Papal stamps launched

MANILA, Philippines - In celebration of the apostolic visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines, Church and government officials and philately enthusiasts recently gathered for the special launch of the papal visit stamps and an exhibit at The Block, SM City North EDSA.

The Pope Francis Special Coinage Stamp is a rare souvenir sheet special coinage stamp in honor of the official state visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines. This gold circular stamp features the smiling pope with the words “Pilipinas,” “Pope Francis Visit to the Philippines 2015” and “Mercy and Compassion.”

The printing technology used for this one-of-a-kind stamp is 3D embossing hot copper foil with a limited production of 7,000 pieces only. This coinage stamp, which measures 9 cm x 9 cm, will be sold at P200.

A joint project of the Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost) and SM City North EDSA, the special launch had Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle as special guest. The launch was highlighted by the signing of the Official First Day Cover of the stamps, an envelope considered a collectible because it is sold only during the launch. It also featured an exhibit of the Block of Four Stamps featuring the winning entries of the PHLPost on-the-spot design contest, as well as a special lighted rosary made of stamps with the image of Pope Francis.

The papal stamp exhibit is one of the mall initiated events to celebrate the visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines.