Trivia about the Philippine National Hero, Jose Rizal

Moreover, Philpost launched an exhibit of stamps and other memorabilia dubbed as “ Rizaliana Collection on Stamps Exhibit by Jorge Cuyugan and Philatelic friends” last Monday, June 13 at the lobby of the historic Manila Central Post Office Building in Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila. The exhibit will run until the 30th of June.

The opening of the exhibit were attended by Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) Secretary Ivan John E., former Senator Nikki Coseteng, NHCP representative Carminda Arevalo and Atty. Ramoncita Reyes, a member of Rizal Family.

On display are complete sets of Rizal stamps issued by PhilPost including winning artworks of the Jose Rizal stamp design contest conducted by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). Three Fine Arts students from the Far Eastern University (FEU) won the contest that aims to promote Rizal’s greatness and contribution to our nation.

The exhibit contains an almost complete collection of Rizalian stamps and other philatelic items limited to his self portrait, monuments and works from the very first issue of 1906 to the latest issues of Rizal stamps on June 19 which are presented in chronological order with introductory texts for each issue.

The exhibit will feature all original items never before featured or shown in any exhibits for viewers to fully appreciate. Visitors and students will also have the chance to view special related trivia’s, pictures and Rizalian collections.

The winning stamp designs which are included in the exhibit will be used by the Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) in launching the special limited stamps of Rizal @ 150 on June 19, the national hero’s birth anniversary.

Marc Aran Reyes, Deanne Fernandez, and Lex Kempho Lacar won the student category in the contest.The young artists created the stamp designs based on their interpretation of Rizal’s ideals.

Fernandez’s stamp design uses the oft-used black and white drawing of Rizal, along with the cover of Rizal’s first novel “Noli Me Tangere.” An oil lamp, which was typically used as evening light, symbolized enlightenment and reason.

For Reyes, Rizal is seen with a white dove beside him, the dove symbolizing freedom from Spanish rule that the Laguna native wished for the Philippines.