A 'STAR' is born

Today at 4 pm, President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III will be delivering his second State of the Nation Address inside the Halls of Congress at the Batasan Complex. As stated in Article VII, Section 23 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the President shall address the Congress at the opening of its regular session. Let’s hope our solons don’t fall asleep.

Everyone seems to be anxious about the content of his ‘speech’. In all honesty, I am too! What will he say this time? That is the question.

The endless squabbles from the disappointed and unhappy sectors of society, the pessimists, the optimists, the avid ‘Cory’ supporters, the clowns not to mention the media with speculations running high have almost preempted what the President is going to say. They have made tremendous efforts in trying to scrutinize every detail of his presidency and have presupposed what the SONA might contain.

In hindsight, I think that we should keep calm and let him do his work. He should be given a chance to report to us. We are actually making it easier for his group of writers and researchers to choose what not to say and what to say based on the very many analysis made by media men.

Anyway, today is his day! I hope that God illumines his mind, his heart and his spirit. He must stand up on the platform with dignity and deliver that speech eloquently just like a true statesman. Despite the odds, he must never fumble and give up.

If he continues whining and blaming the past regime for the many problems we are facing, then, he loses the game. He should show the people that he will bring solutions to the country and that there is hope. He must focus on a road map to get the Philippines back on track.

This has truly been a nasty year for the President. He needs all the good vibes he can get to be inspired and to get our nation going. Today we must show our support for his SONA unscathed by the negative publicities both on his personal and professional life. Tomorrow we can give our unsolicited opinions.

US President Obama’s second State of the Union Address was said to be a ‘fundamental’ moment for him. It articulated a centrist vision and shaped the remaining two years of his term. It provided a template for his reelection campaign. Will this SONA be a pivotal moment for P-Noy?

Clinton, on the other hand, delivered a high-stake speech. He pledged to get back on track and ended up with the highest end-of-office approval rating of any U.S. president since World War II (mind you, despite the Monica Lewinski scandal). His message effectively defined his presidency. Will P-Noy be able to do the same?

The State of the Nation Address is a significant moment for a country. The pronouncements made by the President will forever be etched in our minds and hearts. The Filipinos will cling to his words, thoughts and directions. His actions will always be measured against this barometer. He cannot afford to sugarcoat his speech. It must be realistic and straightforward.

I pray for you Mr. President. May God give you the wisdom and compassion to speak credibly, sensibly and realistically. For as long as you are true to your principles and your Creed, you love God and obey His commandments, you serve your fellowmen in all honesty, seek the truth in leading the country to progress, you are just to everyone (friend or foe), defend the weak and the oppressed – then, you will be fine.

Let us listen to our President with open hearts during his SONA. After all, he is the only President we have right now.

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Twenty-five years ago, a STAR was born. 

Yes, the Philippine Star turns 25 years old this Thursday (just as EDSA People Power celebrated its 25th year). This newspaper fought for freedom of the press. It broke down the barriers of strict controls to gain press freedom. Despite the ‘threats’ they received during that revolutionary period in our country’s history, its three fighters – Betty Go Belmonte, Maximo V. Soliven and Art Borjal continued to fight for the Filipinos. They continued to give the “truth” about our country’s troubles and condition. They continued to attack the Marcos regime and even after he fled, they continued to be the watchdogs of our society.

The Philippine Star has continued on since that time and to this day, it continues to soar high destined from the time of its conception to be a great daily.

I remember how Tita Betty, my dad (Max V. Soliven) and Art Borjal worked so hard to get the Star on the run. That is of course after they left the Daily Inquirer (of which they also co-founded) to form a better and much more stronger team.

The dynamic trio established the Philippine Star on July 28, 1986 and up to this day the Philippine Star has lived up to its mission of informing and inspiring the Filipino people by upholding truth.

Many say that Philippine media today is the most free in Southeast Asia. Yes! After all these years, we did it! We have achieved democracy and freedom of the press. Thanks to the likes of Tita Betty, Max Soliven, Art Borjal, Louie Beltran and Teddy Benigno, Jr., who were instrumental in achieving this Filipino dream.

Cheers! To the founding pillars who continue to inspire us. Cheers! To the committed team of editors, writers and artists. Cheers! To the dedicated men and women who continue to make the STAR shine.

This achievement is about faith and hard work. As my dad would often say, “If we have faith in ourselves and faith in each other, there is no obstacle that cannot be overcome.” We have weathered the storms that came our way and endured the pains that crossed our path. Definitely our ‘STAR’ is shining bright!

Happy 25th anniversary THE PHILIPPINE STAR!