The Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) welcomes the new year with the launching of special 2012 Commemorative New Year Stamps for the coming of the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese lunar calendar.

Postmaster General Josefina Dela Cruz said that the head of a fire-breathing dragon can be seen in the P7 stamp, while the full picture of a dragon has been printed on the P30 stamp. The words “2012 Year of the Dragon” are written at the bottom of both designs.

Imprinted is the greeting of “Manigong Bagong Taon” and its English translation “Happy New Year” written on the P7 and P30 stamps, respectively.

According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2012 is the Year of the Dragon, which begins on January 23, 2012 and ends on February 9, 2013. In ancient China, the celestial Dragon represents power. The Chinese believes it is the ultimate auspicious symbol signifying success and happiness.

New Year stamps are popular with philatelists or postage stamp collectors, especially those who collect by subjects or themes.

Around 35,000 pieces have initially been printed for both the P7 and the P30 stamps, while there are 5,000 souvenir sheets, each worth P74.

People born in the Year of the Dragon share certain characteristics: Innovative, enterprising, self-assured, brave, passionate, conceited, and quick-tempered.