Dia Del Galeon Festival 2010

 

Date of Issue: October 08, 2011
Designer: Jesus Alfredo Delos Santos

Designs: Artist’s rendition of the Galeon with the map of the Philippines, Mexico and Spain showing the Galeon trade.

Souvenir Sheet 1 shows the old map taken from the book of Sen. Edgardo J. Angara.
Souvenir Sheet 2 shows the modern map showing the Galeon trade route and the logo of Dia Del Galeon Festival.

Denomination and Quantity:
Php7.00 / 75,000 pieces
Souvenir Sheet 1: Php 14.00 / 6,500 pieces
Souvenir Sheet 2: Php 47.00/ 6,500 pieces

The 8th October was chosen by UNESCO as the Dia del Galleon to commemorate the arrival of the first Manila galleon in Acapulco, Mexico, in 1565.

The Día del Galeón Festival celebrates the unique journey of the Manila galleons and their place in maritime history – spanning the globe and linking the Philippines with Mexico and Spain. For 250 years (from 1565 – 1815) the Manila galleons were a conduit for global trade and cultural exchange between Europe, the New World and Asia.

Galleon - A galleon was a large, multi-decked sailing ship used primarily by European states from the 16th to 18th centuries. An ocean going ship type which evolved from the carrack in the second half of the sixteenth century. A lowering of the forecastle and elongation of the hull gave galleons an unprecedented level of stability in the water, and reduced wind resistance at the front, leading to a faster, more maneuverable vessel. The galleon was powered entirely by wind, using sails carried on three or four masts, with a lateen sail continuing to be used on the last (usually third and fourth) masts. They were used in both military and trade applications, most famously in the Spanish treasure fleet, and the Manila Galleons.

It is uncertain exactly how many Manila Galleons were built – some authoritative sources say as few as 110 while others indicate many hundreds. The vast majority were built in the Philippines, using renowned Philippine hardwoods; at least eight are known to have been built in Acapulco, Mexico. Cavite, in Manila Bay, was the location of the largest shipyard building Manila Galleons: up to 2,000 tons and as long a 160-feet; others were built in shipyards in Marinduque, Masbate, Sorsogon and Camarines.

“The number of Manila Galleons that sank en route, in weather related mishaps or by force of arms from British and Dutch privateers, is also not clear but as many as 40 Manila Galleons are known to have sunk. Of the Manila Galleons that sank, most perished during their exit from the Philippine archipelago, with a handful being wrecked along the California coast upon arrival in the New World. Few wrecks have been found, partly because: of the deep and or treacherous waters in which they sank; and, Philippine law discourages active exploration of historic wrecks

A replica of the 17th century Galleon from Spain, Galeon Andalucia was docked in the Manila Pier during  October 05 - 09, 2010, for public viewing. Guests were allowed to climb on-board and view the Galleon Museum.

Thanks to friend, Mr. Cenezo S. Quemado from Iriga City, Philippines for sending me these stamps and souvenir sheets inside this wonderful registered cover, with stamps and one of the souvenir sheet on reverse of envelope.

Click here to know more about the Dia Del Galeon Festival 2010.

Source: Wikipedia, philpost.gov.ph, ncca.gov.ph