Why they read The STAR

We asked the 25 winners of our Christmas contest why they read The Philippine STAR.

Here are some of their answers:

First prize: Senen Masagca, 57. Tricycle driver of P-8 Bahay Toro, Quezon City: “I read The Philippine STAR because it is unbiased. Walang kinikilingan. Plus The Philippine STAR also has good writers and columnists.”

Second prize: Adrian Guevara, 31. Call center employee of Holy Angel Phase 1, San Fernando, Pampanga: “I’ve been reading The Philippine STAR since I was in third grade, that was way back in 1987. It was my father, a shrewd, no-nonsense and straight-forward alpha male, who influenced me to read and be an avid fan of Philippine newspapers’ brightest star. Here are my four-star reasons: S-traightforward articles with firmness and conviction but without concealment or deception. T-imely stories that captivate all readers. A-ccessibility, as every newsstand has a copy of it plus your user-friendly-always-up-to-date website. R-efreshing and reinventing writers who are always on top of their game!”

Third prize: Florencio del Mundo, 49. Plumber/pipe fitter of Asia 1, SRDC, Canlubang, Laguna: “I always read The Philippine STAR because of its very informative content. Happy enough with its bright ideas in every section that the correspondents and columnists contribute. Everything you want to know from its columnists, from cover to cover, through their inspirations and aspirations. Everybody reads this broadsheet as its columnists reveal themselves in front of their computers. From a look back at what happened the previous month, to looking forward to what’s going to happen next. Regarding sports, I’ve gotten ideas and learned more through ‘A Sporting Chance.’ Reading The Philippine STAR, there is no more excuse to miss out on what’s up, what’s hot and what will happen next.”

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Christina Joy Saludes, 8. Grade 3, Canossa School of Sta. Rosa, Laguna: “Ang Philippine STAR ay ang dyaryo naming araw-araw. Sa pagbabasa nito, lagi akong nakakasagot sa ‘Makabayan’ tuwing oras na ng balitaan dahil ang Philippine STAR ay kumpleto at detalye ang mga balita. Salamat sa Philippine STAR, ito ay malaking tulong upang ako ay manatiling outstanding student.”

1Lt. Rommel Jimenez, 27. Philippine Air Force, Clark Air Base, Angeles City: “With my profession where I am preoccupied with my work, I still find time to read your broadsheet as if my day is incomplete without reading or just scanning The Philippine STAR when time is scarce. I really like the arrangements of pictures posted as being contrasted with the advertisement, news, columns, editorials, opinions, etc. With regard to news reporting, opinions or editorials, views are expressed in a neutral manner without bias. News are written in a balanced way where the banner theme ‘Truth Shall Prevail’ is always being observed. The broadsheet is also very colorful, thus, it’s very pleasing and attractive to the eye and you’ll be delighted to read it from cover to cover.”

Vivian Aguilar, 40. MIS officer, PBCom of Vista Valley Executive Village, Marikina City: “I read The Philippine STAR because it is loaded with relevant news and information. It keeps me updated with what’s happening around me. It also features a lot of exciting and entertaining stories. It’s a paper that caters to a wide audience. It covers a variety of topics – business, sports, entertainment, life stories, etc. Everything you want to know about our country, our business, the latest trends in fashion and gadgets, food, places to go to, arts, lifestyle, homes, etc. can be read in The Philippine STAR.”

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Philip Abad, 53. Employee of 10487 Grove Street, Batong Malake, Los Baños, Laguna: “The reason why I read The Philippine STAR is because of the sports section, especially the column ‘A Sporting Chance’ kasi updated kayo sa mga results ng PBA and NBA unlike other newspapers. Bilib ako sa iyo sa mga insights at mga nalalaman nyo sa mga athletes. Pag may bagong laban si Manny Pacquiao, nagre-research ka agad para magkaroon kaming mga fans ni Manny ng insights kung gaano kagaling ang makakalaban nya. Sabi nga ng iyong mga colleagues sa sporting world, ikaw ay walking encyclopaedia pagdating sa sports, kaya saludo ako sa iyo.”

Victoria Marifosque, 45. Architect of 177 A. Bonifacio Street, San Juan City: “When I read other newspapers whether in the office, cafés or clinics, it feels incomplete. When I read The Philippine STAR, I know every news has been covered. Moreover, I like the choice of news for the headlines and front page than the other newspapers which are becoming sensational. About the comic section, the Spiderman series, though, has been repeating its stories.”

Merlinda Betorin, 34. CAD operator of 101 S. Villanueva Street, Ibaba, Malabon: “Money is hard. I read The Philippine STAR because it’s worth every penny. I don’t feel short-changed. The contents are all informative and they have the best mix of writers. There’s always something for every Juan in The Philippine STAR.”

More in tomorrow’s column.