06 May, 2009

M1194: Boy Scout Monument Postcard

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

05 May, 2009

M1191: Mandala Postcard

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

04 May, 2009

M1190: Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Postcard

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


RELATED ENTRY:
Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Postcard

SOURCE:
Bacolod, The City of Smiles

03 May, 2009

M1180: Cebu Provincial Capitol Postcard

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

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.

02 May, 2009

M1175: Moslem Mosque Postcard

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

01 May, 2009

M1174: Subic Bay Postcard

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

30 April, 2009

M1172: Zamboanga Port

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

29 April, 2009

M1168: Fort Pilar Altar Postcard

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

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M1053: Fort Pilar Postcard

28 April, 2009

M1166: University of Santo Tomas Postcard

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

27 April, 2009

M1165: Malacañang Palace Postcard

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.

RELATED ENTRIES:
M1154: Malacañang Palace Postcard
M1012: Malacañang Palace Postcard
Malacañang Palace Postcard

SOURCE:
Kalayaan Hall: The Nerve Center of Power

26 April, 2009

M1157: Burnham Park Postcard

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

25 April, 2009

M1154: Malacañang Palace Postcard

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.

RELATED ENTRIES:

M1012: Malacañang Palace Postcard
Malacañang Palace Postcard

SOURCE:
Malacañan Timeline

24 April, 2009

M1150: Taluksangay Mosque Postcard

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

RELATED ENTRY:
Taluksangay Mosque Postcard

23 April, 2009

M1149: Tuba Gatherer Postcard

The postcard shows a tuba gatherer climbing a coconut tree to extract sap used in making the tuba. Tuba, considered by Filipinos as a type of hard drink, is coconut toddy that has a stinging sweet and bittersweet taste. The process extracting the sap of an unopened coconut bud. The tip of the bud is lopped and the pale juice allowed trickles into bamboo containers (like the one carried by the man in the postcard). The fermenting process involves the sweetish liquid is stored for one to three days in earthen jars or bottles.

M1149: Tuba Gatherer Postcard

SOURCE:
Tuba WikiPilipinas Entry

22 April, 2009

M1146: Malacañang Park Postcard

The postcard shows the Malacañang Park viewed from the Malacañang Palace across the river, at the foot of the Nagtahan Bridge. The 5-hectare Malacañang Park contains a golf course, park, billets for the Presidential Security Guard, a Commonwealth-era presidential rest house (Bahay Pangarap) and a recreation hall.

M1146: Malacañang Park Postcard

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M1012: Malacañang Palace Postcard
Malacañang Palace Postcard

SOURCE:
Malacañang Palace Wikipedia Entry

20 April, 2009

M1138: Downtown Iloilo City Postcard

The postcard shows the downtown Iloilo City business area. This is, I believe J.M. Basa Street. The building on the left side of the postcard is Iloilo Central Trading.

M1138: Downtown Iloilo City Postcard

Calle Real (Downtown Iloilo City Heritage District). Old buildings that were constructed in the Commonwealth era in J.M Basa (Calle Real), Iznart, Aldeguer and Guanco were declared as a Heritage Site of Iloilo. It showcases the unique architecture of the downtown area.

SOURCE:
Iloilo City Landmarks Wikipedia Entry

19 April, 2009

M1136: Walls of Intramuros Postcard

The postcard shows the circular garita or sentry box of Bastion de San Andres in Intramuros, Manila with the Manila City Hall in the background. Bastion de San Andres, named after the Apostle Andrew, was built in the 17th century on the southeast corner of the Intramuros walls. This ace of spade bastion had a circular garita or sentry post that survived World War II and years of abandonment.

M1136: Walls of Intramuros Postcard

SOURCE:
Intramuros In & Around: An Interactive Guide
Rene B. Javellana
page 56

18 April, 2009

M1130: Maria Cristina Falls Postcard

The postcard shows the real Maria Cristina Falls (compared to M39: Maria Cristina Falls Postcard) in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte. The Maria Cristina Falls is a 98-m/321.5-ft plunge type of waterfall. The water descends vertically, losing contact with the bedrock surface.

