Prague Stamp Shop

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I didn't find the most expensive anthem stamp here.....

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The Kudyapi- The Philippine Two-Stringed Lute

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The kutiyapi or kudyapi, is a Philippine two-stringed, fretted boat-lute. It is the only stringed instrument among the Maguindanao people, and one of several among other groups such as the Maranao and Manobo . It is four to six feet long with nine frets made of hardened beeswax . The instrument is carved out of solid soft wood such as from the jackfruit tree.   Common to all kutiyapi instruments, a constant drone is played with one string while the other, an octave above the drone, plays the melody with a kebit or rattan pluck (commonly made from plastic nowadays). This feature, which is also common to other related Southeast Asian "boat lutes", which were influenced by varying degrees by Indian concepts of melody and scale via the Malay archipelago .   Among the T'Boli , Manobo and other Lumad groups, the instrument (known as Hegelung, Kudyapi or Fedlung) is tuned to a major pentatonic scale . Among groups like the Bagobo , the Kutiyapi (Kudlung) is also used as...
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The National Anthem of Belgium

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The Belgium anthem had its genesis when Belgium gained its independence in 1830. The popular legend goes that it was written by some young people in a cafe on Fource St. in Brussels in September 1830. While the story may or may not be true, the anthem does date back to that time. In 1860, the anti-Dutch lyrics were softened and the version that is in use today was created. When Dechet (better known as "Jenneval") wrote his verses, he called the poem 'La Bruxelloise'. His publisher thought it better to broaden the scope from the city's to the area's name (Brabant) and renamed it " La Brabançonne " (Song of Brabant). The music was written in September of 1830 and the first public performance of the anthem occurred the following month. Finally, in 1921, it was decreed that only the fourth stanza of the 1860 lyrics are official in the French and Dutch versions. However, an official version of the "Brabançonne" does not actually exist. Differe...
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The National Anthem of Sweden on Postcard

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Sweden's de facto anthem"Du Gamla, Du Fria" (Thou Ancient, Thou Free) was written in 1844. The author of the lyrics, Richard Dybeck , chose a Swedish folk tune from the province of Västmanland to set his words to to create the anthem. The song was created at a time when a "pan-Scandinavian" movement was strong, which is why it is a "Song to the North" instead of just to Sweden. This has led to other verses being written that are more patriotic to Sweden, but these additional verses have never gained popularity and have never been considered part of the national anthem.   In the late 19th century the anthem started to be considered as Sweden's "national anthem", differentiating it from the royal anthem that was being used as both a royal and national anthem. The anthem has never been officially legislated as Sweden's national anthem, one attempt in the 1930s by a member of parliament brought forth claims of wanting state controlled ...
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Toribio Teodoro on Stamps

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A wage earner-turned-millionaire, Toribio Teodoro (1887 – 1965) was an inspiring example of Filipino initiative and enterprise. He is a pioneer Filipino entrepreneur and industrialist.   The son of poor parents from Tondo named Julian Teodoro and Apolinaria del Mundo, he was born in barrio Matang Tubig (now Grace Park), in Caloocan, Rizal on April 27, 1887. Barely 12-years-old but eager to help his parents eke out a living, he began working in El Oriente, a cigar factory, earning a weekly salary of 80 centavos.   Full of ambition, industrious, and determined to improve his lot in life, he gave up his initial job to start a business enterprise with his friend, Juan Katindig. On November 14, 1910, they opened a small shop at 821 Calle Cervantes (now Rizal Avenue) that sold shoes and slippers bearing “Ang Tibay” brand. The business was capitalized at only P210, of which P30 was put up by Katindig.   The two friends’ profitable partnership ended in 1921, when Katindig dec...
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My Favorite Cebuano Classical Pianists

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3. Ai ma Maria Labra-Makk . I first met this world renowned Austria-based Cebuana pianist and educator four years ago when she had a solo concert presented by the Arts Council of Cebu and St. Theresas' College , where she is an alumni. A few days before I attended the concert, I had a chance encounter with her in an elevator at Club Ultima. I ask her a question in English, but she answered fluently in Cebuano that she was here for the STC reunion and for the concert.   I told her that my wife was also an STC alumni and will be joining in some of this events. The CD collector in me urged to inquire if she had some with her, and if they were selling discs at her concert. "No. I didn't bring any", she answered smiling. My regret is that I did not ask any autograph or had myself pictured with her. She has the most impeccable rendition of Jeno Takacs' works especially the Toccata , in fact, she is the only artist to rec ord the complete discogr aphy of the Austr...
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The National Anthem of Albania

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Back when Albania first gained independence as a monarchy in 1912 from Italy, "Hymni i Flamurit" was adopted, and has been kept as the anthem through it's period as a Communist/Marxist state and now as a democratic nation. The original title of the hymn was "Betimi mi flamur," or "Pledge to the Flag." The hymn was first published as a poem in Liri e Shqipërisë (Freedom of Albania), an Albanian newspaper in Sofia, Bulgaria, in its issue of 21 April 1912. Later that year it appeared in a volume of collected poems by Aleksander Stavre Drenova , under the title ëndra e lot (Dreams and Tears), which was published in Bucharest. The official anthem is two verses shorter than the original poem. The music was composed by the same person (a Romanian) who wrote the Romanian anthem in use from 1977-1990, Ciprian Porumbescu.    Ciprian Porumbescu born Cyprian Gołęmbiowski on October 14, 1853 – June 6, 1883) was a Romanian composer born in Şipotele Sucevei in Buk...
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Visual Perception- a Homage to Cebu as a Hub of Creativity and Heritage

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Reognized by the British Council as a Creative City of Design in 2008 and ASEAN City of Culture by ASEAN Ministers of Culture and Arts, Cebu City is a treasure trove of art, culture, and innovation. From historic landmarks like Magellan's Cross and the Basilica del Santo Niño to world-class hotels, restaurants, and malls, our city offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. As a hub for furniture makers, artists, fashion designers, and BPOs, Cebu City is a hotbed of creativity and entrepreneurship. Events like Tubo Art Fair, Tops ArtFest , and Visayas Art Fair showcase our city's vibrant art scene and promote art awareness in the region. Located strategically in the heart of the Philippines, Mactan International Airport welcomes tourists to explore our city's rich history, stunning landscapes, and exciting adventures. In celebration of our city's unique spirit, ArtPortalCebu presents " VISUAL PERCEPTIONS: A Homage to Cebu City, As a Hub of Creativity and He...
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