Philippine Blog Awards 2010

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

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

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

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

RELATED ENTRIES:
M1396: Manila Aerial View PostcardM1001: AGRIFINA Circle Postcard
M1308: Manila City Hall Postcard
Manila City Hall Postcards

M1398: Baguio Fruit Market Postcard

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

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

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

RELATED ENTRIES:
M1001: AGRIFINA Circle Postcard
M1308: Manila City Hall Postcard
Manila City Hall Postcards

M1394: President Manuel Roxas Postcard

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

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

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

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

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. 77Journal 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

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

M1370: Baguio Airport Postcard

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RELATED ENTRIES:
M1085: Rizal Monument Postcard
M1084: Rizal Monument Postcard
M38: Luneta Park Postcard
M31: Rizal Monument Postcard

M1346: Chinese Pagoda

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

RELATED ENTRIES:
M1344: Chinese PagodaM1343: Chinese PagodaM45: Chinese Gate Postcard
M42: Chinese Garden Postcard
M40: Chinese Pagoda Postcard
M30: Chinese Garden Postcard

M1344: Chinese Pagoda

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

RELATED ENTRIES:
M1343: Chinese PagodaM45: Chinese Gate Postcard
M42: Chinese Garden Postcard
M40: Chinese Pagoda Postcard
M30: Chinese Garden Postcard

M1343: Chinese Pagoda

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

RELATED ENTRIES:
M45: Chinese Gate Postcard
M42: Chinese Garden Postcard
M40: Chinese Pagoda Postcard
M30: Chinese Garden Postcard

M1339: Sabong

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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