Philately or the hobby of collecting stamps is a fun pastime for some but for others, it is one of the preservers and promoters of history and culture.

For many years, stamp collectors have learned the history and stories behind stamps and this is something that continues today.

The Philippine Postal Corp. (Philpost) has issued various historic stamps for the Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines. One of those stamp issuances is the “Murillo Velarde Map of the Philippines Commemorating the Discovery of the Philippines by Ferdinand Magellan, 500th Anniversary.”

This very symbolic issuance acknowledges the history, art and culture that started with the discovery of the Philippines and became part of our national Identity and its long history.Another stamp issued in commemoration of the quincentennial anniversaries is the “Battle of Mactan, 500th Anniversary.” This stamp commemorates the 500th anniversary of the battle and the victory of our ancestors against the Spanish. The image on the stamp is the Liberty Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City. It shows Lapu-Lapu who led our ancestors in the battle against the Spanish.

It symbolizes their bravery and being skillful despite battling the Spanish who had advanced weapons.

And in commemoration of this year’s National Heritage Month, they released stamps showcasing indigenous boats. The stamps feature boats such as vinta, caracoa, panco, paraw, and many more. Each one has its own history and stories which everyone should learn.

Not just for collecting or postage

Stamps are not only just for collecting or to be used as postage, but they are small glimpses of history and culture. They bring stories that can be sent around the world and passed through generations.

When I started collecting, I loved how modern the designs look yet they have very symbolic meanings. One can also collect specific subjects or themes.

There are many including plants, flowers, tourist spots, National Artists, the yearly National Heritage Month stamps, Philippine architecture. Those are just some stamps from the Philippines.

International stamps have themes that range from cartoon shows to coffee. Every country in the world has stamps that collectors like and covet—special stamps that could be scented, 3D, glow-in-the-dark, embossed with gold foil, and more.

Recently, Philpost announced that they made changes to their procedures in honoring living people in stamps. They will be issuing stamps featuring Filipinos with achievements in different fields. These “Living Legends” who will receive their own postage stamp will include movie stars, designers, writers, athletes, musicians, scientists, and others.

A few who received this honor in the past include Misses Universe Gloria Diaz, Margie Moran, Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray, Miss World Megan Young, Manny Paquiao, and the presidents of the Philippines for their inauguration. Philpost has already announced that they will release a stamp featuring golf champ Yuka Saso who recently became the first Filipino to win the US Women’s Open

We hope for there to be more “Living Legends” soon.

These are just some of the many reasons I invite you all to start collecting stamps and try this wonderful hobby. There’s so much more to explore.

This hobby, which has been enjoyed by many for so many years, must be continued for many more years to come. The new generations are its only hope to continue so we must start now in not only promoting philately but talking about its benefits.

Collecting stamps is more than just a hobby, it’s a way to make sure history isn’t forgotten.

The author is a fifth-grade student at Angelicum College.