MANILA – In celebration of its 28th anniversary, The STAR has come up with special features that inspire and surprise. Among these is a series featuring 28 Captains of the Industry, including SM Investments vice chair Teresita Sy-Coson, SM Prime Holdings president Hans Sy, Filinvest Group CEO Josephine Gotianun Yap, Swatch Philippines president Virgie S. Ramos, and PLDT-Smart, TV 5, Cignal Digital TV, Philex Mining, Meralco, and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation chairman Manny Pangilinan.
“We decided to look beyond bottom lines and search for the heart and soul of 28 captains of the industry – not through the usual interviews, but by making them answer questions usually found in teenage slum books,” Millet Mananquil wrote on the series. Through it, readers get to know surprising tidbits about these business leaders, from their childhood dreams to their secret lives.
The STAR has also come up with a list of 28 Pinoy achievers, from Black Eyed Peas member apl.de.ap to broadcaster Jessica Soho.
The list also includes actor and youth ambassador Dingdong Dantes, singing sensation Charice Pempengco, Olympic figure skater Michael Christian Martinez, Journey lead singer Arnel Pineda, actress Eugene Domingo, filmmaker Pepe Diokno, and writer Denny (a.k.a. HaveYouSeenThisGirl).
On July 1, The STAR launched #28storiesofgiving leading up to their anniversary. The 28-day campaign turned the spotlight on true-to-life accounts of modern-day heroes. “It’s just a small taste, so to speak, of the enormity of our fellow Filipinos who are in need, yet such a presentation of even just a facet of these true-to-life stories plays a huge role in making the general public aware that there are indeed many who need help, and that likewise, there are many who are in a position and are willing to help,” says Miguel Belmonte, STAR president and CEO.
Through the series, STAR aims to give back by leveraging the power of social media, by encouraging netizens to post messages of support for any of the 28 beneficiaries. For every Twitter and Facebook post, The STAR would add P5 to its ‘give back’ anniversary fund.
The 28 stories will be on exhibit at the SM Mega Fashion Hall on July 30, and at the SM Atrium from July 31 to August 8.
The STAR also gives back through its socio-humanitarian arm, Operation Damayan, which was established by Belmonte’s late mother and founder of the company, Betty Go-Belmonte. Using regular financial contributions from the company as well as donations from its readers and advertisers, Operation Damayan helps calamity victims across the country. “For me, the opportunity and capability to help is a blessing from God and thus it is our responsibility to do something,” says Belmonte.
