A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit my favorite shop in Sta. Cruz, Manila. I was hoping to purchase some old and used postcards. My excitement faded when I discovered that my reliable store already ceased business operations. My happy place is gone. I took my lunch at the nearby McDonald's, feeling sad and regretful. In my mind, I should have visited earlier. I should have been able to purchase the remaining postcards. Before returning for work, I noticed the usual sellers offering old coins and paper bills. I wasn't interested not until I discovered that one of them offers old photographs, vintage game cards and a few postcards. I rummaged to the dusty pile of cards from one male seller and discovered my own kind of treasure.


I noticed this stained and dilapidated card. I was already willing to purchase it, regardless if it has been used or not. I checked the card and here's what I discovered.

1966 baby! No questions asked, I have to take this home. 

The letter was written way back 1966, it's turning half a century old next year. It may not qualify as an impressive vintage but I'm more than happy to acquire an item years older than me. 

Nothing much has been said about the sender of the card. All I can recognize is that the sender is having a great vacation in Philadelphia. As for the recipient, I have a feeling that Rosario Peña is the yaya (nanny) of the sender. Quoting the salutation, "Dear Yayay," I believe in the possibility that Yayay is the sender's way of addressing her yaya or nanny. My fellow Filipinos can probably sense that the sender came from affluent family in the society. In 1966, plane tickets are probably paid in full amount. No credit cards or promo fares :) 

I tried searching Rosario Peña and as expected, I ended with useless leads. It didn't help that addresses before were so simple. Before, letters can reach the intended recipient by simply providing the district and municipality.  Everybody knows everybody and the population in 1966 is surely less than a thousand at least in Quezon.

I know it might be impossible but if anyone here knows someone from Pagbilao Quezon, I hope you can help me track the sender and recipient of this card. It would be so nice to hear the real story behind the postcard. If my estimates are correct, the recipient of the card is probably in her late 60s or older.