The World Thru Postcards

M1370: Baguio Airport Postcard Update

2011-04-21T08:57:00.000-07:00

The plane shown in the postcard is the Fokker F27 Friendship, which was designed and built by the Dutch aircraft manufacturer Fokker. The airplane has a wingspan of 29 m, which is good for short runways like Loakan.

Loakan Airport

LOAKAN AIRPORT

Loakan Airport is known for the cliffs that drop vertically off both ends of the concave runway. Camp John Hay flanks the north, while the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) plateau to the south. Mt. Ugu (6,600 feet), Mt. Kabuyao (6,600 feet) and Mt. Santo Tomas (7,300 feet) loom beside the airport.

Traffic patterns are to the north only since high terrain blocks the airport tower’s view on the south. The airport had installed markers every 50 feet along the runway, with large black lettering on a white background telling pilots how many feet left until the end of the runway.

RELATED ENTRY:
M1370: Baguio Airport Postcard

SOURCES:
Real Hazards and Imagined Terrors
Part 46: There and Back Again

IMAGE SOURCE:
Loakan Airport Wikipedia Entry

M1362: Hilton Hotel Postcard Update

2011-04-17T14:14:00.000-07:00

The Manila Hilton was formerly the location of the Episcopalian Cathedral of St. Mary and St. John on Isaac Peral (now United Nations Avenue).

Two architects were involved in this project, Carlos Arguelles and Welton Becket. Becket assigned Scollard Maas to do the interior. Almost every item of furniture or furnishings was made of native materials by Filipino workmen in designs done specifically for the hotel.

The hotel's restaurants and cocktail lounges include the Cafe Coquilla, Port Orient, Rotisserie, Barrio Hilton, and the cocktail lounges Sultana, Harana and 1571. The most famous venue at the Manila Hilton was the Top of the Hilton.

RELATED ENTRY:
M1362: Hilton Hotel Postcard

SOURCE:
The Manila Hilton of Memory

M1036: Bauang Beach Resort Postcard Update

2011-04-14T06:51:00.000-07:00

The unnamed Bauang beach resort seen in the postcard below is the Cresta Ola, which was owned by the Joaquin family. It was famous in the late50s anf early 60's, and is now abandoned.

M1036: Bauang Beach Resort Postcard

Notice the diving platform between the two images. The image on the postcard is on the wrong side. I checked the resort in Google Map and the platform is found on the right side of the pool (as seen in the image below). I wonder what camera or style JMC Press used in manufacturing the postcards.

The now abandoned Cresta Ola Hotel Swimming Pool

IMAGE SOURCE:
LUAA with RSLU @ Cresta Ola Hotel Thread

RELATED ENTRY:
M1036: Bauang Beach Resort Postcard

Philippine Military Academy Postcard Update

2011-04-11T10:15:00.000-07:00

The amphitheater at the Philippine Military Academy is said to have been designed by Jerry Tioaquen under the supervision of Col. Crisostomo Ramos, the Command Engineer in 1982. Locano Construction won the bid and built it.

The project was sponsored by PMA Class of '59. Its other function is to control the erosion in the area.

RELATED ENTRY:
Philippine Military Academy Postcard

Ford Hotel Montreal Postcard Upate

2011-04-06T09:29:00.000-07:00

The 750-room Ford Hotel Montreal opened in 1930. The hotel is now an office buildingand referred to as 1425 René-Levesque Ouest. It also served as CBC-Radio-Canada Montreal headquarters from 1936 to the early seventies.

The former Ford Hotel was purchased by the CBC in September of 1948. It took two years to convert the hotel into CBC building complete with 26 modern radio studios and three for television, news rooms, recording rooms and large master control. The hotel was renamed the Radio-Canada Building when it opened on May 18, 1951.

The old Ford Hotel Montreal

SOURCES:
Ford Hotel Wikipedia Entry
CBFT-TV (Radio-Canada), Montreal, Société Radio-Canada

IMAGE SOURCE:
Le 1425, René-Levesque Ouest (Hotel Ford), images

RELATED ENTRY:
Ford Hotel Montreal Postcard

USNS Barrett (T-AP-196) Postcard Updates

2011-04-01T09:04:00.000-07:00

The USNS Barrett postcard received a lot of comments from people who had sailed on it.

(1) from San Francisco to Vietnam in April 1968 for 3 months
(2) from San Francisco to Manila, and back to San Francisco in 1956
(3) from San Francisco to Honolulu in May 1954
(4) from San Francisco to Subic Bay, Philippines in 1962 for 32 days
(5) from the Philippines to the US (Guam to Pearl Harbor and then on to San Francisco) on April 19, 1957
(6) from Guam to San Francisco in in August 1957

Thank you so much to those who shared their experiences.

RELATED ENTRY:
USNS Barrett (T-AP-196) Postcard

M1337: Cuadros Filipinos Postcard

2011-03-27T22:43:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows one of the dances in the "Cuadros Filipinos de Ayer y de Hoy," a festival of religious and secular practices in the Philippines after the arrival of the Spaniards.

The back of the postcard reads:
Marry-making is engaged in "Cuadros Filipinos" (Picture of Philippine Yesteryears). From FILIPINESCAS: Philippine Life, Legend and Lore in Dance.

M1337: Cuadros Filipinos Postcard

SOURCE:
The resurgence of a national dance treasure

RELATED ENTRIES:
M1339: Sabong
M1335: Harana sa Nayon
M1334: Tribal Story
M1332: Festival in Maguindanao

M1307: Underpass-Overpass Postcard

2011-03-22T22:42:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows an underpass-overpass along the Taft Avenue. Also seen is the Old Congress Building or the Old Legislative Building, which was home to various legislative bodies of the Philippine government. It is currently home of the National Art Gallery of the National Museum of the Philippines.

The back of the postcard reads:
Underpass-Overpass, along Taft Avenue, Manila, Philippines. Seen in the background is the Legislative Building, seat of the Philippine Government (sic).

M1307: Underpass-Overpass Postcard

M1019: Banawe Rice Terraces Postcard

2011-03-17T22:41:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

This is another postcard showing the famous Banawe Rice Terraces.

The back of the postcard reads:
Banawe Rice Terraces
(8th Wonder of the World) Philippines

M1019: Banawe Rice Terraces Postcard

M1009: Banawe Rice Terraces Postcard

2011-03-16T22:39:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

This is another postcard showing the famous Banawe Rice Terraces.

The back of the postcard reads:
Banawe Rice Terraces
Mountain Province, Philippines
An amazing and magnificent engineering feat by the Igorot tribes, built some 2,000 years ago and totalling (sic) over 1,200 miles in length. Considered as the eighth wonder of the world

M1009: Banawe Rice Terraces Postcard

M171-85: Sicogon Postcard

2011-03-15T09:22:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x6"
Postcard Type: View card with blue border
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows the white sand beach of the 1,160.09-hectare Sicogon Island, the Boracay of the 70s and 80s. The island, which is part of the Higantes group of islands, is located at the north-westernmost part of Panay, but it is under the territorial jurisdiction of Carles, Iloilo.

The island was famous for its long coastline, said to be longer than Boracay’s 7-kilometer stretch, and was supposedly visited by Hollywood celebrities and rich sun lovers from around the world. It also used to have a private airstrip and a helipad, and facilities like cottages, swimming pools, and a wharf. The island is also famous for its coral reefs and giant clams, which can grow up to 4 feet in diameter.

M171-85: Sicogon Postcard

The resort owner defaulted on his loan in the 80s and the resort facility is now owned by the Philippine National Bank (PNB).

SOURCES:
Before Boracay, there was Sicogon
Iloilo Province Website: Sicogon Island

M170-85: Puerto Azul Postcard

2011-03-09T09:21:00.000-08:00

Postcard Size: 4"x6"
Postcard Type: View card with blue border
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows the Puerto Azul Beach Resort located in the outskirts of Ternate town in Cavite on the southern entrance to Manila Bay and opposite the island of Corregidor. The resort nestles within a 3,300-hectare nature reserve.

The resort boasts verdant hills and forests, blue sea, and fine sand beaches. It houses the Puerto Azul Beach Hotel and the Puerto Azul Beach and Country Club, with the golf course designed by Gary Player and Ron Kirby and completed in 1978.

M170-85: Puerto Azul Postcard

SOURCE:
Puerto Azul Beach Resort

M168-85: Daranak Falls Postcard

2011-03-04T09:20:00.000-08:00

Postcard Size: 4"x6"
Postcard Type: View card with green border
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows the Daranak Falls, a 14-meter high falls located in Brgy. Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal. The falls is government-owned and part of the Laguna watershed. It opens daily at 8:00 A.M. and closes at 5:00 PM, and has picnic huts, tables and sheds.

The back of the postcard reads:
Daranak Falls located in Tanay, Rizal is fast becoming a favorite tourist spot for swimming, hiking, or picnic.

M168-85: Daranak Falls Postcard

The falls has been a favorite location shooting area of most local TV series like Mulawin, Encantadia and Panday.

SOURCE:
Daranak Falls, Rizal

M167-85: Mt. Mayon Postcard

2011-02-28T09:20:00.000-08:00

Postcard Size: 4"x6"
Postcard Type: View card with blue border
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows the Mayon Volcano or Mount Mayon in Albay, which is famous for its "perfect cone." Local folklore refers the volcano as Bulkang Magayon (Bikol for Beautiful Volcano).

Mayon is an active stratovolcano and is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, having erupted over 49 times in the past 400 years.

