Postal Heritage Walking Tour Revisited: Manila Central Post Office

In the digital age, the word snail mail may be obscure as almost all of us who use computers rely on email (better known as electronic mail) to send our thoughts, information to someone in a flash. But twenty years back, there was once who reigned known as "The Snail Mail". I've got a collection of those from my dad (who is an ex-OFW) and from a few friends here and abroad. What I like about those mails back then were  the stamps that come from different parts of the world.

Last Sunday, I joined Mr Lawrence Chan for a tour around some of Manila's most interesting spots most people may not appreciate. I recall my first Postal Heritage Tour Experience and I am really looking forward to do a repeat someday. Our first stop was at The Manila Central Post Office. I kinda recall how my mom would take me there to send letters to my dad when he was still working in Saudi Arabia (that was around 20 years ago).Sad to say, they will convert the Post Office into a 6-star hotel. That's another heritage site gone in a few months time.

Compared to my first experience, Lawrence gave us a tour at the back of the Post Office, something that I think he wasn't able to do a few years back. I was able to take some pictures as it may be my last since they will convert it into a hotel. 

We didn't stayed there for long as we head off to other interesting locations that we need to visit.

Pictures to follow soon. XD

My First Postal Heritage Walking Tour Experience

Last Sunday, I joined the Postal Heritage Walk Tour conducted by the Filipinas Stamp Collector’s Club (lead by Lawrence Chan). I just saw this event at my multiply and I didn't hesitate to join-in because aside from meeting new friends, I'd be able to take pictures of some places that is considered restricted to the public. But it took me more than 30 mins to find this group of people. As I found them, they were already starting their tour at the Metropolitan Museum (MET). As I joined the group, I immediately pull-up my camera and take some pictures of the scene as well as some details. I was fascinated with the details MET has.

We went inside MET and stayed there for at least an hour. That gave me more than enough time to experiment on my shots and see for myself if somehow I would improve. As I take pictures inside-out, I was listening to Lawrence lecture unconsciously and learned about a thing or two with MET's history.

 

 

Our next stop was the Post Office. I still remember my mom taking me there when I was young to send snail mails to my dad when he was still working in Saudi Arabia (a long time ago, hehe XD). I was quite intrigued and puzzled on how to take snaps of this edifice. Before Lawrence toured us inside, I was able to take some quick snaps of the outside part.

As we went inside the post office, I was really amazed on how these artifacts (stamps, old notes etc) were preserved. I think it costs a lot more than they were when it was first published.

The Manila Central Post Office Building is one of the beautiful neo-classical inspired building in Manila. Manila Central Post Office is also the head office of the Philippine Postal Corporation—the heart of everything related to the Philippine Postal System. The Postal Library and Museum houses an exhibit of Philippine Postal Stamps as well as old mailboxes and old typewriters. The Postal Museum and Library, located within the Manila Central Post Office compound. It showcases the country’s rich collection of stamps, postal relics, stamp magazines and Philatelic Bulletin.It is opened Monday to Friday  (8am- 5pm). Contact person is Ms Nena De Guzman Tel # 527-00-96.

After out tour of the Postal Office, we continued until we reached another historic spot in Manila, particularly within the Intramuros area though I forgot most of those spots (will try to look for those).

That day was really tiring but I've learned a lot from this experience. Probably, I should do more of these walks be it by groups or by myself.