Topical Collection: Baseball on Philippine Stamps

Topical Stamp | Sports | Baseball

 

Baseball is a team sport played between two teams of nine players. The game is played on a diamond-shaped field, where the teams take turns batting and fielding. The batter attempts to hit the ball thrown by the pitcher and then runs around the bases to score a run.

 

The Philippines issued the world’s first postage stamp to depict baseball. The 2-centavo stamp (Scott #380), featuring a baseball catcher and a batter, was issued on April 14, 1934, to commemorate the 10th Far Eastern Championship Games, held in Manila from May 16 to 20, 1934.

 

The Far Eastern Championship Games was a regional multi-sport competition involving countries in East and Southeast Asia. The Games were first held in Manila in 1913 and were subsequently held every two years. China, Japan and the Philippines participated in all editions of the Games. The 10th Far Eastern Games, held in Manila in 1934, was the final edition of the competition.

 

Note:

• Stamps are shown at actual size.
• Only Philippine stamps featuring baseball are included in this list.
• Scott Catalogue numbers are provided when available. When no country is specified, the Scott Catalogue number refers to a Philippine stamp.
• Created: 31 August 2026

 

Topical Collection: Windsurfing on Philippine Stamps

Topical Stamp | Sports | Windsurfing

 

Windsurfing is a water sport that combines sailing and surfing, using a board and a sail to move across the water. The sport requires balance, coordination, strength, and an understanding of wind direction. Windsurfers can glide across calm waters or ride waves, making it both a recreational activity and a competitive sport.

 

 

Windsurfing made its official Olympic debut as a Sailing event at the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics. The Philippines participated in the inaugural Olympic windsurfing event, represented by Policarpio Ortega. He competed in the multi-race regatta off the coast of Long Beach, California, accumulating 181 net points under the Olympic low-point scoring system. He finished 28th overall among 38 international competitors.

 

The Philippine stamp issue commemorating the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics included a 7.20-piso stamp (Scott #1702) featuring windsurfing. The same design also appeared on a souvenir sheet with a face value of 6 piso (Scott #1705a). Both the stamp and souvenir sheet were issued in perforated and imperforate versions. In addition to the presence or absence of perforations, the two versions can be distinguished by the color of the stars on either side of the main design: the perforated stamps have red stars, while the imperforate stamps have blue stars. The imperforates are not assigned catalog numbers by the Scott Catalogue.

 

Note:

• Stamps are shown at actual size.
• Only Philippine stamps featuring wiindsurfing are included in this list.
• Scott Catalogue numbers are provided when available. When no country is specified, the Scott Catalogue number refers to a Philippine stamp.
• Created: 27 August 2026

 

Topical Collection: Pangolin on Philippine Stamps

 

Topical Stamp | Animals | Mammal | Pangolin

 

The pangolin is a unique mammal known for its body covered in protective keratin scales. It belongs to the order Pholidota. There are eight living species of pangolins, classified into three genera: Manis, Phataginus, and Smutsia. Pangolins are found mainly in parts of Asia and Africa.

 

Long-tailed Pangolin
Phataginus tetradactyla

The Long-tailed Pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla) is found in parts of West and Central Africa. It mainly inhabits tropical forests, swamp forests, and areas near rivers and other sources of water. It has no teeth and feeds on ants rather than termites, which it catches using its long, sticky tongue. Long-tailed pangolins are mostly active at night and are excellent climbers, often spending much of their time in trees.

 

The pangolin depicted on the stamp was identified as a Philippine Pangolin, but it is actually a Long-tailed Pangolin. The original photograph, taken by Frans Lanting for the National Geographic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was used in the article How Simple Forensic Fingerprinting Could Help the World's Most Trafficked Mammal. The photograph was also used by WikiAnimals to illustrate its article about the Philippine Pangolin, which appears to have led to the animal being misidentified and subsequently misrepresented on the stamp. This stamp design error was brought to attention by Eric Cariaga in a post in the Facebook group of the Philippine Stamp Collectors' Society.

