PhlPost mulls commemorative stamps for Pia

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Postal Corp. (PhlPost) will most likely issue a commemorative stamp to honor Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, who bagged the crown 42 years after the Philippines last won in the beauty pageant.

PhlPost director Joel Otarra told The STAR that he does not see any member of the seven-man stamp committee objecting to the issuance of a commemorative stamp featuring Wurtzbach.

“It is possible because she gave honor to the country, but I would still have to convene the stamp committee by the first week of January because by this time many are already busy because of the holidays and with work,” Otarra explained.

“We feel the passion of many Filipinos when it comes to these pageants. We take it very seriously, so I think that since Pia brought honor and glory to the country, that is something that we should consider and that is the very essence of stamps. Stamps are the little chronicles of what is historical and what is beautiful in our culture,” PhlPost marketing management and support services manager Enrique Tagle added.

Wurtzbach is the third Filipina crowned as Miss Universe, following Margie Moran in 1973 and Gloria Diaz in 1969.

Tagle said that if the Wurtzbach stamp is approved, she would be the fifth Filipino, aside from Philippine presidents, who would join the PhlPost roster of “living legends.”

“Living legends” are people bestowed with the privilege of being featured on the stamp while still alive.

The four other living legends are boxing champion and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, Diaz, Moran and the country’s first Miss World Megan Young.

“For people to be recognized on stamps is very significant because the stamp should also be a source of inspiration to Filipinos,” Tagle said.

But Tagle said before the stamp committee can process the printing of the Wurtzbach stamps, there should be a proponent, someone or an organization, that would formally propose that a commemorative stamp be issued.

As of yesterday there was “no word yet” from the Missosology group. “But we are already trying to get in touch with them,” he added.

The PhlPost would also coordinate with the Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc., the organizers of Bb. Pilipinas beauty pageant.

‘Wurtzbach’s victory a Christmas gift to Philippines’

Valenzuela City Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian said Wurtzbach’s victory “is an amazing Christmas gift to the country.”

“Pia Wurtzbach’s success is truly a victory for all Filipinos. Her sacrifices and triumph inspire Filipinos to continue fighting on amid the continuing poverty, worsening natural disasters and corruption in the high and low ranks of the government,” he added.

Wurtzbach’s parents separated when she was nine years old and she became her family’s breadwinner at barely 11, acting in different TV and movie roles under the name Pia Romero.

She joined the Binibining Pilipinas pageant thrice, winning on her third attempt.

“She embodies the Filipino spirit of resiliency and determination and an inspiration to the youth and the millions of OFWs who work hard and sacrifice a lot for their families,” Gatchalian added. – With Vberni Regalado, Paolo Romero