On April 23 will be the launching of Love the Philippines Postcards, while on the second day will be the unveiling of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games featuring Philippine Medalist Stamps led by Double Gold Medalist Carlos Yulo on April 24, and the Philippine Festivals Stamp launch to be held on April 25. The three-day activities and programs will start daily at 2:00 PM.

The public can explore the stamp exhibits for free, attend engaging talks, and witness the unveiling of exclusive stamps, from the “Love the Philippines” postcards to the 2024 Paris Olympic medalist stamps and the vibrant Philippine Festivals collections.

According to PHLPost, the exhibit will showcase various stamp collections up for competition, where enthusiasts, and curious visitors alike will surely love to see.

17 Stamp Collectors along with their priceless collections will compete in the National Stamp Exhibition to be displayed at the venue. The following collectors are: Cesar Gulmatico Jr. (1980 World Tourism Conference); Robert Tiu Sy (Ancient Chinese Art Treasures); Ernesto Oscar L. Agcaoili (Selyo, Disenyo); Jasmine Goforth (Come and Visit the City of Davao); Christian Ronel F. Austria (My Teacher, My Hero); Maria Poncesca Lim(Philippine Map on Stamps); Fernando Lozano (Timeless Heroines); Amelie Lopez (Life and Legacy of Cory Aquino); Jewel Vernice Abrenica (Philippine National Heroes); Shane Emarie Lagosa (Tiny Treasures, Big Dreams); Amelie Lopez (Life and Legacy of Cory Aquino); Zamyra “Mia” Baguio (Antonio Franco & the Afran Stamp Company); Lunesita Breuer (The Evolution of British Postal History); Kim Robert De Leon (God save the Queen); Robert Tiu Sy (The Garden Show;) Enrique Frio (Audobon’s Birds on Stamps, FDCs, errors) and Gerson Danseco (Joint Issues).

PHLPost is collaborating with different stamps organizations through the PPFI such as the Filipinas Stamp Collectors’ Club (FSCC), Philippine Stamp Collectors’ Society (PSCS), Philippine Chinese Philatelic Society, International Philippine Philatelic Society (IPPS), Leyte Philatelic Society, Naga City Philatelic Society, Cebu Philatelic Society Quezon Philatelic Club, Robert Tan, Reynaldo Ong, Hans Becker and Jeremiah Eufemio.

The regular stamps illustrate four (4) of these wonders of the ocean presented in the “16 on sheet” containing 16 individual stamps.  The Philippines is the home of diverse jellyfish species, which are a part of the country’s natural heritage, with some species potentially being unique in the country.  

Highlighted in the stamps are: The Box Jellyfish (Cubozoa Box) that lives in warm waters, but the most dangerous of this kind is found near the coasts of northern Australia and the Indo-Pacific region. It has a box-like body with lots of tentacles covered in venom-filled stingers. The different species of box jellyfish are divided into two types: cubozoans and carybdeids.

Another is the Upside-down Jellyfish (Cassiopea mayeri Scyphozoans), notable for their unusual benthic habit of lying upside-down with tentacles facing upwards, resulting in their common name, “upside-down jellyfish”.

Called the Lion’s Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capilata),  this type of marine species is considered one of the largest jelly species in the world, growing to an average length of 1.5 feet (40 cm), but can reach lengths of 6.5 feet (200 cm). The lion’s mane jellyfish is named after its “mane” of long, hair-like tentacles hanging from its bell.

The fourth stamp features the Pacific Sea Nettle (Chrysaora fuscescens)  which exhibited a vibrant red, gold, and brown bell that may grow up to 3 ft (1 m) in diameter as well as white oral arms and 24 tentacles that may be as long as 15 ft (4.6 m).

In addition to the four regular stamps issued by PHLPost, a special souvenir stamp was released featuring the Spotted Jellyfish (Mastiagas papua).  The spotted jelly is one of seven lagoon jelly species in the genus Mastigias that also have the species name papua. This species, which is sometimes called the Papua jelly.

Meanwhile, the Official First Day Cover design features the Jellyfish Cassiopea culionensi which was discovered by an international team of scientists that includes Filipino marine biologists and taxonomists. The new endemic species of jellyfish was named after Culion Bay, Palawan where it was originally found.

As living beings, they have implications in the cycle of nutrients and energy and their relationships to other organisms–as prey, predator or symbiotic interactor–in marine ecosystems.

PHLPost has printed 10,000 copies of the “16 on sheet” containing 16 individual stamps, and 2000 pieces of the souvenir sheet

According to Postmaster General Luis D. Carlos, “This stamp is more than just a symbol—it is a bridge that connects both countries’ innovation and connectivity in the aviation sector”.

The PHLPost stamp features the magnificent architectural style of Mactan-Cebu International Airport Terminal 2 (MCIA T2) is characterized by a unique, wave-like roof structure inspired by traditional Filipino “Bangka” or boat canoes, supported by large glulam wood arches. This design, by Integrated Design Associates, creates a visually striking and distinct look, incorporating local materials and design elements while also being structurally efficient.

Meanwhile, the Marrakech Menara Airport showcases its architecture which combines modern design with traditional Moroccan elements, such as Islamic arabesques and a high sweeping roof. 

“This occasion is not just about the Commemorative stamp launch but about fostering friendship and partnership between two remarkable nations whose stories and aspirations align in many ways”, PMG Carlos said.

He added, “We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Mr. Amin Benjelloun Touimi, CEO Barid Al-Manghrib and His Excellency Leslie J. Baja, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the Kingdom of Morocco for their invaluable support and leadership in making this project a reality. Their dedication and passion for promoting our country’s national identity have greatly contributed to this success”.

This project is the result of a meaningful collaboration between the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) and Morocco Post. It reflects the shared commitment in enhancing cultural connections and strengthening diplomatic relations. This stamp not only celebrates both countries’ past but also paves the way for a future where the friendship continues to flourish.

 “As PHLPost and Morocco unveil this historic symbol of solidarity, may it serve as a lasting reminder that the friendship between the Philippines and Morocco will continue to grow stronger with every passing day”, Carlos said.

This gesture was welcomed with gratitude by PHLPost Postmaster General Luis D. Carlos and expressed his appreciation to the Japanese government for fully supporting the Philippine Postal Service.

The assistance highlighted Japan’s dedication in developing PHLPost postal infrastructure through advanced digital strategies following the successful visit of Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Tsuge Yoshifumi.

“During his visit to PHLPost, Japan State Minister Tsuge, who is a former Post Office Postmaster understands our needs and is committed to help in modernizing the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) and explore potential collaborations”, Postmaster General Luis Carlos said.

This initiative provides excellent opportunities for the Philippines to adopt Japan’s postal technologies and operational know-how to support modernization and upgrading of postal services particularly on e-commerce and digital transformation.

According to a study, the Philippines’ e-commerce sales reached US$17 Billion in 2021 and expected to grow by 17% in 2025 totalling to US$24 Billion sales.
The mission further cemented the strong relationship between Japan and the Philippines, focusing on leveraging Japan’s advanced postal infrastructure to enhance PHLPost operations.

Japan’s strategic intent is to significantly enhance the capabilities of the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost), with a particular emphasis on advancing its digital infrastructure. Japan’s support aims to modernize PHLPost’s services, incorporating cutting-edge technology to address the evolving needs of the growing e-commerce sector.

Japan will assist PHLPost in developing its postal service to enhance and strengthen the mail processing at its office of exchange and return of operations of the banking service. The cooperation is expected to bring back post office reliability and successfully enter the e-commerce business.