M1130: Maria Cristina Falls Postcard

The back of the postcard reads:
Maria Cristina Falls, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte. This beautiful dynamic falls, harnessed, supplies electrical power for the different mechanical and industrial installations of the city.

RELATED ENTRY:
M39: Maria Cristina Falls Postcard

17 April, 2009

M1127: Chocolate Hills Postcard

The postcard shows the Chocolate Hills. The Chocolate Hills, a rolling terrain of haycock hills, are an unusual geological formation that are scattered throughout the towns of Carmen, Batuan and Sagbayan in Bohol. During the dry season, the precipitation is inadequate such that the grass-covered hills dry up and turn chocolate brown. This transforms the area into seemingly endless rows of "chocolate kisses," hence the name.

M1127: Chocolate Hills Postcard

Estimated to be at least 1,268 to about 1,776 individual mounds spread over an area of more than 50 sq. km., these cone-shaped or dome-shaped hills are actually made of grass-covered limestone. The domes vary in sizes from 30 to 50 metres (98 to 160 ft) high with the largest being 120 metres (390 ft) in height.

The Hills have been declared the country's third National Geological Monument and proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

SOURCE:
Chocolate Hills Wikipedia Entry

16 April, 2009

M1126: Central Philippine University Postcard

The postcard shows the Administration Building of the Central Philippine University in Jaro, Iloilo City. I could not find any information regarding the building itself.

M1126: Central Philippine University Postcard

The Central Philippine University was founded in 1905 as the Jaro Industrial School by Dr. William Orison Valentine, a missionary of the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society. In 1923 the name of the school was changed to Central Philippine College and in April 1, 1953, Central Philippine College gained university status and became Central Philippine University. The University sits on 240,000 sq. m. (24-hectare campus).

SOURCE:
Central Philippine University Wikipedia Entry

15 April, 2009

M1118: Tree House Postcard

The postcard shows another view of the tree house in Pasonanca Park in Zamboanga City.

M1118: Tree House Postcard

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M1059: Tree House Postcard

14 April, 2009

M1107: Session Road Postcard

The postcard shows Lower Session Road in Baguio City. Session Road derives its name from the fact that it used to lead up to the old Baden-Powell Hall, where the first Philippine Commission held its sessions from April 22 to June 11, 1904.

M1107: Session Road Postcard

Session Road is the main business area of the city and is the main thoroughfare of Baguio City. Lower Session Road, extending eastward from Magsaysay Avenue running through the business district until the intersections of Father Carlu Street (towards the Baguio Cathedral and Upper Bonifacio Street) and Governor Pack Road. This is the area where businesses are located, among others banks, shops, restaurants, bakeries, hotels, newsstands, boutiques, and studios.

SOURCE:
Session Road Wikipedia Entry

13 April, 2009

M1102: Salambao Fishing Postcard

The postcard shows the salambao, a fishing device made of a movable wide net mounted on a bamboo craft (balsa). The back of the postcard reads "Salambao Fishing, Pangasinan," but does not name the river. Am not really sure if its really a Pangasinan river or the Paranaque River.

M1102: Salambao Fishing Postcard

12 April, 2009

M1098: Manila Night Lights Postcard

The postcard shows neon lights rippling over the waters of the Pasig River. I think that the bridge seen in the postcard is the Jones Bridge (named after Atkinson Jones) leading to Escolta district.

M1098: Manila Night Lights Postcard

11 April, 2009

M1088: Sagayan Postcard

The postcard shows the Philippine war dance Sagayan, performed by the Far Eastern University Dance Troupe. Sagayan is a Philippine war dance performed by both the Maguindanao and Maranao. The term Sagayan comes from the Tausug word of sagay, meaning head-hunter. The war dance depicts in dramatic fashion the steps their hero, Prince Bantugan, took upon wearing his armaments, the war he fought in and his subsequent victory afterwards. On most occasions, this dance is performed before any celebration or gathering to drive away evil spirits (tunong) and to welcome good fortunes or omen.

