THE NEW GENERATION PHILIPPINE BANKNOTES

Last December 16 of 2010, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas unveiled the new designs of what they called "The New Generation of Philippine Banknotes". These latest bills are now in circulation. All six banknote denominations – including P20, P50, P100, P200, P500, and P1,000. Somehow the design and bright colors remind me of the eighth most traded currency in the world, the HongKong dollars (and I'm really digging it).

The newly updated bills highlight the indigenous species (the Blue-naped parrot or kulasisi, the Asian Palm Civet or alamid, the giant trevally or maliputo, the tarsier or boot, and the gentle giant, the whale shark or butanding) and different key tourist destinations ( Banaue Rice Terraces, Puerto Princesa’s Subterranean River National Park, Mayon Volcano, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Taal Lake, and the Bohol Chocolate Hills). The same heroes of the past bills were retained, with the notable addition of Corazon C. Aquino to accompany her husband Ninoy Aquino on the 500 peso bill.

According to Ed Biado these banknotes most essential characteristics are for security purposes. Printed using the latest technology, the bills possess a lot of hard-to-forge features.

Other great things to expect in these latest Philippine banknotes.

1. More realistic portraits of former Philippine presidents and heroes.

2. Tourist destinations and notable animals found in the country on the reverse.

3. New BSP logo and Republic of the Philippines Seal.

4. New euro-like design with large numbers for easy identification.

5. Security features are spruced most noticeably the serial numbers which some might find weird and the security thread which is wider. A foil-like optically variable device is found in the new 500 and 1,000 peso bills.

6. The paper used is "hygienically treated" or has anti-bacterial properties.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is starting the mass roll-out this month of July. New coins will be launched beginning 2012. Current bills can still be used for at least three years.