POSTAL HERITAGE WALKING TOUR: A Dose of Philippines’ History

Manila Central Post Office, August 19, 2012. Feel the vibe of old Manila through Postal Heritage Walking Tour organized by Filipinas Stamp Collectors’ Club, front headed by Mr. Lawrence Chan, a vocal Filipino heritage advocate, philatelist and flower hobbyist. Chan’s extensive rundown of cultural traditions, historical buildings and places, icons and unspoiled history of Manila made a name for himself and the rest of his Postal Heritage Walking Tour – something that you have to explore and later on pass to your great grandchildren.

Manileños passed by Manila City with a hint of starved information; as old buildings and relics standing right there as it challenges every single commuter to get the feel of old Manila — what were they before and how are they now?

I heard of a number of stories encompassing the beauty of Manila’s history. But such a hint of sound from the legacies that was once shared from one generation to another could only create vivid perception. While extracting heritage information from various reading media without the thrills can bring the sense of absence and if-only-I-was-there.

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Capture old Manila’s glory via Postal Heritage Walking Tour featuring:

Liwasang Bonifacio – Earlier and popularly known as Plaza Lawton, named after the death of Henry W. Lawton (U.S. Armed Forces in the Philippines) in December 19, 1899. Later in 1960’s it was changed to honor Andres Bonifacio. The park serves as a venue for rallies (public expression of freedom) of Filipino activists.

Manila Central Post Office (PhilPost)– Neo-Classic-inspired historical building built by Filipino Architect Juan M. De Guzman Arellano. He also laid the design for Metropolitan Theater and Jones Bridge.

Postal Museum and Library– showcases Philippines’ rich repository of stamps and postal relics, located within the Manila Central Post Office compound.

Manila Metropolitan Theater– an eclectic-style referred as Art Deco makes the theater one of Manila’s national heritage and has been the arm and support of Philippines’ artistic field such as arts and culture, theatrical plays, music and dance.

And among other point of interest:
Aduana
Puerta Isabel II Monument and Gate
Arroceros Forest Park
Mehan Garden
Jones Bridge
MacArthur Bridge
Manila City Hall
National Press Club
FEATI University
Colegio de San Juan de Letran
Postal Bank
Escolta
Plaza Mexico
Plaza Roma

More documentary and fancy photos from Postal Heritage Walking Tour  for August 2012.

Postal Heritage Walking Tour Details:

The tour is being held every 3rd Sunday of the month, pre-booking with Rence Chan and FSCC is required. The enlistment and photowalk are FREE, all you need is an open-mind and appreciation to enjoyably absorb the notoriety of the FSCC’s tour. Chan recommends everyone to wear comfortable clothes, to bring flashlights, lots of candies and drinking water.

The group meets up at Liwasang Bonifacio with briefing from Rence Chan about the “philately” timeline and the rest of what to expect from the photowalk. The tour lasted 5 hours of historical conversation, needless to say, I am booking again for his next photowalk session. Since the tour has always been spontaneous, most of the participants tried to join a couple of times because photography alone is not enough for a 5 hours walk without capturing every detail of interesting subject and angles. Plus the fact that not all the featured venues can be completely zone-in within just one day. Besides the camaraderie and information, I suddenly remember my stamp collection back in early years. It’s not yet too late, in any way stamp collecting revival is a must for a few interested people.

I encourage my readers to participate with the Filipinas Stamp Collector’s Club monthly Postal Heritage Walking Tour. Get in touch with the following contact person:
Rence Chan
[m] 0919-3901671

UPDATE as of April 2020: The walking tour is now headed by PHLPost in collaboration with FSCC  –  Postal Heritage Talks and Tour by the Royal Postal Heritage Guided Tour

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