Philatelic Store @ GPO Festive Collection Launch

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When I was informed that I had a chance to visit the pre-launch opening of the Philatelic Store at the General Post Office (GPO) located in Singpost Centre, I was stoked! OG readers would know that I had been to the Philatelic museum 6 years ago. I really enjoyed my time there because it was more than a stamp museum because the people there also try to educate and enlighten visitors about Singapore's history, culture and traditions.

The outlet at GPO is not a museum (aren't stores become 'museums' when we window shop? haha) but it's a store filled with philatelic items; basically anything related to postage and stamps. Now, before you judge it to be a boring old store with stamps, I'm here to prove you wrong.

I used to also associate stamp collecting to something dull; imagining some old man with his thick albums filled with old stamps that has been collected over the years as a hobby. But stamp collecting or anything relating to postage can be cool, hip and artistic! A quick visit to the Philatelic store can prove you that.

Owned and operated by Singapore Post, the Philatelic store offers a comprehensive range of Singapore & Foreign Stamps, Thematic MyStamp, Souvenirs, and Philatelic gifts. Every item in the store marks a special moment in Singapore's history. The commemorative value and exquisite designs of the collections make them perfect for all occasions - such as business gifts, or as cherished inclusions on every philatelist's personal collection.

There's an item for everyone, the young, old, artsy, practical and not forgetting the hobbyists.





At the entry, you will be welcomed by a beautiful display of Thematic Mystamp which is the Changi Mystical Garden with Sanrio Characters. The Stamp folder features Hello Kitty, Dear Daniel, Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, My Melody, Gudetama and Little Twin Stars with free lanyard retailing at S$21.80. Who says stamps can't be cutesy?



What put a smile on my face was the "Greetings" stamps collection which features Singapore's very own Merlion wishing your friends and loved ones "Good luck", "Miss you", "Congrats, and other popular Greetings. We were informed it was inspired by the ever so popular emoticons but with a Singaporean touch. This annual collection of 2017 consists of Mint Stamps, First Day cover (only on 15 Nov 2017 and postcards ranging from S$1.60 onwards.



On the left side of the store, you can find Philatelic Store @ GPO Exclusives among many varieties of stamps and collectibles. One of them is the Posting Boxes of Singapore Collection which includes a pouch, tote bag, cushion cover & tea towel from S$5 onwards.

There's also a treat for the kids too because they can have the Singpost Postman & Postwoman Mini Figurines Collections à la Lego figurines at S$25 each & S$50 for a set of 2)

If that is not enough, there are premium gifts. There is a Local Delights Collection which is definitely one of my favorite collection, well, because, food! It features childhood sweets to festive treats. Just looking at the pictures remind of me of my yearly routine with Mak baking traditional kueh for Hari Raya.

You can get your hands on Traditional Biscuits Magnets set & greeting cards and Local Delights Tea Towel with MyStamp Sheet all prices from S$8.90 onwards. I just couldn't resist the magnets that I bought a set for myself!









On the right side of the store, there was a plethora of stamps of almost every theme you can think of, from Singapore's history, iconic people & landmarks, animals, culture & traditions and many more. Believe me when I say you will be spoiled for choice and even if you are not interested to buy, it's rather enlightening and interesting to browse through all the collections.







This side of the store also has an assortment of Festive Gift ideas on items with philately designs in a range of S$5 to S$10. There are notebooks, tote bags, plastic holders, postcard sets, magnetic bookmarks, passport holder, pencil case... I mean, do I need to go on?









My favorite display and items got to be the ones at the back of the shop. On both sides, there are artistic displays of Peranakan and Singapore shop houses themed stamp displays that I've never seen before. You know how I mentioned before, collectible stamps has always been kept in albums, these are perfectly displayed in beautiful frames with touches of item or artwork pertaining to the theme.

The Peranakan themed display would have pieces of their traditional cloths and even their signature soup spoon. The shop houses themed display would have 3D display of the shop houses and beautiful artwork. Yes, they are probably the most expensive items in the shop but if I think this concept is so elegant. You can display them up on a wall for every one to see instead of hidden in an album.





At a few sections of the store, it also holds philatelic historical artifacts such as original hand stamps and ink pads from the former General Post Office at the old Fullerton Building, as well as from post offices across the island. There is also a copy of a postal manual, published in 1960 which contains rules and guidelines for various departments.





Just outside the store, there is a colonial-era pillar posting box that has been restored and mail dropped into this posting box will be postmarked with a special date stamp in red ink!





I really had a good time at the Philatelic Store at GPO as I "ooohh" & aahh" with itchy hands trying very hard not to go all out buying the items there.

I would like to say thanks people at the GPO for hosting & goodie bag and also Brunches Cafè for catering the food for the event. Brunches Cafè is the latest Chic Vintage Themed Bakery/ Cafè along Rangoon Road (in the neighborhood of Farrer Park MRT). The cafè serves all-day breakfast menu, gourmet sandwiches, waffles, coffee, tea and other beverages for the funky cafè-goers. Unfortunately, it is not Halal so I only took bites on the fish and salads. The food was pretty okay but check out their ambiance!




[http://www.brunches.sg/]

Anyways!

You can shop these items and more on SingPost's online shop at https://shop.singpost.com/ but it would be better if you can physically visit Philatelic Store @ GPO (#01-127 to 128) at the heart of SingPost, the General Post Office. It is because I can also promise you, it's also a very nice photo worthy spot perfect for your Instagram feeds.