I think I have developed a new source of interest. It started when I purchased this postcard from Baltimore in 1947. I now love buying "used" and vintage postcards. Used postcards are those that were stamped and really sent to a particular person many years ago. I actually have this dream that the postcards I have today will eventually be brought to a vintage market place. Another collector will acquire my postcards and he / she will begin researching about my details. That is, if any member of the future generation will still show interest in collecting stamps and appreciating the classic postal mail. 

This unexpected interest intensified when I was able to somehow, successfully search the real owner of the postcard from Baltimore in 1947. My secret dream is that a member of the Villonco family will eventually discover my blog and reach out to me. I'm not sure, but I have a feeling that the Villonco couple is related to the granddaughter of this famous actress and film producer. My belief intensified when I learned that both the paternal and maternal families of the granddaughter hails from Malabon. Blame everything on my self-taught internet research stalking skills. Hahaha But I know someone who does it better. Hello Mother E! Hahahaha

This newly discovered addiction interest made me acquire a few more pieces of used postcards. I actually purchased two more and I will separately blog about it. :)



My recent acquisition is a locally sent postcard in 1947. The  sender is unknown. But based on the details shown on the postmark, the card came from Baguio and part of the limited First Day Cover (FDC). As far as my limited knowledge in Philately is concerned, FDC is released to mark the initial issuance of a commemorative stamp. It has an envelope or postcard bearing a stamp with a postmark indicating the date of initial release.




This FDC originated from Baguio City and was released way before my parents were born. The stamps still relate that the Philippines is still under the Commonwealth system, a few years after the Japanese colonisation era.



More than the historical meaning of this time period, I was rather interested with the real owner of this card. I initially searched for the location of Filipinas Building. I was unsuccessful. I believe the building is no longer existing or probably, it has changed its name. I went searching for the recipient of the card and I would like to believe I was successful.

This blog was of great help. Unfortunately, I can't find the blogger's contact details and it has been more than a year since it was updated. Nevertheless, I was able to secure possible photos of Tony Calero.

Photo originally owned and uploaded by Cuervo Property Advisory
Standing second from the right is the Tony Calero, whom I feel is the real owner of the postcard. I can see a typical Filipino with Spanish lineage. As we often call it here, mestizo and mestiza. :) This again gave me an idea that the family is considered as an affluent member of the society. True enough, the entire family is identified as the pioneer of country's first board of realtors.

As I understood it, Tony Calero is part of the group who  established the Manila Board of Realtors in 1938. Upon further research, Manila Board of Realtors is now called as the Philippine Association of Real Estate Boards Inc. (PAREB). There are a lot more information about Tony Calero and the Manila Board of Realtors. But I feel so lazy to read the additional details. :) Added to this, there was a time when Tony Calero became the president of the group.

Is there anyone here who is familiar with the Calero family or at least the Manila Board of Realtors? I would love to hear stories, especially if it comes from his family. Likewise, I'm interested where is the Filipinas Building referred in the postcard's address?