PHILIPPINES ~ Paoya Church - Manila - UNESCO ~

.... Lovely views of one of the oldest churches in the Philippines... by far the most popular and visited... located in the middle of Manila in the historic district area called Intramuros... this Baroque Church represent a fusion of European church design (Baroque) and local construction techniques and decorations....  made of thick coral blocks and stucco-plastered bricks, sealed with a mixture of limestone mortar and sugarcane juice... their specific characteristics include a separate bell-tower... and 24 enormous 1.67 m tick buttresses on both sides of the structure, to withstand the powers of earthquakes common in the region... as a centerpiece inside the church is the gold plated altar with a figure of its patron Saint Augustine... it's the only church to have survived the bombing by the Japanese in WWII in the Intramuros.... Thanks Marlon!【ツ】

The Saint Augustine Church commonly known as the Paoay Church, is a Roman Catholic church in the Municipality of Paoay, Ilocos Norte. The construction was commenced in 1694 and was completed in 1710.

Four churches were selected to make up this WHS, as samples of the development of this Phillipine-Hispanic style over a period of more than 150 years (16th-18thC). On the UNESCO list since 1993.

These four are:
San Agustin (Manila)
La Asuncion (Santa Maria)
San Agustin (Paoay)
Santo Tomas (Miag-ao)

Stamps:

3X Philippine Flowers
(Issued 23-04-2018)

PHILIPPINES ~ Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park - Palawan - UNESCO ~

... Great views of the Sabang's famous underground river... one of the longest navigable river-traversed caves in the world... the river is 8.2km long and flows underground through natural rock formations of caves made of dissolved limestone... the stalagmites and stalactites reaching from the ceiling to the floor and floor to ceiling are massive...but tourists are only allowed to see the first 1.5kms... the river flows directly to the West Philippine Sea... some passages of this giant underworld are more than 24 km long and here is located one of the largest cave halls in the world... the cave also houses numerous species of bats, birds and reptiles... the site contains a full ‘mountain-to-sea’ ecosystem and has some of the most important forests in Asia... Puerto Princesa is the heart of Palawan known as the “City in the Forest”... it boasts of being the only city in the country who has successfully balanced the harmony between the development and environment... Thanks a lot John!【ツ】

Palawan is composed of the long and narrow Palawan Island, plus a number of other small islands surrounding the main island.

Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park was establishe in 1971.  The entire park covers more than 22,000 hectares in land area. Situated in the Saint Paul Mountain Range on the northern coast of the island.

Palawan Underground River is also called Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park because it is located in Puerto Princesa City, the capital of Palawan and a consistent winner of the “cleanest and greenest city”.

This Subterranean River National Park has more than 800 plant species, including almost 300 trees, 195 bird species, 30 mammals, 19 reptiles, and eight bat species. The flora of this park includes at least 295 trees dominated by the dipterocarp species.

It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

Stamps

4X Definitives - Philippine Flowers
(23-04-2018)

PHILIPPINES ~ Fort Santiago - Intramuros - Manila ~

... This postcard shows one of the few ancient remains of the Philippines in Manila....located inside the walled city of Intramuros in Manila lies Fort Santiago, the oldest Spanish fortress in the Philippines...a visit to Intramuros will transport you back in time... visitors can walk the grounds and see the ruins along with a museum dedicated to Dr. Rizal and see the cell he was kept a prisoner in... you can walk along the ramparts and look out over the Pasig river and imagine what the place looked like in colonial days and during the dark hours of Manila in WW2...it makes a wonderful escape from the bustle of the big city...Thanks Jobbo!!【ツ】Never heard before of "pagpag"... I watched a video and it really made me sad and I’ll never look at leftovers the same way again... it's called "pagpag" (which roughly translates to "dusted off food") leftover food scavenged from garbage bins and eaten by the poorest people who can't afford to buy fresh meat... these are being re-heated or re-cooked (frying).😟 Don't know if this is something to be "highlighted" on a postcard!

Fort Santiago was built in 1571. Originally the site of a Muslim kingdom headed by Rajah Sulaiman the area was destroyed by Spaniards and the fort was built and soon became the main defense fortress during the spice trade with the Americas.

The original earthen and log fort was destroyed by invading Chinese Pirates and was reconstructed with volcanic rock. The fort served as a Spanish Fortress, Headquarters of the US Army during the American colonial period and WW2 and was captured by the Japanese during WW2 and used as a prison.

Most of the fort was destroyed during the Battle of Manila in February 1945. In 1946 the U.S. gave back Fort Santiago to the Philippine Government and it is now a historical park administered by the Philippine National Parks Development Committee.