M1088: Sagayan Postcard

The back of the postcard reads:
A dance of royalty, Sagayan portrays a Maranaw warrior who anticipating combat, displays his valor and prowess in the handling of the kampilan (bladed weapon) and the shield before the ladies of the court.

The dance involves leaping, turning, jumping, kicking and the rolling movements of a warrior ready to defend his master in battle. Performers, depicting fierce warriors would carry elaborately painted shield with curlicues, rounds, twirls and mirrors which are attached with shell noisemakers in one hand. In their other hand, they carry a double-bladed sword (kampilan) of metal or wood. Dancers are dressed in three tiered skirts, brightly colored topper and headgear embellished with all the imaginable colors of twine trimmings formed into flowers, balls, sunbursts etc. Long, yellow playful tassels almost hiding the face surround the headgear.

SOURCES:
Sagayan Wikipedia Entry
Dance 3: Sagayan and other warrior-like dances
Likha Pilipino Folk Ensemble

10 April, 2009

M1085: Rizal Monument Postcard

The postcard shows another view of the Rizal Monument in Luneta Park, Manila. Also seen in the postcard are two soldiers guarding the monument. Some say that guards are present by the monument's side 24/7, although on the M1084: Rizal Monument Postcard there seems to be no soldier guarding the monument. Again seen in the postcard is the National Library.

M1085: Rizal Monument Postcard

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M31: Rizal Monument Postcard
M1084: Rizal Monument Postcard

09 April, 2009

M1084: Rizal Monument Postcard

The postcard shows a night view of the Rizal Monument (not Rizal Shrine as identified in the postcard) in Luneta Park, Manila.

M1084: Rizal Monument Postcard

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M31: Rizal Monument Postcard

08 April, 2009

M1080: Pagsanjan Falls Postcard

The postcard shows the "Pagsanjan Falls" in Cavinti, Laguna. The real name of the waterfalls is actually "Magdapio Falls." However, the falls has been popularly known as "Pagsanjan Falls" because the trip to the waterfalls starts from Pagsanjan, passes through part of Lumban, then to Cavinti. The Magdapio Falls is a 120 m/393 ft horsetail type of waterfall. The descending water maintains some contact with bedrock.

M1080: Pagsanjan Falls Postcard

The back of the postcard reads:
Pagsanjan Falls, Laguna. A two-hour drive from Manila, and to reach the falls, one has to shoot the rapids which is walled by the serene virgin tropical forest some 300 ft. high.

To reach Magdapio Falls, one has to ride on bancas manned by skilled boatmen (bankeros). The upstream trip to the falls lasts more than one hour. One can shoot 14 roaring rapids during the return trip, which is less than one hour.
Before reaching the falls, one may behold many mini-falls like the Talahib Falls, Kaluykuy Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, and 19 unnamed falls that can only be seen during the rainy months. Behind the curtain of the cascading waters is the mysterious Devil's Cave, so named because its opening looks like the profile of a devil's face.

SOURCES:
Pagsanjan Falls and Shooting the Rapids
Pagsanjan Falls Wikipedia Entry

07 April, 2009

M1073: Jotabal Postcard

The postcard shows the Philippine dance Jotabal, performed by the Far Eastern University Dance Troupe. Jotabal is a lively festival dance in Camohaguin, Gumaca, Quezon. It is derived from the words Jota and valse (means waltz, a step or a dance in three-four time). The male wears Barong Tagalog and black trousers and female wears Maria Clara dress.

I was not able to find the history of the dance.

