Our story:
30 years of responsible journalism
“Why don’t you share your faith with others and with a column?” Cardinal Sin once asked The
Philippine STAR founder Betty GoBelmonte. So, she thought of having a little column called Pebbles, and asked a go-ahead from Max Soliven, then the upcoming newspaper’s publisher and chairman; Tony Roces, president and editor-in-chief; and Art Borjal, vice chairman and corporate secretary. It was mid-1986.
Following divine guidance, Betty and the “three men” shaped the newspaper with a promise of helping in nation-building and projecting the positive. “And in cases where the story is negative, we should present both sides and all sides,” Betty told them. Hence the newspaper’s biblical motto, “Truth shall prevail.”
From the very first time it came off the press, The STAR has become a bringer of credible, comprehensive news, features and editorials while educating and inspiring Filipino readers with innovative solutions. In a span of 10 years, the newspaper climbed steadily and its improvement became remarkable in industry standing, newspaper content and production capability.
The STAR was the first newspaper in the country to go full-color and use computer- to- plate systems in newspaper printing. With the advent of cellular phones and SMS, The
STAR also pioneered opinion polling and “televoting” with the launch of Hotline 2000. In 2013, it pioneered the use of augmented reality in print newspaper with the Read It! Live It! mobile app, which provides readers with richer content and reading experiences. Just last year, The STAR realized a unique marketing strategy in the form of merging well-loved columns and television.
For its 30th anniversary, The STAR is diving into another channel — short film. Capturing a Yolandastricken setting, the five- to 10-minute motion picture entitled Cardboard
Balita communicates the invaluable contribution of The STAR in shaping and reinforcing the values of Filipino people by delivering the Truth every day.
The newspaper also attempts to do its share in helping calamity victims in the country through its socio-humanitarian arm, Operation Damayan. Also founded by Betty GoBelmonte, the program has fostered a culture of helping and sharing, deeply rooted in the hearts and minds of The
STAR staff and employees. As it reaches its 30th year milestone,
The STAR promises to keep the legacy of responsible journalism, innovativeness and hands- on goodwill. From being a humble eightpage newspaper to one of today’s best broadsheets in the country, The
Philippine STAR will continue to be a bearer of light and a symbol of longer life for printed news.
From being a humble eight-page newspaper to one of today’s best broadsheets in the country, The Philippine STAR will continue to be a bearer of light and a symbol of longer life for printed news.