The first time I remember receiving a postcard from a friend, its stamp was dated Sept. 17, 2013. I unexpectedly found it with the pile of monthly bills—which seem to be the only things that occupy much of the mailboxes in the age of e-mail and Facebook chat.
On its pink-colored front was a scribble of a girl with curly hair, paired with free-hand calligraphy in the same style of the drawing that said “planet curls.” In her letter, she revealed that the postcard was purchased in an art fair.
“I got this card from a girl who sold woodcrafts. I was actually very amazed that I was able to take home some cards considering that no one really sells postcards nowadays,” she wrote.
Fast-forward three years later, the interest in the art of creating and sending postcards are being revived at a fast pace. A lot of people are going old-school, rediscovering the delight of sending and receiving handwritten letters—and Valentine’s season isn’t excluded.
Preen found artful postcards to send out to your long-distance relative, friend, or partner this month. Let’s just hope your love—we mean, the cards—don’t get lost in the mail.
For the animal lover
Marcela Suller has digital craypass designs, with strokes that are moderately reminiscent of the fauvist style, that feature the cutest pet animals. It’s purr-fect for cat ladies or just some-bunny you love. (See what we did there?)
For the cinephile
Watercolor postcards by Cynthia Bauzon-Arre captures moments between lovers. In this case, our favorite couples from pop films like 500 Days of Summer and Juno.
For the K-drama addict
We all know someone who’s obsessed with anything Korean, and they’ll greatly appreciate it if you give them a postcard with their favorites on them. At least they know that you support their interests even though you’re into it that much.
For the punny jokester
Cheesy Hallmark cards have run its course, so why not give something witty to show your love? These cute digital art postcards are sure to get you a date (even after Valentine’s) for sure.
Got questions about postcards? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered
Where to find them: 10A Alabama Arts and Crafts Fair (Quezon City), 98B Future Market (Escolta, Manila), Papemelroti, Hey Kessy, The Common Room, The Prism Gallery, Restock
Average cost: Reprinted versions range from P10-P250, while original prints start at P900-P6000
Where to send them: PHLPost offices branches found in select malls, municipal halls and campuses all over the country
Cost of stamps: For domestic and international postcards, it is P13-P15; Priority mail stamps are worth P40
Time postcards take to reach its destination: For local addresses, 9-14 days; international addresses, 3-5 weeks; Priority mail (both local and international addresses), an average of 1-2 weeks
Follow Preen on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and Viber