostomo Soto

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

JANUARY 27, 1867

Juan Crisostomo Soto (January 27, 1867 - July 12, 1918), poet, journalist, playwright, revolutionary and the Father of Pampanga Literature, was born to Santiago Soto and Marciana Caballa in Santa Ines, Bacolor, Pampanga.

Under the pen name Crissot, he wrote lyrical poems, historical dramas, humorous plays and philosophical essays.

He also wrote zarzuelas and the most famous is “Alang Dios” (There Is No God) written in 1901.

Soto also translated some Spanish literature into Pampango and contributed to the revolutionary paper La Independencia.

He also translated Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

When the 1896 Philippine Revolution broke out, he joined the Katipunan. During the Philippine-American War, he fought the Americans in several battles under General Tomas Mascardo.

He married Julia Amaida and had six children. After Julia’s death in 1903, he married Rosario Palma who bore him four children.

Juan Crisostomo Soto died on July 12, 1918.

Photo credit: wikidata.com

Thursday, January 26, 2023

Edmonia Lewis Stamp From USPS

World Stamp Today:

JANUARY 26, 2022

On January 26, 2022, the 45th stamp in the Black Heritage series honors Edmonia Lewis, the first African American and Native American sculptor to earn international recognition.

USPS art director Antonio Alcala designed the stamp. The stamp features a portrait of Lewis, painted by Alex Bostic and based on a photograph by Augustus Marshall made in Boston between 1864 and 1871.

"As the first African American and Native American sculptor to earn international recognition, Edmonia Lewis challenged social barriers and assumptions about artists in mid-19th century America," -USPS.

Crowd Favorite At My Exhibit

In a one-man exhibit I did for Cebu Stamp Club from my collections, this was the most popular and crowd favorite.

People just automatically light up, give a hearty laugh or a smile upon seeing this while imitating John Paul II.

Cebu Stamp Club, the Philippines No. 1 international stamp organization presented the Pedro Calungsod (John Paul II Celebration Exhibit Tour) at the Cebu City Museum on December 28, 2012 to January 16, 2013, and at the Active Zone of Ayala Center Cebu from January 21 - 25, 2013. To God be the glory.

Gen. Douglas MacArthur

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

JANUARY 26, 1880

Douglas MacArthur (January 26, 1880 – April 5, 1964), an American five-star general, Field Marshal of the Philippine Army, and liberator of the Philippines was born in Little Rock, Arkansas.

He was Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army and led Allied forces in the Pacific theater in World War II.

For his service in the Philippine Campaign, he was given the Medal of Honor, the same recognition given to his father, Arthur MacArthur, Jr., the first father and son to be awarded the medal.

MacArthur was one of five men to rise to the rank of General of the Army in the US Army.

Photo credit: althistory.wikia.com

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Memorable Moments From Australia Post

World Stamp Today:

JANUARY 25, 2021

The Memorable Moments issue is part of the Special Occasions stamp series released on January 25, 2021 by Australia Post.

These colourful stamps enhance any card, letter or invitation.

The stamps are designed for any of life’s memorable moments, may it be happy or sad.

The designs cater for a variety of mail, including wedding invitations, thank you cards, birthday or Valentine’s Day greetings, congratulations and condolences.

Keith Downes and Sonia Young of Australia Post Design Studio did the designs of the stamps that feature the following:

1) $1.10 Bunnies - soft-toy bunnies design with children in mind, whether the arrival of a new baby or a child's birthday.

2) $1.10 Thank You - a simple design of the words "Thank You" that says it all.

3) $1.10 Balloons - the heart-shape design always brighten occasions such as birthdays and parties or a way of saying "Thinking Of You" or "Get Well Soon."

4) $1.10 Heart - the graphic heart conveys love-filled greetings for Valentine's Day or for condolences.

5) $2.20 - Blossoms - the white blossom design is ideal for weddings or "thank you" cards.

Pablo Sebero Antonio

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

JANUARY 25, 1901

Pablo Sebero Antonio (January 25, 1901 – June 14, 1975), a pioneer in modern Philippine architecture and National Artist of the Philippines, was born in Binondo, Manila.

Among the works he did in the Art Deco style were the Far Eastern University campuses, White Cross Orphanage, Manila Polo Club, Ramon Roces Publications Building, Ideal Theater, Life Theater, Scala Theater, Galaxy Theater and Lyric Theater, to name a few.

