There are milestones that simply mark the passage of time and then there are those that remind us why we do what we do in the first place.

Last Feb. 2, the Manila Bulletin celebrated 126 years of service to the nation, a legacy that few media institutions in the country can claim. Held at the iconic Fiesta Pavilion of The Manila Hotel, the anniversary event gathered a remarkable group including publishing executives, senators, cabinet secretaries, ambassadors, dignitaries, advertisers, public relations practitioners, patrons, and longtime friends of the publication.

But beyond the grandeur of the evening, what stayed with me most was a quiet realization that came while looking across the sea of guests in the ballroom: We celebrate not merely to commemorate years but to further inspire one another.

For more than a century, the Manila Bulletin has grown into more than a newspaper or media organization. It has evolved into a community bound by a shared belief in nation-building. Each anniversary serves as a meeting ground where thought leaders from different sectors of society come together, not only to reflect on the past but also imagine the future together.

The effects of these encounters are often unseen but are definitely lasting: collaborations emerge, advocacy finds new champions, leaders find common ground. While headlines come and go, the relationships and shared commitments formed in these spaces continue to shape the stories that move the nation forward.

With this, the anniversary is a reminder of Manila Bulletin’s long-standing role as the “Exponent of Philippine Progress.”

This spirit of inspiration was further highlighted with the presentation of the Newsmakers of the Year 2026 awards. The annual list honors individuals, companies, and organizations whose work has defined the past year. Guided by the publication’s mission to inspire, inform, and empower, the awards celebrate achievements that uplift Filipino lives and spark meaningful change.

The 2026 awardees included Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto; chef Josh Boutwood for his restaurant Helm; the movie “Sunshine” with lead actress Maris Racal; athletes Alex Eala, Miguel Tabuena, and Kayla Sanchez; the eGovPH Super app; SM Supermalls’ 40th anniversary; Quezon City LGU’s Trash to Cashback Program; DOST-ITDI’s Nanocomposite Filaments for 3D-Printed Prosthetics; product innovation Pili Seal; and fintech company Buhay Platforms Inc.

The evening also honored legacies that continue to inspire generations through posthumous recognition of National Artist Nora Aunor, singer and actress Pilita Corrales, engineer-innovator Diosdado Banatao, and restaurateur chef Margarita Fores.

In many ways, the Newsmakers of the Year awards mirror the very essence of Manila Bulletin’s anniversary of recognizing that progress is collective. Progress happens when stories inspire action, when communities rally behind shared goals, and when individuals dare to create change in their respective fields of endeavor.

As Manila Bulletin moves beyond 126 years, the importance of celebrating remains clear. Anniversary celebrations are not simply about longevity but also about relevance and responsibility. They provide a moment to reflect on the power of storytelling to connect communities, to recognize achievements that shape our future, and to reaffirm journalism’s important role in nation-building.