PHLPost introduces world’s longest Christmas postage stamp

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor, Philippine News Agency

LONGEST USABLE STAMP. The Simbang Gabi sa Ilog Pasig (Christmas Dawn Masses along Pasig River) features the Catholic churches along the Pasig River from Binondo, Manila to Antipolo, Rizal measuring 234mm by 40mm. The Philippine Postal Corporation launched this Christmas stamp at Kartilya ng Katipunan (City Hall Park) in Manila on Friday (Nov. 29, 2024) to honor the deep faith and enduring hope that unite Filipino communities during the season. (Photo courtesy of PHLPost via PNA)

MANILA – The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) on Friday unveiled its special 2024 Christmas Stamp, aimed at highlighting the cultural and historical churches along the Pasig River.

PHLPost Postmaster General Luis Carlos explained that the stamp, titled “Simbang Gabi sa Ilog Pasig” (Christmas Dawn Masses along Pasig River), is a creative work by Gelo Andres, developed in partnership with Renacimiento Manila.

Renacimiento is a group of artists, creators and history enthusiasts.
Measuring 234mm in length and 40mm in width, the stamp claimed the title of the world’s longest usable postage stamp.

It features unique embellishments, including blue iridescent ink on the river and suprametal-multilevel embossing depicting the churches.

“Ito ay nagpapakita ng mga simbahan na dindayo ng mga Pilipino kapag Pasko para sa simbang gabi, mula sa Binondo hanggang sa Antipolo na malayo na, na dinadaluyan ng Pasig River (This shows the churches along Pasig River starting from Binondo to as far as Antipolo. Filipinos go to these churches for the Christmas dawn Masses),” Carlos said during the launch.

The Catholic churches highlighted on the stamp are Binondo, Quiapo, Manila Cathedral, Sta. Ana, San Felipe Neri, San Pedro Macati, Guadalupe, Pasig and Antipolo.

The Pasig River is historically significant, having served as an important waterway before and during the Spanish colonial era.

Carlos mentioned that the Manila Central Post Office building was constructed near the Pasig River to facilitate the transport of mail and packages via the waterway.

In addition to honoring the Catholic tradition of Simbang Gabi, Carlos said the stamp celebrates the Philippines’ distinction of hosting the world’s longest Christmas season, which stretches from September until the Feast of the Three Kings on the first Sunday of January after the new year.

“As the vibrant hues of dawn light up the Pasig River and its surroundings, so does this stamp illuminate the essence of Christmas which is love, joy, peace and hope,” he added.

The stamp’s launch occurred alongside the Manila city hall’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Kartilya ng Katipunan (City Hall Park).