 

The Long-tailed Pangolin stamp (Scott #3634c) is part of the Philippine Endemic Wildlife miniature sheet of four stamps, released on November 11, 2015. The stamp has a face value of 15 piso.

 

Philippine Pangolin
Manis culionensis

The Philippine Pangolin (Manis culionensis) is a unique and endangered animal found only in the Philippines, particularly on Palawan and nearby islands. It is distinguished by its body covered in hard, overlapping scales, which provide protection from predators. The pangolin primarily feeds on ants and termites, using its long, sticky tongue to capture its prey.

 

Unfortunately, the Philippine Pangolin is threatened by illegal hunting, habitat loss, and the illegal wildlife trade. Its scales and meat are highly sought after, making the species particularly vulnerable to poaching. Protecting its natural habitat and enforcing wildlife protection laws are essential to ensuring its survival.

 

The pangolins found in the Philippines have undergone several taxonomic name changes. The species was first described as Pholidotus culionensis by Casto de Elera in 1915, who recognized it as a distinct species. However, because of its close resemblance to the Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica), Philippine populations were later assigned to M. javanica or treated as its subspecies. Alfred Feiler published in 1998 a morphological study highlighting significant physical differences between the Palawan populations and other Southeast Asian pangolins. His research suggested that the Philippine population had been isolated for a sufficiently long period to warrant recognition as a separate species. Philippe Gaubert and Agostinho Antunes conducted a comprehensive morphological reassessment in 2005. Their study provided further evidence supporting the distinction between the Philippine and Sunda pangolins and helped establish Manis culionensis as a valid species. Today, the Philippine Pangolin, Manis culionensis (de Elera, 1915), is recognized as a distinct species endemic to the Palawan faunal region of the Philippines.

 

The 5-piso Philippine Pangolin stamp (Scott #1408) is part of the Philippine Animals issue, released on May 14, 1979. The 6-piso stamp (Scott #2311c), identified it as Scaly Anteater (Manis javanica), is part of the Endemic Philippine Mammals, released on August 12, 1994.

 

Note:

• Stamps are shown at actual size.
• Only Philippine stamps depicting an identifiable species of pangolin are included in this list.
• Scott Catalogue numbers are provided when available. When no country is specified, the Scott Catalogue number refers to a Philippine stamp.
• Created: 22 August 2026
• Updated: 29 August 2026 | Added a 1994 stamp showing a Philippine Pangolin.

 

Topical Collection: Wasps on Philippine Stamps

 

Topical Stamp | Animals | Insects | Wasps

 

Order Hymenoptera is a large and diverse group of insects that includes ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. They are found in almost every habitat and play important roles in ecosystems. Most hymenopterans have two pairs of membranous wings, although ants and some other species may be wingless. Their mouthparts are generally adapted for chewing or chewing and sucking. A remarkable feature of Hymenoptera is their complex social behavior. Ants, honey bees, and some wasps live in organized colonies with division of labor among workers, queens, and males. Some species are solitary. Hymenoptera therefore includes insects with a wide range of behaviors and lifestyles.

 

Scoliid Wasp
Campsomeris aurulenta

Campsomeris aurulenta, a scoliid or dagger wasp species first described as Scolia aurulenta by Frederick Smith in 1855, is native and endemic to the Philippines. Scoliid wasps are commonly recognized by their robust bodies, dark coloration, and contrasting yellow, orange, or reddish markings. Despite their intimidating appearance, most scoliid wasps are not aggressive toward humans and rarely sting unless handled.

 

The Scoliid Wasp stamp (Scott #1921) is from the Predator Insects issue released on March 11, 1988. The stamp has a face value 5.50 piso.

 

Note:

• Stamps are shown at actual size.
• Only Philippine stamps depicting an identifiable species of ant, bee, sawfly, or wasp are included in this list.
• Scott Catalogue numbers are provided when available. When no country is specified, the Scott Catalogue number refers to a Philippine stamp.
• Created: 21 August 2026

 

Topical Collection: True Bugs on Philippine Stamps

 

Topical Stamp | Animals | Insects | True Bugs

 

True bugs belong to the Order Hemiptera of Class Insecta. Their front wings are thick at the base and clear at the tips (half-hard). They rest in an X or V shape. True Bugs have a sharp, needle-like beak. They pierce plants or prey to suck liquid food.