M167-85: Mt. Mayon Postcard

TRIVIA:
First recorded major eruption - 1616
Most destructive eruption - February 1, 1814 - buried the town of Cagsawa (2,200 people perished)
Longest uninterrupted eruption - June 23, 1897 which lasted for seven days of raining fire

SOURCE:
Mayon Volcano Wikipedia Entry

M165-85: Paoay Church Postcard

2011-02-23T09:19:00.000-08:00

Postcard Size: 4"x6"
Postcard Type: View card with green border
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

This is another postcard showing the St. Augustine Church (most popularly known as "Paoay Church") in Paoay, Ilocos Norte. The Paoay Church was declared a National Treasure by then President Ferdinand Marcos and was inscribed into the UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1993.

M165-85: Paoay Church Postcard

RELATED ENTRY:
Paoay Church, Paoay Postcards

M163-85: Las Pinas Bamboo Organ Postcard

2011-02-22T09:18:00.000-08:00

Postcard Size: 4"x6"
Postcard Type: View card with brown border
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

This is another postcard showing the famous Bamboo Organ in the Parish Church of St. Joseph in Las Piñas City. Fr. Diego Cera de la Virgen del Carmen began his work on the organ in 1816 and it was completed in 1824.

The back of the postcard reads:
Built in 1924 [sic], the world renowned Bamboo Organ can be seen and heard in the Church of Las Pinas which is located south of Metro Manila.

M163-85: Las Pinas Bamboo Organ Postcard

RELATED ENTRY:
M1067: Las Piñas Bamboo Organ Postcard

M162-85: Corregidor Postcard

2011-02-21T09:17:00.000-08:00

Postcard Size: 4"x6"
Postcard Type: View card with brown border
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

This is another postcard showing the Battery Way in the island of Corregidor.

The back of the postcard reads:
Corregidor is a Second World War fortress guarding Manila Bay. It is now a historical monument to the gallant men who fought and died there.

M162-85: Corregidor Postcard

RELATED ENTRY:
M1050: Corregidor Postcard

M160-85: Vintas Postcard

2011-02-20T09:16:00.000-08:00

Postcard Size: 4"x6"
Postcard Type: View card with blue border
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows colorful vintas, as well as an old cannon overlooking the sea.

The back of the postcard reads:
The colorful sails of a vinta greets visitors to the southern city of Zamboanga

M160-85: Vintas Postcard

RELATED ENTRY:
M1040: Colorful Moro Vintas Postcard

M159-85: Cultural Center of the Philippines Postcard

2011-02-19T09:15:00.000-08:00

Postcard Size: 4"x6"
Postcard Type: View card with brown border
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Main Building or the Tanghalang Pambansa, and the fountain.

CCP houses four theaters (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo or the CCP Main Theater, Tanghalang Aurelio V. Tolentino or hte Little Theater, Tanghalang Huseng Batute or the Studio Theater, and Tanghalang Manuel Conde or the Dream Theater); a museum of ethnographic exhibits and a changing exhibit of Philippine art or ethnography, galleries, and a library on Philippine art and culture.

M159-85: Cultural Center of the Philippines Postcard

HISTORY
At a Cebu proclamation rally for her husband in September 1965, Imelda Marcos expressed her desire to build a national theater. In March 12, 1966, by Presidential Proclamation No. 20, 17 hectares of reclaimed land by the edge of Manila Bay are decreed as the site of the envisioned Cultural Center. Formal ground breaking ceremonies were held on April 17, 1966.

In July 25, 1966, Executive Order No. 30 was signed to create the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) "for the purpose of preserving and promoting Philippine culture in all its varied aspects."

The Php50 million center was designed by Leandro V. Locsin and was finished after three years. The center inaugurated on September 8, 1969 with California Governor and Mrs. Ronald Raegan as guests.

SOURCES:
Cultural Center of the Philippines Wikipedia Entry
Cultural Center of the Philippines | Timelime
Cultural Center of the Philippines Website

M156-85: Manila Bay Postcard

2011-02-15T09:14:00.000-08:00

Postcard Size: 4"x6"
Postcard Type: View card with red border
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows the Manila Bay and the stretch of 7.6-km Roxas Boulevard at dusk. You can find along the boulevard hotels, a yacht club, restaurants, park, the CCP complex, government buildings, embassies, and museums.

Roxas Boulevard stretches from Ermita towards Pasay City. It was once known as Harrison Boulevard until 1915 when it was renamed Dewey Boulevard, the American Commodore who destroyed the Spanish Navy during the 1898 Battle of Manila Bay. After World War II, it was renamed Roxas Boulevard after the first president of the post-war Republic, Manuel A. Roxas.

M156-85: Manila Bay Postcard

SOURCE:
Daluyan: A Historical Dictionary of the Streets of Manila, p. 94, National Historical Institute, 1994

M152-85: Pagsanjan Falls Postcard

2011-02-10T09:13:00.000-08:00

Postcard Size: 4"x6"
Postcard Type: View card with green border
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

This is another postcard of the 393-ft Pagsanjan Falls or the Magdapio Falls.

The back of the postcard reads:
Precise paddle strokes and sure-footed kicks propel native dugouts up towards Pagsanjan Falls. The fast return through the same river rapids is heart-stopping.

M152-85: Pagsanjan Falls Postcard

RELATED ENTRY:
M1080: Pagsanjan Falls Postcard

M147-85: Philippine International Convention Center Postcard

2011-02-09T09:10:00.000-08:00

Postcard Size: 4"x6"
Postcard Type: View card with blue border
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows the 3,175 sq.m. Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). The Hall has hosted the annual Awards Night of the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS), the Philippine equivalent of the Oscars.

The back of the postcard reads:
The Plenary Hall is the most impressive of four modules at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). It can easily sit 4,000 delegates during international conferences.

M147-85: Philippine International Convention Center Postcard

M146-85: Philippine International Convention Center Postcard

2011-02-05T09:10:00.000-08:00

Postcard Size: 4"x6"
Postcard Type: View card with brown border
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows the stunning main lobby of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). Seen as well in the postcard are the chandeliers and the grand staircase. The chandeliers are made of metal tubes in varying lengths with light bulbs at the end. Numerous paintings can also be seen across the hallways, paintings of Jose Joya, Ang Kiukok and Manuel Baldemor.

M146-85: Philippine International Convention Center Postcard

If you look closer at the bottom of the chandeliers near the staircase, there are two portrait paintings - those of then-President Ferdinand Marcos and his wife Imelda Marcos (the portrait below). I was able to find online "the" Imelda's painting (or a reproduction perhaps) but not that of the late president. The portrait (288.53 cm x 171.45 cm) was done in 1977 by Basuki Abdullah, an Indonesian painter.

Imelda Marcos Portrait

The convention center, with more than 70,000 square meters of floor area, was designed by Leandro Locsin and was built on a reclaimed land. The construction started in November 1974 and was finished in 1976 in time for the opening of the 1976 World Bank-International Monetary Fund meeting on September 5th.

The Philippine International Convention Center is Asia’s first international convention center.

Philippine International Convention Center

SOURCES:
Living la Vida Imelda
Museum of the Filipino People
Philippine International Convention Center Wikipedia Entry
Philippine International Convention Center Website

M145-85: Cebu-Mactan Bridge Postcard

2011-01-31T09:08:00.000-08:00

Postcard Size: 4"x6"
Postcard Type: View card with orange border
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

This is another postcard of the Mactan-Mandaue Bridge or The First Mactan-Mandaue Bridge, which connects the Cebu and Mactan. The Marcelo Fernan Bridge was built to decongest the traffic from the first bridge.

The back of the postcard reads:
Cebu-Mactan Bridge is a vital link in the commerce and industry of these two vibrant islands.

M145-85: Cebu-Mactan Bridge Postcard

RELATED ENTRY:
Mactan-Mandaue Bridge Postcards

M144-85: Cebu Beach Postcard

2011-01-26T09:07:00.000-08:00

Postcard Size: 4"x6"
Postcard Type: View card with blue border
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows one of the many white sand beaches that Cebu offers to beach lovers. The postcard, however, did not mention the name of the island or the beach.

Cebu is one of the many island provinces in the Philippines, and is surrounded by 167 smaller islands. Thus, Cebu offers the best beaches in the country like those found in Moalboal, Nalusuan, Badian, Mactan, Bantayan, Malapascua, Olango and the Camotes Islands (Pacijan island, Poro island, Ponson island and Tulang island).

The back of the postcard reads:
Cebu and its neighboring island of Mactan contain many beautiful beaches with facilities ranging from deluxe to idyllic.

M144-85: Cebu Beach Postcard

M143-85: Cebu Guitars Postcard

2011-01-20T09:06:00.000-08:00

Postcard Size: 4"x6"
Postcard Type: View card with red border
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows Cebu's handcrafted guitars, one of the popular products of the province, aside from lechon (suckling pig), and dried mangoes and fish.

The seat of the guitar making industry in Cebu is in Mactan Island, particularly Maribago in Lapu-Lapu City. One can also visit the guitar stores at the Quezon National Highway in Lapu-Lapu City, and in Lincoln Street near the Carbon Market district. Famous guitar makers are the families of the Alegre, Lumanog, Malingin, and the three sisters Lilang, Susing, Celia.

Guitars are made of various kinds of soft and hard woods, from nangka (jackfruit) to the more prized naga (narra) and kamagong (ebony). These may come attractively decorated or inlaid with shell.

The back of the postcard reads:
Cebu is noted for excellent craftsmen especially in the making of inexpensive native and Spanish guitars.

M143-85: Cebu Guitars Postcard

HISTORY
Gitara or kitara (from the Spanish guitarra) is actually a Spanish introduction. The guitar industry began in Cebu when the Spanish friars needed to repair the guitars they were using. At that time, guitars usually came from Mexico. Instead of waiting, the friars hired people from Opon village in Mactan Island to make new guitars and repair the ones they had.

