Singapore Fruits Special FDC

Singapore Special FDC
Name: Fruits (Singapore – Vietnam Joint Issue)
Date of Issue: 18 November 2008

In Asia, one can find a wide variety of fruits. Fruits, from the tropics to those found in temperate countries, are all easily available from the supermarkets and wet markets.

In this joint stamp issue with Vietnam, the very well-known King of Fruits, Durian and its equal, whose flower, named Queen of the Night, grows into the fruit people know as Dragonfruit are featured.

Denominations:
65c: Dragonfruit
Dragonfruit, an oval pink fruit covered with large rubbery spurs, is a tropical fruit equally popular, with a completely contrasting taste as to the durian. It is sometimes likened to that of the kiwifruit due to a prevalence of sesame seed-sized black crunchy seeds found in the flesh of the fruit. The Dragonfruit is said to have loads of vitamin C and can aid in digestion. Vietnam is known to be the main commercial producer in the region.

$1.10: Durian
Large, oval and thorny, the Durian is the region's most infamous fruit. It is renowned for its strong smell – a scent heavenly to those who love it, but a terrible stench for those not used to its pungent aroma. In the past, the peak season for durian and with truckloads of the spiky fruit rolling in from the Causeway and as far as Thailand occurs usually between the months of June and August. However, now, one can easily find the King of Fruits almost at any parts of the year. Variety range from Mao Shan Wang, D24, XO, Golden Phoenix etc…excites all the durian lovers who will scramble to Sims Avenue, Balestier Road, Joo Chiat Place and Yio Chu Kang Road etc.

Comment: This is the first time that I have received a joint issue's FDC like this. You can see both countries' stamps on this FDC. Vietnamese stamps' size is bigger than Singaporean's, but I think the Singaporean stamps are more colorful than Vietnamese. How about your opinion?

Singapore Fruits Minisheet FDC

Singapore Minisheet FDC
Name: Fruits (Singapore – Vietnam Joint Issue)
Date of Issue: 18 November 2008

In Asia, one can find a wide variety of fruits. Fruits, from the tropics to those found in temperate countries, are all easily available from the supermarkets and wet markets.

In this joint stamp issue with Vietnam, the very well-known King of Fruits, Durian and its equal, whose flower, named Queen of the Night, grows into the fruit people know as Dragonfruit are featured.

Denominations:
65c: Dragonfruit
Dragonfruit, an oval pink fruit covered with large rubbery spurs, is a tropical fruit equally popular, with a completely contrasting taste as to the durian. It is sometimes likened to that of the kiwifruit due to a prevalence of sesame seed-sized black crunchy seeds found in the flesh of the fruit. The Dragonfruit is said to have loads of vitamin C and can aid in digestion. Vietnam is known to be the main commercial producer in the region.

$1.10: Durian
Large, oval and thorny, the Durian is the region's most infamous fruit. It is renowned for its strong smell – a scent heavenly to those who love it, but a terrible stench for those not used to its pungent aroma. In the past, the peak season for durian and with truckloads of the spiky fruit rolling in from the Causeway and as far as Thailand occurs usually between the months of June and August. However, now, one can easily find the King of Fruits almost at any parts of the year. Variety range from Mao Shan Wang, D24, XO, Golden Phoenix etc…excites all the durian lovers who will scramble to Sims Avenue, Balestier Road, Joo Chiat Place and Yio Chu Kang Road etc.

Comment: Have you eaten these fruits? Do you like them or want to have a try?

Singapore Fruits FDC

Singapore FDC
Name: Fruits (Singapore – Vietnam Joint Issue)
Date of Issue: 18 November 2008

In Asia, one can find a wide variety of fruits. Fruits, from the tropics to those found in temperate countries, are all easily available from the supermarkets and wet markets.

In this joint stamp issue with Vietnam, the very well-known King of Fruits, Durian and its equal, whose flower, named Queen of the Night, grows into the fruit people know as Dragonfruit are featured.

