This is a revised presentation of the collection I uploaded last month: not only upgrading it from 5 to 8 frames but also presenting the collection in an actual exhibit format which allow you to view the contents as if you are standing right in front of the exhibit frames.

Admittedly the main focus of this collection are the American Bank Note archival materials ranging from the actual stamp design essays, photo essays, large die proofs and the specimen plate numbers set of which only three sets exist (I stand corrected when I first indicated that only two sets exist).

Unique and beautiful as the above may be, they are only a part of what a traditional exhibit should and must be.
I strongly suggest that you take a close look on the actual usage of the issue. Without the actual usage of the stamps the proofs and essays are mere drawings or to some extent, small pieces of art. The actual usage justify on how the issued denominations came about and why six of the seven values underwent several printings. 

From the time line usage one can also discern why this 7-value set was issued on a staggered basis or why the 4c Rizal Monument, the lowest denomination in the set, was issued last together with the 1 peso Colonnade of Palm Tress. The ABN Co. printed the stamps based on a schedule of requirement given to the by the Bureau of Posts and the 4c value was the last to be required as ample stock was on hand of  the 2c Rizal sepia definitive and different values of the Victory issues. As the stock of these stamps diminished the BOP gradually released the 1947 Pictorials set.

I draw your attention is on the postal rates used during the covered period of actual usage. For the 1947 - 1948 period I arrive at a conclusion that the outbound air mail rates were set primarily based on who carried the mail - either by PanAm or Philippine Air Lines. The only rate that was probably dictated by the Bureau of Posts was the 18c regular postage it required on all outbound mail matters except those addressed to the U.S. and its territories (why to the U.S. only? Your guess is as good as mine). The 1947-1948 air mail rates was on a per country basis rather than on a per region basis. Complicated as it may seem, this actually make the actual usage of the issues very interesting as more often it required the use of several values on one cover or the mixed use with other ABN printed issues. As you can clearly see on a per frame basis, the resulting exhibit is more colorful, thus making it more interesting to look and read.

Admittedly the interest on Republic issues is very minimal. Personally, I thought of it as boring and at one point readily available because in philately it is classified as a modern period. After taking a second and third look at the covers this so called "modern period" can actually produce some spectacular rarities (sadly not yet in this collection) like a properly used 50c or 1 peso on a local cover and perhaps a local parcel rate using any of the top four denominations. These I would like to see while both my feet still firmly on terra firma and if ever that time comes, it will surely jolt me 10 feet off my seat. Proper local commercial use of the issue is more difficut that outbound mail. The limited number of domestic covers in this collection is a testament to this fact. Sadly, many collectors do not realize this. What is difficult for outbound mail are those addressed to unique destinations like Africa.

I  hope that this presentation can change the attitude of collectors towards this period. This collection made me think twice and I now believe that given the right impetus, the Republic period can be interesting and informative as well. 

There is not point in me rattling off numerous adjectives to describe this collection. JUST LOOK!

Last but certainly the least, this collection belongs to Dr. Tommy Sim.

Abe Luspo 
Manila, Philippines 
August 29, 2005