December 1, 2024 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — In honor of the Pasig River and the country that celebrates the world’s longest Christmas season, the Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost) has launched what it called the “longest usable stamp.”
Measuring 230 millimeters x 40 mm, PHLPost’s Christmas-themed stamps for 2024 feature an artist’s rendition of the 25.2-kilometer Pasig River and a portion of the Laguna de Bay.
Nine churches near the two locations were included: Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz in Binondo, Manila; Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in Quiapo, Manila; Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception or the Manila Cathedral; National Shrine of Our Lady of the Abandoned in Santa Ana, Manila; San Felipe Neri Parish Church in Mandaluyong City; Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church and Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church in Makati City; Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Pasig City and the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage or the Antipolo Cathedral.
The stamps cost P150, decorated with special embellishments, such as the river’s blue iridescent ink that changes color, as well as suprametal and multi-level embossing on churches, according to PHLPost.
Postmaster General and PHLPost chief executive officer Luis Carlos said the Christmas-themed stamps for this year honored the Pasig River that “has long been a silent witness to the flow of time, carrying not just water but stories of generations of Filipinos who have lived along these banks. From moments of struggle to triumphs and celebrations, it has connected us both spiritually and historically.”
The stamps also paid homage to Simbang Gabi or the traditional nine-day dawn masses leading to Christmas on Dec. 25, he noted.
Carlos and Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna unveiled PHLPost’s 2024 Christmas stamps during the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree of the Manila city government on Friday at the Kartilya ng Katipunan Shrine near the city hall.
Lacuna said the city government will distribute 650,000 Christmas food packs to families in Manila in its “12 Days of Christmas” program, as well as 176,000 boxes for seniors.
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