Denominations:
65c: Dragonfruit
Dragonfruit, an oval pink fruit covered with large rubbery spurs, is a tropical fruit equally popular, with a completely contrasting taste as to the durian. It is sometimes likened to that of the kiwifruit due to a prevalence of sesame seed-sized black crunchy seeds found in the flesh of the fruit. The Dragonfruit is said to have loads of vitamin C and can aid in digestion. Vietnam is known to be the main commercial producer in the region.

$1.10: Durian
Large, oval and thorny, the Durian is the region's most infamous fruit. It is renowned for its strong smell – a scent heavenly to those who love it, but a terrible stench for those not used to its pungent aroma. In the past, the peak season for durian and with truckloads of the spiky fruit rolling in from the Causeway and as far as Thailand occurs usually between the months of June and August. However, now, one can easily find the King of Fruits almost at any parts of the year. Variety range from Mao Shan Wang, D24, XO, Golden Phoenix etc…excites all the durian lovers who will scramble to Sims Avenue, Balestier Road, Joo Chiat Place and Yio Chu Kang Road etc.

Comment: It has a little bit pity on this design. The Durian shows its flesh and Dragonfruit doesn't.

China Stamp: 2009-1

China Stamp
Name: Year of the Ox
Number: 2009-1
Date of Issue: 05 January 2009
Value: 1 stamp/set

The Ox (牛) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Ox is denoted by the earthly branch character 丑.

2009 marks Ji-Chou Year, or the Year of the Ox. Since ancient times, the ox, always found working on farmland, has been regarded as an honest, supportive labor partner of human beings. In the eyes of the Chinese people, the ox is a symbol of hardworking spirit and selfless contribution. Widely-circulated adages like "Aware of the arrival of its late years, the ox drives itself further without being whipped" and "Head-bowed, like a willing ox I serve the children" represent the traditional virtue and diligence of the Chinese people. The ox also symbolizes affluence and ease. It will bring a vigorous, dynamic hope of a new year and herald a bright prospect.

2009 Year of the Ox
Canada FDC
China Stamp, Sheetlet II, Booklet.
Hong Kong Stamps FDC, Minisheet FDC, Souvenir Sheet FDC, Pre-stamped Postcard.
Indonesia Stamps FDC, Souvenir Sheet FDC.
Singapore Stamps FDC, Souvenir Sheet FDC.
Taiwan Stamps FDCs, Souvenir Sheet FDCs, Pre-stamped Postcards.
USA FDC

Thailand Flowers Minisheet FDC

Thailand Minisheet FDC
Name: New Year 2009 – Water Lilies
Date of Issue: 15 November 2008
Number: 857

Purpose: To promote stamp collecting activities and to be affixed on New Year greeting cards.

Designs: Illustrate the water lily
3 บาท BAHT: Suwanna Water Lily
The Suwanna Water Lily is a hybrid of the the "Khao Thammanune" and the "Blue Capense", Water lilies of this kind have two colours of the petals alternate. There are dots on the petals, stamen and pistil, giving the flowers different design.

3 บาท BAHT: Tan-khwan Water Lily
The Tan-khwan Water Lily is a hybrid of the "Perris Fire Opal" and the "Sirius", bred by Pairatana Songpanich of the Department of Agriculture. The colour is deep pink, almost red and some have a rosy colour. The form of the flower is star-like, with layers of petals, forming 44 to 48 petal layers.

3 บาท BAHT: Tanpong Water Lily
The Tanpong Water Lily is a hybrid of the "Mayla" and the "Madam Ville Frongoniere," bred by Pairatana Pongpanich of the Department of Agriculture. The flower bud tapers to the end and the top and bulges in the middle. The petal tip is pointed. The petals are white and red. The petal layers are especially dense with more than 45 petal layers. The flower in full bloom is large and semi-circular in shape and emits a soft fragrance.

3 บาท BAHT: Mangala-Ubol Water Lily
The Mangala-Ubol Water Lily is a hybrid of the "Maxicana" and the "Parries Five O," bred by Asst. Prof. Dr. Noppachai Chansilpa. The flower has dense layers of petals. It is orange yellow in colour with the ends of the petals being orange. The flower in full bloom is large and circular in shape and has a sweet fragrance. The stalk holds the flower up from the water.

