Mentor and Manila

Yesterday, I dropped by UP to quickly print some documents for jobhunting.  

Then, I met up with my college mentor Mitzie for some Thai noodle soup at Sen Lek. 

We later had bubble coffee at Kape Tayo. It was good! 

We then parted ways and I proceeded to Binondo for a meeting. But first, I passed by Escolta to admire the heritage buildings there.  

I had an insightful meeting. I went home and received snail mail from The Pink Sisters Convent. 

I also got my yarn orders from The Attic Yarn and Craftery.  

And finally, I received a postcard from my good friend Nurai, who was on holiday at Cappadocia.  

I am very lucky to have few but well-meaning friends. I even have sisters who constantly pray for me. And I have a mentor who still advises me to this day. Here’s to a wiser adulthood and better decisions ahead.  

Manila CPO Tour

Yesterday, I joined the Postal Heritage Operational Tour organized by the Royal Postal Heritage Guided Tour Group. I am a philatelist, and I am fond of activities organized by Pilipinas Philately, such as the stamp forum that I attended last year. This was why it’s not a struggle for me to wake up early on a Saturday morning to join a tour in Manila. 

I started my day by having taho for brekkie.  

I rode the LRT, and in half an hour, I was greeted by old school downtown Manila.  

It was my first time to cross the famous Jones Bridge on foot. I was so giddy during this moment as this was a focal point in the movie Last Night starring Toni Gonzaga and Piolo Pascual.  

After literally crossing the bridge, I reached the beautiful Manila Central Post Office.

There were stamps for sale at the lobby during the event.  

Again, I was delighted to be there because the central post office building was featured in the film Hintayan ng Langit starring Gina Pareño and Eddie Garcia.  

Naturally, I gravitated towards Rizal stamps.  

I crocheted while waiting for the lecture to begin. 

We all received a welcome packet with some stamps! 

And I was happy to see a model of the Murillo Velarde Map, whose original I saw in person last year. 

I was especially drawn to the P.O. boxes as they had a classic vibe.  

Look at these doors!

This staircase is gorgeous. 

After the lecture, we got to tour the post office and learn about the operations of the government agency. 

It was lovely to be in the company of fellow philatelists.  

Our last stop was the postshop, where we all got to purchase current stamps in circulation. 

This is my haul. I got stamps that make me smile, such as valentine symbols and year of the pig stamps.  

I had the time of my life at the tour and I am looking forward to more philatelic geekery in the future! I hope you can also join a post office tour in the future. Just look them up on Facebook for more details. It’s free, and I’m sure that you will also have a good time!