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In Blogging and the Web, Expat Life, Geek Talk, hobby, Sreisaatv2

Sunday Stamps: Let’s Talk Pinoy Komiks Superheroes

Author sreisaatPosted on 4 Comments

Hey fellow stamp enthusiasts! This week’s Sunday Stamps takes us on a trip to my homeland, the Philippines, one of the countries in the mighty Eastern Hemisphere. The Philippines first competed in the 1924 Olympics held in Paris, making us the first country in Southeast Asia to compete, and later, in 1928, win medal. This year, 22 Filipino athletes will compete in nine sports: athletics, boxing, fencing, golf, gymnastics, judo, rowing, swimming, and weightlifting.

On to today’s stamp: Today’s star is a First Day Cover featuring none other than one of the iconic komiks (comics) superheroes of the Philippines! Back in 2004, the Philippine Post issued stamps dedicated to these “Great Achievers in Philippine Art (Comics Illustrators)”. Let me tell you, when I saw my favorite komiks heroes plastered on stamps, it was like a childhood dream come true! Big thanks to my good friend, Myron, for this awesome FDC!

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. The left side of the envelope showcases some legendary Pinoy comics superheroes:

  • Dyesebel: The coolest mermaid you’ll ever meet (sorry, Ariel). ‍
  • Kulafu: Our very own Tarzan swinging through the Filipino jungle.
  • Lapu-Lapu: A true legend – a superhero inspired by the real-life hero who defeated Spanish invaders way back when. 🇵🇭

Flashback to 2010! This Darna first day cover was originally featured on my Postcards Crossing blog. Here’s to the iconic Pinoy superhero! (For those new to Darna, I’ve added some details about her in the post!)

But the main attraction (and rightfully so) is on the right! We have the one, the only, Darna, the OG superheroine of Philippine komiks, and the most popular Filipino superhero ever. Created by the amazing Mars Ravelo and brought to life by the legendary Nestor Redondo (who even went on to work for DC and Marvel in the 70s and 80s), Darna first graced the pages of Pilipino Komiks in 1950 and she’s been a Filipino pop culture icon ever since.

Created originally as “Varga” in 1947 by Mars Ravelo, she was recreated as Darna in 1950 due to fallout with his publisher. According to the Manila Times , “DARNA is a cultural icon born at a time when the Philippines was struggling to come out of the devastation of World War II. She served as a salve to a country looking for a champion.”

https://www.writeups.org/darna-mars-ravelo-comics-philippines/

Growing up, everyone knew Darna as the Pinoy Wonder Woman. Superpowers, fighting evil, rocking that awesome outfit – they are practically twins! Turns out, there’s a bit more to her story. Darna is actually more like a Filipino Captain Marvel – a super-powered warrior from planet Marte who appears on Earth through an ordinary girl named Narda and a magic white stone. Intriguing, right? You can learn more about this fascinating character [here].

Darna’s legacy goes beyond comics, with movies and TV shows launching the careers of countless Filipino actresses. But for me, nothing beats the classic komiks experience. I was practically reading these things before I was in the first grade! Fun fact: a lot of my early 80s contemporaries learned to read through komiks.

Did you have any favourite comic books/superheroes growing up? Share in the comment!

In Blogging and the Web, Expat Life, Geek Talk, hobby, Sreisaatv2

The Corny Point Lighthouse Shines On

Author sreisaatPosted on 10 Comments

A friend, an avid geo-cacher on a mission to document Australia’s lighthouses, sparked my interest. In 2011, he’s already halfway there, with many stations logged on his site. It’s fascinating to learn that most Australian lighthouses are now automated or even decommissioned. Some stand in their original glory, though not always in the best shape.

However, my postcard – a maxi card – for Thursday Postcard Hunt this week showcases a different story.

The accompanying stamp, a commemorative se-tenant pair from 1986, marks 150 years of South Australian statehood. It features Captain Hindmarsh’s ship, the Buffalo.

The Corny Point Lighthouse, proudly perched on the southernmost tip of Yorke Peninsula, South Australia, is a vision of beauty. Completed in 1882, this limestone marvel, quarried from a nearby farm, is a photographer’s dream. The surrounding area is said to be a haven for camping and picnics – idyllic on a sunny day. But what about the stormy side? I wonder how this beacon cuts through the rain and fog.

De-manned in 1920, the Corny Point light continued its vigil until 1942. Fearing a Japanese invasion, it was temporarily extinguished for several weeks. Finally, in 1978, it embraced the modern age and converted to electricity. Lightkeeper logs, a treasure trove of history, recount the lighthouse weathering earthquakes and other natural phenomena, even witnessing meteors streak across the night sky. Today, the lighthouse reserve welcomes visitors, offering a glimpse into its fascinating past. More about the history and operations of the Corny Point Lighthouse can be found here.

There’s something undeniably romantic and mysterious about lighthouses. Perhaps it’s the stories they hold – tales of brave keepers, harrowing shipwrecks, and even whispers of ghosts. Despite visiting a few lighthouses that, frankly, weren’t as dramatic as I’d imagined, their mystique remains. Maybe that’s why I’m so drawn to their stories and snatch up any image I find – stamps, postcards, even fleeting glimpses on TV. They hold a magnetic pull, drawing me in with their promise of adventure. I can’t help but conjure images of heroic rescues, dramatic storms, ghostly encounters, and the solitary beacon piercing the darkness.


In Blogging and the Web, Geek Talk, Sreisaatv2

Sunday Stamps: Roaring Taiwanese Tiger

Author sreisaatPosted on 3 Comments

This week’s Sunday Stamps takes us on a journey to Taiwan, celebrating a beloved national holiday – the Lunar New Year!

In 2010, I received a stunning postcard from Taiwan, featuring a beautifully painted tiger. While some might find it fierce, for me, it embodies the strength and energy of the tiger. Plus, guess what? Look closely – one of the stripes cleverly hides the letter “Y,” making it a unique “Y2010” keepsake!

Flipping the postcard over reveals a matching tiger stamp, below, issued by Chunghwa Post in 2010.

Back in the day, I ran a blog called Postcards Crossing, a celebration of postcards and the joy of snail mail.

Just like the postcard’s tiger, the one on the stamp isn’t just any big cat! They’re tied to a specific celebration: Lunar New Year festivities. The stamp showcases a majestic tiger with a powerful gaze, mirroring the traditional associations of the Tiger in Chinese astrology. These traits – farsightedness, optimism, and a go-getter attitude – are all believed to bring good luck in the new year!

The stamp, and the postcard, are a celebration of the vibrant cultural traditions surrounding Lunar New Year in Taiwan. They also serve as a reminder of the special connection people have with their zodiac animal, and the connection between philately and national holidays that offer a glimpse into a country’s heritage and festivities.

As someone born in the Year of the Tiger, the postcard and corresponding stamp hold a truly special meaning in my collection. What is your favourite postcards and stamps find?