I'm not sure if there are people who share my interest with used postcards. Most people would probably find it as a weird and unusual hobby. My interest started when I scored this postcard from Baltimore from a vintage shop in Sta. Cruz Manila. Upon browsing the dusty pile of old cards, I started to notice pieces of used postcards. Like my usual purchase behavior, it started with one card and the rest was another story of shopping addiction. ;) 

Lately, my reliable shop in Sta. Cruz, Manila hibernated again. I'm not even sure if the shop is still on operation. When I checked my archive, my last attempt to feature a used postcard was on August 17, 2016.  I thought my weird and old hobby would die. Fortunately, my recent visit to the Manila Central Post Office opened an alternative. I encountered an old woman offering used postcards. Her collections are great, except for prices. And because I miss my old hobby, I took the bait of making another unnecessary purchase. 


The postcard originated from Cuba and sent to Manila in 1905. It features the Havana Central Park. The illustration is more than a century old. Hence, I was expecting some major transformations. True enough, I can't find photos that feature the tamed and seated lions.

The postmark is still clear in actual. It's just difficult to capture the details because its color blended with the design of the postcard. The postmark is important because it confirms the age of the postcard. 


The postcard is intended for Jorge Pineda. It would have been easier to track Jorge Pineda if his actual address was used. Using P.O. Box as a delivery address didn't help my research. 


There are surely a number of Jorge Pineda in the Philippines. However, I knew an artist with the same name. I'm inclined to believe this card belongs to a prolific painter. I knew him as one of the first Filipino cartoonists and a painter depicting Filipino hometown scenes. A few years ago, his name became popular among art collectors. His heirs denied the authenticity of a painting in a local auction. They were claiming that the original painting is still under the family's custody. Some art collectors explained the possibility that Pineda might have created duplicates or miniature of the Las Buyeras (Betel Nut Vendors).  This case also happened in some of Fernando Amorsolo's art works. 

If my details are valid, Jorge Pineda was born on 1879. He is around 26 years old when he received the postcard. He died in 1946 at 67 years old. 


As for the sender, I almost didn't notice that he provided his name. On the left is a stamped name of Ramon D. Guerin, Box. 5, Cienfuegos. I verified Cienfuegos and learned that it serves as the capital province of the southeastern coast of Cuba. This provides additional support of the postcard originating from Cuba.

I tried to search details about Ramon D. Guerin. The nearest I found was an online census record.  He was born about 1884 in Cuba. If such detail is correct, Ramon D. Guerin was 21 years old when he sent this post card.

It is too difficult to translate the handwriting in the postcard. However, a great friend helped me extract the message. Thank you Mother E!!!!
He recibido con places su bella postal for la le day mil lo que por las diele que use envia que desea y le feara la ver rauictis le tengo que pedirly i la por no es esta. esperas do mas gratus noticias. Quedo, S.S.R.D.G
Google Translate's direct translation 

I have received with places his beautiful postcard for the day one thousand what for the diele that he uses sends that he wishes and he fears to see him rauictis I have to ask him and I for it is not this. Waits for the most gratus news. Quedo, S.S.R.D.G

I failed to cull details of their relationship. I'm wishing that anyone here can help in the translation. 

For now, I'll leave this post hanging in my tree of uncertainty.