107. Fun and Fascinating World of Collecting PHILIPPINE MEDALS

About a decade ago, I started my collection of Philippine medals, beginning with those featuring Presidents and heroes and then expanding to include commemorative and historical medals. The hobby of medal collecting offers a wide range of options, with medals available in a variety of styles, designs, and prices.

Starting with a budget as low as 50 pesos, one can begin their collection with a nice religious or school medal. As the budget increases, collectors have the opportunity to purchase more rare and unique medals that they are interested in. This allows for a flexible and evolving collection that can grow and change as one's interests and budget permit.

Whether you are just starting out or are an experienced collector, the Philippines offers a wealth of medals to choose from, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage and history. With so many options available, collecting Philippine medals is a fascinating and rewarding hobby that provides a unique window into the country's past and present.

You can further enhance your knowledge and connect with like-minded individuals by joining a collectors club or society such as the Bayanihan Collector Club (BCC), the Philippine Numismatic and Antiquarian Society (PNAS), or the Banknote Society of the Philippines (BNSP).

For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, you can explore places such as Recto in Manila where you may find unique and valuable medals, especially if you are collecting school medals. Other reliable sources include World Treasures in SM Megamall, Cubao Antique Center (Cubao Shoe Expo), and Jun Cuartero's coin shop in Greenhills, Mandaluyong. If you prefer the convenience of online shopping, you can also buy medals on platforms like OLX or eBay.

For a comprehensive understanding of Philippine medals, you may refer to books such as Coins, Medals and Tokens of the Philippines 1728-1974 by Aldo Basso and Philippine Medals and Token 1720-2010 by Earl Honeycutt. These books can be purchased both online and from the collectors, clubs mentioned earlier.

The history of Philippine medals is a rich and fascinating one, tracing its roots back to the Spanish colonial period. During this time, medals were a way for the Spanish to reward and recognize acts of bravery and heroism, as well as military and religious achievements.

As the Philippines transitioned from Spanish to American rule, new medals were introduced to commemorate important events and honor military heroes. With the establishment of the Philippine Commonwealth in 1935, the use of medals continued to evolve. New medals were introduced to commemorate the inauguration of the new self-ruled government.  These medals often featured unique designs and symbols that reflected the cultural heritage and history of the Philippines.

In the modern era, medals continue to play an important role in Philippine society. The Philippine government awards a range of medals for various achievements, including those for military service, civil service, and humanitarian efforts. The Philippines has a long tradition of creating medals featuring its presidents and heroes to honor and recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to Philippine society. These medals are a tangible representation of the country's cultural heritage and history and serve as a way to commemorate the achievements and contributions of those who have shaped the nation. They also provide insight into the values and ideals that the Philippine people hold dear.

Additionally, various organizations and foundations in the Philippines also offer their own medals to recognize achievements and contributions in fields such as science, arts, and sports.

The rich history and diversity of Philippine medals make them an interesting and rewarding collectible, providing insight into the country's cultural heritage and important events in its history. Whether for personal interest or for investment purposes, collecting Philippine medals can be a fulfilling and educational experience.

Keep in mind that the medals listed here are just a small representation of the diverse types of Philippine medals available. With new medals still being made today, the opportunities for collectors are limitless.

Early Philippine Medals

PRESIDENTIAL MEDALS

President Emilio Aguinaldo / First Philippine Republic

Pres. Carlos P. Garcia / Presidential Inauguration, Dec. 30, 1957

Pres. Diosdado Macapagal and VP Emanuel Pelaez / Presidential Inauguration, Dec. 30, 1961

Manuel L. Quezon Centenary 1878-1978 / Quezon Province - Lucena City (Gold)

Manuel L. Quezon Centenary 1878-1978 / Quezon Province - Lucena City (Bronze)

Pres. Elpigio Quirino / 2nd Anniversary Republic of the Philippines, July 4, 1948

Pres. Manuel Roxas A.D. 1946

Pres. Diosdado Macapagal / President of the Philippines, Maraming Salamat

Pres. Marcos's Visit to China / June 9, 1975

 

Pres. Fidel V. Ramos, Republica ng Pilipinas

Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos / Seal of the President of the Philippines

