A new dawn for The STAR

MANILA, Philippines — As the sun set over Metro Manila yesterday, a new dawn broke at the office of The Philippine STAR, the country’s leading newspaper.

Government officials and some of the country’s tycoons descended on The STAR’s new headquarters, a five-story building located on a 4,800-square-meter lot inside Amvel Business Park in Parañaque, for the building’s inauguration and blessing.

A symbolic ribbon cutting ushered in a new chapter for the newspaper founded by veteran journalists Max Soliven, Betty Go-Belmonte and Art Borjal 38 years ago on the heels of the people power revolt.

MVP Group chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan led the cutting of the trademark yellow “Philippine STAR” ribbon in a ceremony held at the lobby of the new building. Joining him were The STAR president and CEO Miguel Belmonte, editor-in-chief Ana Marie Pamintuan, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

“Congratulations to The STAR. We’ve done very well. It’s a tribute to the management team,” Pangilinan said.

In his speech, Belmonte said yesterday’s ceremony wasn’t just to celebrate a new structure, but a new chapter – a new dawn – for The Philippine STAR.

‘For close to four decades, The Philippine STAR has been a guiding light to millions of Filipinos. We have navigated through pivotal moments in our nation’s history, stood at the forefront of change and shone a light on truth and accountability.

“As we flip to the next chapters of The Philippine STAR, we are reminded of how far we have come – from our humble beginnings to becoming one of the most trusted and respected pillars of Philippine journalism, our journey guided by an unwavering commitment to truth, excellence and service to the Filipino people,” Belmonte said.

For his part, Bersamin, in his message, said, “For decades, The Philippine Star has been more than a news source. It has been a critical force in shaping Filipino society and safeguarding our democracy.”

He said the newspaper has empowered citizens to make informed decisions in our nation’s daily life, as well as to hold our officials and leaders accountable.

The Philippine STAR, Bersamin added, has chronicled our nation’s journey in times of triumph and turbulence with unflinching candor and directness.

“May The Philippine STAR continue to be a beacon of truth and democracy for generations to come,” he said.

First Lady Liza Marcos, in a video message, said the new building marks a new chapter for the newspaper and is a testament to its continued growth.

Bersamin led the esteemed guests from the government who also included Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go as well as local executives Parañaque Mayor Eric Olivarez and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte. Lawmakers who attended were Senator Cynthia Villar and daughter Camille, Rep. Edwin Olivarez and Rep. Mariano Michael Velarde.

Some of the tycoons and businessmen who graced the occasion included Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Zobel brothers Fernando and Jaime Augusto, Kevin Tan, Tessie Sy-Coson, Hans Sy and Thomas Mirasol.

The STAR Board members in attendance included chairman Ricky Vargas, Danny Yu, Marife Zamora, Leo Posadas and Jane Basas.

From the Belmonte family, present were former speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and sons Isaac and Kevin, who are also on The STAR board.

It was indeed an event graced by The STAR’s stakeholders to celebrate the newspaper’s past, present and future

As the event’s host Danie Laurel said, “The STAR’s aligned to where it is today.”