The making of Cebu guitars

Making a guitar involves seven steps:
(1) The craftsmen selects the wood which may be of two kinds: hard (almasiga, narra, agot-agot) or soft (palo china, nangka).
(2) One of the seven are chosen: ukulele boy 22.5 in; SPanish guitar 39 in; or any of the types with stylizes shoulder-twist 36 in; cut-away 39 in; striated 38 inches; classic 37 in.
(3) Craftsman cuts the wood and fashions the frame, mostly with a chisel.
(4) Next comes the parts, nine in all: arched top (pala, machine heads (liso), nut (sihas), fingerboard (apurro or brazo), frets (tratse), strings (koldas), shoulder (abaga), sound hole (baba), and bridge (puente or bangil).
(5) The front and back parts are joined together and tied with rope.
(6) The handle is attached and dried in the sun for two or three days, before the (7) final varnishing.

SOURCES:
World's finest guitars- Cebu guitars
The Land of Guitars
Cebu’s Famous Guitars
Guitar Making, pp. 94-95, Cebu: A Places For All Seasons by Joyce Garcia Dizon; Bookmark, Inc.

M141-85: Banaue Postcard

2011-01-17T09:05:00.000-08:00

Postcard Size: 4"x6"
Postcard Type: View card with green border
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

Here is another postcard of the famous Banaue Rice Terraces, which I was lucky to visit last May.

M141-85: Banaue Postcard

M138-85: Lion's Head Postcard

2011-01-16T09:04:00.000-08:00

Postcard Size: 4"x6"
Postcard Type: View card with green border
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows the Lion's head in Camp 6 along Kennon Road.

The head was originally a limestone boulder which, some people noticed, had a shape of a male lion's head with a mane. Luis L. Lardizabal, then Baguio City mayor and Lion's Club governor, conceptualized the idea of carving the boulder and making it an actual lion's head, proclaiming the presence of the Lion's Club in the City.

The work started in 1968, but was stopped the next year. When Robert Webber took over the project in the early 70's, he hired Reynaldo Lopez Nanyac, woodcarver of the Ifugao tribe, to finish the job. He finished the 40-foot high Lion's head in 1972.

The back of the postcard reads:

Visitors to the Philippine Summer Capital, Baguio City, are greeted by an enormous Lion's Head carved from solid rock.

Then - M138-85: Lion's Head Postcard

As you might notice, the head was repainted several times from gold-black to white and brown to yellow. It now has its original gold-black colors, as seen below.

Now - Lion's Head

SOURCES:
Lion's Head
Lion’s Head in Baguio City
Image - Baguio Lion & Kennon Road zig-zag

M137-85: Wright Park Postcard

2011-01-12T09:03:00.000-08:00

Postcard Size: 4"x6"
Postcard Type: View card with green border
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows the Wright Park (pony area) which was named after Governor Luke E. Wright who gave Daniel Burnham orders to build Baguio as a recreational facility for American soldiers and civilians.

What makes Wright Park famous are the "Pool of Pines" that fronts the main gate of The Mansion and the Riding Circle (which is actually a triangle). One can hire horses and enjoy horseback ride around the area, and can take you along South Drive, the Mines View Park area or to Outlook Drive.

The back of the postcard reads:
Wright Park. Cool weather and recreational facilities to horseback riding to golf makes
Baguio City the country's ideal summer capital

M137-85: Wright Park Postcard

SOURCE:
Wright Park

M136-85: Burnham Park Postcard

2011-01-08T09:02:00.000-08:00

Postcard Size: 4"x6"
Postcard Type: View card with green border
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows Burnham Park Lagoon in Baguio City. The park was named after Daniel Hudson Burnham (1846-1912), the American architect and urban planner who designed the original plan for the city.

Burnham Park has 12 cluster areas:
(1) Burnham Lagoon - the man-made lake where one can rent boats
(2) Children's Playground
(3) Skating Rink
(4) Rose Garden with a bust of Daniel Burnham
(5) Orchidarium
(6) Igorot Garden
(7) Melvin Jones Grandstand
(8) Athletic Bowl
(9) Picnic Grove
(10) Japanese Peace Tower
(11) Pine Trees of the World
(12) Sunshine Park

The back of the postcard reads:
Burnham Park. Cool weather and recreational facilities from boating to golf
makes Baguio City the country's ideal summer capital.

M136-85: Burnham Park Postcard

SOURCES:
Burnham Park
Burnham Park Wikipedia Entry

RELATED ENTRY:
M1157: Burnham Park Postcard

M135-85: Bridal Veil Falls Postcard

2011-01-02T09:01:00.000-08:00

Postcard Size: 4"x6"
Postcard Type: View card with green border
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

This a-site-to-behold waterfall can be found along Kennon Road, a few kilometers from the Benguet-La Union boundary. Some believe that the falls got its name from the fact that the water that surges down into the pool below resembles a bridal veil.

The back of the postcard reads:

Bridal Veil Falls is the first of many beautiful waterfalls motorists find
driving through Kennon Road of Baguio City.

M135-85: Bridal Veil Falls Postcard

Philippine Blog Awards 2010

2010-12-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Last December 8th, I received an email from the Philippine Blog Awards team informing me that this blog has been officially nominated for the Best Hobby & Recreation Blog. It would be the second time that this blog is nominated.

Fellow bloggers, see you on Sunday at the awards night. Good luck to all!

M1504: Manila Tourist Spots Multiview Postcard

2010-12-06T08:59:00.000-08:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

This multiview postcard shows "tourist spots" in Manila. The images in the card are postcards as well, some of which I do not have in my collection.

The back of the postcard reads:
Left, top to bottom: Roxas Boulevard with its refreshing cool breeze; Malacanang Palace; the City Hall of Manila

Center: Aerial view of the long stretch of Roxas Boulevard

Right, top to bottom: The world renowned sunset of Manila Bay; the Luneta Park; Manila Post Office (and Jones Bridge)

M1504: Manila Tourist Spots Multiview Postcard

M1501: Multiview Postcard

2010-12-05T08:56:00.000-08:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

This multiview postcard shows "tourist spots" in the country. The images in the card are postcards as well.

The back of the postcard reads:

Left, top to bottom: The Banawe Rice Terraces of the Mt. Province; Sunset at Manila Bay, famous for its beauty; the Chocolate Hills of Bohol

Center: Map of the Philippines

Right, top to bottom: The scenic Mines View Park in Baguio City; the perfect coned Mayon Volcano of Albay; Moro Vintas of Mindanao

M1501: Philippine Beauty Spots Multiview Postcard

M1399: Manila Aerial View Postcard

2010-12-04T08:55:00.000-08:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

This is a closeup view of the M1396 postcard, showing the Department of Finance building (now the National Museum) with the clock tower of the Manila City Hall in the background.

M1399: Manila Aerial View Postcard

M1398: Baguio Fruit Market Postcard

2010-12-03T08:54:00.000-08:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

I believe the market shown in the postcard is the Baguio City Market in the late 60's. If not, it could be just one of the many stalls scattered all around the city.

In 2008, the market had 38 permanent sections, 1,835 permanent stalls, 1,687 temporary stalls and over 1,000 ambulant vendors. Sold here are items such as fruits (strawberries) and vegetables from La Trinidad, woodcarvings from Ifugao, fresh and dried fish from Pangasinan, longganisa from Ilocos, and of course Baguio products like brittles, jams and textiles. Whether you are wanting to buy fresh vegetables for your salad or souvenir items for your friends, the city market is a place to go.

The back of the postcard reads:
Baguio Fruit Market

M1398: Baguio Fruit Market Postcard

Actually the market is now over a hundred years old. The original Baguio market building was inaugurated in 1908. In a 1907 Commission Report, the building is to be situated in the business section and to be constructed entirely of Benguet pine, the columns being of specially selected heart pine, with an amount of the appropriation of P5000. The stone market was demolished, and the buildings inaugurated in 1952, 1955 and 1958 are the only remaining links to the old Baguio market.

SOURCES:
Eighth Annual Report of the Philippine Commission to the Secretary of War 1907 Part 2: Appendix D, Report of the Consulting Architect, p. 388
Hometown Snapshots

M1397: Nalinac Beach Sunset Postcard

2010-12-02T08:52:00.000-08:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows tourists having fun in the water while enjoying the majestic sunset at the Nalinac Beach Resort in Brgy. Paringao, Bauang, La Union.

The back of the postcard reads:
Sunset in Nalinac Beach, Bauang, La Union

M1397: Nalinac Beach Sunset Postcard

RELATED ENTRY:
M1365: Nalinac Beach Postcard

M1396: Manila Aerial View Postcard

2010-12-01T08:51:00.000-08:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

Several Manila landmarks can be seen in this postcard. The main road is the Maria Y. Orosa Street that leads to Padre Burgos Street. Yes, without traffic! Straight ahead are the Bastion de San Andres and the Revelin de Recoletos in Intramuros (now Aurora Gardens).

On the right are the AGRIFINA Circle and the Department of Finance building (now the National Museum), with the clock tower of the Manila City Hall in the background.

M1396: Manila Aerial View Postcard

M1394: President Manuel Roxas Postcard

2010-11-13T08:50:00.000-08:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows the portrait of President Manuel Roxas, probably his official portrait hung on the walls of the Reception Hall in Malacanang. Most of the official portraits were painted by Fernando Amorsolo, Garcia Llamas and other noted artists.

Manuel Acuña Roxas, the first president of the new republic, was born on January 1, 1892 in Capiz (now Roxas City). In 1913, Roxas obtained his law degree at U.P. and graduated class valedictorian. He became the first ever bar topnotcher of the country with a grade of 92%.

