I was delighted to get a postcard from the artistic, fellow postcard enthusiast (take a peek at her postcard box), co-blogger and newest "recruit" over at our other blog of a friend, Lauren. It's a vintage illustrated postcard of the Manila Cathedral which dates back to 1987. What's even more beautiful about this postcard is her handwritten message on the back which boasts of a calligraphic style that makes me want to weep. I think the last time I ever held a speedball pen and dipped it in india ink was in elementary (yes, we were taught calligraphy back then)!
How many people still care about writing postcards or personal notes the old-fashioned way these days? They'd rather email, send picture messages or view slide shows of their memory cards on Wii rather than mail actual photos. Well, you can't send a postcard with your Wii console and remote. It doesn't have that feature...yet.
The Manila Cathedral is located inside the historic "Walled City" of Manila: Intramuros. Recently, a famous local tour guide by the name of Carlos Celdran was arrested when he entered said cathedral in a costume mimicking that of the Philippines' National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal while a Catholic mass was going on and held a sign that simply said "Damaso." It was the name of a villainous Spanish friar in the novel authored by Dr. Rizal. It was his unique way of protesting the involvement of the church in the passage of the very controversial Reproductive Health Bill in a country that is predominantly Roman Catholic.
Mr. Celdran was charged with "Offending the Religious Feelings," an obscure provision in the Philippine Revised Penal Code. How is this crime committed? According to Art. 133 of the statute, it is when "anyone who, in a place devoted to religious worship or during the celebration of any religious ceremony shall perform acts notoriously offensive to the feelings of the faithful."
Mr. Conrado de Quiros wrote a very compelling and honest opinion regarding the "Damaso" incident.
Now, WWJRD? (What Would Jose Rizal Do?)
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11 vandalized my wall:
What a gorgeous pen and ink on this postcard--WOW! Inspiring! Amazing!
Thank you for sharing this. Happy PFF!
Wow, the handwriting is impressive!
Beautiful card, stamps and penmanship! Thank you so much for sharing this one. I think we need a few versions of that penal code written into our laws for the folks who want to burn Islam's holy book "in the name of God", and those who protest at funerals of fallen soldiers.
Both sides are lovely and I'm impressed not only by the writing but how much she has fitted on the postcard.
Happy PFF. Great card and background.
This is one great illustrated card and the prose to go with it!
I've never seen anyone write on the address half before. Not the usual type of postcard message either.
Wonderful card in more ways than one ... beautiful illustration and wonderful penmanship. I LOVE snail mail. It is a lost art. Happy PFF!
You must be as old as me, caligraphy yes we were taught that too, and ink and pens, not ball points. Great card.
I'm with you fortuitous - so few people write postcards. But I'm trying to keep the flames alive - I send them to about 20 of my childrens' friends at school, from my travels, to myself. Keep writing and mailing!
What is a postcard ? ;-)
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