The Anthem Philatelist

Some of our favorite UNESCO World Heritage Miniature souvenirs taken from our visits from various WHS. Click picture for link to Unesco's official page for description.  Being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site is more than a mere symbolic act—it turns a natural or cultural landmark into an immediate must-visit for both residents and foreign visitors. Entering the prestigious list immediately elevates a site's profile on the global stage, boosting tourism and thus generating more revenues which can then be reinvested in better protecting or restoring the landmark. But being added to the list also allows sites to become eligible for global funding programs in case any repairs or restoration work is needed, as once included in the list, the site's protection becomes a matter of interest for the entire world.

How do you show appreciation for your art and culture ? By owning it- it is a piece of your heritage- a future relic. It does not have to be very beautiful or costly. But if it "speaks" to you, acquire it, keep it (because you like looking at it) and your descendants will thank you for it! It might even be in a museum in Cebu  in the year 2122. OGK!   Go and visit the Visayas Art Fair.   The Visayas Art Fair was a historical undertaking in 2021 with the banner, Connecting The Islands Through Art, initiated by the National Commission for Culture and Arts, together with the Cebu Design Week Inc., Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas , Sacred Heart School for Boys Batch 1985 Foundation , and the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation to unite the artistry of the three regions (Regions 6, 7 & 8) in the Visayas.     Its aim was to present to the world the unique identity of the Visayan arts and culture. Now on its second year, the event wi...

1770 was the birth year of one of the most influential composer to have ever lived- the most frequently performed composer in the world. This year marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Ludwig van Beethoven, who was born in Bonn, Germany, in 1770.   I have been collecting composer stamps for more then 20 years and Beethoven stamps are one of my favorites. There had been more than 350 LVB stamps issued and more are coming this year being his birth year. Beethoven's compositions are varied and many like his fiery concertos like the 5th.  My favorites are his sedate piano compositions like the Moonlight and Pathetique sonata. Stamp above issued by Guernsey depicts a large bronze statue of Beethoven, which stands on the Munsterplatz in Bonn, Beethoven's birthplace.  Issue date - 21 January 2020.    Date issued 02.01.2020 Motif: A stylized portrait of Beethoven superimposed with a neon clef. Beethoven’s handwritten signature “Bthvn”, with which he s...