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

Sunday Stamps: A Tribute to the Mother of People Power

Author sreisaatPosted on 6 Comments

In 2009, PhilPost released a limited edition series of se-tenant stamps commemorating the iconic former Philippine President Corazon C. Aquino. Known affectionately as “Tita Cory,” she was a symbol of democracy and the peaceful People Power Revolution that ousted the Marcos dictatorship.

The stamps featured a se-tenant design, this one (left) showcasing Aquino in her signature yellow dress and flashing the renowned “L” hand sign symbolizing “laban” or “fight.” This colour and gesture became an emblem of the revolution, representing the Filipinos’ determination to reclaim their freedom.

I vividly remember the days of the People Power Revolution. As a young child, I watched the older family members as their eyes were glued to the television, watching the events unfold with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. My family was huddled together, united in their support for Aquino and the democratic movement. My mum was also constantly on the phone, worried about my father who was working in Manila at that time and could not leave the city. The “laban” sign remains, for me, a powerful symbol representing our – the Filipino people’s -ongoing struggle for democracy and peaceful resistance against threats to our rights and freedoms.

The stamps were released a month after Aquino’s passing*, coinciding with the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary, reflecting her deep Catholic faith. The limited edition Cory Aquino stamps were so popular that they sold out overnight. PhilPost had to reprint a second edition (not in photo) released in September 18 to satisfy the overwhelming demand, a testament to the public’s affection and respect for the late president.

*Tita Cory passed away on August 1, 2009, leaving a nation in mourning.As the first female president of the Philippines, and Time Magazine’s Woman of the Year in 1986, she led the nation through a period of great turmoil, demonstrating courage and unwavering commitment to her people. The collective grief and reverence for the Aquino family were palpable during the five-day wake, culminating in her interment at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City, alongside her late husband, the revered Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., on August 5.

More Sunday Stamps over at Violet’s, See it on a Postcard.

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

The Pont de l’Archevêché

Author sreisaatPosted on 5 Comments

Apologies for my absence from the weekly postcard blog post and missing Sunday Stamps and Thursday Postcard Hunt! I was away on a work trip and couldn’t keep up with my usual posting schedule. But I’m back now and ready to share this fascinating vintage postcard, which I inherited from a fellow expat who recently returned to his home country.

The Pont de l”Archevêché and Notre Dame. Postmarked in 1930. This vintage postcard offers a window into the past, capturing the Pont de l’Archevêché in its early years.

The Pont de l’Archevêché, or the Archbishop’s Bridge, is a stunning structure that spans the Seine River. Built in the 18th century, it’s one of the oldest bridges in Paris. Some parts, like the parapets or railings, have been replaced over the years with stronger and safer ones than what were originally constructed out of cast iron.

The Pont de l’Archevêché is the narrowest road bridge in Paris and features a central arch and two smaller supporting arches, spanning the Seine River. This design allowed for boats to pass underneath without obstruction. The bridge’s Baroque architectural style contrasts the nearby Notre-Dame Cathedral, with its pointed arches and ornate details. 

The bridge’s significance to France extends beyond its architectural beauty. It’s named after the nearby archbishop’s palace, which was a center of religious and political power in medieval Paris. The Pont de l’Archevêché has played a vital role in connecting the Left Bank and the Right Bank of the Seine, facilitating trade and commerce for centuries.

Today, the Pont de l’Archevêché remains a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Paris’ rich history. Its elegant design and historical significance make it a must-see for visitors to the City of Lights. The bridge is now known for its charming tradition of lovelocks, where couples attach padlocks to the railings as a symbol of their eternal love. While the practice is seen as romantic by tourists, many locals believe that the padlocks clutter the bridges, detract from their aesthetic appeal, and can even pose a safety hazard.

In Cambodia life, Expat Life, Sreisaatv2

Sneeze attack

Author sreisaatPosted on Leave a comment

I have a story to tell, a true story that happened to me a week ago today and I’m still laughing about it.

My day started like any Monday in the city: a chaotic tuktuk ride, traffic jams, and the usual morning madness. Tuktuks, motorbikes, cars, and buses were all packed to the brim and the Steung Meanchey flyover area was a nightmare. While stuck in traffic, I was mentally mapping out my day when I felt a familiar tickle of a sneeze began to creep up on my nose. I knew right away a sneeze was coming, but I wasn’t prepared for the force with which it would hit.

Sure enough, when the traffic came to a halt at the next red light, I let out a sneeze. A sneeze that could have rivaled a lion’s roar. It rattled the tuk-tuk I was on, and I’m sure the girl on the motorbike next to me thought I had a bomb on my nose. That, or I was possessed. To make matters worse, I felt a sudden snap around my waistline. The clasp on my skit had undone! I was panicking and quietly crying inside, my mind racing with the horrifying image of my skirt falling down to my ankles, in public, when I got off the tuktuk. Memories of the last time I’d experience a wardrobe malfunction flooded back with the associated PTSD. So, never again!

I spent the rest of the ride, fidgeting with my skirt, trying to discreetly fix it, but it was difficult with one hand clutching my backpack (which, by the way, is never let go of in Phnom Penh). Anyways, I was relieved when I finally managed to clasp it back together as I was nearing my office. I’m so good with my hands, eh?

Disaster averted. Lesson learned? Maybe invest in better quality skirt. Or avoid sneezing in public altogether. Or, as my mother would often say, just stop sneezing dramatically, like a dragon, in public. LOL. Or maybe I should just embrace the chaos and embarrassment, and laugh it off. Well, in the end, I did just that. After all, these are just the kind of [mis]adventures any girl goes through. Imagine if I could translate all these embarrassments into a comedy routine, or a hilarious artwork, I’d have a book by now! As the saying goes (in the Visayan language), “Unsaon na lang jud kaming mga, ahem, unsay Ininggles sa danghag... clumsy? Danghag noon, danghag pa rin ngayon.” Translation: Clumsy then, clumsy now. I guess some things (about me) never change. I’m not sure if it’s a genetic trait or just a bad habit. Either way, I’m still laughing about this whole ordeal.