 

Assassin Bug
Vesbius purpureus

The Assassin Bug (Vesbius purpureus) is named for its predatory behavior because it uses its long, sharp beak-like mouthpart to capture and feed on other insects. Assassin Bugs are usually found in gardens, forests, and other areas where prey is abundant. It is widely distributed around the world, especially in tropical and subtropical regions.

 

The Assassin Bug stamp (Scott #1920) is from the Predator Insects issue (Scott #2678) released on March 11, 1988. The stamp has a face value 1 piso.

 

Black-winged Sharpshooter
Oncometopia nigricans

The Black-winged Sharpshooter (Oncometopia nigricans) is a colorful leafhopper belonging to the family Cicadellidae. It has a wedge-shaped body, dark-colored wings, and contrasting markings that help distinguish it from other leafhoppers. It has piercing-sucking mouthparts that allow it to feed on plant fluids. This species is primarily found in warm regions of the southeastern and southern United States, as well as parts of Mexico and Central America.

 

The Black-winged Sharpshooter stamp (Scott #2677b) is part of one of two block of 4 stamps of the Insects issue (Scott #2677) released on July 21, 2000. Each stamp in the set has a face value of 5 piso.

 

Harlequin Cabbage Bug
Murgantia histrionica

The Harlequin Cabbage Bug (Murgantia histrionica) is a brightly colored true bug in the family Pentatomidae. It is easily recognized by its striking red, orange, black, and yellow markings. It is native to North America and is commonly found in gardens, farms, fields, and other areas where its host plants grow.

 

The Harlequin Cabbage Bug stamp (Scott #2678d) is part of one of two block of 4 stamps of the Insects issue (Scott #2678) released on July 21, 2000. Each stamp in the set has a face value of 5 piso.

 

Large Milkweed Bug
Oncopeltus fasciatus

The Large Milkweed Bug (Oncopeltus fasciatus) is a brightly colored true bug in the family Lygaeidae. It is easily recognized by its striking orange-and-black pattern, which warns predators of its toxicity. This species feeds primarily on the seeds of milkweed plants, from which it absorbs toxic chemicals called cardenolides that help protect it from predators. The Large Milkweed Bug is widely distributed across North America, extending into parts of Central America and the Caribbean.

 

The Large Milkweed Bug (Scott #2677c) is part of one of two block of 4 stamps of the Insects issue (Scott #2677) released on July 21, 2000. Each stamp in the set has a face value of 5 piso.

 

Note:

• Stamps are shown at actual size.
• Only Philippine stamps depicting an identifiable species of true bug are included in this list.
• Scott Catalogue numbers are provided when available. When no country is specified, the Scott Catalogue number refers to a Philippine stamp.
• Created: 20 August 2026
• Updated: 27 August 2026 | Added Assassin Bug

 

Topical Collection: Comet on Philippine Stamps

 

Topical Stamp | Astronomy | Comet

 

1986 Halley's Comet

 

Halley’s Comet is one of the most famous periodic comets in the Solar System. It is named after the English astronomer Edmond Halley, who predicted its return after studying observations from earlier centuries. The comet orbits the Sun approximately every 75–76 years, making it visible to the naked eye about once in a human lifetime. Its most recent appearance was in 1986, and it is expected to return in 2061.

 

To commemorate the return of Halley’s Comet, the Philippines issued a set of two postage stamps on September 25, 1986. The 1-piso stamp (Scott #1922) depicts the comet and Earth, while the 2.40-piso stamp (Scott #1923) depicts the comet, the Moon, and Earth.

 

The 2.40-piso stamp was later overprinted in gold and revalued to 1.90 piso (Scott #1942) on August 1, 1988.

