The Value of Stamps.
Like other treasures such as antiques, stamps differ in value. The most expensive stamps are the rarest and the oldest. There is always the assumption that age is in direct proportion to the rarity of a specific issue. The older the stamp, the more likely that there are only a few copies of its kind.

The condition of the stamp is also a major factor in collecting stamps. The old, unused, perfectly perforated stamp is the prized catch of any stamp hunter. However, age and rarity oftentimes justify the condition, especially if the stamp is the missing piece in the collection. Most Cebuano collectors care less for the condition when it comes to very old stamps.

The Cebuano Stamp Collectors
Many Cebuano philatelists, if not all, specialize in thematic collecting. Collections vary either by taste, profession, age, or environment. Kids collect stamps with cartoon characters. The more professionals collect such hard-to-acquire stamps as pre-war pieces or foreign stamps.

Most of the themes of Cebuano collectors depict subjects unique to the Philippines. But there are others who specialize in foreign themes, collecting stamps reflecting on the history and culture of other countries.

Collecting stamps has become more of a storytelling hobby - narrating the events through the stamps. But then, the story is always incompletely told, especially if the theme requires the collection of old and rare stamps.

Data gathered from:
1. Cebu Stamp Club, Inc. c/o Mr. Richard Allan Uy
2. Excerpts from an article by: Jonel Abellanosa