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Thursday Postcard Hunt: A Slice of Filipino Life on Canvas

Author sreisaatPosted on 9 Comments

This week’s postcard, a gift from the lovely Arlene over at I Love Postcrossing, is a true treasure. It features a stunning oil painting by the renowned Filipino National Artist (the first ever!), Fernando Amorsolo. The postcard, showing one of his masterpieces, is a nostalgic window into a bygone era of the Philippine countryside.

Postcard shows one of Fernando Amorsolo’s oil paintings. His works depict his love for the Philippine rural landscape and farmers/labourers.

Imagine a bustling rice harvest scene, painted with lifelike detail and bathed in warm sunlight. Women work side-by-side, tirelessly in the fields, their laughter mingling with the gentle breeze. Amidst the hardworking farmers, there’s a tender moment with one woman pausing her labour to nurse her baby. This simple act captured beautifully, speaks volumes about the heart of Filipino life. This was a time when communities came together to celebrate the fruits of their labor with feasts, music, and dance.

It’s fascinating to learn that Amorsolo’s journey to becoming a master began humbly. His mother’s embroidery helped support him, and young Fernando even sold his own watercolour postcards!

Amorsolo’s genius lies in his ability to capture the essence of Filipino. life. He was a master of light and shadow (chiaroscuro), using his signature backlighting technique to create scenes that feel almost ethereal. His works are a beautiful blend of realism and impressionism, drawing you into the heart of the painting. It’s no wonder he is nicknamed the Grand Old Man of the Philippine Art, a true National Treasure!

A big thank you to Arlene for sharing this piece of Filipino heritage with me. It’s a reminder of simpler times and the enduring beauty of our country.

In Blogging and the Web, Cambodia life, Expat Life, Fangirl Talking, Geek Talk, Sreisaatv2

Sunday Stamps: Olympic Fever and Tennis Legend

Author sreisaatPosted on 7 Comments

Okay, tennis fans, let’s talk Olympics! I’m still riding the high of the men’s doubles final where the Aussies, Matt Ebdens and John Peers, clinched the gold. But let’s be real, my heart was really rooting for Rafa Nadal. Huge shoutout to my fellow Postcrosser, Ana, for sharing my Nadal obsession!

When Rafa unexpectedly bowed out in the singles second round, I quickly switched support to Carlos Alcaraz (Andy withdrew from the singles event). And though Andy Murray didn’t quite make it to the top of the podium this time, his doubles match with Dan Evans marked the end of an era. He is retiring after the Olympics, and it’s only fitting that we give him a proper stamp-collecting send-off.

Let’s rewind to the unforgettable 2012 London Olympics. It feels like just yesterday that I was on the edge of my seat, cheering on my picks for gold and bronze. Rafa was sidelined with an injury, but the drama didn’t disappoint. Andy Murray and Juan Martin del Potro (Argentina) faced off against tennis legends Roger Federer (Switzerland) and Novak Djokovic (Serbia), vying for the gold and bronze medals, respectively. And let’s just say, Murray’s gold medal victory was a moment for the ages. Winning on home turf was like a fairytale come true – an OLYMBLEDON! That triumph propelled him to even greater heights, including a US Open title that same year and multiple Wimbledon championships (2013, 2016), another Olympic gold in Rio Olympics, and led Great Britain to Davis Cup Championship in 2015. These, on top of winning Masters 1000 titles, becoming the world no. 1 and finishing the year as No. 1 in 2016.

The Royal Mail captured the magic of that moment with a stunning minisheet featuring the London 2012 gold medalists, including our champion, Andy Murray. It’s a must-have for any tennis collector.

It’s a bittersweet time for tennis fans. While the tennis world celebrate Andy Murray’s incredible career, a storm cloud looms on the horizon with the potential retirement of Rafa Nadal (as a Rafa fan, the thought is almost unbearable!). But let’s focus on the positive for now. Andy Murray’s legacy is undeniable. His Olympic gold was a shining moment for British tennis, and his incredible talent, self-deprecating humor made him one of the most beloved figure. The Royal Mail perfectly captured his legacy with that commemorative minisheet.

Wish you all the best, Andy. From your loving Rafa-fan 🙂

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

Thursday Postcards Hunt: El Ángel, the Pride of Mexico

Author sreisaatPosted on 5 Comments

This week’s postcard is from Mexico! It’s the first of many I got from my awesome friend Luisito. Even though he lives in Caracas, Venezuela, we’ve been super close for years. He’s a real postcard enthusiast and sent me a whole bunch from his travels in Mexico, Hong Kong, and France.

The postcard features the iconic Angel of Independence, right in the heart of Mexico City. It’s officially called the Column of Independence – Columna de la Independencia – but everyone just calls it El Ángel. This towering monument stands in the middle of a busy roundabout and is a symbol of Mexico’s fight for freedom. It was built to celebrate 100 years since Mexico’s War of Independence started in a neoclassical design similar to famous monuments in Europe. At the very top, there’s a golden statue of the Greek goddess of victory, Nike, symbolizing Mexico’s triumph over Spanish colonial rule.

In later years, the base of the monument was transformed into a mausoleum honoring Mexico’s brave heroes who fought for independence. Their remains are enshrined within, serving as a permanent tribute to their sacrifice. The column’s base also bears the names of key figures in the war, immortalizing their contributions to the nation.

El Ángel is more than just a striking monument; it’s a powerful symbol of Mexican identity and unity. As a focal point for national celebrations, protests, and gatherings, it has become a beloved gathering place where Mexicans come together to express their pride and patriotism.