Big J feted by PhilPost

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine basketball’s “Living Legend,” former senator Robert Jaworski, is featured in a postage tribute series celebrating the 75th anniversary of the republic’s first stamp issued in 1946 and the unveiling of nine designs, including a special P60 version, will be held during a program outside the Manila Central Post Office, Liwasang Bonifacio, starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Postmaster General and Philippine Postal Corp. CEO Norman (Mr. Postman) Fulgencio, a Jaworski “super fan” himself, will deliver the welcome remarks in the program. Representing Jaworski will be his son Dodot. Invited to attend the ceremony are PSC commissioner Ramon Fernandez, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial and Barangay Ginebra players L.A. Tenorio, Stanley Pringle, Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar and Mark Caguioa. Souvenir frames will be presented by Fulgencio to the Jaworski family. Fulgencio will sign the official first day covers. A stage will be set up in front of the Post Office for the unveiling that may be witnessed by the public from a secured section of the Liwasang Bonifacio. Strict safety and health protocols, following IATF guidelines, will be imposed as guests will be subjected to antigen tests before entering the Post Office premises.

PhilPost’s Bingle Chiudian said the Jaworski stamps will kick off a tribute series of 10 Filipino legends from different fields, including theater, fashion and technology. “This is the initial salvo,” said Chiudian. “We are grateful to Mrs. Evelyn Jaworski and the family for providing the photos that were used in the design of the stamps.” The stamps were executed by creative director Rodine Teodoro with Ryman Albuladora as layout artist.

“Napakalaking karangalan para sa aking ama na mapili ng PhilPost na makasama sa mga bibigyan ng pagpugay sa paglabas ng mga special stamp,” said Dodot. “This great honor is testament to all the years my Dad has devoted to his love of the game, his impact on sports in our country and the appreciation of fans who have joined him in his life’s journey.”

Sheetlets of eight Jaworski stamps, each denominated at P17, and a special P60 version will be available for sale in booths outside the Post Office after the unveiling. A souvenir sheet will sell for P60, a souvenir sheet with envelope for P78, a sheetlet of eight and official first day cover for P191 and the complete set with the official first day cover of stamps, souvenir sheet with envelope and sheetlet of eight for P465. Coincidentally, Jaworski turned 75 this year so the tribute is in perfect timing.

The Philippines is in the philatelic history books as the first country to issue a postage stamp with a basketball theme. The 16-cent stamp was released on April 14, 1934 to celebrate the 10th Far Eastern Games, precursor of the Asian Games, along with a two-cent stamp for baseball and a six-cent stamp for tennis. The Philippines was then under the US.