He was the governor (the youngest) of the province from 1919-1922. He was later elected to the Philippine House of Representatives in 1922 and was was elected in 1941 to the Philippine Senate, but was unable to serve until 1945 because of the outbreak of World War II. In the Philippine national elections of 1946, Roxas ran for president as the nominee of the liberal wing of the Nacionalista Party and won the position.

The back of the postcard reads:
President Manuel A . Roxas, 1892-1948.
A lawyer, orator, economist, soldier and patriot.
First president of the Republic of the Philippines, 1946-1948

M1394: President Manuel Roxas Postcard

Roxas did not finish his term because he died of myocardial infarction on April 15, 1948 at Clark Field, Pampanga. His term as Philippine president is also the shortest - 1 year 10 months and 18 days.

Manuel Roxas was married to Doña Trinidad de Leon and had two children Ma. Rosario "Ruby" and Gerardo M. "Gerry" Roxas.

SOURCE:
Manuel Roxas Wikipedia Entry

M1393: President Sergio Osmeña Postcard

2010-11-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows the portrait of President Sergio Osmeña, probably his official portrait hung on the walls of the Reception Hall in Malacanang. Most of the official portraits were painted by Fernando Amorsolo, Garcia Llamas and other noted artists.

Sergio Osmeña y Suico was born in Cebu on September 9, 1878, from a rich and prominent clan of Chinese-Mestizo heritage. He studied in San Juan de Letran College and took up law at the University of Santo Tomas, placing second in the bar examination in 1903.

While he was Governor of Cebu (1904-1907), he ran for election to the first Philippine Assembly of 1907 and was elected Speaker. He was elected an assemblyman in 1907, and remained a member of the lower house until 1922. In 1922 he was elected to the senate. He was the country's Vice-President from November 15, 1935 until August 1, 1944, becoming president of the Commonwealth on Quezon's death in 1944.

The back of the postcard reads:
President Sergio Osmeña, Sr., 1878-1961.
Speaker of the first Philippine assembly, 1907-1916.
Last Philippine Commonwealth President, 1944-1946

M1393: President Sergio Osmeña Postcard

He died of both liver failure and breast cancer at the age of 83 on October 19, 1961 at the Veteran's Memorial Hospital in Quezon City. He is buried at the Manila North Cemetery.

He married married Estefania Chiong Veloso on April 10, 1901, with whom he had eight children, namely, Vicente, Edilberto, Nicasio, Milagros, Emilio, Teodoro, José, and Sergio, Jr. In 1920, two years after the death of his first wife, he married Esperanza Limjap, and had three more children, namely, Ramón, Rosalina, and Victor.

SOURCE:
Sergio Osmeña Wikipedia Entry

M1391: President Ferdinand Marcos Postcard

2010-10-24T08:47:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

** The postcard was printed in 1967, hence the year of his death was not included in the postcard.

The postcard shows the portrait of President Ferdinand Marcos, probably his official portrait hung on the walls of the Reception Hall in Malacanang. Most of the official portraits were painted by Fernando Amorsolo, Garcia Llamas and other noted artists.

Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos was born in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte on September 11, 1917. Before he became president he was a member of the Philippine House of Representatives (1949–1959) and of the Philippine Senate (1959–1965).

He was elected president in 1965 and was reelected for an unprecedented second term in 1969. His greatest achievement as the president was in the fields of infrastructure development and international diplomacy. However, his administration was marred by massive authoritarian corruption, despotism, nepotism, political repression, and human rights violations.

The back of the postcard reads:
President Ferdinand Marcos, 1917-.
A soldier and statesman. Sixth president of the Republic of the Philippines, 1965.

M1391: President Ferdinand Marcos Postcard

Marcos married Imelda Romualdez in 1954 with four children: Maria Imelda "Imee" Marcos, Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr., Irene Marcos, and Aimee Marcos, who was adopted.

Marcos fled the country on February 25, 1986 (after People Power I) and went into exile in Hawaii. He died on September 28, 1989 (age of 72) at Waikiki, Hawaii.

SOURCE:
Ferdinand Marcos Wikipedia Entry

M1384: Bougainvillea Postcard

2010-10-17T08:45:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

Bogambilya or Bongabilya, Tagalog for Bougainvillea, was named after the French admiral and explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville, the first Frenchman to cross the Pacific. Bougainvillea is actually native to South America, but was probably brought to the country by the Spaniards.

Bougainvilleas are popular ornamental plants in the country. The first species recorded here was Bougainvillea spectabilis. The other species, B. glabra and B. peruviana were introduced much later.

The back of the postcard reads:
Bougainvillea, a favorite garden adornment.
Found in the Philippines in several colors. (Courtesy of Mrs. Purificacion A. Lopa)

M1384: Bougainvillea Postcard

TRIVIA:
Bougainvillea is the official flower of Tagbilaran, Bohol.

SOURCES:
Bougainvillea Wikipedia Entry
Philippine Medicinal Plants: Bogambilya
Symbols of the City of Tagbilaran

M1382: Ambuklao Dam Postcard

2010-10-10T08:44:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The Ambuklao Hyroelectric Plant is located in the mountains of Bokod, Benguet. The dam was the country's first hydroelectric plant and was the highest and biggest in the Far East during the 50's.

On January 29, 1948, President Manuel Roxas submits a Bill to Congress which would authorize the expenditure of the proceeds of a loan for the construction of certain hydro-electric projects. The National Power Corporation, in cooperation with Westinghouse Electric International Company, took a survey of the country's hydroelectric potential and prepared the Philippine Power Program in 1948. It's major undertaking was the Ambuklao Power Project.

The back of the postcard reads:
Ambuklao Dam, source of hydroelectric power. Located in Mt. Province

M1382: Ambuklao Dam Postcard

Construction of the project began in July 1950. The contractor for the dam's civil works was the Guy F. Atkinson Company of San Francisco, while the Harza Engineering Company of Chicago was the engineering consultant. The work involved the construction of a dam, the second highest of its kind, rock-filled, 452 meters along the crest and 129 meters high; the width of the spillway is 124 meters. The reservoir, or man-made lake, runs 11 kilometers upstream from the dam.

The 75,000 kw Ambuklao Hydro-electric Development was completed on December 21, 1956 and was inaugurated by President Ramon Magsaysay at the sub-station at Balintawak, on January 19, 1957. The cost reached a reported P132,000,000.

The facility had to stop operation in 2000 because of uncontrolled and heavy siltation. After winning the bid in 2007, SN Aboitiz Power Hydro Incorporated (SNAP) is considering the possibility of expanding the generation capacity to 105 MW after rehabilitation.

SOURCES:
Ambuklao Dam
Journal of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, March 1948: The Business View, p. 77
Journal of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, January 1957: The Ambuklao Development Inauguration, pp. 56, 58
SN Power: Ambuklao

M1376: Rural Scene Postcard

2010-10-03T08:43:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows a typical rural scene in the country, with farmers and carabao. In the background is the view of the mystical mountain Mount Arayat in Pampanga.

Mount Arayat, which rises to a height of 1,026 metres (3,366 ft), is 19 kilometers away from Mabalacat, a town that derived its name from the ancient "balacat" trees which were found abundantly in the area.

The back of the postcard reads:
Rural scene, in Mabalacat, Pampanga.
Seen in the background is the famous Mt. Arayat.

M1376: Rural Scene Postcard

Mount Arayat is considered a mystical mountain, the legendary home of the diwata Mariang Sinukuan, counterpart of the Tagalogs' Mariang Makiling. It was said to be dwelling-place of the Kapampangan sun god, Sinukuan.

TRIVIA: There is no recorded eruption of the volcano.

SOURCES:
Mount Arayat Wikipedia Entry
Mabalacat, Pampanga Wikipedia Entry
Pinoy Mountaineer: Mount Arayat

Philippine Picture Postcards 1900-1920

2010-09-25T02:16:00.000-07:00

The 31st Manila International Book Fair held last September 15-19 was heaven for a book lover like me. The fair held at SMX Convention Center showcased even more books, magazines and booths by at least 150 local and foreign exhibitors. I was browsing books on sale at the Bookmark booth when, lo and behold, the postcard book by Jonathan Best! Boy oh boy was I so excited. Now I have the postcard book Philippine Picture Postcards 1900-1920, and 10 other books.

The book provides the history of postcards in the country during the first two decades of the 19th century. It showcases a visual memory of how charming Manila was until it was made rubble by World War II. The 180 postcards illustrated in the book are among the most beautiful and historically interesting Philippine cards from his collection of around 2000 postcards (lots of old Philippine cards are still in archives and private collections). It presents a selection of different types of cards and a wide range of images from Luzon to Mindanao.

The Old Manila section includes postcards of Fort Santiago, Pasig River, magnificent churches and buildings in Intramuros, Malacanang, fountains, monuments, bridges, parks and hotels, some, if not all, are gone forever. Now, the charm of Old Manila can only be appreciated through postcards and photographs.In the Provincial Views, you will surely enjoy postcards of churches and landmarks from the Ilocos to the Visayas, especially Iloilo and Cebu, and Mindanao.

Portraits of the Filipinos were also made to postcards. The book also has cards showing mestizo in their elegant dresses to market vendors. Wonder how students, school teachers, workers and even prisoners back then looked like? Wonder how out national minorities dressed? Get the book.

RELATED POSTS:
Philippine Picture Postcards 1900-1920
Philippine Books about Postcards
Reproduced Old Philippine Postcards

M1370: Baguio Airport Postcard

2010-08-10T08:42:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows a Philippine Airlines flight (type of plane was not mentioned on the card) arriving at the Loakan Airport in Baguio City.

