• The first adhesive stamps used in the Philippines were engraved and printed in Manila, showing Queen Isabella II of Spain.

This type from 1859 was copied from those issued in Spain for other colonies ( Correos = Post ; Franco = value … ; 20 Cuartos = 1 Real ) :-






• " Filipinas " did not appear on stamps until 1872. The UK is the only country in the world not to have its name on stamps - as they were originally only for internal use.


• At first each country wishing to send and receive international mail had to prepare a separate postal treaty with other nations. The UPU ( Universal Postal Union ) was formed in 1874 to ensure a flat rate for postage anywhere in the world. Stamps of member nations were acceptable for the entire international route. Each country retained the money it collected for international postage. Spain joined UPU in 1875 ; the Philippines 2 years later, although it didn’t join as a sovereign entity until 1922 :-





• In 1890 stamps were issued bearing the head of King Alfonso XIII ( born 1886 ) ( 100 Centimos / Centavos = 1 Peso ) :-






• Official postal cards ( " Tarjeta " = card ) were first issued in 1879 – these are from 1892 - " Sr.D. " ( Senor Don or Mr. Sir ) is the title before the name and address :-