The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has released new commemorative stamps to mark the 425th Foundation Day of the City of Malabon on May 21, 2024.
The commemorative stamps symbolized the rich history, culture, and culinary tradition of the City known during the Spanish era as Tambobong.
City Mayor Jeannie N. Sandoval and Postmaster General Luis D. Carlos unveiled the said commemorative stamps in a fitting ceremony highlighting the colorful celebration of Malabon City’s 425th Foundation Day held at Malabon City Sports Center.
Malabon’s historic journey began during the Spanish colonial era dating back over four centuries. Originally part of the tribal domain of Raja Soliman, in nearby Manila, “Tambobong” derived its name from the numerous tambo trees flourishing in the region.
Records indicate that on May 21, 1599, Tambobong came under the administration of the Augustinian Friars as a “bisita” or parish, along with Navotas. Over the next 260 years, the twin towns were occasionally separated and rejoined before becoming autonomous.
During the Spanish Era, Malabon transformed into a favored retreat for Intramuros friars and government officials. The town earned the name “Malabon”, with the term “mala” (bad) stemming from the mud that flawed their pricey European leather shoes and elegant robes. On the other side of the “bon/buen” (good) symbolized the town’s redeeming qualities- its rejuvenating fresh air and the excellent cuisine.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Tambobong’s proximity to Intramuros and the Galleon Trade in the Manila Bay had spurred economic growth. In 1888, the first “Tranvia de Bapor” began operating along Malabon’s river system, providing efficient access to the Northern provinces.
The strip of three (3) commemorative stamps features the rich history and culture of Malabon City. The first is the San Bartolome Church which stands as a testament to the city’s past. Built in the 1600s, its Baroque style reflects the religious fervor of the time. The second, is the famous and original Pancit Malabon, which is loaded with delicious seafood toppings, smoked fish flakes, pork cracklets and duck eggs laid over thick rice noodles. The third, is the Tambobong Indakan festival, which promotes the rich and colorful culture of the city. The festival featured the talents, skills, and creativity of the people of Malabon City.
PHLPost has printed 42,000 pieces of the P16.00 strip of three (3) commemorative stamps and additional 3,400 pieces of Official First Day Cover. Another 1,000 copies of personalized stamps were printed of the historic “La Princesa ”, a large tobacco factory in Brgy. Hulo, owned by the King of Spain which was established in 1851. Malabon City Mayor Jeannie N. Sandoval is featured in the background. The stamps were layout by PHLPost in-house graphic artist Jose Antonio A. Jayme.
The stamps are now available at Manila Central Post Office Annex Bldg. in Liwasang Bonifacio.