Loakan Airport, the country’s highest airport with an elevation of 1296 meters, has only one runway running almost directly east-west with a length of 1.8 kilometers and a width of 35 meters. Only propeller-driven planes can make use of it.

The back of the postcard reads:
Baguio City, in the City of Baguio, Philippines

M1370: Baguio Airport Postcard

Loakan Airport was formerly served by Philippine Airlines (PAL) beginning on March 15, 1941 with a single Beechcraft Model 18 NPC-54 on daily services between Manila (from Nielson Field) and Baguio. PAL suspended flights into Baguio in 1998 as part of a company downsizing.

The first plane that touched down on Loakan was a Klemm trainer monoplane (piloted by Capt. Theodore Cammaan) on March 11, 1932.

SOURCES:
Loakan Airport Wikipedia Entry
Loakan Airport
Loakan Airport at 75: A Historical Note

M1369: Kennon Road Postcard

2010-08-09T08:41:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows the zigzag part of the Kennon Road, one of the main highways that leads to Baguio City. Benguet Road was ordered built by American Governor General William Cameron Forbes in 1901. The road was renamed Kennon Road after U.S. Army Colonel Lyman N. Kennon who was its final builder.

Kennon Road was opened for regular service on March 27, 1905 with the cost as of November 1, 1905, amounting to $1,966,847.05.

The back of the postcard reads:
Zigzag View, along Kennon Road leading to the City of Baguio

M1369: Kennon Road Postcard

According to records, between 2,300 to 4,000 workers were employed in the building of the road, all of different nationalities— American, Hawaiian, Indian, Mexican, Chinese, German, Irish, English, Swedish, French, Japanese and, of course, Filipino. Records also showed that less than half the number of workers survived the building of the road. Aside from accidents, many too, died of malaria.

In addition to the roadbed itself, Colonel Kennon constructed 40 bridges—two of which were made of steel, the others of wood. Except for the use dynamite to blast out solid rock, work was done usually with ordinary picks and shovels.

There are beautiful and scenic sites along Kennon Road such as the Bridal Veil Falls, Bued River gorge, Twin Peaks, Colorado Falls, some pedestrian suspension bridges, the sculptured limestone lion, and the spectacular view from the deck at the upper end of Kennon Road.

SOURCES:
The Drive Up Kennon Road
Kennon Road and Baguio

M1368: Manila Bay Sunset Postcard

2010-08-08T08:40:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows the famed Manila Bay sunset.

Manila Bay is considered to be one of the best natural harbors in Southeast Asia and one of the finest in the world. It also serves a focus for recreation and is a popular destination for walks and for viewing the sunset.

M1368: Manila Bay Sunset Postcard

SOURCE:
Manila Bay Wikipedia Entry

M1367: Tanza Beach Postcard

2010-08-07T08:39:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows a coral sand beach in Tanza, Cavite; however, the name of the resort was not mentioned in the postcard.

The back of the postcard reads:
Coral Sand, a beach in Tanza, Cavite

M1367: Tanza Beach Postcard

TRIVIA:
Tanza was the place were Emilio Aguinaldo took oath as the first president of the revolutionary government of the Philippines. It is also the home town of Felipe G. Calderon, the man who drafted the first Philippine constitution.

SOURCE:
Tanza, Cavite Wikipdia Entry

M1366: Laguna Bay Postcard

2010-08-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows carabaos enjoying the water of the Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines and the third largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia with a surface area of 949 square kilometers. It has an average depth of only about 2 meters.

"Laguna de Bay" is the Old Spanish term for "Lake of Bay". Laguna is the Spanish word for Lake, and Bay is a town in Laguna, along the south shore of the lake.

The back of the postcard reads:
Laguna Bay, in the province of Laguna.
Carabaos (water buffalo) abound in the outlying areas.

M1366: Laguna Bay Postcard

The lake is shaped like a stylised 'W', with two peninsulas jutting out from the northern shore. It is bordered by the province of Laguna in the east, west and southwest, the province of Rizal in the north to northeast, and Metropolitan Manila in the northwest.

The lake is a navigation lane for passenger boats, source of water for a nearby hydroelectric power plant, food support for the growing duck industry, aquaculture, recreation, fishery, flood control, source of irrigation water and a "virtual" cistern for domestic, agricultural, and industrial effluents.

SOURCE:
Laguna de Bay Wikipedia Entry

M1365: Nalinac Beach Postcard

2010-08-05T08:37:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard show the Nalinac Beach Resort in Brgy. Paringao, Bauang, La Union. The resort has non-aircon, one-room cottages and four aircon, two-room cottages with bath. The resort also has a restaurant, conference room, billiards and private beach.

The back of the postcard reads:
Nalinac Beach, in Bauang, Province of La Union, Philippines

M1365: Nalinac Beach Postcard

SOURCE:
Towns and Cities: La Union: Bauang

M1362: Hilton Hotel Postcard

2010-08-04T08:35:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows the 22-story, 430-room Manila Hilton, which was once the nation's tallest building and largest hotel. The hotel is located in United Nations Avenue - the hub of business and culture. The Hilton offered to its clientele the best in everything, art, cuisine, and warm Philippine hospitality.

In the September 1964 issue of the Journal of the American Chamber of Commerce, it mentioned that Manila Hilton Hotel is one of the two new hotel ventures that begun in the second quarter of 1964. Hilton Hotels International signed an agreement with a local group, headed by the Antonio Delgado, for the hotel's construction. The other hotel was the Hotel Continental. Also in its May 1965 issue, it mentioned that the GSIS granted a PIA-approved 30 million Pesos loan to the Delgado Brothers Hotel Corporation for the construction of the hotel.

The hotel opened in early 1968 as mentioned in its ads on the September 1967 issue of the journal. It reads: "Mabuhay to Philippine Adventure," is the title of a four-page brochure put out by Manila Hilton for worldwide distribution through sales and reservation offices of Hilton International.

The back of the postcard reads:
Hilton Hotel, Manila, Philippines. One of the modern hotels found in the city.

M1362: Hilton Hotel Postcard

Manila Hilton Hotel is now the Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel & Casino and managed by the Waterfront Hotels and Casinos. It now boasts of 567 guest rooms, including 32 suites and an executive floor. Three floors designed exclusively to non-smokers.

SOURCES:

Manila Hilton Postcard

Journal of the American Chamber of Commerce, September 1964

Journal of the American Chamber of Commerce, May 1965

Journal of the American Chamber of Commerce, September 1967

Manila Pavilion Hotel

M1361: Luneta Park Fountain

2010-08-03T07:56:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows one of the many fountains at the Luneta Park. In the background is the National Library.

INDUSTRON was the company that built and maintained the fountains in Luneta beginning around 1969 up to early 1970s. (One source named William Schaare as the builder, but was not able to confirm it).

The back of the postcard reads:
Luneta Park fountain, gracing a lagoon in the city park, Philippines.

M1361: Luneta Park Fountain

SOURCE:
INDUSTRON Projects - 1970s and previous

M1360: Luneta Lagoon

2010-08-02T07:55:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

This is another postcard that shows the Luneta Lagoon. The Hilton Hotel (now the Manila Pavilion Hotel) and the National Library can be seen in the background.

The back of the postcard reads:
Luneta lagoon, in the city of Manila, Philippines.
Seen in the background are the Hilton Hotel and the National Library.

M1360: Luneta Lagoon

RELATED ENTRIES:
M32: Luneta Lagoon Postcard

M1351: Rizal Park

2010-08-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

This is another postcard that shows the Rizal Monument at the Luneta Park. Several buildings can also be seen in the background, including the Hilton Hotel (now the Manila Pavilion Hotel), the National Library, and the old Finance Building (now the National Museum).

The back of the postcard reads:
Rizal Park, Manila, Philippines.
The monument honors Dr. Jose Rizal, the country's national hero.

M1351: Rizal Park

M1346: Chinese Pagoda

2010-07-31T07:49:00.000-07:00

The postcard shows another pavilion inside the Chinese Park at the Luneta Park.

The back of the postcard reads:
Chinese pagoda, one of several attractions found in the city park of Manila, Philippines

M1346: Chinese Pagoda

M1344: Chinese Pagoda

2010-07-30T07:48:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows another view of the pavilion inside the Chinese Park at Luneta Park.

The back of the postcard reads:
Chinese pagoda, a sightseer's delight at Luneta Park, Manila, Philippines

M1344: Chinese Pagoda

M1343: Chinese Pagoda

2010-07-29T07:40:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows the pavilion (provides shade and a place to rest) and lagoon inside the Chinese Park, one of the two parks that can be visited at the Luneta Park.

The back of the postcard reads:
Chinese pagoda, with its beautiful lagoon.
Located at Luneta Park in the City of Manila, Philippines.

M1343: Chinese Pagoda

M1339: Sabong

2010-07-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows the choreographic interpretation of the sabong or cockfight. This famous Visayan dance (with Alcantara, Romblon as the place of origin) commonly performed as a ballroom dance traces its origin from another dance called Sibay. The male performers in this dance imitate the movement of the fighting roosters.

The back of the postcard reads:

The exciting sabong or cockfight an original choreographic interpretation
by FILIPINESCAS: Philippine Life, Legend and Lore in Dance

M1339: Sabong

Sabong in the Philippines:
Sabong or cockfighting was first mentioned in Pigafetta’s First Voyage Around the World. Dating back to pre-Spanish times, sabong is played out in public squares on Sundays immediately after church. Heavy bets are made and are paid to the owners of the winning birds.