 

Note:

• Stamps are shown at actual size.
• Only Philippine stamps depicting a comet are included in this list.
• Scott Catalogue numbers are provided when available. When no country is specified, the Scott Catalogue number refers to a Philippine stamp.
• Created: 19 August 2026

 

Topical Collection: Airport on Philippine Stamps

 

Topical Stamp | Aviation | Airport

 

Mactan-Cebu International Airport

The Mactan-Cebu International Airport, located in Lapu-Lapu City, serves as the international gateway to Cebu and other destinations in the Visayas. Terminal 2, which opened in July 2018, is known for its unique design. Its large, curved wooden roof made from glued-laminated timber was inspired by the waves of the sea surrounding Cebu. The use of wood, glass, and natural light gives the terminal a warm and relaxing atmosphere. Its design also reflects Filipino culture and Cebu’s identity as a tropical island destination.

 

A joint stamp issue to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Morocco and the Philippines was released on April 25, 2025. The Terminal 2 of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport appears on the 23-piso stamp to represent the Philippines.

 

Marrakech-Menara Airport

Marrakech-Menara Airport, located six kilometers from Marrakech, is Morocco's second-busiest international gateway. One of its most impressive feature is its modern architecture. The terminal combines contemporary design with traditional Moroccan patterns and geometric decorations. Its design reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage while providing modern facilities for travelers.

 

A joint stamp issue to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Morocco and the Philippines was released on April 25, 2025. The Terminal 1 of the Marrakech-Menara Airport appears on the 46-piso stamp to represent Morocco.

 

Note:

• Stamps are shown at actual size.
• Only Philippine stamps depicting an airport are included in this list.
• Scott Catalogue numbers are provided when available. When no country is specified, the Scott Catalogue number refers to a Philippine stamp.
• Created: 17 August 2026

 

Topical Collection: Eclipse on Philippine Stamps

 

Topical Stamp | Astronomy | Eclipse

 

1988 Total Solar Eclipse

 

On March 18, 1988, a total solar eclipse was visible across parts of the Philippines. A narrow path of complete totality passed through southern Mindanao, including Davao City and General Santos City, where the eclipse lasted for approximately three minutes.

 

To commemorate this astronomical event, a set of two postage stamps were issued on the same day as the eclipse. The stamps were denominated at 1 piso (Scott #1922) and 5.50 piso (Scott #1923). The stamp design illustrates the stages of the solar eclipse.

 

1995 Total Solar Eclipse

On October 24, 1995, a historic total solar eclipse passed over the southernmost part of the Philippines. It was the last total solar eclipse visible from the country during the 20th century. Although most of the Philippine archipelago experienced only a partial eclipse, the narrow path of totality crossed the remote islands of Tawi-Tawi. There, the eclipse briefly turned the mid-morning sky into darkness, with totality lasting approximately 2 minutes and 10 seconds.

 

Unfortunately, the much-anticipated event was obscured by heavy clouds and sudden rain showers that swept across Tawi-Tawi. As totality began, the thick clouds blocked the view of the Sun and its beautiful corona from observers on the ground. Although the islands were plunged into darkness, many spectators were unable to witness the eclipse itself.

 

To commemorate this rare astronomical event, the Philippines issued a 2-piso postage stamp (Scott #2374) on the same day as the eclipse. Its design depicts the total solar eclipse over Tawi-Tawi beneath a cloudy sky, reflecting the conditions experienced during the event. A total of 320,000 copies of the stamp were printed.

 

Note:

• Stamps are shown at actual size.
• Only Philippine stamps depicting an eclipse are included in this list.
• Scott Catalogue numbers are provided when available. When no country is specified, the Scott Catalogue number refers to a Philippine stamp.
• Created: 16 August 2026

 

Topical Collection: Military Aircraft on Philippine Stamps

 

Topical Stamp | Aviation | Military Aircraft

 

Boeing P-26 Peashooter

 

Stamps were issued to honor Lt. Cesar Fernando Basa and Lt. Jose Gozar, pilots of the Philippine Army Air Corps, the forerunner of the Philippine Air Force. Lt. Gozar was personally awarded by Gen. Douglas MacArthur the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in aerial combat against enemy forces on December 10, 1941. Lt. Basa was the first Filipino fighter pilot casualty of World War II and was posthumously awarded the Silver Star Medal.

