2010 YEAR OF THE TIGER

According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2010 is the Year of the Tiger, which begins on February 14, 2010 and ends on February 2, 2011.   The Tiger is the third sign in the cycle of  Chinese Zodiac, which consists of 12 animal signs.  It is a sign of courage. This fearless and fiery fighter is revered by the ancient Chinese as the sign that wards off the three main disasters of a household: fire, thieves and ghosts.

People born in the Year of the Tiger are generally well liked because of their charming personalities.  Often, failing at a given task or being unproductive in his personal or professional life can cause a Tiger to experience a deep depression.  Criticism from loved ones can also generate this type of Tiger reaction.

Goneplacid Crab (Carcinoplax nana) - This dark-fingered goneplacid crab  inhabits  rocks and boulders to depths of 30 to 70 meters in Balicasag Island. [Photo: P. K. L. Ng]

Largo’s Spider Crab (Cyrtomaia largoi)  - This deep sea spider crab is characterised by many long sharp spines and long legs. This species was hauled out of the depths from over 400 meters. The species is named after the head of USC’s biology program, Dr Danilo Largo, and was described by Dr. Bertrand Richer de Forges, an expert on the genus, from the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement in Nouméa, New Caledonia. [Photo: T. Y. Chan]

Fuzzy Sponge Crab (Hirsutodynomene vespertilio) - It is easily the most diagnostic of the sponge crabs known due to its dense fur and unusual carapace features, hence its common name. The species was named by Professor Colin McLay of Canterbury University in New Zealand, an expert on the family.  [Photo: P. Ng]  
 

According to the Chinese Zodiac Signs, people born in the Year of the Ox are emotionally well balanced and serene, which makes for stable relationship. They are completely dependable, extremely hardworking, resolute individuals who can overcome difficulties and achieve the goals that they have set for themselves. They show great judgment in choosing their friends. Once they decide to trust you, they become firm friends whose help and sound advise are much appreciated. However, don't ever take advantage of an ox, or you'll find yourself with a sworn enemy.

The loyal and trusting nature of ox women makes them vulnerable. They prefer to keep to a familiar circle of family friends rather than move out into the world. For them, affection and responsibility go hand in hand. They always give the best of themselves.

PHILIPPINE SHELLS

The Philippines has over 7,000 islands, and its coastline is longer than that of the United States. Being the oldest coral reef formation in the world, it is no wonder that we are very rich in marine life, especially seashells. There were so many shells new to science being discovered and named in our country in the past 25 years. Recently, there are many more under study by conchologists all over the world. We should be encouraged to move forward to further study our heritage beneath our seas. 

For this first series, the following Philippine shells are featured:  

PHILIPPINE SNAILS

Land snails, relatives of seashells, are well-known for their beauty, vivid colors and exquisite patterns. About 35% of the world's land snails are found in the Philippines, and almost all of them are endemic to the country. Due to their extreme sensitivity, many have become extinct in their rain forest environments as a result of deforestation. Most land snails will not survive when transferred to other environments, so it is only by saving our forests will we be able to save our land snails. 

The following endemic land snails of the Philippines are featured: 

Philippine Spiny Cinnomon Frog	Philippine Pygmy Forest Frog
Philippine Flat-headed Frog	Luzon Limestone Forest Frog

The text and photos of Philippine Endemic Frogs are provided for by Dr. Arvin C. Diesmos, Ph.D., Scientist II, In-charge of Herpetology Section, Zoology Division, National Museum of the Philippines.

The design for the Se-tenant Pair shows the Philpost Chinese characters series depicting the Year of the Dragon.

One of the interesting feature of the souvenir sheet is Saver, a remarkably intelligent white “asong pinoy” or Aspin (common Filipino native breed). Saver, who was trained to do various dog tricks by Apolinario Villarosa Lazarte, Jr., is a multi-awarded dog and starred in many films and commercials. He also inspired the signing of R.A. 8485, which is commonly known as Animal Cruelty Law.

The following breeds are featured in the Dogs of the World special stamps:

Chow Chow – An ancient breed of Chinese origin, the Chow Chow is a member of the spitz family. As a working breed in its country of origin, the Chow was used to guard, hunt and work as a cart dog.

Bull Terrier – Originally called the Bull and Terrier, this British breed represents a cross between the Bulldog and the now extinct White English Terrier. Bull Terriers are friends to all, but because their first job was that of pit fighter, their feisty instincts die hard.

According to the Animal-World website (http://animal-world.com/encyclo/marine/tangs/tangs.php): “The Acanthuridae family contains the fish that are known as Surgeonfish, Tangs, Unicornfish, and doctorfish. The name “surgeonfish” is derived from their possessing erectable razor sharp spines called ‘scalpels’ at the base of their bodies just in front of the tail fin. These spines or scalpels are very sharp and can cut like a knife. They have oval bodies that are very compressed laterally and small mouths adapted for nibbling and scraping small organisms from the rocks and coral.”