M1073: Jotabal Postcard

SOURCE:Jotabal WikiPilipinas Entry

06 April, 2009

M1067: Las Piñas Bamboo Organ Postcard

The postcard shows the famous Bamboo Organ in the Parish Church of St. Joseph in Las Piñas City. The Las Piñas Bamboo Organ is a 19th century church organ made almost entirely from bamboo: only the trumpet stops are made from metal. The builder of both the church and its organ was Fr. Diego Cera de la Virgen del Carmen, a priest under the Augustinian Recollects. Fr. Cera began his work on the organ in 1816 and it was completed in 1824.

M1067: Las Piñas Bamboo Organ Postcard

In 1973, the organ was shipped to Bonn, Germany for a total restoration by Johannes Klais Orgelbau KG. The restored organ returned home in March 1975. On November 24, 2003, the National Museum of the Philippines officially declared the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ a "National Cultural Treasure" for its uniqueness and significance.

RELATED ENTRY:
Parish Church of St. Joseph Postcards

SOURCE:
Las Piñas Bamboo Organ Wikipedia Entry

05 April, 2009

M1064: Bulusan Lake Postcard

The postcard shows the Bulusan Lake in Sorgoson (dubbed as the "Switzerland of the Orient"). Lake Bulusan lies at the heart of Bulusan Volcano National Park. This lake has a circumference of 2,006 meters and has a maximum capacity of water content of 3,472 cubic meters. Its geological age is estimated at 374 years old.
The lake is oftenly mistaken as the Bulusan Volcano’s main crater. It is in fact a body of emerald green water surrounded by a densed gathering of trees and lush tropical plants. There are no streams or rivers that visibly flow into the lake. The major source of water is considered to be seepage from underground water surrounding the lake.

M1064: Bulusan Lake Postcard

The back of the postcard reads:
Bulusan Lake, Sorsogon - Fine scenery with its mild temperature climate, abounding in tropical trees and plants that makes it primeval virgin forest surrounding the cool lake. Altitude, 1800 ft above sea level, no inlet and no outlet.

Bulusan Lake has an interesting legend. It is said that a village once stood where Bulusan Lake is currently located. The legend suggests that a pagan chieftain once managed the land, and one day when he did not honor a promise he made to set his slaves free, waters came from the skies and flooded everything creating the lake. His slaves that were working in the fields survived the floods and are believed to have been the founders of the city of Bulusan.

SOURCES:
Bulusan Lake WikiPilipinas Entry
Lake Bulusan Wikipedia Entry
Bulusan Lake Profile

04 April, 2009

M1062: University of Santo Tomas Postcard

The postcard shows the monument Arch of the Centuries in the University of Santo Tomas (UST) at Manila. The Arch stands 15 meters away from the University's main entrance along España Boulevard. The side of the arch facing the campus was the main doorway to the university building before it was destroyed by World War II. The stones of that doorway were transferred and reassembled piece by piece in its present site. The side with its Grecian design facing España Street is a reconstruction of the doorway as it originally looked.

M1062: University of Santo Tomas Postcard

The Arch contains Doric columns, but is Baroque in its details. The inscription on the arch says "Gateway to the history of the finest breed of Filipinos." On the left pillar of the facade facing España Boulevard is commemorative plaque honoring national hero José Rizal, and on the right pillar is another plaque honoring President Manuel L. Quezon. Both Rizal and Quezon were UST graduates. On the sides at the top of the Arch are panels depicting the life of Saint Thomas Aquinas, the patron saint of the University and of all Catholic schools.

All incoming students (freshmen and transferees), as parts of their initiation rites into the University, are required to pass through under the Arch. This is known as the Thomasian Welcome Walk.

RELATED ENTRY:
University of Santo Tomas Postcards

SOURCES:
Arch of the Centuries Wikipedia Entry
UST Homepage: Arch of the Centuries

03 April, 2009

M1059: Tree House Postcard

The postcard shows the famous tree house in Pasonanca Park in Zamboanga City. This tree house has all the amenities of a small hotel room and can be rented.

