SUBSCRIBEThe Philippine Daily Inquirer at 20
My favorite newspaper just turned 20!
I really can’t remember when I first read a copy of the newspaper with the familiar blue banner: “Philippine Daily Inquirer – Balanced News, Fearless Views” but my earliest recollection was when I was already in college, more than a decade ago (I’m sure I have read this earlier in high school as my family, especially when my father is around, buys newspapers and I’ve been answering crossword puzzles). I’ve always made it a point to read the day’s issue at the library and bought during weekdays or holidays when I can’t be in school to catch up with events, crossword puzzles and the like. Sometimes, in one sitting, read through past issues of the paper as I was not able to read it days before.
The news are bold and unbiased. The columnists in the opinion section are also independent. I used to read diligently de Quiros’ column but when he switched 99% of his writeups to GMA bashing, GMA this and GMA that, I just have to forego reading him. But he does have great prose. Another columnist that I really didn’t miss when she transferred was the ever Marcos loyalist, Ninez Cacho Olivarez. Just read her columns and one would think that Marcos was her god. Lately, I’ve always agreed and looked forward to reading Amando Doronila and Solita Monsod with their very analytical and intelligent columns; Belinda Olivares-Cunanan for that behind the scenes information, Rina Jimenez-David for feministic and the lighter side of the news; Bambi Harper and Ambeth Ocampo with their dose of history and culture. On the business side, Cocktails, is another awaited column.
Throughout the years, I’ve been witness to its transormation:
- from the black and white photos that accompany the frontcover to its transformation to colored, and sometimes huge, photos
- great layout, less clutter on the front page, special issues and the various sections (one time, they gave designers free reign to design and put articles on special sections)
- the debut of an online version, the INQ7.net
- diversification to TV (INQTV), Libre (the free daily paper in MRT/LRT), and magazine (to cite, MPH)
With technology, when I can’t read the paper version, I always log on to the online version either through regular PC connected to the internet or via WAP on my mobile. I’ve also subscribed to the Breaking News just to keep abreast of latest developments.
Its the quality of the news, how they deliver it and their CREDIBILITY that really makes me patronize the newspaper.
Now, as a photographer, I just wish that they can have a Photography section. 