Stamps:

Philippine Flowers
(Issued 23-04-2018)

People Power
(Issued 1999)

Battle of Candon
(Issued 24-09-1997)

PHILIPPINES ~ City Hall - Manila ~

... First of two more nice Philippines views... the city hall of Manila is one of the iconic landmarks in the capital.... the most prominent feature is the Clock Tower, the largest clock tower in the Philippines, reaching close to 100 feet in elevation... this hexagonal tower features three red-faced clocks and is beautifully illuminated at night... the bell is rung three times every hour continued by a melody...  Manila City Hall has a curious shape when viewed from the top... it looks like a coffin with a cross... rather than the coffin it closely resembles, it’s actually in the shape of the shield of the Knights Templar to symbolize the great influence of Catholicism in the Philippines.... Thanks a lot Jobbo!!ヽ(ヅ)ノ (think the p***s look as you mentioned is only your own interpretation😉)

From backside postcard:

"The Manila City Hall was originally part of Daniel Burnham's masterplan for Manila, of which only a few buildings actually got constructed. The structure was designed by Antonio Toledo, and the construction on the City Hal started in the 1930's, and was finished in 1941, just before the Japanese invaded Manila.

Manila City Hall sustained major damage during the Battle of Manila, but was more or less still standing by the time the fighting ceased."

The clock tower was first renovated during the time of Mayor Atienza. The second time was after Estrada won in 2013. He had the clocks upgraded and digitalized so that it will always be synchronized with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration for Philippine Standard Time. He plans to convert it into a coffee shop and the first two floors of the tower had been turned into spacious halls.

Stamp:

Marine Life
(05-05-2011)

PHILIPPINES ~ Makati City and Greenbelt ~

.... More Philippines postcards to come... the first one shows a skyline aerial view of the country’s financial hub... known for its skyscrapers and shopping malls, Makati is the financial center of the Philippines and one of the sixteen cities that make up Metro Manila... seeing these postcards it's hardly to believe that Manila is the worst capital in SE Asia...  according to Jobbo, bad roads, poor drainage and armies of beggars are the dominant features of life here (http://www.smokeytours.com/)... Thank you Jobbo!!【ツ】never heard of "Bubble Tea"... had to look it up on Internet...(we have our delicious beers)😉

Ⓒ Kevin Hamdorf

.. Great card 2 shown Greenbelt... this mall is unique because it is a complex of five modern buildings with each section having its own architectural style and features... the buildings form an oval surrounding the creek and trees in the center of the mall.... it has a train station, museum, park, chapel, supermarkets, and countless restaurants, shops and stores....  beautiful landscaped gardens and well-chosen water features create a combination that makes this 3-hectare area truly an oasis... the Center is a respite from the summer heat because it is air conditioned and a shelter from the monsoon rains because it is covered... Okay, maybe this place I would consider to visit... as Makati is probably the nicest, cleanest and safest area to stay when travelling to Manila🙃..... Thanks Jobblo!! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Photo: Ⓒ Kevin Hamdorf Makati City belongs to the seventeen urban centers that define Metro Manila, one of the most highly populated Metro regions anywhere. Having a population of over half a million people, Makati is rated as the 42nd most densely populated city in the world, with roughly 7,200 residents per square mile.

Makati is the financial center of the Philippines; it has the highest concentration of multinational and local corporations in the country. Major banks, corporations, department stores as well as foreign embassies are based in Makati.




Stamps:

Both machine labels

PHILIPPINES ~ Boracay Island ~

... Fantastic sunset view... Boracay is known for its amazing picturesque purple and red sky... this is the time of day when people gather by the shore to witness one of nature’s most beautiful phenomenons... the Philippines most famed island, was closed to the public in 2018 for six months after suffering the effects of overtourism... this "rehabilitation" period was used to restore the island to its former glory and it has since reopened with a limit on the number of daily visitors and a set of rules designed to protect the environment... Thanks a lot Jobbo!!ヽ(ヅ)ノ Glad you found a post office with stamps!👍

Photo: Daffy Morales 
Boracay Island is located at the north-western tip of Panay Island  and is seven kilometres long. The narrowest point in the middle part of the island is only one kilometre wide and flat. The Northern and Southern part of Boracay are hilly with the highest elevation at 100 meters above sea level.

