Seeing the Manila Central Post Office ablaze was heartbreaking.
You see, I’ve got several sports stamps which I have been collecting from my countless visits there over the years.
I have been told that stamp collecting or philately is a rather dying hobby.
Can’t blame those who feel this way.
How many people do you know who are still into this stuff?
Hmmm…
Anyway, this hobby started not so long ago.
I have always marveled at the truly imposing Manila Post Office, the massive structure on the Pasig River, since I was a student at the nearby Letran College from grade school until high school.
On numerous occasions, I would make that short walk from Muralla to mail, uhm, love letters.
Cheesy, huh?
But then again, the post office was a favorite hangout many years ago.
Even now, whenever I get the chance to roam around Manila, I would drag myself to see the newest stamps on sale either by crossing MacArthur Bridge from Sta. Cruz or from the Walled City.
How many people do you know who are still into this stuff?
However, I am not a hardcore philatelist (stamp collector).
While I also have stamps bought overseas during family trips and coverages, mine pales in comparison to the ones true collectors have.
Well, mine are not really shabby.
Got Hidilyn Diaz’s gold collection and also those of fellow Tokyo medalists Carlo Paalam, Nesthy Petecio and Eumir Marcal.
Also got the Robert Jaworski stuff and those issued during the 1960 Rome Olympics and even the 1988 Seoul Olympics as well as the country’s 2019 hosting of the Southeast Asian Games.
Of course, I also have non-sports, including the Pinoy Music Icons featuring Rico J. Puno, Rene Garcia of The Hotdogs and Joey “Pepe” Smith aside from the inauguration of President Bongbong Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte.
So, it brings tears to my eyes seeing moving images of the post office being engulfed by flames.
Damage has been pegged at P300 million.
Not too sure if it will be brought back to its former splendor, though.
Keeping fingers crossed that one day, I would make that nostalgic walk once again, giddy with excitement over the prospects of getting the latest releases.
