PHL Post issuing special commemorative stamps for two popes’ canonizations

Stamp collectors and history buffs can immortalize the canonization of Blessed John Paul II and Blessed John XXIII with limited-edition stamps and souvenir sheets to be issued by the Philippine Postal Corp.

The stamps and sheets are to be launched in Quezon City on Sunday and will be available to the public starting Monday, according to a report on GMA News TV's "News to Go."

Each stamp will sell for P200 per piece, the report said.

On Sunday, the two popes will be formally declared saints in rites at the Vatican. John Paul II is popular with Filipinos, having visited the Philippines in 1981 and 1995.

On Sunday, PHLPost will launch the commemorative stamps and souvenir sheets and present them to Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle.

"For the first time, PHLPost will be presenting a unique 3D, embossed, and in gold foil stamping of the Circular Postage Stamps valued at P200 per piece," it said.

It said the limited edition stamps and souvenir sheets carry the images of the two most popular Popes, "which will be the central figure in Vatican City and their corresponding emblem at the background."

A souvenir sheet that goes with the circular stamp measures 105 mm X 70 mm while the stamps measure 38 mm. Graphic designer and layout artist Jose Antonio Jayme designed the canonization stamps.

Fitting tribute

“We are proud to release the first Circular stamps in 3D embossed and in gold foil stamping as our fitting tribute to Pope John Paul II, who is well loved by Filipino Catholics, and Pope John XXIII,” said Postmaster General Josie dela Cruz.

PHLPost said it has produced 10,000 pieces of Blessed John Paul II souvenir sheets and 5,000 copies for Pope John XXIII. — Joel Locsin/VC, GMA News