China Sheetlet: 2008-28

China Sheetlet
Name: 30th Anniversary of Reform and Opening-Up
Number: 2008-28
Date of Issue: 18 December 2008
Value: 8 stamps/sheet

The year 2008 marks the 30th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up. The reform and opening-up is a new revolution carried out in the new era throughout the country under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and a great cause of epoch-making significance to the development of the CPC and the state. Over the past 30 years, China's reform has spread from rural areas to cities and from the economic sector to all other fields, with substantial results achieved. People's livelihood has undergone great changes - from a lack of adequate food and clothing to moderate prosperity. The socialist modernization construction has entered a new stage of development. Practices have proved that the desision to implement reform and opening-up is vital to the destiny of contemporary China, and that reform and opening-up are the only way of developing socialism with Chinese characteristics and rejuvenating the Chinese nation.

2008-28: 30th Anniversary of Reform and Opening-Up
Stamp; Souvenir Sheet; Sheetlet II.

China Souvenir Sheet: 2008-28

China Souvenir Sheet
Name: 30th Anniversary of Reform and Opening-Up
Number: 2008-28
Date of Issue: 18 December 2008

Denomination:
6元: Glory

The year 2008 marks the 30th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up. The reform and opening-up is a new revolution carried out in the new era throughout the country under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and a great cause of epoch-making significance to the development of the CPC and the state. Over the past 30 years, China's reform has spread from rural areas to cities and from the economic sector to all other fields, with substantial results achieved. People's livelihood has undergone great changes - from a lack of adequate food and clothing to moderate prosperity. The socialist modernization construction has entered a new stage of development. Practices have proved that the desision to implement reform and opening-up is vital to the destiny of contemporary China, and that reform and opening-up are the only way of developing socialism with Chinese characteristics and rejuvenating the Chinese nation.

2008-28: 30th Anniversary of Reform and Opening-Up
Stamp; Souvenir Sheet; Sheetlet II.

China Stamp: 2008-28

China Stamp
Name: 30th Anniversary of Reform and Opening-Up
Number: 2008-28
Date of Issue: 18 December 2008
Value: 1 stamp/set

Denomination:
1.20元 (1-1): Soaring

The year 2008 marks the 30th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up. The reform and opening-up is a new revolution carried out in the new era throughout the country under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and a great cause of epoch-making significance to the development of the CPC and the state. Over the past 30 years, China's reform has spread from rural areas to cities and from the economic sector to all other fields, with substantial results achieved. People's livelihood has undergone great changes - from a lack of adequate food and clothing to moderate prosperity. The socialist modernization construction has entered a new stage of development. Practices have proved that the desision to implement reform and opening-up is vital to the destiny of contemporary China, and that reform and opening-up are the only way of developing socialism with Chinese characteristics and rejuvenating the Chinese nation.

2008-28: 30th Anniversary of Reform and Opening-Up
Stamp; Souvenir Sheet; Sheetlet II.

Thailand Flowers FDC

Thailand FDC
Name: New Year 2009 – Water Lilies
Date of Issue: 15 November 2008
Number: 857

Purpose: To promote stamp collecting activities and to be affixed on New Year greeting cards.

Designs: Illustrate the water lily
3 บาท BAHT: Suwanna Water Lily
The Suwanna Water Lily is a hybrid of the the "Khao Thammanune" and the "Blue Capense", Water lilies of this kind have two colours of the petals alternate. There are dots on the petals, stamen and pistil, giving the flowers different design.

3 บาท BAHT: Tan-khwan Water Lily
The Tan-khwan Water Lily is a hybrid of the "Perris Fire Opal" and the "Sirius", bred by Pairatana Songpanich of the Department of Agriculture. The colour is deep pink, almost red and some have a rosy colour. The form of the flower is star-like, with layers of petals, forming 44 to 48 petal layers.

3 บาท BAHT: Tanpong Water Lily
The Tanpong Water Lily is a hybrid of the "Mayla" and the "Madam Ville Frongoniere," bred by Pairatana Pongpanich of the Department of Agriculture. The flower bud tapers to the end and the top and bulges in the middle. The petal tip is pointed. The petals are white and red. The petal layers are especially dense with more than 45 petal layers. The flower in full bloom is large and semi-circular in shape and emits a soft fragrance.