When the public has already placed its bets, the duel is about to begin. Held by the handlers, the gamecocks are brought together head to head and are allowed to peck and infuriate each other. Then they are placed on the ground at a certain distance from each other and left alone. Both birds now enraged from the previous pecking, their hackles rising, go at it with abandon, flying up and down, delivering multiple blows with their slashers against each other. The match ends when one rooster is either killed or turns tail. The winning gamecock, however, must peck the slain opponent twice to declare the victory official. Should the winner, however, run from the slain foe, the match is called a draw.

SOURCES:
Sabong
The Kalilayan Folkloric Group
Asia Finest Discussion Forum: Filipino Dances

M1335: Harana sa Nayon

2010-07-27T07:36:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows how the harana tradition is done. The man, usually accompanied by his close friends, goes to the house of the woman he is courting and plays music and sings love songs to her. Harana is an old Filipino courtship tradition of serenading women, probably a Spanish influence. It has been practiced mostly in rural areas and small towns.

The back of the postcard reads:

Rustic swains serenade barrio belles in "Harana sa Nayon", interpreted by the members of the FILIPINESCAS Dance Company: Philippine Life, Legend and Lore in Dance

M1335: Harana sa Nayon

SOURCES:
Harana WikiPilipinas Entry

M1334: Tribal Story

2010-07-26T07:35:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows a "Tribal Story" dance as interpreted by the FILIPINESCAS. "Tribal Story", created by director-choreographer, Leonor Orosa-Goquinco, was the first suite in Mt. Province dance styles woven around the death of a tribal warrior.

The postcard shows the dancers wearing traditional dresses including the bahag or g-string worn by the men.

The back of the postcard reads:
Tribal Story as interpreted by FILIPINESCAS: Philippine Life, Legend and Lore in Dance

M1334: Tribal Story

SOURCE:
Rosalinda Orosa: FILIPINESCAS and CSB Forging a Partnership

M1332: Festival in Maguindanao

2010-07-25T07:34:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard show a festival in Maguindanao, probably a Muslim royal wedding, interpreted by the Filipinescas Dance Troupe, a 38-man dance group that toured Europe during the 1960s. The tour is entitled Filipinescas: Philippine Life, Legend, and Lore in Dance, a stage presentation depicting Philippine life and its rich cultural traditions. The tour was the creation of pioneer director-choreographer, Leonor Orosa-Goquinco.

The postcard shows the ladies wearing, I think,colorful malongs and holding fans, with the men wearing colorful dresses as well (which I do not know what they are called).

The back of the postcard reads:
Festival in Maguindanao with oriental pomp and pageantry as interpreted by
FILIPINESCAS: Philippine Life, Legend and Lore in Dance.

M1332: Festival in Maguindanao

SOURCES:
Rebirth of a national treasure
Filipinescas

M1329: Flaming Sword

2010-07-24T07:33:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows the Flaming Sword Monument, located at Panilao, Pilar, Bataan.Standing at a junction near the municipal hall, the monument is an eye-catching landmark that depicts a hand holding a flaming sword up in the air. This landmark became the symbol of the Filipino patriots' courage and gallantry as they face the adversary and threats to our democracy and freedom.

There are no information found about the monument's history, who designed it or the material used.

The back of the postcard reads:
Flaming sword, a famous memorial for the defenders of Bataan. Found in the town of Pilar, Province of Bataan, Philippines.

M1329: Flaming Sword

Notice that in the picture below, the the hand holding the sword had been repainted.

SOURCE:
Pilar Flaming Sword WikiPilipinas Entry

IMAGE SOURCE:
Worldwalker Destinations: Bataan

M1327: Village Fishermen

2010-07-23T07:32:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows two villagers fishing, either in a river or a pond, using what looks like nets. The postcard, unfortunately, did not mention the specific method they are using and I cannot identify the specific technique used.

The back of the postcard reads:
Village fishermen in the Philippines with their fish catching contraptions

M1327: Village Fishermen Postcard

FISHING IN THE COUNTRY:

Fishing is a PhP50 billion industry in the Philippines, contributing about 4% of the country’s GNP, and with an annual production volume of 2.4 million metric tons of fish. The Philippine fisheries industry comprises marine fisheries, inland fisheries (lakes and rivers), and aquaculture.

The fishing methods used in inland waters are much simpler than those used in coastal waters. Gear includes snare rake, cover pot, fish trap, lift net, fish trap, pole-and-line, push net, skimming net, cover net, gillnet, dredge, beach seine, cast net and purse seine.

SOURCES:
Tuna Industry
Fishery Country Profile: Philippines

M1324: Boy Astride A Carabao

2010-07-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows two of the country's national symbols, the carabao or water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and the nipa hut.

The carabao or kalabaw in Filipino is the national animal since it is one of the most important animals in the country, especially in agriculture. Carabaos are often used by farmers to plow the fields and as a means of transportation.

The bahay kubo or nipa hut is the national house. It is a shelter made out of bamboo and palm leaves, thus making it a good place to take rest, especially in the farm, because of these materials that allow good ventilation.

The back of the postcard reads:
Boy astride a carabao (water buffalo).
A typical scene found in the provincial sections of the Philippines.

M1324: Boy Astride A Carabao Postcard

SOURCES:
Philippine National Symbols
Carabao Wikipedia Entry

M1319: Rice Threshing

2010-07-21T07:29:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows farmers threshing their rice harvest by beating the rice heads.

The back of the postcard reads:

Rice threshing, a typical harvest season scene in Cabuyao Province of Laguna, Philippines

M1319: Rice Threshing Postcard

I think this postcard and M1318 postcard were both taken with the same farmers in the same field..

RELATED ENTRY:
M1318: Rice Threshing Postcard

M1318: Rice Threshing Postcard

2010-07-20T07:28:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows farmers threshing rice harvest. Threshing is separating the rice seeds from the stalks and is usually done by beating the rice heads on a slotted bamboo platform. This is a typical scene in the provinces where rice is the main produce during harvest season (usually summer). The only difference nowadays is that farmers now use machines to thresh rice.

The back of the postcard reads:
Rice threshing, a typical rural harvest season scene found in most provinces of the Philippines.

M1318: Rice Threshing Postcard

M1311: Mansion House Postcard

2010-06-26T18:00:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows Mansion House and its gate, and the "Pool of Pines" or Wright Park.

The back of the postcard reads:
Mansion House, in the City of Baguio, Philippines.
Summer residence of Philippine presidents.

M1311: Mansion House Postcard

M1309: Malacañang Palace Postcard

2010-06-25T00:03:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows Malacañang Palace as seen from the Pasig River. Am not entirely sure if the building on the postcard is the Kalayaan Hall, which is now a museum.

The back of the postcard reads:
Malacañang Palace along the Pasig River.
The Palace is the official residence of the President of the Philippines.

M1309: Malacañang Palace Postcard

RELATED ENTRIES:
Malacañang Palace Postcard

M1165: Malacañang Palace Postcard
M1154: Malacañang Palace Postcard
M1146: Malacañang Park Postcard
M1012: Malacañang Palace Postcard

M1308: Manila City Hall Postcard

2010-06-24T07:25:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows the Manila City Hall in the 1960's with the traffic-free Padre Burgos Street and the Lagusnilad Underpass. Also seen in the distance is the Manila Central Post Office building.

The back of the postcard reads:
City Hall of Manila, Philippines.
Seen along the city hall is the modern thoroughfare with its over the underpass.

M1308: Manila City Hall Postcard

RELATED ENTRY:
Manila City Hall Postcards

M1305: Paco Cemetery Postcard

2010-06-23T07:23:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows the oval mortuary chapel dedicated to St. Pancratius inside Paco Park. Also seen in the postcard is a raised fountain which aligns with the gate and the nave of the domed chapel. In the evening, the fountain is lit by multi-colored lights, creating a dancing rainbow.

Pancratius (or Pancras) was one of the early Christian martyrs from around 300 A.D. Legend says he was an orphan who was killed at the age of fourteen for embracing the faith. He is considered the patron of children, against false witness, and headaches. His feast day is celebrated on May 12th.

The back of the postcard reads:

Paco Cemetery, located in Manila, Philippines.
One of the oldest cemeteries of the Spanish colonial era.

M1305: Paco Cemetery Postcard

Paco Park, located where Padre Faura and General Luna Streets come together, was once a municipal cemetery for the elite families of Manila during the Spanish era. The cemetery was built in the late 1700s but was completed several decades later. It was also used to inter the victims of the cholera epidemic of 1822.

The cemetery is circular in shape, with an inner circular fort that was the original cemetery and with the niches that were placed or located within the hollow walls. As the population continued to grow, a second outer wall was built with the thick adobe walls were hollowed as niches and the top of the walls were made into pathways for promenades.

The cemetery was once the burial place of some notables including the national hero, José Rizal, and the three martyred priests of the Philippine independence movement. Today, the Spanish Governor-General Solano is the only known luminary still buried in the chapel.

Internment was stopped in 1912 and it was restored and transformed into a national park in 1966.

SOURCES:
Paco Park Wikipedia Entry
Paco Cemetery Park, Manila - Oasis in Stone
Visiting Paco Park

M1302: Watch Tower Postcard

2010-06-22T07:22:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows the circular garita or sentry box of Bastion de San Andres in Intramuros.

The back of the postcard reads:
Watch tower in Intramuros located in the City of Manila.
Intramuros is sometimes called the "walled city," built during the Spanish colonization of the Islands.

M1302: Watch Tower Postcard

RELATED ENTRY:
M1136: Walls of Intramuros Postcard

M1300: Luneta Lagoon Postcard

2010-06-09T07:21:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows the multi-colored fountains in Luneta in late afternoon, probably with the famous Manila sunset in the horizon. You will also see the Rizal Monument in the background.