M1059: Tree House Postcard

Construction of the Pasonanca Park began in 1912 by General John J. "Blackjack" Pershing, and completed during the administration of the Honorable Frank W. Carpenter.

Pasonanca Park, a popular site for youth citizenship training and Boy Scout and Girl Scout jamborees, has three swimming pools, one for children, a second for professional swimmers, and a third looks like a natural swimming hole. The third pool is the oldest of the three, having been constructed during the time of Gov. Carpenter and Parksman Hanley in 1916-1917.

SOURCE:
Pasonanca Park Wikipedia Entry

02 April, 2009

M1056: World Health Organization Building Postcard

The postcard shows the World Health Organization (WHO) building in Ermita, Manila. No online information found about the building (construction, etc.). It might have been built in the 50s since WHO was established in the Philippines in 1951.


M1056: World Health Organization Building Postcard

01 April, 2009

M1055: Balara Park Postcard

The postcard shows the old Escoda Hall and the three swimming pools of the Balara Filters Park or Balara Park in Diliman, Quezon City. The Balara Park was originally built from 1949 to 1959 and first opened to the public in 1953. The Balara Park has six main amenities namely the Children's Park, the Pedro Tobias Park, the Escoda Hall, the Windmill Park, the picnic grove and the swimming pools. However, the most notable of these are the Escoda Hall and the swimming pools.

M1055: Balara Park Postcard

The Escoda Hall, a white and red pavilion dominating the swimming pool complex, has a large symmetrical Southeast Asian motif roof, designed by the Mañosa Brothers; however the original tile-like asbestos roofing (as seen in the postcard) was replaced by corrugated steel roofing. There are three large swimming pools next to the Escoda Hall. The biggest of the three is the T-shaped adult pool with the top end of the letter "T" facing the hall. On either side of the adult pool are two rectangular children's pools.

Other vintage structures and statuary that can be found in the park are an Italian Style Chapel; the Orosa Hall, an open ornamental summerhouse; "Bernadine", a white statue of a nude water bearer on the fountain in the rotunda; the Worker's Monument commemorating the NAWASA employees who died in the construction of the filters; the Lion Head, a gaping maw for the filters' backwash water; a replica of the Carriedo Fountain of Sta. Cruz, Manila; A. Giddeon Playground; Baby Terrace named after First Daughter Zenaida Quezon; a 3,000 sq. m. elevated picnic ground with a 200 m. circumference oval; the Anonas Amphitheater.

SOURCE:
Balara: Revived Icon of the 50s
Quezon City Tourist Attractions

31 March, 2009

M1053: Fort Pilar Postcard

The postcard shows Fort Pilar in Zamboanga City, a 17th century military defense fortress built by the Spanish colonial government. One can also see in the postcard a calesa. In defense against pirates and raiders and upon the requests of the Jesuit missionaries and Bishop Fray Pedro of Cebu, the Spanish governor Don Juan Cerezo Salamanca approved the building of a stone fort in the year 1635. The fort was originally called "Real Fuerza de San Jose" and was also called "Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza" in honor of the patron virgin of Spain, Our Lady of the Pillar.

M1053: Fort Pilar Postcard

Fort Pilar is now an outdoor catholic Marian shrine and a museum. In 1734, a statue of the Our Lady of the Pillar was placed above the eastern wall of the fort making it an outdoor shrine with an altar for praying.

SOURCE:
Fort Pilar Wikipedia Entry

30 March, 2009

M1050: Corregidor Postcard

The postcard shows the Battery Way in Corregidor, a tadpole-shaped island in the entrance of Manila Bay. Due to its position in the bay, it has served as a focal point for the naval defenses, especially during World War II. Because of its rocky landscape and the fortifications, the island was also known as "the Rock."