Antonio made each building unique, avoiding obvious trademarks.

Photo credit: en.wikipedia .org

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

The Cry Of Tarlac

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

JANUARY 24, 1897

The Cry of Tarlac began when Gen. Francisco Makabulos and his men attacked the cuartel or garrison of the Spanish guardia civil and soldiers in La Paz, Tarlac.

Armed only with knives, spears and a few guns, they defeated the Spaniards and took the arms and ammunition in the garrison.

Their victory would further ignite the revolution in the provinces of Tarlac & Pampanga.

As early as 1895, Makabulos, the caudillo (military leader), began recruiting members to Andres Bonifacio’s Katipunan in Tarlac.

The Tarlac chapter was established by Ladislao Diwa.

Photo credit: commons.wikimedia.org

Chunghwa Post Releases Goldfish Stamps

World Stamp Today:

JANUARY 24, 2019

Taiwan's Chunghwa Post released on January 24, 2019 four stamps featuring different varieties of goldfish.

The set titled Aquatic Life Postage Stamps - Goldfish, is the first of the goldfish stamps series.

Jheng Yi-lang designed the stamps that showcased the comet, the ryukin, the telescope eye, and the crown pearlscale.

Monday, January 23, 2023

USPS Honors Ernest J. Gaines

World Stamp Today:

JANUARY 23, 2023

The United States Postal Service releases on January 23, 2023, the 46th stamp in the Black Heritage series that honors author Ernest J. Gaines. The stamp features an oil painting based on a photograph of Gaines wearing his trademark beret. A native of Louisiana, Gaines is one of the most celebrated authors in 20th century American literature. He is known for the 1983 novel “A Gathering of Old Men," "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman," a novel in 1971 and “A Lesson Before Dying,” published in 1993 which won the National Humanities Medal and the Pulitzer Prize. It was selected for Oprah Winfrey’s book club. The novel tells the story of an illiterate man who was wrongfully c2ondemned to death. Gaines died in November 2019 at the age of 86.

Inauguration Of The First Philippine Republic

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

JANUARY 23, 1899

The First Philippine Republic also known as the Malolos Republic was inaugurated in Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan, making the Philippines the first independent republic in Asia.

Emilio Aguinaldo became the first president and adopted the Constitución Política de la República Filipina, drawn up by the Philippine Constitutional Convention which replaced the dictatorial government.

The republic ended after Aguinaldo took his oath of allegiance to the United States on April 1, 1901 and recognized American sovereignty over the Philippines.

Photo credit: watawat.net

Sunday, January 22, 2023

Australian Legends Of The Screen From Australia Post

World Stamp Today:

JANUARY 22, 2009

To mark Australia Day, Australia Post released on January 22, 2009 the Australian Legends of the Screen.

The stamps designed by Adam Crap of the Australia Post Design Studio, feature four Australian Academy Award Winners and paired by the movies that they starred.

These movie icons are Nicole Kidman (Moulin Rouge); Russell Crowe (Gladiator); Geoffrey Rush (Shine); and Cate Blanchett (Elizabeth, The Golden Age).

"These four outstanding Australians have captured the imagination of millions of people in Australia and around the world with their award-winning performances," Australia Post managing director Graeme John said in a statement.

Each of the stars will be presented with 24-carat gold replicas of their stamps.

Vicente Manansala

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

JANUARY 22, 1910

Vicente Silva Manansala (January 22, 1910 - August 22, 1981), a cubist painter, illustrator, and National Artist of the Philippines in Visual Arts was born in Macabebe, Pampanga.

He studied at the University of the Philippines School of Fine Arts from 1926 to 1930.

He got a UNESCO grant in 1949 to study at the École des Beaux-Arts in Banff and Montreal, Canada.

A nine-month scholarship was awarded to him in 1950 to study at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris by the French government.

Manansala created masterpieces and developed transparent cubism.

Saturday, January 21, 2023

Canada Post Features Eleanor Collins

World Stamp Today:

JANUARY 21, 2022

Canada Post released on January 21, 2022 a stamp to honor Eleanor Collins, Canada's first lady of jazz.

David Belliveau did the illustration based on a photograph by Franz Lindner, from the CBC Still Photo Collection.

Printed by Lowe-Martin, the stamp issue includes a booklet of 6 Permanent domestic rate stamps and an Official First Day Cover.

Born in Edmonton, Collins who turned 102 years old in 2022 began performing in the 1930s on TV and radio shows across Canada.