3 บาท BAHT: Mangala-Ubol Water Lily
The Mangala-Ubol Water Lily is a hybrid of the "Maxicana" and the "Parries Five O," bred by Asst. Prof. Dr. Noppachai Chansilpa. The flower has dense layers of petals. It is orange yellow in colour with the ends of the petals being orange. The flower in full bloom is large and circular in shape and has a sweet fragrance. The stalk holds the flower up from the water.

Russia Federal Assembly FDC

Russia FDC
Name: The 15th Anniversary of the State Duma and Council of Federation of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation
Date of Issue: 13 November 2008

The Federal Assembly of Russia (Russian: Федеральное Собрание, transliteration: Federalnoye Sobraniye or Federalnoje Sobranije) is the legislature of the Russian Federation, according to the Constitution of Russian Federation, 1993. It was preceded by the Congress of People's Deputies of Russian Federation.

It consists of the State Duma (Russian: Государственная дума), which is the lower house, and the Federation Council (Russian: Сове́т Федера́ции), which is the upper house. Both houses are located in Moscow. More...

Comment: The design of this set is too simple. If you don't know the Russian, I'm afraid you couldn't understand what does this set depict.

Estonia Philatelic Society Postal Stationery

Estonia Postal Stationery
Name: 50th Anniversary of the Tallinn Philatelic Society
Date of Issue: 13 November 2008

Comment: Because it's a 50th anniversary for a philatelic society. I have supposed the black and white old town represents 50 years ago, and the colorized stamp represents contrast with the old town (past) and modern building (today). How about your opinion?

2009 China Stamps & Postal Stationeries Catalogue

Update: 28/12/2009

No.	Name	Date	Values	Note
1	Year of the Ox	01.05	1	Booklet, Sheet II
2	Zhangzhou New Year Woodprints	01.18	4	Minisheet
3	Centenary of the Birth of Comrade Bo Yibo	01.15	2
4	The 24th Winter Universiade	02.18	2
5	Power Grid Construction	02.24	3
6	Selected Masterpieces of Shitao	03.22	6
7	China 2009 World Stamp Exhibition	04.10	2+1S/S	Sheetlet II
8	China & World Expo	05.01	4	Sheetlet II
9	Fenghuang Ancient City	05.23	3
10	Blessing Our Motherland	06.01	4	Booklet
11	Hangzhou Bay Cross-Sea Bridge	06.18	2
12	Centenary of the Birth of Comrade Li Xiannian	06.23	3
13	The 16th Asian Games	06.30	2	Sheetlet II
14	Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve	07.25	3
15	The Great Hall of the People	07.18	2	Booklet
16	Labrang Monastery	08.02	2
17	Stork Tower and Golden Gate	08.14	2	Joint issue with Ukraine
18	Huanglong Scenic Area	08.27	3+1S/S	Sheetlet II
19	National Library of China	09.09	2
20	300 Tang Poems	09.13	6
21	100th Anniversary of Lanzhou University	09.17	1
22	60th Anniversary of the CPPCC	09.21	2
23	Beijing - Hangzhou Grand Canal	09.26	6+1S/S
24	11th National Games of the People's Republic of China	10.16	2	Minisheet
25	60th Anniversary of the People's Republic of China	10.01	4+1S/S	Sheetlet II
26	Military Parade on the National Day for the 60th Anniversary of the PRC	10.01	4	Sheetlet II
27	Ancient Academies (2nd Series)	11.15	4	Sheetlet II
28	Guangji Bridge	11.16	3
29	Stage Art of Ma Lianliang	11.28	2
30	10th Anniversary of Macao's Return to the Motherland	12.20	3
31	80th Anniversary of Gutian Conference	12.28	1

