Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15) — The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) on Tuesday launched a special edition of stamps featuring famous and historic dogs in the country.
The collection includes dogs owned by national hero Jose Rizal and Filipino writer Marcelo Del Pilar, taken from the book “Dogs in Philippine History” written by Ian Christopher Alfonso.
The stamps were launched in celebration of PHLPost' 256th founding anniversary and national stamp collecting month held at the Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City on Nov. 14.
The featured dogs are:
1. Usman – one of the notable pets of young Jose Rizal in Calamba, Laguna.
2. Moltke and Bravo – the Dalmatians of Filipino writer Marcelo del Pilar in Bulacan.
3. Tigre – a faithful dog that followed his master, Don Tiburcio Hilario, to the latter's tomb in Bacolor Catholic Cemetery in Pampanga.
4. Castelar – a small Aspin in Tacloban that caught the attention of an American soldier, William Baker, during the Philippine-American War.
5. Torpe – a noted Aspin of Don Tranquilino Ruiz, who led the Cebuano migrants to Glan, Cotabato (now part of the Sarangani Province) in 1914.
6. Smoky – a female Yorkshire Terrier adopted by American soldier William Wynne in New Guinea in 1944.
7. Saver – a bright, iconic Aspin that figured in television and films from the 1990s to the early 2000s. He was previously featured in the souvenir sheet of the 2010 Dogs of the World stamps of PHLPost.
8. Kabang – a rescued female Aspin-crossed German Shepherd that saved two kids in Zamboanga City from a vehicular accident in 2011, resulting in the loss of her snout.
“These historic dogs have left their paw prints on different chapters of our history,” said Postmaster General Luis Carlos.
“Their stories are a testament to the deep connection between humans and dogs, showcasing bravery and loyalty and the unique roles these furry friends have played in our lives,” he added.