The back of the postcard reads:
Luneta Lagoon, with its gushing multi-colored fountains.
Located in the City of Manila, Philippines

M1300: Luneta Lagoon Postcard

M1202: Sampaloc Lake Postcard

2010-06-08T07:20:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows Sampaloc Lake with the famous Mt. Banahaw in the background. The lake, an inactive volcanic maar, is the largest of the Seven Lakes of San Pablo, Laguna. Nearly half of the lake's depth has a shallow depression at the lake's bottom, indicating its volcanic origin.

The lake has an area of 104.0 hectares with a maximum depth of 27.0 meters, approximately 85% of its volume below 10 meters and 15% below 24 meters.

The back of the postcard reads:

Sampaloc Lake
Laguna, Philippines
This lake, rich in legend, surrounds Mt. Banahaw seen in the background.

M1202: Sampaloc Lake Postcard

Legend tells of a giant Tamarind (Sampaloc) tree in the garden of a selfish, stingy old woman who drove away a fairy disguised as an old man asking for some fruit as a cure for his ailing grandson. Instead of helping him, the stingy old woman had him driven away by her ferocious dogs. The old man was badly hurt. After the old man left, there was a thundering noise, rain, followed by the cracking of the earth. And then, the entire orchard sank into a colossal pit which was immediately filled with water. Henceforth, the villagers called it Lake Sampaloc.

SOURCES:
Lake Sampaloc Wikipedia Entry
San Pablo City: Sampaloc Lake

M1201: Fuente Osmena Park Postcard

2010-06-07T07:19:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

In the heart of uptown Cebu City is a rotunda park with a picturesque fountain in the center. This is the famous Fuente Osmeña Circle. Fuente Osmeña, or literally “Osmeña Fountain,” was named after the Cebu's Grand Old Man, President Sergio S. Osmeña, Sr., who happened to be the second president of Philippine Commonwealth.

The rotunda, which principally features the Osmeña fountain, is said to have been built during the inauguration of the City’s water system. Inside the Fuente Osmeña Circle is a big fountain and around it is a skating rink enclosed in a metal fence.

The back of the postcard reads:
Osmeña Park, Cebu City, Philippines

M1201: Fuente Osmeña Park Postcard

SOURCES:
Fuente Osmeña, Cebu City History
The Fuente Osmeña Circle

M1200: Hundred Islands Postcard

2010-06-06T07:17:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The Hundred Islands National Park is believed to be at least about 2 million years old. The islands were part of an ancient coral area that extends well inland, a large area that used to be part an ancient sea. When the sea levels lowered, the islands were exposed, whilst hundreds of thousands of years slowly eroded the base of these islands invariably forming mushroom/umbrella shapes in the middle of stunning emerald waters.

Only three of them have been developed for tourists: Governor Island, Quezon Island, and Children's Island.

The back of the postcard reads:
Hundred Islands
Pangasinan, Philippines These islands with their white beaches and clear water are a haven for swimming, fishing and skin diving enthusiasts.

M1200: Hundred Islands Postcard

SOURCES:
Hundred Islands National Park Wikipedia Entry
Hundred Islands National Park

RELATED ENTRY:
M1199: Hundred Islands Postcard

M1199: Hundred Islands Postcard

2010-06-05T07:16:00.000-07:00

Postcard Size: 4"x5.5"
Postcard Type: View card
Printed by: JMC Press, Inc., Quezon City
Purchased at Goodwill Bookstore

The postcard shows a view from one of the 10 caves that can be found in the Hundred Islands. The Hundred Islands National Park, located in Alaminos City, Pangasinan, is composed of 123 (124 during low tide) mushroom-shaped limestone and coral islands. The islands are scattered along Lingayen Gulf and cover an area of 18.44 sq. km.

The caves in the National Park are Cathedral Cave, Cuenco Cave, Alama Cave, Nalsoc Cave, Simmimbahan Cave, Milagrosa Cave, Century Cave, Quirino Cave, Virgin Cave, Imelda Cave.

The back of the postcard reads:
Hundred Islands
Pangasinan, Philippines
A view from a cave in one of the islands

M1199: Hundred Islands Postcard

SOURCES:
Hundred Islands National Park Wikipedia Entry
Hundred Islands National Park
Island Caves, Hundred Islands National Park

Real Photo Postcards

2009-07-28T06:05:00.000-07:00

Real Photo Postcards (1900-1920)

Aside from the colored view cards from this period, real photo postcards, black and white photographs that were usually sepia toned, were printed. The surfaces of the cards are glossy like a photograph but with printed postcard backs.

Real Photo Postcard

I have seen several Philippine real photo postcards that show views of streets and buildings around Manila, American military personnel, carnival queens and private individuals. The Americans were curious about the costumes and customs of Philippine tribal groups so there are lots of black-and-white postcards that bear Moros of Mindanao or Aetas of Luzon. Have also seen vintage postcards that show natural disasters like typhoon damages, floods in Manila, fires like the postcards of the burnt Olongapo in 1910, and even the eruption of Taal in 1911.

Photochrome Era

2009-07-27T06:05:00.000-07:00

Photochrome Era (1939-Present)

This is the modern type of postcards with beautiful chrome colors. The colorized images are produced from black and white photographic negatives via the direct photographic transfer of a negative onto lithographic printing plates. Similar to the Philippine linen postcards, postcards of this type were published by the Philippine Education Company (PECO) and printed by Curt Teich of the US.

Photochrome Era Postcard

Although millions of postcard of this type were produced thanks to modern equipment, it is believed that this is a scarce type here in the country, especially if you are looking for pre-war and post-war photochrome postcards.

IMAGE SOURCE:
Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven, Scotland

Linen Era Postcard

2009-07-26T06:05:00.000-07:00

Linen Era (1930-1945)

After the White Border Era, a linen-like paper containing high rag content was used for making postcards. The printing of this type from 1930-1945 covers a period just before the outbreak of WW II through the Japanese Occupation of the Philippines. The most common and popular are the Philippine Education Co. (PECO) published postcards. They were printed in the US by Curt Teich. One has a white border and the other has a sort of edge perforation (like the postcard below).

Linen Era Postcard

There was no printing of postcards during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. If there were postcards printed in the US, these did not reach the country. Postcards that circulated here just before and after the war were presumed destroyed during the liberation of Manila. Others were either consumed by fire or thrown into the garbage, so only a few postcards survived in the country. Because of these, linen era postcards are quite scarce and expensive.

IMAGE SOURCE:
New Post Office, Plaza Lawton

White Border Era

2009-07-25T06:04:00.000-07:00

White Border Era (1911-1930)

Because of unlimited importation of picture postcards coming from Europe, local printers in the US complained. The US government acted by imposing high tariff and duties on the imported postcards. To fill up the gaps as a result of the short supply coming in from Europe, local printers began to publish their own version of picture postcards, mostly reprints of the imported cards This also brought about the printing of another type of postcard known as "White Border Era," so-called because of the white border surrounding the picture.

White Border Era Postcard

Unfortunately I still do not have any Philippine postcard from this era.

Divided Back Era

2009-07-24T06:04:00.000-07:00

Divided Back Era (1907-1915)

The greatest number of picture postcards ever printed and shipped to the United States, including the Philippines, was made during this period. During this time, a dividing line was placed at the back of the postcard. The blank space on the left side of the dividing line allowed for messages to be written by the sender, and the name of the addressee and address were written on the right side of the postcard. The picture or face of the postcard covered the entire area and with no border.

Divided Back Era Postcard

Some of the interesting subjects of Philippine postcards during this era are: transportation like the "tranvia" or electric train, early cars, fire engines, railroad trains, carromatas (horse-drawn carts); famous landmarks like the Luneta and Walled City; local and provincial view cards; maritime (commercial, shipping, US ships, river boats); native occupations (vendors, farmers); public and private buildings (churches, schools, hotels); military scenes; bridges; indigenous Filipino community (Igorotes, Moros, Negritos, Aetas); greeting cards, etc.

IMAGE SOURCE:
Postcard Wikipedia Entry

Undivided Back Era

2009-07-23T06:04:00.000-07:00

Undivided Back Era (1901-1907)

In 1901, the US government finally allowed private printers to use the wording "POST CARD" to be imprinted on the back of privately printed postcards, but postcards still have undivided backs. The lines on the back are only for the name of the addressee and address, and the front or face of this postcard with a small blank space around or below the picture-view area are for a short message or greetings.

Undivided Back Era Postcard

Image Source:
1907 Postcard: Pasig River

Private Mailing Card Era

2009-07-22T06:04:00.000-07:00

Private Mailing Card Era (1898-1901)

During this era, private publishers and printers were allowed to print, sell and use the wording "Private Mailing Card" at the back of the card with the lines for the name of the addressee and the address. The words "Private Mailing Card - Authorized by the Act of Congress on May 19, 1898" and "This side for the address only" were required to be printed on the back of all cards not issued by the government. Regulations also required that these cards be slightly smaller in size at 3 1/4 by 5 1/2 inches and printed in light colors of buff, cream, or gray. This class of postcard has "undivided back" similar to those of the pioneer era.

Finding Philippine private mailing cards are quite scarce.

Private Mailing Card Era Postcard

SOURCE:
Private Mailing Cards 1898

Pioneer Era

2009-07-21T06:04:00.000-07:00

Pioneer Era (pre-1898)

The postcard of this era is characterized by an undivided back. Written messages were restricted to the front side (as seen in the postcard below), with the entire back dedicated to the name of the addressee and the address only. A local view in black and white photograph covers the whole front or face of the postcard. Also during this period, only the government was allowed to use the word "POSTCARD" in the back of the postcard. When Congress passed the Private Mailing Card Act on May 19, 1898, private publishers and printers were allowed to produce postcards.