2008 China Postal Stationeries

Number	Name	Date
JP154	CHIESER S&T Expo	03.19
JP155	50th Anniversary of Emancipation of One Million Tibetan Serfs	03.28
JP156	The Second World Buddhist Forum	03.28
JP157	100th Anniversary of Dalian Maritime University	06.06
JP158	The 60th Anniversary of The First Issue of Guangming Daily	06.16
JP159	The 10th IFSC Climbing World Championship	06.30
JP160
JP161	Sixtieth Anniversary of the Chinese Academy of Sciences	11.01
JF91	The 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy	04.23
JF92	Opening of China Post Life Insurance Company Limited	09.09
JF93	The 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force	11.11

2008 China Stamps & Postal Stationeries Catalogue
2009 China Stamps & Postal Stationeries Catalogue
2010 China Stamps Issue Plan

Indonesia Heroine FDC

Indonesia FDC
Name: In Memoriam of Cut Nyak Dhien
Date of Issue: 10 November 2008

Denominations:
1/2 Rp1500: Cut Nyak Dhien's House
2/2 Rp1500: Cut Nyak Dhien

The stamp series of National Heroine Cut Nyak Dhien is issued in commemorative 100 years of the death of this brave Aceh heroine in 1908. She died as prisoner in her exile at Sumedang, West Java and was known as Ibu Perbu (The Queen) because of Dutch government secretly kept her truly identity. Local people knew here as a polite old woman who taught Al Qur'an to women and children. Ibu Perbu's true identity was finally revealed in 1960. The information came from official letter written by Kolonial Verslag stated the Cut Nyak Dhien, Aceh resistance leader had been exiled to Sumedang, West Java.

Cut Nyak Dhien, a daughter of heroic Noble Teuku Nanta Seutia, Ullebalang VI Mukim, was born at Lam Padang Peukan Bada village, District of IV Mukim, Aceh in 1848. Like common Aceh girls, Cut Nyak Dhien was properly taught, especially in religion by both her parents as well as other Holly Quran teachers. She was married to Teuku Ibrahim, a nephew of her at the age of twelve.

The Dutch aggression in 1873 had triggered Aceh peoples, without exemption Teuku Ibrahim and his men fighting against the colonial army. In Beuranden Gle’ Taron valley battle in 1878, Teuku Ibrahim and some of his troops were killed. The death of her husband had led Cut Nyak Dhien totally involved in the war. Being a widower for a time, she was married by Teuku Umar. The couple was then continuing the struggle against the Dutch ruler. In Suak Ujung Kalak Meulaboh battle in 1899, Teuku Umar was killed. Cut Nyak Dhien and her devotees persisted to resist by launching guerilla war in the jungle. In fact, her aging and weakened body along with rheumatism and myopia suffering did not lessen her courage to fight. Under circumstance of exhausted soldiers and logistics lacking, Cut Nyak Dhien finally was kept by Dutch army in 1905 and exiled to Sumedang in 1907.

Comment: Cut Nyak Dhien died on 06 November, 1908. The issue date on the official brochure is 05 November, and the issue date on the FDC is 10 November, 2008. I'm dizzy now!

Estonia Post FDC

Estonia FDC
Name: 90th Anniversary of the Estonian Post
Date of Issue: 13 November 2008

Like the Republic of Estonia, also Eesti Post (Estonian Post) marks its 90th anniversary this year. On 13 November 1918 Col. Johan Unt, Commander of the Defence League, issued an order to appoint Hindrek Rikand as commandant of the Tallinn Post and Telegraph Office. The Estonian postal authority regards that date as the day of its founding. The first postage stamps in the so-called flower design and with a face value of 5 kopecks were put on sale on 22 November 1918. They were printed at the Bölau printing house in Nõmme, today a borough of Tallinn. Dissolved by the Soviets in 1940, Eesti Post was re-established on 1 June 1991. The main operation of AS Eesti Post, a fully state-owned company, is provision of universal postal services. Since 1994 AS Eesti Post is a member of PostEurop and the Baltic Postal Union. Eesti Post became member in the Universal Postal Union in 1922, and its membership status was restored in 1992. Through time, Eesti Post has had seven leaders – two before World War II and five after the country restored its independence. Eesti Post has about 4,000 employees.

Comment: My friend added a "75th Anniversary of the Estonian Post" stamp, depicts the first Estonian stamp, on it. I'm perfectly satisfied with this additional stamp of this FDC.

