Santa Staycation Stamps Available Today

Ignoring the National Security Law, Wuhan virus quarantine and social distancing rules Santa Claus has come to town! Hongkong Post launches it’s fourth set of Christmas stamps (previous issues were in 2002, 2007 and 2014).

The set of four stamps features Santa enjoying a short staycation – twelve days, not one less – while his new hybrid electric/reindeer sleigh is recharging. Savouring Chinese tea and dim sum, playing on the swings in a children’s playground, practising Tai Chi on the Victoria Harbour waterfront Santa finds the ‘Worlds Greatest City’ much changed before jumping on a Ding Ding to deliver presents and seasonal blessings of hope to the people of Hong Kong.

The $2 stamp and self-adhesive stamp sheetlet sees Santa savouring a Hong Kong-style Christmas feast of yum cha. On the stamp sheetlet, Santa is sharing dim sum from a cart with the homeless.

$3.7 stamp and self-adhesive stamp sheetlet, Santa and Rudolph chill out on the swings reminiscing about pre-Covid Christmas and free speech.

The $4.9 stamp has Santa Claus join his gingerbread men friends for a Tai Chi workout on the Victoria Harbour waterfront. The $4.9 stamp sheetlet has Santa and the gingerbread man enjoying a mental workout over a game of Chinese chess.

$5 stamp and self-adhesive stamp sheetlet – with his reindeer recovering from being pepper-sprayed while trying to park his sleigh in Central – has Santa taking a ding ding to finish delivering his presents…

No visit to Hong Kong is complete without a trip on the Star Ferry, Santa crosses the harbour to bring love, peace and joy to those unable to sit at home with piles of cash.

The assorted Christmas stamps and philatelic products can be bought at any post office or ordered online here

Hongkong Post to Issue Bruce Lee Souvenir Stamps

On the 80th anniversary of Bruce Lee’s birth, 27 November, Hongkong Post will pay tribute to the local legend with a special stamp issue Bruce Lee’s Legacy in the World of Martial Arts.

More than 47 years after his passing Bruce Lee still inspires people across the world. As Hongkong Post puts it “His great achievements transcend territories, times and disciplines. His charisma radiated from the silver screen, his prowess amazed the martial arts community, his profound legacy lives on in the hearts of many”.

The special issue comprises a set of six stamps and two stamp sheetlets, featuring Lee’s four movies – The Big Boss, Fist of Fury, The Way of the Dragon and Game of Death – as well as his philosophy and signature Jeet Kune Do. The $10 and $20 stamp sheetlets portray Lee from various perspectives representing “multiple aspects of who he was and how he lived his life”.

A special souvenir pack modelled on a film clapperboard includes:
an embossed album containing the various stamps, a set of six maximum cards and a notebook featuring photos, quotes and Lee’s philosophy.

The mini-pane, designed as an old-style movie ticket, feature scenes Lee’s movies. A stamp printed on the mini-pane is derived from his autograph and the Chinese character for dragon.

The stamps and associated philatelic products are available at all post offices from 27 November or ordered online here.

India by the Bay: A Digital Series

The Sixth India by the Bay, postponed from February, has become a slimmed-down online festival entitled India by the Bay: A Digital Series running from 15-18 October, 2020

The virtual festival features four free events and offers HongKongers an insight into Indian culture and history through film, food, yoga and conversation. The events are:

Yoga as a Way of Life | 15 October, 7pm
Yoga philosopher Daniel Simpson will present a specially designed session on the benefits of Yoga in these difficult times

Zaika: Food, Creativity and Lockdown | 16 October, 7pm
Romy Gill and Rahul Gomes Pereira in conversation with Vir Sanghvi

East West – A Legacy | 17 October, 7pm
Shubhendra Rao, disciple of Pandit Ravi Shankar celebrates the centenary of his Guru’s birth.

Churchill: Hero or Anti Hero | 18 October, 7pm
Shashi Tharoor in conversation with Mukulika Banerjee on the life and legacy of Winston Churchill, one of history’s most complex figures.

India by the Bay 2020
Date: 15-18 October, 2020
Venue: Asia Society Hong Kong Center
Tickets: free