 

The Lt. Jose Gozar issue was released on October 20, 1955, with 20-centavo (Scott #C78) and 50-centavo (Scott #C80) stamps. The Lt. Cesar Fernando Basa issue was released on December 12, 1955, with 30-centavo (Scott #C79) and 70-centavo (Scott #C81) stamps. The four stamps show the P-26 Peashooter and a portrait of the respective issue's featured pilot.

 

The P-26 Peashooter, designed and built by Boeing, is the first American production all-metal fighter aircraft and the first pursuit monoplane to enter squadron service with the United States Army Air Corps. It was in use with the U.S. Army Air Corps as late as 1941 in the Philippines. Thirty-one were sold to the Philippine Army Air Corps between 1937 and 1941.

 

Boeing P-26 Peashooter and Mitsubishi A6M Zero

 

Stamps were issued to honor Col. Jesus Villamor, a pilot of the Philippine Army Air Corps. He is credited as the first Philippine Army Air Corps pilot to have shot down a Japanese aircraft at the start of World War II. He shot down two Mitsubishi A6M Zero with his outclassed P-26 Peashooter. He was personally awarded by Gen. Douglas MacArthur the Distinguished Service Cross extraordinary heroism in aerial combat against Japanese forces on December 10, 1941. He received a second Distinguished Service Cross (Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster) for another act of extraordinary heroism on December 12, 1941, when he led six pursuit planes against 54 Japanese bombers. He also received the Legion of Merit medal from the United States Armed Forces. President Ramon F. Magsaysay awarded him the Medal of Valor on January 21, 1954, for his bravery as a pilot and his work as an intelligence officer during World War II.

 

The Col. Jesus Villamor issue was released on April 9, 1973, in denominations of 10 sentimo (Scott #1186) and 2 piso (Scott #1187). Both stamps feature the same design, featuring a portrait of Col. Jesus Villamor, a P-26 Peashooter, and two Mitsubishi A6M Zero. The only difference between the two stamps is the background color of the portrait.

 

The Mitsubishi A6M Zero was a long-range, carrier-based fighter aircraft manufactured by the Mitsubishi Aircraft Company, a division of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. It served with the Imperial Japanese Navy from 1940 to 1945 and played a significant role during Japan’s invasion of the Philippines, where it was one of the primary aircraft deployed by Japanese forces.

 

On March 25, 1974, the 10-sentimo stamp was overprinted and surcharged to a value of 15 sentimo (Scott #1230) in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Lions Clubs International in the Philippines.

 

North American F-86 Sabre and Curtiss JN-4 Jenny

 

Two stamps were issued on May 2, 1960, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Philippine Air Force. Denominated at 10 centavos (Scott #C83) and 20 centavos (Scott #C84), both stamps feature the same design, depicting the Philippine Air Force logo alongside a Curtiss JN-4 Jenny and an F-86 Sabre. The stamps differ only in color.

 

The Philippine Air Force traces its origin to the Philippine Constabulary Air Corps, which was created with the passage of Commonwealth Act 1494 on January 2, 1935, and later redesignated as the Philippine Army Air Corps on January 11, 1936, when it was placed under the control of the newly established Philippine Army. The Philippine government reorganized the armed forces after World War II. The Philippine Air Force was formally established as a separate major service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on July 1, 1947.

 

The Curtiss JN-4 Jenny is a biplane built by the Glenn Curtiss Aeroplane Company, later the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company. It was used to train early Filipino military pilots.

The F-86 Sabre is a transonic, jet-powered fighter aircraft manufactured by North American Aviation.

 

The Philippine Air Force received its first F-86 Sabre in 1957 as its principal interceptor and marked the major transition into the jet age. It was in service into the late 1970s.

 

The 10-centavo stamp was overprinted and revalued to 6 centavos (Scott #847) on November 30, 1961, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation.

 

Note:

• Stamps are shown at actual size.
• Only Philippine stamps depicting a military aircraft are included in this list.
• Scott Catalogue numbers are provided when available. When no country is specified, the Scott Catalogue number refers to a Philippine stamp.
• Created: 10 August 2026.