Boracay belongs to the municipality of Malay in Aklan province and consists of three villages or barangays; Yapak in the North, Balabag in the centre and Manoc-Manoc in the South



Stamps:

Teresita Reyes - Founder of Mama Sita’s
(Issued 05-05-2014)2014

The 150th Anniversary of the Birth of Apolinario Mabini, 1864-1903
(Issued 23-07-2014)

PHILIPPINES ~ SM Mall of Asia - Manila ~

... SM mall of Asia (MOA) is known as one of the largest malls in Asia... the second largest in the Philippines and the fourth largest shopping mall in the world... it has an iconic globe which is a multi-coloured huge bronze globe that was constructed at the front of the mall... it is more of a tourist destination with lots to offer in terms of shopping, leisure, and entertainment... it attracts 200.000 people daily... not something I would be visiting if ever going to Manila🙄... Thanks a lot Jobbo!!ヽ(ヅ)ノ

Photo © Kevin Hamdorf
SM Mall of ASIA is situated at the Bay City, in Pasay City, Metro Manila opened in 2006. It is a shopping mall owned and developed by SM Prime Holdings. It has a land area of 42 hectares.

The mall consists of four buildings interconnected by walkways; the Main Mall, the Entertainment Mall, and the North and South Parking Buildings.The Main Mall includes shopping and dining establishments and the food court. The Entertainment Mall is a two-story complex, most of which is open-air, and faces Manila Bay. Both have concierge desks. The South Parking Building houses the mall's official The SM Store, while the mall's supermarket, the SM Hypermarket is located at the North Parking Building.

Stamp:
Machine label

PHILIPPINES ~ Chinatown - Manilla ~

... Lovely view of the oldest Chinatown in the world... it shows the Arch of Goodwill at Plaza Santa Cruz... it symbolizes the good relationship between Filipinos and Chinese in the area... this arch is one of a few arches that are built in and around Chinatown and serve as its unofficial boundaries... there are about hundreds of streets and alleys in the area... shops along the streets are old in style, and most of them are opened by Chinese people... today Chinatown is home to a wealth of restaurants, shops and other attractions... very authentic place to visit... Thanks Jobbo!!ヽ(ヅ)ノ

© Photo: Roland Weiss
Manila’s Chinatown is called Binondo coming from the Tagalog word binondoc, which means ‘mountainous’ as it is set on a hilly landscape.

Founded by Spanish Governor Luis Perez Dasmarinas in 1594, the site was originally meant for Chinese immigrants who converted to Catholicism. Within its hallowed ground stands the 418-year old Binondo Church. To this day, Binondo is quite unique in its stature as a rich historical and cultural area that is intimately intertwined with Chinese influence.


Stamps:

Personalities

(Issued 01-06-1994)

Personalities
(Issued 01-06-1997)

Personalities
(Issued 01-06-1998)

Personalities
(Issued 01-06-1996)

Presidential Office
(Issued 03-07-2000)

PHILIPPENES ~El Nido ~

...Another beautiful tropical beach paradise and known as the Best Beach and Island destination in the Philippines...Thanks a lot!!



With nice tiny stamp "Marine Biodiversity"
(Issued 04-11-2011)

@2013 El Nido Boutique Art Cafe
El Nido  is a first class municipality and managed resource protected area in the province of Palawan . It is about 420 kilometres (260 mi) southwest of Manila, and about 238 kilometres (148 mi) northeast of Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s capital.

To conserve this rare natural resource, the Bacuit Bay area of El Nido has been established by the Department of Natural Resources as a Marine Reserve.

El Nido Marine Reserve Park is occupying an area of 96,000 hectares, this popular nature spot boasts of diverse ecosystems such as rainforest, mangroves, white sand beaches, coral reefs, and limestone cliffs.  Blessed with extraordinary natural scenery, El Nido is, the sanctuary of various forms of wildlife. Many varieties of fish are also found here. Manta rays are a common sight; when in season, divers may see one of the world's rarest marine mammal, the sea cow, known locally as "dugong".

PHILIPPINES ~Protect our Wildlife and Marine Environment ~

Really nice postcard but unfortunately once again with the subject "endangered animals"...so sad to see...we all should make better efforts to protect our beautiful planet Earth!! Thanks a lot Jenny!!


With many lovely tiny stamps:
Philippine Marine Biodiversity
 (Issued 17-10-2011)

Endangered species in the Philippines; Gianth Mot, Monitor Lizard, Sea Turtles, Dolphins, Parrot, Palawan Bear and Peacock Pheasant. Many government and private sectors are exerting efforts to protect these animals.

PHILIPPINES ~Tubbataha Reef Marine National Park-Palawan-UNESCO~

A wonderful postcard showing us the beauty of the underwater world with their vibrant colors... we really should protect the seas and preserve such beauty!!!Thanks  Jan!!



