The Anthem Philatelist

March 2023 marks the second year anniversary of the first postage stamp about the pandemic ever to be released.  Twenty one countries and the UN have between them released 68 postage stamps to mark the sacrifice of healthcare workers and patients during the covid-19 pandemic . Three of our esteemed colleagues and beloved mentors, Dr. Dennis Ramon Tudtud and wife Dr. Helen and my IM-pulmonologist mentor Dr. Ruben Escarda sacrificed their lives in the frontlines of the war against the vicious viral adversary. We honor you our beloved fallen heroes- your sacrifices were not in vain.   In the research led by Bertrand Lefrère of the Public Assistance Hospital of Paris, it was found that Iran was first country to post a design on March 2020 (pictured), but the rest of the world followed with stamps depicting healthcare workers, patients, and covid safe behaviours such as social distancing in French Polynesia. In the Philippines, PHLPost has printed 80,000 pieces of stamps i...

John Dinglasa is one of the member of the notable Dinglasa clan of visual artists consisting of cousins and siblings from Samboan , Cebu which includes Jess Dinglasa , Reynan Dingal , Mimit Carredo , Julieto Angana and his six-year-old son Jian Kenshin, Adonis Bilocura, Hemernio Dinglasa Jr., John Louie Dinglasa, Roel Fisalbon and Alfred Fuentes . After Odette, Acrylic on canvas, 24"x 30", 2022 They were discovered by Cebu Artists Inc . (CAI) members when they conducted an outreach program—a painting workshop in Samboan in 2005. The young Dinglasa came out as the grand prize winner in one of the on-the-spot painting competition organized by the group. Since then, these homegrown artists have been participating in CAI activities, exhibiting their natural artistic capabilities as none of them has had formal art schooling. Although exposed to the conservative vein of painting, Dinglasa paints with his heart as he interprets the scenic beauty of his community. Concerne...

Benji Goyha was born in Samboan , Cebu on October 30, 1957. Though he loved to express himself in painting, he ended up enrolling in architecture at the University of the Visayas , Cebu , Philippines . From 1981-89, he worked as an artist in one of Cebu's leading department store (Robinsons) where he organized art related activities.    His association with the Cebuano artists had been his turning point, going back to painting where he found freedom and satisfaction for his artistic expression.  Samboan Beach 2009 Goyha, later established Print Ideas , his own business in the field of silkscreen printing , currently based in Lapu-Lapu City , but his membership with the Cebu Artists' Incorporated encouraged him to pursue his love for painting. His works showcase his love and concern for nature and the invironment. He paints with broad brush strokes and plays with soft somber colors.   His utmost objective is to bring prominence and recognition to his home...