Shell stamps make mark in history
MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has launched a set of commemorative postage stamps marking the centen- nial anniversary of Shell companies in the Philippines (SciP) in 2014, which also set a number of firsts in local philatelic history.
According to PHLPost postmaster general Josefina dela Cruz, Shell’s 100th-year commemorative stamps are embel- lished with a combination of several innovations in stamp design and production.
The Shell stamps are the first to make use of gold foil hot stamping, as well as tactile sand varnished on the pecten and Shell centennial logos, lending distinctive texture and adding to the unique experience of handling the stamps. Likewise, its special size measures 50mm by 30.5mm, which is bigger than ordinary stamps.
PHLPost officially issued the stamps on Dec. 13, an auspi- cious, once-in-a-lifetime date that translates to the numbers 12-13-14. SciP county chairman Edgar Chua, together with Dela Cruz, unveiled the stamps the previous day at the Shell House in Makati City, witnessed by Shell officials and members of the PHLPost Philatelic Team and the Philatelic Society. The ceremonial cancellation and official signing of the first-day covers were also held.
“We believe that the Shell centennial commemorative stamps are among our most beautiful stamp productions so far,” said Dela Cruz. “Behind the stamp is the story of the enduring strength and perseverance of this company, which we are very proud to have been a part of.”
The design of the stamps pays homage to the evolution of the energy and gas technology company through the years, with images of Shell’s Tabangao refinery in the 1960s and a Shell retail station in the 1930s together with images of their current state.
“We are honored and privileged to have the Philippine Postal Corporation print commemorative stamps recognizing Shell’s contribution to the country,” Chua said. “Having that privilege, we are now part of the culture and history of the country. We look forward another 100 years for Shell as we will continue to be a major contributor to the country’s growth and development.”
PHLPost printed around 104,000 copies of the Shell Centen- nial commemorative stamps in P25 denominations.
