The Philippine STAR at 39: A legacy of truth, regenerating for the future

Philstar Media Group’s President and CEO Miguel G. Belmonte on balancing print and digital, and the enduring power of journalistic integrity

- By Katherine L. Magsanoc

The Philippine STAR’s 39th anniversary in 2025 marks not just survival, but a vibrant thriving in the face of a rapidly changing media landscape.

We sat down with The STAR President and CEO Miguel G. Belmonte at the height of Crising’s downpour early last week (as he asked the staff to head home while it was safe), and looked at our 39th year — where we are, where we’re going, and the enduring power of print.

“Number one, I’m happy that we’re still around after 39 years. And not just surviving, but I think we’re still doing pretty well,” Belmonte begins. “In many areas, we’re still thriving despite the challenges of our industry.”

This success story is built on a foundation of unwavering commitment to truth and a strategic embrace of both traditional and digital media. The heart of this legacy, Belmonte emphasizes, remains firmly rooted in print.

“When you say Philippine STAR,” he notes, “the first thing that comes to mind is still diyaryo.” The high-quality journalism produced for the print edition remains the bedrock upon which our digital expansion is built.

“Whatever form of media it will be,” Belmonte explains, “how we deliver news is still the most basic thing, and we have to make sure that we’re still sustaining that.”

THE ENDURING POWER OF PRINT: A FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH

Belmonte stresses the strategic importance of print, viewing it not as outdated, but as the vital foundation for future growth. The quality of The STAR’s print edition directly impacts the quality of our digital content.