Manila Bulletin honors its 2025 Newsmakers of the Year as it celebrates its 125th Anniversary

METRO MATTERS

By MAYOR FRANCIS ZAMORA

For 125 years, the Manila Bulletin has stood as a pillar of Philippine journalism. What began as a modest shipping journal on Feb. 2, 1900, has grown into one of the country’s largest and most influential newspapers. It has shaped public discourse, chronicled history, and informed generations of Filipinos, embedding itself in the fabric of our national identity.
The Manila Bulletin has weathered world wars, political upheavals, and global pandemics. Through decades of change and challenge, it remained steadfast in its mission to provide reliable information and has never wavered in its commitment to truth and journalistic integrity.

This resilience is a testament to the leadership of the late Don Emilio Yap, whose vision and dedication ensured the newspaper’s lasting relevance. His legacy continues through his son, Basilio Yap, Chairman of the Board, and his grandson, Emilio Yap III, Manila Bulletin’s President and Vice Chairman. Under their leadership, the Manila Bulletin remains a trusted voice in an evolving media landscape.

As it marks its 125th anniversary, the Manila Bulletin celebrates with the theme “Making Life Better,” a reflection of its mission to drive positive change. As Chairman Basilio Yap aptly stated, “Our mission has always been clear: to make life better for every Filipino by fostering progress, promoting unity, and upholding the values of truth and integrity.” This commitment extends beyond its pages, with campaigns and initiatives aimed at uplifting communities and empowering Filipinos.

Part of its milestone celebration was the Newsmakers of the Year 2025 awards, held on Feb. 10 at The Manila Hotel Tent City. Now in its second year, this event honors individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to society in entertainment, business, sports, arts and culture, corporate leadership, and public service.

Among this year’s honorees were 2024 Paris Olympics medalists Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas, P-pop girl group BINI, GoTyme Bank, Mylo Speech Buddy, an app designed to help children with autism and speech delay, and actors Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards. Others recognized include Dr. Noel Peter Tan, RLC Residences, ACEN, SM Foundation, Dr. Victor Erwin Jocson, Kawayan Collective, HSBC Philippines, Alliance Global Group Inc., and two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo.

I am deeply honored to be among the 2025 Newsmakers of the Year, receiving the award for Public Service.

This recognition is not mine alone. It belongs to the people of San Juan, whose trust and confidence have allowed me to lead our city toward progress: Our Makabagong San Juan. It belongs to my fellow NCR Mayors, MMDA Chairman Don Artes, and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who have entrusted me with the responsibilities of being the Metro Manila Council President and Regional Peace and Order Council Chairman for NCR. It also belongs to First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, whose presence at the event made the occasion even more meaningful.

To my fellow Newsmakers of the Year, it was an honor to share the stage with all of you—individuals whose work inspires and uplifts our nation. Each of you represents the resilience, innovation, and service that drive our country forward.

Beyond this recognition, I extend my sincerest gratitude to the Manila Bulletin for giving me a platform for communication through my regular column, Metro Matters. Through this space, I am given the opportunity to share San Juan City’s best practices, challenges, and victories with fellow public servants and the Filipino people. To be given a voice in one of the oldest and most respected newspapers in the country is both an honor and a privilege I will always cherish.

Congratulations to the Manila Bulletin on 125 years of excellence. Cheers to many more years of being more than just a newspaper. You are a cornerstone of our nation’s story, a beacon of truth, and a force for progress.

To my fellow Newsmakers of the Year awardees, congratulations and keep up the good work.