Singapore Cash Crops FDC

Singapore FDC
Name: Cash Crops of Early Singapore
Date of Issue: 12 November 2008

When Sir Stamford Raffles established the first Botanic Gardens in 1822, located on the slopes of Government Hill (now known as Fort Canning Hill), its purpose then was for experimental cultivation of plants, such as nutmeg and clove, to evaluate their economic value and suitability as Cash Crops (crops that are grown for money) as well as other tropical plants.

Denominations:
1st Local: Pepper (Piper nigrum)
Pepper (Piper nigrum) was grown in early Singapore. It is a perennial root climber and is usually grown on posts.

Black pepper is the whole dried fruit; white pepper is the fruit, which has been retted in water, and the mesocarp removed. Both are ground and used in powdered form; commercial ground pepper is often a blend and can be easily adulterated.

Pepper is widely used as a condiment, the flavour and pungency blending well with most savoury dishes.

65c: Tapioca (Manihot esculenta)
Tapioca (Manihot esculenta) is a shrubby plant native to South America, believed to have been cultivated since 800 B.C. The plant, with skinny sterns and palm-shaped leaves, can grow to about 3m. The huge storage roots are the main part that is eaten, but its leaves are also enjoyed as a vegetable dish.

Tapioca, not rice, was the daily staple food through the times of the Japanese Occupation. It was the easiest to grow, not much attention is needed on the plant and it can grow in poor soil and withstand drought, making it an important famine crop.

$1.10: Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis)
Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) originated from the Central and South America, where it has been collected for a long time. It was introduced into South East Asia from the Neotropics in 1876. H.N Ridley, Singapore's first Scientific Director of the Botanical Gardens (1888 – 1911) was such a passionate advocate of this cash crop that he would often stuff rubber seeds into pockets and beg villagers to plant them. He also perfected the tapping method that reduces damage done to rubber trees during harvest, thus prolonging the life spans and productivity.

$2: Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) cultivation in Singapore was unheard of until Sir Stamford Raffles introduced it in 1819. He brought in the first batch of nutmeg and clove trees six months after the establishment of Singapore as a trading post. Although nutmeg cultivation in Singapore proved to be unprofitable after 20 – 30 years, nutmeg cultivation was undeniably a part of Singapore's history. It is manifested through the roads named after the spice itself (Nutmeg Road) and nutmeg proprietors such as Dr Thomas Oxley (Oxley Rise), leaving traces of the heyday of nutmeg cultivation for future generations to uncover.

Comment: The coupons of this set are very gorgeous. These are additional remarks for this set. I remember that Singapore Post seldom uses these coupons. This is Israel Post's mark. lol

Thailand Princess FDC

Thailand FDC
Name: H.R.H. Princess Galyani Vadhana's Cremation Ceremony
Date of Issue: 11 November 2008
Number: 857

Princess Galyani Vadhana of Thailand, Princess of Naradhiwas (Thai: สมเด็จพระเจ้าพี่นางเธอ เจ้าฟ้ากัลยาณิวัฒนา กรมหลวงนราธิวาสราชนครินทร์) (6 May 1923 – 2 January 2008) was a Princess of Thailand and the elder sister of King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) and King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX). She was also a direct granddaughter of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V).

When she came to take permanent residency in Thailand, she made use of knowledge by teaching in many academic institutions as well as by helping her mother, Somdet Phra Srinagarindra the Princess Mother, in various social activities. During her life time, H.R.H. the Princess of Narathivat devoted herself to the education of young people and promoting social welfare in terms of medical and public health care as well as the environment. She had applied her experience to the development of the country. Her interests covered a wide range of experience in writing and academic pursuits. For this, she earned the titles, the Writer Princess and the Academic Princess. Many of the books she wrote have helped to enhance people's understanding of the country's history, customs and politics.

During the final stage of her life, the Princess of Narathivat was admitted to the Chalerm Prakiet Building in Siriraj Hospital. She passed away, at the age of 84, on January 2nd, 2008 at 2.54 a.m. The Royal Household Bureau has scheduled November 14th, 2008 as the day of the royal cremation.

Comment: No official FDC this time, but my friend got the designer's autograph for me. Thanks!!