WHEN the first issue of the BusinessMirror was published in 2005, business news in the Philippines as everyone knew it had been redefined for good.
The BusinessMirror surfaced out of nowhere to become a strong and dependable voice—using its objective information, in-depth analyses and insightful commentaries—at a time when the business community needed to be taken out of qualms and prejudice.Even with the skepticism that there was no need for another business newspaper, the publication rose above doubts and performed the bravest act.
Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, the former Philippine ambassador to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, founded the BusinessMirror as part of his vow to give Filipinos a responsible and reliable business-oriented publication, with the guiding purpose of offering “a broader look at today’s business.”
For the past nine years, the BusinessMirror has been providing comprehensive coverage on the Philippine business scene. This includes in-depth reports on the Philippine economy and companies, agriculture, banking and finance. The focus on the business progress in the Philippines is also complemented by business news around the world.
The BusinessMirror also knows that those in business have interests beyond commerce, which is why it also regularly publishes the latest sports, entertainment, lifestyle, motoring, education, science, environmental and information-technology news and features.
The publication also extended its scope farther with new sections, including the Asean Economic Community, which publishes business news and features from across Southeast Asia; Tourism and Entertainment, which focuses on the tourism and gaming industries; and Entrepreneur, which features stories on small and medium enterprises.
As it turns 10 in 2015, the BusinessMirror is hopeful for more substantial growth marked by achievements from overcoming challenges.
“Aside from timely, accurate and relevant information that we give to our readers, the BusinessMirror will always come up with something new for our readers and advertisers. We strive to be the authority in business reportage,” BusinessMirror Publisher T. Anthony Cabangon said.
“There may have been some disappointments, but there are so much more successes. And we know that we are only getting bigger in the years to come,” Cabangon said.
To celebrate the feat of unwavering growth throughout the years, the publication hosted an evening of thanksgiving on October 17 at the Genting Club, Resorts World Manila. The party was attended by the publication’s advertisers and partners, as well as dignitaries.
As a treat to its guests, the BusinessMirror raffled off prizes, sponsored by the publication’s sponsors, including a Mitsubishi Mirage G4. Singing trio Triple Threat entertained the guests with their soulful and harmonic renditions of classic and modern upbeat songs.
“The BusinessMirror has been through a lot for the past nine years. But throughout everything, many continued to support us and believe in the credibility of our paper,” said Marvin Estigoy, VP for advertising sales. “Through our advertisers and partners, we have been inspired to stretch our boundaries and become an esteemed publication in the country—one that truly redefines what a business newspaper should be like.”
“A major part of the success story of the BusinessMirror is the valued business partnership it has established with its clients and advertising agencies. We share a common goal to deliver world-class business news by creating more value for their advertising campaigns,” added Frederick Allegre, VP for corporate affairs.
“Because of their support, we make the special night with them one of the highlights of our anniversary,” Estigoy said.
2nd Dangal Awards for Elderly Care
Now a part of its corporate social responsibility program, the BusinessMirror also held on the same night the second Dangal (Dakilang Adhikain ng Ating Lahi) Awards for Elderly Care. The awards recognize the noble efforts of the elderly who, despite their age, still choose to serve the senior-citizen community through different initiatives.
Five individuals and three associations of older citizens at the local government level have received citations from the BusinessMirror and its partners RiteMed and CDO-Foodsphere, The BusinessMirror has also devoted a weekly page, The Elderly, featuring articles that concern the elderly, including their rights and how they can enjoy the rest of their lives to the fullest.
“The Elderly page, which comes out every Monday, was envisioned by former Ambassador Antonio Cabangon Chua to honor the hard work and sacrifices of our older citizens, and be a forum for their issues and concerns,” said Efleda P. Campos, senior editor of BusinessMirror and who closes the page.
“When the page was assigned to me, I had just turned 60 so the issues that concern our older citizens is an integral part of my personal life journey,” she said. “The page features stories and news on how laws pertaining to this special segment of our population are applied to benefit us, what local government units nationwide are doing for us, and how individual senior citizens and groups make the remaining years of our lives worthwhile and serve as a model for the younger generation.”