There were 23 batteries installed on Corregidor, consisting of 56 coastal guns and mortars. Battery Way, named in honor of 2nd Lt. Henry N. Way, 4th U.S. Artillery, who died in service in the Philippines in 1900, is said to be the most intact of Corregidor's artillery batteries. Construction for this battery began in 1904 and was completed in 1914 at a total cost of $112,969.

M1050: Corregidor Postcard

Its four 12-inch (305mm) M1890 mortar carriages, capable of a 360-degree traverse, could fire on land targets at Bataan. These mortars were manned by a crew of fourteen. Firing sequence was done to two of the mortars at a time to achieve a salvo effect.

The back of the postcard reads:
Giant 12-inch mortar, biggest ever built, weighs 25 tons and could shoot a 670 lb. projectile. The relics are still to be seen on the "Rock".

SOURCES:
Corregidor Wikipedia Entry
Battery Way Wikipedia Entry
Corregidor Island: Battery Way

29 March, 2009

M1040: Colorful Moro Vintas Postcard

The postcard shows the colorful vintas on the Zamboanga waters in Mindanao. The vinta (locally known as lepa-lepa or sakayan) is a traditional boat made by Badjaos and Moros lining in the Sulu Archipelago. It has a cloth sail with assorted vertical colors. These boats are used for inter-island transport of people and goods.

M1040: Colorful Moro Vintas Postcard

SOURCE:
Vinta Wikipedia Entry

28 March, 2009

M1038: Tagaytay Coconut Palms Postcard

The postcard shows coconut palms at the 13-hectare Picnic Grove in Tagaytay. The Picnic Grove provides the finest view of the volcano far below and the coastal towns of Batangas. You can go horseback riding, go shopping for fruits and souvenirs, go skating, run around on the rolling terrain, try the grove's cable car, and look at the Taal Volcano from the view deck while enjoying the cool breeze. It features picnic areas and huts line along the gentle slopes of the Tagaytay Ridge.

M1038: Tagaytay Coconut Palms Postcard

27 March, 2009

M1037: Bauang Beach Resort Postcard

The postcard shows a beach resort in Bauang, La Union. Unfortunately the postcard also does not mention the name of the resort.

M1037: Bauang Beach Resort Postcard

RELATED ENTRY:
M1036: Bauang Beach Resort Postcard

26 March, 2009

M1036: Bauang Beach Resort Postcard

The postcard shows the swimming pool of one of the beach resorts in Bauang, La Union. Unfortunately the postcard does not mention the name of the resort.

M1036: Bauang Beach Resort Postcard

25 March, 2009

M1022: Traveling Handicraft Store Postcard

The postcard shows a traveling handicraft store. The back of the postcard reads that such stores travel some 150 km to sell their wares, mostly handicrafts like baskets, winnowing baskets, baby hammock, etc.

M1022: Traveling Handicraft Store Postcard

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M28: Traveling Vendor Postcard

24 March, 2009

M1015: Rizal Avenue Postcard

The postcard shows a view of Rizal Avenue as seen in the 60s. Seen in the postcard are some of the famous cinemas in the area, Ideal Theater and State Theater (right side of the postcard after Otis), and also the Otis Department Store. Still no Manila LRT Yellow Line!

M1015: Rizal Avenue Postcard

Prior to and right after World War II, Rizal Avenue was center of the city's social life, with the street lined with shops, restaurants and movie theaters like the Ideal and State Theaters. The Ideal Theater, designed by Pablo Antonio in 1933, was demolished in the 1970s to give way to the construction of a department store. The State Theater, designed by Juan Nakpil, was built in the 1930s with its art deco design. It closed in the 1990s and was demolished in 2001. The main culprit of the deterioration of Rizal Avenue area was the LRT.

Rizal Avenue: The Sta. Cruz district's main street and Manila's longest (from Carriedo in Quiapo to Monumento in Caloocan City) is popularly known as Avenida Rizal named after Jose Rizal. Formerly Calle Dalumbayan, which meant edge of town or end of civilized territory.

