UST Quadricentennial Stamps

My alma mater, the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines, is celebrating its 400th anniversary this year. This "Royal, Pontifical, Catholic University" commemorated its quadricentennial academic existence with these specially issued stamps in the "Unending Grace" series (named after the university's official hymn) with four different designs, which my pal and schoolmate Lauren happily sent me in two UST-inspired postcards.

She also used these adorable ink stamps from a popular Philippine stationery shop called "Papemelroti." The first one is an ice cream vendor (which the campus has!) and the other one is a "taho" (sweet soy beverage) vendor. Even people in tech jobs wouldn't mind this traditional nourishment!

The stamps depict the following:

• UST Main Building
• Central Seminary
• Arch of the Centuries
• The Foundation of the University of Santo Tomas painting

The three structures on the stamps were declared as "National Cultural Treasures" on January 25, 2011.

Lauren was also able to be part of the colorful Quadricentennial Parade with Miss Igorota, our common traveling doll!

Thanks again, Lauren...and it's her birthday today, so HAPPY BIRTHDAY! (March 4th)