There are no examples of Philippine postcard belonging to the "Pioneer Era".

Pioneer Era Postcard

IMAGE SOURCE:
Postcard Wikipedia Entry

History of Philippine Picture Postcards

2009-07-20T10:03:00.001-07:00

There is actually no written records on the history of Philippine postcards. If you want to know more about the history of Philippine postcards, you have to know the history of US postcards. The Philippine postcards followed the style format and form of US postcards. The only difference would be, of course, postcards show pictures and views of the Philippines.

There were two events in early May of 1898 that had major impact on the production of picture postcards in the Philippines. The first was the defeat of the Spanish fleet by Admiral Dewey on Manila Bay that resulted in the arrival of American soldiers, teachers and tourists in the country. The second lesser known event was the passing of a bill by the United States Congress lowering the postal rate for picture postcards by fifty percent.

The book Catalogue of Philippine Picture Postcards: American Period 1898-1941 by Conrado F. Ciriaco outlines the history of Philippine postcards. Using this book and other books and articles, I will try to discuss the rich history of Philippine picture postcard. This way I hope that fellow collectors and blog readers will understand and appreciate Philippine postcards.

SOURCES:
Catalogue of Philippine Picture Postcards: American Period 1898-1941
Author: Conrado F. Ciriaco
Copyright: 1995

Philippine Picture Postcards 1900-1920
Author: Jonathan Best
Publisher: Bookmark, Inc.
Copyright: 1994

Consuming Passions: Philippine Collectibles
By Jaime C. Laya, editor
Publisher: Anvil Publishing
Copyright: 2003

American-Philippine Postcards: The "L.S.Co." Set, the Largest Set
Article by Michael G. Price

I would like to thank Mr. Michael G. Price for sending me a copy of one of his articles and for giving me permission to quote the article.

M1194: Boy Scout Monument Postcard

2009-05-06T07:15:00.000-07:00

The postcard shows a Boy Scout Monument and identified its location as Manila; however, I could not find any Boy Scout Monument in the Manila area. There is one in Tomas Morato, but it doesn't look like the one in the postcard. Another Boy Scout Monument I found is in Tacloban, and it is also not the same monument.

M1194: Boy Scout Monument Postcard

M1191: Mandala Postcard

2009-05-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

The postcard shows a mandala or haystack or stack of palay. The back of the postcard reads:

Mandala. A common rural scene after harvest. Palay stacks are piled to dry in the sun.

M1191: Mandala Postcard

M1190: Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Postcard

2009-05-04T07:13:00.000-07:00

The postcard shows the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol and the statue of a woman and a female water buffalo located at the north end of the lagoon which is in front of the capitol. Another statue, a man and a male water buffalo, can be found at the south end of the lagoon. The statues are attributed to Guillermo Tolentino, National Artist for Sculpture.

M1190: Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Postcard

M1180: Cebu Provincial Capitol Postcard

2009-05-03T07:12:00.000-07:00

The postcard shows the Cebu Provincial Capitol with the concave facade and dome.

M1180: Cebu Provincial Capitol Postcard

RELATED ENTRY:
Cebu Provincial Capitol Postcards

M1176: Marigondon Beach Postcard

2009-05-02T17:32:00.000-07:00

The postcard shows the Marigondon Beach located on Mactan Island in Cebu. The beach has white and fluffy sand and the sea is a translucent shade of turquoise. The beach is also good for scuba divers since it has coral reefs just 300 yards off the beach. The Marigondon Cave is the highlight of any underwater excursion in the area.

M1176: Marigondon Beach Postcard

The back of the postcard reads:

Marigondon Beach, Mactan Island. An increasingly popular beach resort with its white beach and clear waters.

SOURCE:
Marigondon Beach Travel Guide

M1175: Moslem Mosque Postcard

2009-05-01T17:26:00.000-07:00

The postcard shows a Moslem mosque in Marawi City, Lanao del Norte. The postcard, however, did not identify the mosque. I tried to identify it but this mosque looks different to other Marawi mosques I have seen online.

M1175: Moslem Mosque Postcard

M1174: Subic Bay Postcard

2009-04-30T17:25:00.000-07:00

The postcard shows Subic Bay and the old Kalaklan Point Lighthouse in Zambales. This lighthouse (the original one) was a 10 m concrete tower with lantern and several buttresses at the base, painted white. It is located at the north side of the entrance to the Subic Bay naval harbor. The new concrete lighthouse is 15 m (49 ft) tall with a large lantern structure.

M1174: Subic Bay Postcard

SOURCE:
Lighthouses of the Northern Philippines

M1172: Zamboanga Port

2009-04-29T17:24:00.000-07:00

The postcard shows the Port of Zamboanga. The Port of Zamboanga, one of the Philippines busiest ports, has a total area of 156,000 sq. m. The port has 19 docks, with the largest dock having a capacity for up to 20 vessels. Twenty-five shipping lines operate via the port, serviced by four shipyards operating within the port boundaries and in Zamboanga City. It is a center for sardine exports to the United States, Europe and the Middle and Far East.

M1172: Zamboanga Port

SOURCE:
Zamboanga International Seaport Wikipedia Entry

M1168: Fort Pilar Altar Postcard

2009-04-28T17:20:00.000-07:00

The postcard shows the Our Lady of the Pillar Shrine at Fort Pilar in Zamboanga City. The Our Lady of the Pillar is embossed at the top of the façade above the eastern wall of the 17th century Spanish military Pilar Fort in 1734.

M1168: Fort Pilar Altar Postcard

RELATED ENTRY:
M1053: Fort Pilar Postcard

M1166: University of Santo Tomas Postcard

2009-04-27T17:19:00.000-07:00

The postcard shows the bronze Miguel de Benavides Monument in front of the University of Santo Tomas Main Building of the Sampaloc campus. The Benavides Monument was made in Paris in 1889 and inaugurated in July 2, 1891 – opening of the school year.

The base of the statue has the name of the sculptor and year of the make: Tony Noel, 1889. The pedestal was decorated with the seals of the Dominican Order and the university, as well as plaques on which were written the history of UST and a brief biography of the archbishop. The statue was blown from its place by an artillery shell during the Battle of Manila in 1945, totally destroying the marble pedestal. The Benavides Monument was erected again in November 13, 1946 inside the UST Campus in Sampaloc, Manila.

M1166: University of Santo Tomas Postcard

The present bronze statue rises on top of a granite pedestal flanked by four lions and four coats-of-arms. He dons the rugged habit of the pioneer Dominican missionaries. His right hand is elevated in the preaching fashion, his index finger pointing to heavens. His left hand rests on his chest holding a book bearing the words Santo Evangelico on its cover. A skull cap covers his head, and a pectoral cross hangs from his neck, the symbols of Episcopal dignity.

RELATED ENTRIES:
M1062: University of Santo Tomas Postcard
University of Santo Tomas Postcards

SOURCE:
History of UST: Benavides Monument Wikipedia Entry

M1165: Malacañang Palace Postcard

2009-04-26T17:18:00.000-07:00

This deckle edged postcard shows the Malacañang Palace gate and the Kalayaan Hall (behind the flagpole and tree). Kalayaan Hall, then called Executive Building, was built during the administration of Governor General Francis Burton Harrison (1913-1921). The building housed the offices of the Governor General and Vice Governor on the first floor.

M1165: Malacañang Palace Postcard

The reinforced concrete building was designed by Ralph Harrington Doane, who also designed the Pangasinan Provincial Capitol and the Leyte Provincial Capitol. The building exterior has precast concrete ornaments and ironworks, and the interior ha handcarved wood panels, intricate mouldings, and coffered ceilings.

After the success of the Edsa People Power Revolution, President Corazon C. Aquino ordered the building renamed Kalayaan Hall, to commemorate the return of democracy and liberty to the Filipino people. Then building was turned into a museum during the administration of President Fidel V. Ramos.

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Malacañang Palace Postcard

SOURCE:
Kalayaan Hall: The Nerve Center of Power

M1157: Burnham Park Postcard

2009-04-25T17:17:00.000-07:00

The postcard shows the Burnham Park man-made lake in Baguio City. Burnham Park was named after the American architect and urban planner, Daniel Hudson Burnham, who laid the plans for the city. The park features a man-made lake situated at the center where tourists can enjoy boating with rented boats. Aside from boating, tourists can also rent bikes or visit the orchidarium. During my college years in the city, the park used to have a skating rink. The boats nowadays looks very different than the boats seen in the postcard.

M1157: Burnham Park Postcard

A bust of Daniel Burnham was erected in the northern section where a rose garden is also located.

SOURCE:
Burnham Park Wikipedia Entry

M1154: Malacañang Palace Postcard

2009-04-24T16:30:00.000-07:00

The postcard show the original ante-room of the Malacañang Palace Reception Hall. The wooden ceiling was carved by Isabelo Tampingco and the three crystal chandeliers were imported from Czechoslovakia in the 1930s. The chandeliers were removed during World War II and hidden prism by prism.

M1154: Malacañang Palace Postcard

The hall was demolished and rebuilt, without the pillars, during the Marcos' 1978 renovations.

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SOURCE:
Malacañan Timeline

M1150: Taluksangay Mosque Postcard

2009-04-23T16:29:00.000-07:00

The postcard shows the Taluksangay Mosque in Zamboanga del Sur; however, comparing to another Taluksangay Mosque (modern postcard) in my collection, the two minarets (tall spires with onion-shaped crowns) are missing in the old mosque postcard below. Was it added in the post-60s? Or is this another mosque?

M1150: Taluksangay Mosque Postcard

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Taluksangay Mosque Postcard