PHLPost's 2024 Christmas stamp is the 'world's longest usable stamp'. Photo courtesy of PHLPost via PNA

MANILA — The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) this week unveiled its special 2024 Christmas Stamps titled "Simbang Gabi sa Ilog Pasig," which the office said is the "world's longest usable stamp ever issued."

PHLPost's special Christmas stamp features 9 iconic churches near the historic Pasig River such as the Binondo Church, Quiapo Church, Manila Cathedral Church, Sta. Ana Church, San Felipe Neri Church, San Pedro Macati Church, Guadalupe Church, Pasig Church, and Antipolo Church.

In a statement, PHLPost said the Christmas stamp reflects the "timeless elegance of these sacred landmarks while honoring the deep faith and enduring hope that unite Filipino communities."

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It said the stamp is a "heartfelt tribute to the cherished Filipino Catholic tradition of Simbang Gabi," the traditional nine-day dawn Masses leading to Christmas.

The 2024 Christmas stamp, a masterpiece by Gelo Andres in partnership with Renacimiento Manila, has a dimension of 234mm x 40mm.

It features special embellishments, including four-color process printing, blue iridescent ink on the river, and suprametal multilevel embossing on the churches, PHLPost said.

"[T]his release celebrates the Philippine reputation for having the world’s longest Christmas season, beginning in September all the way to the Feast of the Three Kings in January," it said.

It said the stamp would help raise awareness of cultural and historical treasures along the Pasig River, which served as a vital waterway before and during the Spanish colonial period. The river also served as a major transportation route for trade and commerce, connecting Manila Bay and Laguna de Bay.

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The iconic Manila Central Post Office Building, which was severely damaged by a massive fire in 2023 and is now undergoing restoration, was also built along the Pasig River to receive mail and packages transported through the river.

PHLPost Postmaster General Luis Carlos and Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna led the unveiling of the Christmas stamp during the ceremonial lighting of the City of Manila's Christmas tree on Friday, Nov. 29, at the Kartilya ng Katipunan Shrine near the city hall.

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