World Architecture Day and World Post Day 2017 with the United Architects of the Philippines - Makati

My wish for a clear day didn't happen. It was rainy and I have lots of stuff on my bag. The rain came and went from time to time. But at least it was not raining really hard.

I went on my way to the Manila Central Post office and waited for the rest of the group. We have some bloggers and also the members of the United Architects of the Philippines - Makati Chapter (UAP - Makati Chapter).

The World Architecture Day 2017 fell on October 2nd with the theme "Climate Change Action." While, the World Post Day 2017 is celebrated with no theme falls on October 9th.

The program starts at with the people of the PhilPost meeting with the guests from the UAP - Makati and bloggers.

We are introduced to the long history of the PhilPost and its legacy as well as the wonderful building it is housed in. Ms. Arlene Labao-Project Officer for the Philately Collection & Museum Division started the program with some videos about the PhilPost and even how to write postcards.

36th Manila International Bookfair

It's that time of the year again for me to buy postcards and to drool at nice books. It is always good to go early on such big events. There are less people still and there are no fucking annoying stupid cosplayers. Yes, I fucking hate cosplayers.

Entrance fee for the MIBF is just Php 20.00

There are rows and shelves of books everywhere. There are textbooks, technical books, tons of religious books and even hobby books.

Hell and Heaven meet at the National Bookstore Warehouse Sale

Without any sleep just to wake up early  and on the first day. I was a bit worried about going there too early since I really don't have money to things with. And I usually do my buying quick.

I arrived at the Warehouse at around 9:30 and it was shocking that its already packed and full of people. So far this is one of the best sales they have because they have good titles for everyone. Of course the books and other stuff was just priced right.

#NBSGreatWarehouseSale 2015! (National Bookstore Great Warehouse Sale 2015)

OMG! I am so excited for this one even though I am broke as fuck! This is even way awesome than that shit called the Manila Christian International Bookfair whose real name is the Manila International Bookfair.

There would be lots of interesting books and annoying people. But I hope there are postcards.

Find great bargains and great finds at National Book Store’s “The Great Warehouse Sale” in Quezon Avenue. Get up to 90% off on books, supplies, and gift items from August 13 to 18, 2015, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., only at the 4th Floor National Book Store, Quezon Avenue cor. Sct. Borromeo and Panay Avenue. Hurry, 6 days only! Make your pre-Christmas shopping sprint at #NBSGreatWarehouseSale. Per DTI-FTEB SPD Permit No. 10219, Series of 2015.

Shop online and buy eBooks at nationalbookstore.com.Follow National Book Store on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@nbsalert).

source: National Bookstore Facebook page

APO Heritage Postal Tour (February 8, 2015)

I will be just sharing the places we have been through this last Postal Tour. The tour happens no matter how many people attend.

Here are some rare shots from the upper floors of the Philpost.

Here Mr. Ray Ong is always generous on sharing his long time passion and frustration with the Philpost.

Crochet a granny square for a Papemelroti postcard

I have already made knitted postcards so I had this other idea. Why not make a postcard with a granny square since the Papemelroti blank postcards are squares.

I followed the pattern in here and then added a few more rows. 

I then attached it to the postcards with chains. I just made chains and single crochets. And I was able to make something like this. 

Honestly this is way easier than a knitted postcard.

I also made other granny squares....

The APO Heritage Postal Tour goes to the Grand Marian Parade

It was a good day and despite the warnings in the sky of dark clouds I made myself go to the tour. I made my way past the deteriorating Metropolitan Theater then under the over pass that runs in fron of the Liwasang Bonifacio.

These dogs have their home here with their furr-parents. But that is not the goal of today.

Philpost has put up their seasonal greetings once more.

Then I saw this cat one more while the rest of the guys stated to talk about the architectural importance and built of the Post Office.

Since we have a small crowd I decided to sneak them to the open court yard at the 3rd floor. I know its not allowed but the try is worth it. Then there are the lock boxes or PO boxes and they are still for rent.

We crossed the street going to the National Press Club.

I pestered some cats and took shots of them.

We then paid a visit to the statue of Queen Isabella II of Spain.

Even at this point there are many buses and even the military is here for Mary and her procession.

People are like from everywhere. And this is going to be a big parade.

People were every where, even crept up to the monuments of Plaza Mexico, the once place of the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade.

The Ortigas Post Office under construction (December 10, 1014)

I have not been posting mails for weeks now because I was just lazy. I am slowing down on my hobby and is enjoying it more this way. It's no longer about bragging for rare countries and how cute the postcards and stamps are.

I was a bit shocked ans surprised at the changes at the Ortigas Post Office. It seems they are part of the renovations happening at Emerald Avenue.

They have taken out the post boxes. I wonder what will happen to them. Transactions are done on the side.

Is the Post Office going to be smaller? I hope their services improve as well. I hope they sell better stamps.

Lakbay Lakaran: An interesting view of the treasures of Quiapo

Yes Quiapo is not the place where you just buy bootleg DVD of movies and or pirated stuff. Despite the growing number of Muslims in the area and degree of deterioration. One can always glimpse its glorious past. Often times hidden by the dark reality of life and greed of people.

My journey of course starts at the most famous place - the Quiapo Church.

The meeting place is at the Casa Boix located on Bautista Street. You cannot miss the place because it stands out among the buildings on the Streets.