Filipinos have a very distinct culture, traditions and values. We are known for so many things and most of them we proudly share to the world. But one thing that truly stands out is the Filipino Christmas.

The Philippines, being a predominantly Catholic nation, gives great importance to this season. From Simbang Gabi to bibingka, Christmas is a big part of our culture and also affects our economy.

Christmas is special for us stamp collectors as well. It comes with topical releases that many collectors enjoy acquiring. This season ensures an annual release. The holidays are also a time for for giving and receiving gifts, having Christmas parties and meeting up with fellow collectors.

First Christmas stamp

The Philippine Postal Corp. (PhilPost), which was then known as the Bureau of Posts, issued the very first Christmas stamp in 1967. It featured the nativity scene. Since then, PhilPost has come out with a Christmas stamp annually.

Every year their releases have been unique and, of course, always has a touch of Filipino culture. From parol and churches to Noche Buena and even a front-liner with her family, Christmas stamps have featured so many glimpses at what a Filipino Christmas is.

Philippine stamp collectors always buy the latest Christmas releases to add to their collection.

Recent releases also provide messages and stories for those who see them.

In 2020, PhilPost launched a Christmas stamp featuring a “Philippine contemporary family.” The mother depicted in the stamp is a medical front-liner. The stamp sends a message that even in hard times, a family can experience happiness when they are all together.

In 2013 PhilPost released Christmas stamps that were designed by members of Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists. The stamps tell us that nothing can stop you from doing what you love.

Creative designer

We spoke to Ryman Dominic Albuladora, in-house designer of PhilPost, about this year’s Christmas stamps. Albuladora, who is the creative designer behind this year’s holiday release, said, “The stamp will be unique and will have meaning behind the design.”

He said the stamps will have a “special Filipino touch” and will feature “a Philippine Christmas as well as the hope for our nation’s future.”

He hopes the stamp will make people reflect on how we can cope with all the changes as we recover from the pandemic. He wishes that “some aspects of our prepandemic Christmas celebrations can be noticed in his work as a sign that we are really going back to the ‘new normal.’” The stamp hopefully portrays hope and how all of us will overcome this situation all together, he added.

Watch out for more details about this special Christmas stamp as well as the latest news on other stamp releases on the Pilipinas Philately Facebook page. Time for caring

At the end of the day, all these stamps have one thing in common—they portray Christmas as a tradition, a season, a time to be with friends and family and, most importantly, a time to care for one another and to unite for the future.

For us collectors, it is a season for another exciting collecting adventure. Why not try it? And why not send letters or cards to friends and loved ones this holiday season? They would really appreciate all the time and effort you placed into your message of love.

I invite all of you to join us in celebrating these wonderful festivities as they can help us get closer to one another, learn many things about our history and culture, and even find a new fun hobby. —CONTRIBUTED

The author is a Grade 6 student at the University of Santo Tomas Angelicum College.