Nice stamps used:
150th Birth Anniversary of Jose Rizal stamp (Issued 19-06-2011)
Philippine Marine Biodiversity stamp (Issued 17-10-2011)

Tubbataha Reef Sea of the Philippines is an atoll coral reef located in the Sulu Sea of the Philippenes. It is a marine sanctuary protected as Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park. Since divers discovered Tubbataha in the late 1970s, it has become recognised as one of the most remarkable coral reefs on our planet.

Tubbataha Reef, declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in December 1993, is home to hundreds of species of marine life and serves as a rest area for birds and turtles, among other animals.

PHILIPPINES ~ Lulugayan Falls-Calbiga~

...Great views of the wonders of nature...Often called by the tourists: "Mini Niagra Falls"!
Thanks a lot Raine!!


With nice stamps: 2 Fish definitive stamps featuring the Philippine Marine Biodiversity and the "1912 Manila Hotel 100 years 2012".
(Issued 05-10- 2012)

Hundreds of waterfalls cascade down the 14-kilometer rapids from the source at Lake Kalidongan to the Calbiga River. The most majestic and panoramic is the Lulugayan Falls at Barangay Literon.
The fall is approximately fifty meters wide.

PHILIPPINES ~Dinagyang Festival~

...This card shows one of the best festivals in the Philippines... the performers with their black painted skin... they may only use indigenous materials...must be really impressing and fun to watch!! Thanks again Edna!!
But i'm so sorry to read about the typhoon. I hope you and the people there are safe...

With lovely tiny stamps:Marine Biodiversity (Defintives)
First stamps issued with bar codes on each stamp (Issued 2011)

From the back of the card:
The Dinagyang Festival is the biggest and most colorful religious and cultural festival. It is held to honor the Sabto Niño and to celebrate the arrival of Maly settlers to Panay and the subsequent selling of the island to them by the atis. It is a very colorful parade coupled with a dramatization amidst the cracking of drums and shouts of "Viva Señor Niño." The tundering of "Hala Bira" by the tribe members makes the celebration a lively one.

PHILIPPINES ~Pangasinan-Hundred Islands National Park ~

"Alaminos" the home of hundred islands... I can just imagine how idyllic this place must be, a fantastic place to stay and relax...

With tiny but wonderful sealife stamps!!

Back of the card:
The national park covers a land area of 1.884 hectares with the islands (24 at high tide and 123 at lowtide) scattered along Lingayen Gulf. Diving, snorkling, island hopping, swimming and fishing are some of the popular activities in this natural park.

PHILIPPINES ~ The endangered Philippine Eagle~

Got an impressive bird card today! (SG-33988) Card was sent by someone from The Philippines who works in Singapore... This specie can only be found in the Philippines and is also called "Haribon" which means "King Bird". Unfortunately they are threatened with extinction because many people cut down trees or kill the philippine eagle and sell them.


The Philippine Eagle, also known as the Great Philippine Eagle or Monkey-eating Eagle, is among the rarest, largest, and most powerful birds in the world. This bird of prey is endemic to forests in the Philippines, where it is the national bird.It is the largest eagle in the world with an impressive wingspan of 2 meters. Aside from its size, the Philippine Eagle has brown tufts on it’s head which resembles a lions mane which gives the bird of pray its regal appearance similar to common depictions of the mythological griffin.

PHILIPPINES ~Ati-Atihan Festival~

Again four beautiful new cards for my collection...
From Europe, Estonia to South America, Brazil to South East Asia, Philippines....This variety of cards and places makes my hobby so interesting and addictive!! :):)

The Ati-Atihan Festival is a feast held in honor of the Santo Niño held annually in January concluding on third Sunday, in the town of Kalibo, Aklan in the Philippines.

It is the wildest among Philippine fiestas and considered as the Mother of All Philippine festivals. Celebrants paint their faces with black soot and wear bright, outlandish costumes as they dance in revelry during the last three days of this two week-long festival. Catholics and non-Catholics alike observe this special day with processions, parades, dancing, and merrymaking.

PHILIPPINES ~ Miagao Church - UNESCO~

These four churches, the first of which was built by the Spanish in the late 16th century, are located in Manila, Santa Maria, Paoay and Miag-ao. Their unique architectural style is a reinterpretation of European Baroque by Chinese and Philippine craftsmen.

The church was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 together with San Agustin Church in Manila; Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion Church in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur; and San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte under the collective title Baroque Churches of the Philippines, a collection of four Baroque Spanish-era churches.

PHILIPPINES ~ Big Lagoon-Palawan~

PHILIPPINES ~ Big Lagoon-Palawan~
Originally uploaded by gerda_dager

Sent by Louise. Big Lagoon, simply paradise, Palawan. Palawan is an island province of the Philippines. It is the largest province in terms of land area.The Philippines are made up of 7107 islands.