Pres. Manuel L. Quezon and Gen. Douglas MacArthur  / 25th Anniversary Commemorating Bataan and Corregidor

PM Kurrit Pramoj and Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos / Seal of the Prime Minister of Thailand  and President of the Philippines

Pres. Manuel L. Quezon and Gen. Douglas MacArthur  / 25th Anniversary Commemorating Bataan and Corregidor 1942 -1967

Diosdado Macapagal Fifth President  / President of the Philippines, Inaugurated Dec 30, 1961

Pres. Dwight D. Eisenhower and Pres. Carlos P. Garcia,  Philippines, June 14-16, 1960

Pres. Richard M. Nixon and Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos / Seals of the President of the United States of America and President of the Philippines, July 26, 1969 

Ferdinand and Imelda / President of the Philippines, Inauguration Dec. 30. 1965

Marcos - Lopez, Nacionalista Party

Carlos P Garcia Fourth President, Dec 30, 1957, Inauguration Medal 

Vote Marcos, Winner with a Cause / Nacionalista Party 1964

Ferdinand E. Marcos, President of the Philippines/ Central Bank Region I Office Bldg. San Fernando, La Union, Inauguration Sept 10, 1977

Pres. Chun Doo Hwan and Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos / Seals of the President of  Republic of Korea and President of the Philippines, July 6-9. 1981

Pres. Gerald R. Ford and Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos / Seals of the President of the United States of America and President of the Philippines, Dec 6, 1975

Juan Carlos De Bourbon and Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos / Seals of Don Juna Carlos De Bourbon and President of the Philippines, February 18-21, 1974

Fra Angelo de Mojara and Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos / Seals of Malta and President of the Philippines, February 1-15, 1979

Ziaur Rahman and Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos / Seals of President of Bangladesh and President of the Philippines, May 25-27, 1980

President Carlos P Garcia, MRR Commencement of Work Ceremonies, Sorsogon Railroad Extension, Sept 10, 1961

Josephine Kama Bonco and Imelda R.. Marcos / Flags of Gabon and the Philippines, July 8-11, 1976

First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos / Cultural Center of the Philippines

Patricia R. Nixon and Imelda R.. Marcos / Flags of the USA and the Philippines, July 26, 1969

OTHER PHILIPPINE MEDALS 

President Carlos P Garcia, MRR Commencement of Work Ceremonies, Cagayan Valley Railroad Extension / Seal of the Manila Railroad Company, 1892

Carlos P. Romulo, President of the United Nations General Assembly 1949-1950  / For Distinguished Service to World Peace and Understanding, Congressional Medal of Honor, Awarded by Congress of the Philippines

Carlos P. Romulo, KJalihim ng Suliraning Panlabas / Kagawaran ng Mga Suriraning Panglabas, Republika ng Pilipinas

Apolinario Mabini Centennial 1864 - 1964 / National Heroes Commission

Banko sa Pagpapaunlad ng Pilipinas, Makati, Rizal, Pilipinas / Development Bank of the Philippines

1854-1954 Elizalde Centenary

Lungsod ng Maynila 1571 - 1963 Timbulan ng Laya st Diwang Dakila / Alaala ni Garpuno Antioni de Jesus Villegas

Bureau of Printing, Manila, Golden Jubilee 1901-1951 / Service Medal

Manila Electric Company 1903-1988 / MERALCO 1903

Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz / Miss Universe Country 1974

Miss Universe 1973 Marcie Moran / Miss Universe Country 1974

Philippine Sugar Technologies 1970

Philippine Institute of Architects

YMCA 1935

YMCA Special Golden Jubilee Award, For Service

Burgos, Gomez, Zamora Centennial, 1872-1972

PANAPEX 1952 (Maria Clara)

1953 Philippine International Fair

100 Taon Paglilingkod sa Sankatauhan 1863-1963 / Pambansang Krus Na Pula ng Pilipinas, Ika Sandaang Taon ng Krus na Pula (National Red Cross) 

Fifty Years of Red Cross Service 1905-1955 / Philippine National Red Cross, Golden Jubilee

Philippine National Red Cross, For Service

CHRISQUAPIPEX Christianization Quarter Centennial Philippine International Philatelic Exhibition Dec 6-12, 1968 / Associacion Filatelica De Filipinas, 40th Anniversary 

ORO NEW LUCKY, Jewelry & Watch Store, Since 1948  / 437 Evangelista St. Manila.

