EDITORS DESK
Five years ago, the Manila Bulletin unveiled a design refresh of its print edition for its 120th anniversary — a milestone transformation that took almost two years to complete. The masthead underwent a major makeover, stripping away most of its elements and featuring only the brand name with its iconic keystone.
Now, in 2024, we are introducing a new look and design once again.
This latest design refresh is more than just a visual update — it's a statement about where we are headed. The new look is sleek, modern, and purposeful, focused on enhancing the reading experience while honoring the paper’s heritage and forward-thinking vision.
The design embraces a modern classic aesthetic, featuring clean lines, a precise grid system, and thoughtful use of negative space. The emphasis on minimalism is intentional. Gone are the extraneous design elements that once cluttered the layout, replaced with a streamlined approach that puts clarity at the forefront.
The choice of typeface is another key element in the redesign. Classic serif fonts maintain a timeless feel, while contemporary typography ensures that the paper looks fresh and relevant.
A restrained color palette further defines the new design. Manila Bulletin’s iconic blue, tinged with violet, anchors the visuals, making the paper instantly recognizable. Previously, splashes of orange, teal, and red added vibrancy to the pages, but the new approach is more sophisticated, with black now dominating the design.
Perhaps one of the most significant changes is the masthead, which has undergone a subtle but meaningful transformation. The return of the tagline “The Exponent of Philippine Progress Since 1900” directly beneath the logo underscores the paper’s mission and legacy.
In the previous iteration, this important element was tucked away in a text bar alongside other edition details, perhaps diminishing its visibility. By bringing it back front and center, we not only highlight Manila Bulletin’s commitment to progress but also reaffirm the authority and heritage that come with 124 years of trusted journalism.
A key feature that truly positions Manila Bulletin for the future is the integration of QR codes in the print edition. Now, each story includes a QR code, allowing readers to seamlessly transition from print to digital.
With a simple scan, they can access extended versions of stories, multimedia content, or even related articles online. Additionally, QR bars are strategically placed, offering readers the chance to explore more stories and dive deeper into topics of interest.
This blend of print and digital demonstrates our commitment to evolving with the times, giving our audience a richer, more interactive experience. It’s an acknowledgment that while print remains vital, the future of news is interconnected and multidimensional.
All of this is part of our ongoing preparations for Manila Bulletin's milestone 125th anniversary next year. The redesign represents a commitment to staying relevant in a fast-changing media landscape while staying true to the legacy that has made us the nation’s most trusted news source.
As we look to the future, we’re confident that this fresh look will take us there, with readers in mind every step of the way.