She was invested into the Order of Canada for the role as “a civic leader and pioneer in the development of British Columbia’s music industry.

Josefa Jara Martinez

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):

JANUARY 21, 1894

Josefa Jara Martinez (January 21, 1894 - 1987), the pillar of social work in the Philippines, suffragist, and mother of former First Lady Amelita “Ming” Ramos was born in Iloilo.

She was a teacher and principal who was later sent to New York as a government pensionada in 1919.

She finished a degree in social work major in child and family welfare.

Martinez worked to elevate the standard of social work practice and introduced new methods and techniques in social work education.

She was president of the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. (PASWI).

Photo credit: developmentnetworking files.wordpress.com

Sen. Eulogio Rodriguez Sr.

Today in Philippine History: (Philatelic Edition):

JANUARY 21, 1883

Eulogio "Amang" Adona Rodríguez, Sr. (January 21, 1883 – December 9, 1964), the longest serving Senate President after Manuel L. Quezon, was born in Montalban (now Rodriguez, named in his honor), Distrito de Morong.

He served from April 30, 1952 to April 17, 1953 and May 20, 1953 to April 5, 1963.

He was municipal president of Montalban (1906-1916), governor of Rizal in 1916 and reelected in 1922.

Rodriguez became mayor of Manila and ran for the Senate and won in 1941.

He was a man, a politician and a public official of sterling attributes.

Photo credit: tumblr.malacanang.gov.ph

Friday, January 20, 2023

The Cavite Mutiny

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

JANUARY 20, 1872

Around 200 soldiers and laborers led by Sgt. Fernando La Madrid, a Spanish mestizo staged an unsuccessful uprising in Fort San Felipe which came to be known as the Cavite Mutiny.

Their reason to hold the revolt was the personal tax imposed on them by Gov. Gen. Rafael de Izquierdo.

A regiment led by Gen. Felipe Ginovés besieged the fort until all the mutineers surrendered.

Most were executed on sight while the rest were imprisoned.

The mutiny was used by the authorities to implicate and execute Fathers Jose Burgos, Mariano Gomez and Jacinto Zamora.

Photo credit: opac filipinaslibrary org ph

UNPA's Year of the Rabbit Issue

World Stamp Today:

JANUARY 20, 2023

The United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) issues a special-event stamp sheet on January 20, 2023, to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year.

The sheet consists of 10 stamps with a denomination of 1.40 US dollars each, and with a gongbi-style (meticulous painting) white rabbit against the background of a golden moon surrounded by clouds.

Tiger Pan of China did the artwork, who also illustrated the Lunar Calendar series for 2022 and 2018.

The Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, is the most important holiday for Chinese around the world and this year's Spring Festival which is the Year of the Rabbit falls on January 22.

Thursday, January 19, 2023

Judge Sentences Filipinos

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

JANUARY 19, 1910

Martin Ocampo (publisher), Teodoro Kalaw (editor-in-chief), Lope Santos, Faustino Aguilar, Leoncio Liquete, Manuel Palma, Arcadio Arellano, Angel Jose, Galo Lichauco, Felipe Barreto, Gregorio Casipit and Fidel Reyes (editorial writer) were meted out prison sentences, fines and damages by Judge J. C. Jenkins for the editorial “Aves de Rapiña” (Birds of Prey) in ”El Renacimiento and Muling Pagsilang" newspapers founded by Raphael Palma.

Felipe Agoncillo was their lawyer. The libel suit was filed by Dean Conant Worcester, the Secretary of Interior.

Photo credits: philippines-islands-lemuriablogspot com, heroicfootsteps com and opac filipinaslibrary org ph

USPS' Love 2023 Forever Stamps

World Stamp Today:

JANUARY 19, 2023

The United States Postal Service issues the new Love 2023 Forever stamps on January 19, 2023. The stamps honor America's love for canine and feline pets.

Shown on the stamps are a cute cat and dog resting their paws on a big heart. The word “LOVE” is featured in all caps behind each animal.

The designs were painted with oils on wood panel, then scanned and edited digitally. Art director Ethel Kessler designed the stamps with original art by Chris Buzelli.

Cats and dogs are two of America’s favorite pets. Connecting with pets has benefits and they provide companionship and love.

Interacting with a cuddly kitten or a playful puppy can reduce loneliness and raise spirits. They also help lower blood pressure, improved heart health and lowered stress.