International Congress on Rizal 1961 / Jose Rizal Centennial Commission

Knights of Columbus, Manila, Philippines.  Fraternity, Charity, Patriotism, Unity 

The Barrio, Backbone of the Nation / Republic of the Philippine, 9th Anniversary, July 4, 1955

Philippine Boy Scout Service Award B.S.P.

Philippine Boy Scout, For Meritorious Service

1937 Eucharistic Congress Manila

Philippine Independence Congress 1930

National Convention of Lawyers, Manila, May 1947

Philippine Charity Sweepstakes / Held ay Sta. Ana. Park, Sept 16, 1951

1932 Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, Philippine Islands / George Washington, Bicentenary of the Birth of a Great Man

1953 Eight Science Pacific Congress, Victory of Science over Death, Rizal, Philippines

PAPAL MEDALS

Pope Pius X, Coronacion De Nustra Senora Del Santo Rosario De Manila, Octubre 1907

Johannes Paulus II Pont. Max / X World Youth Day, Manila Philippines, Jan 10-15, 1995

III Congressus Eucharisticus Nationalis, PP Paulus VI / IV Centennial Insular Philippine Chirstianization1965

His Holiness Pope Giovannie Paolo II and Pres. Ferdinand Marcos / Papal Visit to the Philippines, Feb. 17-22, 1981

Pope Paul VI Pastoral Visit / November 27-29, 1970, Manila Philippines

1970 Pope Paul VI / Papal Visit, Asian Bishops Meeting,  November 27-29, 1970, Manila

Mabuhay Pope Paul VI Philippine Pastoral Visit

RELIGIOUS  MEDALS

IV Centennial Christianization 1565-1965 / III National Eucharistic Congress, April 28 - May 2. 1965, Cebu City, Philippines

Fourth Centennial Christianization 1565-1965 / Santo Nino, Cebu City, Philippines

Second National Eucharistic Congress, Manila Nov. 28-Dec 2, 1955 / First Centenary of the Feast of the Sacred Heart

Our lady of Antipolo / San. Antonio De Padua

Santo Nino de Cebu Bless Us / Mother of Perpetual Help Pray for Us

XV Centnario De La Conversion De San Agustin 1587-1887

Congreso De Cristo Ray IV Vicaria Tanawan Batangas 1941.

CARNIVAL  MEDALS

1939 Manila Carnival

1936 Manila Carnival

1925 Manila Carnival

SCHOOL  MEDALS

Mapua Institute of Technology

University of the Philippines, School of Hygiene and Public Health

Pontifical Et Regalis S, Thomae Aquinatis Universitas (UST)1611 -1961

Santo Tomas De Aquino, Patrono de Los Estudantes, (For Priesthood ) Manila

Real Y Pontificia Univesidad de Santo Tomas Manila

University of the East, First President

 Ateneo De Manila / Highest Gen. Average Primary Grades 1929-1930

Colegio De Sta. Rita, Pampanga

San Beda College Manila

San Beda College Manila

Saint Louis School Baguio

Colegio De San Juan Letran / Blessed Vincente Liem De LA Paz

Escuela Normal De Maestros De Instruccion Primera Manila

De La Salle College, Commerce

University of Santo Tomas High School

Isolacion de Santo Tomas De Aquino, Virtud Cinecia, UST

1959 La Salle Green Hills, Mandaluyong

St. John Baptist De La Salle

Colegio De La Immaculada Concepcion Manila Concordia

SPORTS  MEDALS

1955 Knights of Columbus Golden Jubilee National Sports Festival

1945 MPC Inter-Zone Athletic Meet

11th SEA Games Manila 1981

 University Athletic Association Philippine (UAAP) Volleyball 1999

1928 Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation (PAAF) National Championship

MILITARY / POLICE MEDALS

Presidential Security Command Malacanang / Favian Ver

Special Forces Philippine Army

1945 For the Liberation of the Philippines

1945 For the Defense of the Philippines

National Volunteers Al Merito

Philippine Coast Guard

Philippine Veterans Legion

National Volunteer Philippines / Service