PhlPost to issue stamps marking Phl-German ties

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost) will issue commemorative stamps marking the 60th anniversary of Philippines-Germany diplomatic relations this month.

PHLPost postmaster general Josefina de la Cruz said they have printed 80,000 copies of the se-tenant stamps showing the national symbols of peace of the two countries.

Starting June 25, PHLPost will be selling the 40mm x 30 mm stamps for P20 and P40.

Diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Germany began in 1954.

Philippine-German relations date back to the 19th century when Jose Rizal lived in Germany, where he finished writing his famous novel “Noli me Tangere.”

The stamp features the People Power Monument located at the corner of White Plains and EDSA.

During the People Power Revolution of February 1986, thousands of Filipinos gathered on EDSA between the two military camps in a peaceful revolt to oust the dictator and restore democracy in the country.

The sculpture by Ed Castrillo was installed along EDSA in 1993.

PHLPost said the Brandenburg Gate, rebuilt in the late 18th century as a neoclassical triumphal arch and one of the most well-known landmarks in Germany, is featured in the stamp.

It was commissioned by King Frederick William II of Prussia as a sign of peace and built by Carl Gotthard Langhans from 1788 to 1791.

Having suffered considerable damage during World War II, the Brandenburg Gate was fully restored in 2002 by the Stiftung Denkmalschutz Berlin.

The Brandenburg Gate is not only considered today as a symbol of the tumultuous history of Europe and Germany but also of unity and peace.