MANILA---Philippine Postal Corporation (Post Office) Postmaster General & CEO Norman N. Fulgencio led the unveiling of the new commemorative stamps for 10 Filipino Living Legends to mark two milestones – 75th years since the first stamp of the Republic of the Philippines was issued and the 254th anniversary of the establishment of the Philippine Postal Service.
The Post Office presented the “Living Legends: World-Renowned Filipinos” (Series 1) stamps launched on November 13, 2021, as a tribute to the indomitable Filipino spirit.

This new issuance is the first of the three categories with multiple series, namely, Living Legends: World-Renowned Filipinos Series; Living Legends: Outstanding Filipinos Series, and Never Forgotten Series.
For this first collection of "Salamat-- Pagpupugay sa mga Alamat" series, 10 outstanding and world-renowned Filipinos were recognized for their huge contribution to nation-building and remarkable achievements in various fields of endeavor: tech inventor Dado Banatao, Fil-Am NBA star Jordan Clarkson, industrial/furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue, fashion designer Monique Lhuillier, lingerie designer Josie Natori, six-time World Cup bowling champion and Guiness word record holder Rafael “Paeng” Nepomuceno, international billiards legend Efren “Bata” (the magician) Reyes, singer-actress and broadway star Lea Salonga, Asia's first grandmaster and world chess hall of famer Eugene Torre, including the iconic Jollibee mascot of Jollibee Foods Corp.
According to PMG Fulgencio, "These icons have fueled Filipino pride and proven that Filipino talent rises to the global standard. They represent the best and brightest Filipinos whose excellence brought international recognition to the Philippines." Thus, the Post Office gives honor and respect to these exceptional Filipinos through this historic stamp issuance.
In 1767, the first post office was established in the City of Manila under a new postal district of Spain. Inaugurated in 1931, the Manila Central Post Office was considered the grandest building and the most prominent landmark and tourist attraction. It was destroyed during World War II in 1945, but was rebuilt in 1946.
The Post Office earlier in October launched Barangay Ginebra icon Robert “Bobby” Jaworski’s own Living Legend Stamp.-Marlon Bernardino-
Unveiling of the stamps and official first day cover - LIVING LEGENDS - World-Renowned Filipinos: Series 1 (Photo credit to Philippine Postal Corporation)
Paeng Nepomuceno and Eugene Torre, World-Renowned Filipino athletes (Photo credit to Philippine Postal Corporation)
Guiness World Record holder Mr. Paeng Nepomuceno receiving the commemorative stamp in his honor. In his speech, Mr. Nepomuceno especially mentioned Ambassador Jose Puyat and Mr. Aristeo Puyat as among those who greatly supported his career in bowling. (Photo credit to Philippine Postal Corporation)
Asia's First Grandmaster Eugene Torre and Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Deputy Director General for Policy and Planning Mr. Tereso O. Panga (Photo credit to Marlon Bernardino)
World 9-ball champion Francisco "Django" Bustamante (Representing World 9-ball and World 8-ball Champion Efren "Bata" Reyes) and Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Deputy Director General for Policy and Planning Mr. Tereso O. Panga (Photo credit to Marlon Bernardino)