SOURCES:
Rizal Avenue Wikipedia Entry
Standalone movie theaters of the Philippines
Daluyan: Historical Dictionary of the Streets of Manila
by National Historical Institute, p. 92

23 March, 2009

M1013: Las Piñas Salt Bed

The postcard shows the salt beds of Las Piñas where salt is produced the old fashioned way. This made the city "Salt Center of Metro Manila." In the 80s, the salt making industry was affected by the construction of the Coastal Road and reclamation project along the Manila Bay.

M1013: Las Piñas Salt Bed

22 March, 2009

M1012: Malacañang Palace Postcard

This deckle edge postcard (has an uneven or wavy edge) shows the Malacañang Palace and its grounds in Manila, the official residence of the President of the Republic of the Philippines.

M1012: Malacañang Palace Postcard

RELATED ENTRY:
Malacañang Palace Postcard

21 March, 2009

M1010: Ruins of Camalig Postcard

The postcard supposedly shows the Ruins of Camalig. The back of this postcard reads:

Ruins of Camalig - The bell tower, what was left of the church, after the destructive eruption of the beautiful Mayon on February 11, 1814.

This is actually the Bantay Church Bell Tower in Bantay, Ilocos Sur. Just like any other Spanish churches in Ilocos, the bell tower is constructed separate from the main church. The bell tower stands a top the nearby Calvario Hill with a blind Gothic arch over its doorway. The belfry was used also as watchtower by towns people to see incoming invaders.

M1010: Ruins of Camalig Postcard

RELATED ENTRY:
Shrine of Nuestra Senora de la Caridad Postcard

SOURCES:
Ilocos Review, Volume 3, Number 1 & 2, January-December 1971. Churches in Ilokandia, p. 280
Province of Ilocos Sur Things To Do

20 March, 2009

M1006: Quezon Hall Postcard

The postcard shows the Quezon Hall of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. The hall was named after former president Manuel L. Quezon. It is located behind the Oblation statue as an arch.

M1006: Quezon Hall Postcard

Quezon Hall was designed by Juan Felipe Nakpil. Quezon Hall, one of the six pioneer buildings of the Diliman campus, was among the buildings constructed at the Diliman campus in the early 1950s, following the University’s exodus from Padre Faura to Diliman in 1949. An imposing colonial structure at the end of the University Avenue, it was completed in 1950.

RELATED ENTRY:
University of the Philippines, Diliman Postcards

SOURCES:
Legacy of 2 UPD buildings underscored
Things and Places named after Quezon

19 March, 2009

M1001: AGRIFINA Circle Postcard

The postcard (not 3D) shows the AGRIFINA Circle in Manila. You can see an old bus and also an old car circling the rotunda, and at the background is the Department of Finance building (now the National Museum).

M1001: AGRIFINA Circle Postcard

It was called AGRIFINA because beside it are the former buildings of the Department of Finance and the Department of Agriculture. The circle is now called Teodoro F. Valencia Circle named after the Filipino journalist, columnist, and an acknowledged giant in Philippine journalism during the 1960s and 1970s.

The fountain in the middle of the circle became a globe fountain skating rink during the 70's. What stands now is the 40-foot tall brass statue of Lapu-Lapu made by sculptor Juan Sajid Imao, which was unveiled in 2004.
TRIVIA: Teodoro F. Valencia Circle is the biggest rotunda in the country at 142 m in diameter.

SOURCES:
DOT unveils Lapu-Lapu monument at Luneta
Bonifacio Circle
Republic Act No. 6836
Teodoro Valencia WikiPilipinas Entry

18 March, 2009

M45: Chinese Gate Postcard

The 3D postcard shows the three-arched Chinese gate in Luneta, Manila. This is the main entrance to the Chinese Garden. Again seen in the background are the Hilton Hotel (now the Manila Pavilion Hotel) and the National Library.

M45: Chinese Gate Postcard