MANILA – The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) on Friday presented its special 2024 Christmas Stamp, aimed at highlighting the cultural and historical churches along the Pasig River.
Measuring 234mm in length and 40mm in width, the stamp claims the title of the world’s longest usable postage stamp.
The stamp, titled “Simbang Gabi sa Ilog Pasig” (Christmas Dawn Masses along Pasig River), is the creative work by Gelo Andres, developed in partnership with Renacimiento Manila, a group of artists, creators and history enthusiasts.
“Ito ay nagpapakita ng mga simbahan na dinadayo ng mga Pilipino kapag Pasko para sa simbang gabi, mula sa Binondo hanggang sa Antipolo na malayo na, na dinadaluyan ng Pasig River (This shows the churches along Pasig River starting from Binondo to as far as Antipolo. Filipinos go to these churches for the Christmas dawn Masses),” PHLPost Postmaster General Luis Carlos said during the launch.
The stamp features unique embellishments, including blue iridescent ink on the river and suprametal-multilevel embossing depicting the churches.
The Catholic churches highlighted on the stamp are Binondo, Quiapo, Manila Cathedral, Sta. Ana, San Felipe Neri, San Pedro Macati, Guadalupe, Pasig and Antipolo.
The Pasig River is historically significant, having served as an important waterway before and during the Spanish colonial era.
Carlos pointed out that the Manila Central Post Office building was constructed near the Pasig River to facilitate the transport of mail and packages via the waterway.
In addition to honoring the Catholic tradition of Simbang Gabi, Carlos said the stamp celebrates the Philippines’ distinction of hosting the world’s longest Christmas season, which stretches from September until the Feast of the Three Kings on the first Sunday of January after the new year.
“As the vibrant hues of dawn light up the Pasig River and its surroundings, so does this stamp illuminate the essence of Christmas which is love, joy, peace and hope,” he added.
The stamp’s launch occurred alongside the Manila city hall’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Kartilya ng Katipunan (City Hall Park). (PNA)
