EDITOR'S PAGE
When I received the complimentary set of HK Telecom phonecards (pictured above) in 1992, I had no inkling it would start a collecting fever that would last for over five years. Back then, I was technophobic. However, as I was buying a lot of phonecards, I thought the only way I could manage and make them a true collection, as oppose to accumulation, is by using a computer or computer rental. It was fortuitous decision because with my phonecards, I was able to self-study and practise the computer that eventually lead me straight to the Internet. Without phonecard collecting, I doubt if I would have bought a computer and without the Internet, I certainly would never have met and interacted with my fellow collectors around the world enchancing and broadening my collecting experience and knowledge.
Since moving back to my country from Hong Kong, I came to realize that phonecard collecting in the Philippines is practically non-existent. People here are ignorant if not oblivious to the fact that collecting phonecards is a big and serious hobby that is pursued by millions globally.
Amongst the countries in the region, the Philippines, sad to say, stands out as the only country where it is almost impossible to find a phonecard dealer, off or online. The hobby never really took off for one reason or another. There is almost no media coverage much less an exhibition. It is for these reasons that I have decided to resucitate my former phonecard pages (early exercises in web page designing) and expand them to share and show my countrymen the wonder and fascination of this hobby. As for the established collectors out there, I hope you will find some interest in my phonecard collection.
For this inaugural issue of PoneKard (filipinized word for phonecard) webZine,
I have culled from my archive and the web, articles that clearly and plainly explain the hobby to the general public and potential collectors. Included is an extensive list of phonecard links for you to visit and explore.
Our online shop PoneKard Collection is featuring a collection of Early Chinese Phonecards. There is very little information about Chinese phonecards in print or in the Net so we hope you find the collection and the information we gathered helpful. Living in Hong Kong then, I was fortunate to collect these classic phonecards. The thematic content of the collection is as follows: First Issues, Stamps on Phonecards, Flowers, Chinese Arts and Culture, and Sceneries.
Alex Rendon said, "What is most important to me and comes across as my main driving force in collecting is 'the hunt' or 'the chase'." I cannot agree more but we hope to make your hunt a little easier by providing you with lots of information about the hobby.
In our next issue, we will explore the phonecards from the Philippines and the Telcos that issue them. In conjunction with this, The PoneKard Collector Service is being organized and will be launched shortly. The PoneKards Collector Service is envisioned to serve as an agency in building a local collecting community and to provide online promotional and marketing services for the local Telcos.
I would love to hear from you. If you have any queries, comments or suggestions don't hesitate to email us.
HAPPY COLLECTING!
Jun Alday
