A collection of vintage memorabilia, which consisted of stamps, postcards, and books, was exhibited during the launch of Recuerdo de Filipinas: Manila on January 29, 2020 at the Miguel de Benavides Library.
The Davao-based Quichon family and the Robert Biggert Collection entrusted the stamps, postcards, and books to the University because of its “collecting efforts into this greater life of reminiscence, relevance, and accessibility.”
Likewise, the UST Archives, the UST Museum, and the Miguel de Benavides Library were entrusted in preserving the historical memorabilia and in sharing nostalgia with the Thomasian Community who valued history.
According to the Prefect of Libraries, Rev. Fr. Angel Aparicio, O.P., the exhibit showed the form of communication that almost vanished due to the technological advancement. “[Sending postcards and stamps] has an element of surprise and romanticism that can touch a person,” Aparicio said.
The collection donated to the University bore two themes: on one hand, the first theme depicts the rural life of Filipino societies and their cultural development; and on the other hand, the second theme depicted the Western mindset in terms of religious, political, and the business forces of the Americans in the Philippines.
Moreover, the collection provided a snapshot of three mailing periods, namely: Pioneer (pre-1898), Private Mailing Card (1898-1901), and Undivided back (1901-1907).
Philippine Postal Corporation Chief of Staff Gilbert B. Javier underscored the integral task of recording history and the rich culture of our country through stamps.
“The stamps are no longer just pieces of paper that we place on the upper right part of the envelope,” Javier said.
The Quichon family, represented by Mr. Expedito Quichon, likewise expressed gratitude to the University for housing the collection that was significant to the family for it provided a panoramic view of the old Philippines through small things.
