In a world where people are glued to screens, constantly scrolling through breaking news, viral videos, and AI-generated headlines, many have claimed that print is dead.
Tempo begs to differ – it’s not just surviving, it’s evolving.
Today, Tempo turns 43—and it’s still very much alive, thriving on newsstands and online feeds, proving that real journalism, when rooted in truth and integrity, truly stands the test of time.
Launched on July 12, 1982, as a 12-page English-language tabloid under Manila Bulletin, Tempo quickly captured public attention with a gripping story by the late police reporter Ruther Batuigas: the mysterious death of Mandaluyong beauty queen Marivic Herrera. All 80,000 copies of its maiden issue sold out.
That was just the beginning.
From day one, Tempo had its finger on the pulse of the Filipino public. Its promise? News in a flash—short, simple, substantial.
Whether covering chilling crime reports, uplifting sports victories, or sizzling showbiz scoops, Tempo chronicled leaders, athletes, celebrities, and ordinary citizens with clarity and heart.
Its strength lies in accuracy and credibility—qualities that matter more than ever in today’s digital world, flooded with disinformation, misinformation, and fake news.
In its first editorial, founding editor Recah Trinidad described the paper’s birth as “Lighting A Candle,” underlining the journalist’s duty to seek and share the truth.
Forty-three years later, that candle still burns bright.
Even during the most difficult times—the rise of digital media, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the closure of many rival publications—Tempo remained in print and even expanded online.
It modernized its look, introduced full-color pages, and embraced new platforms like e-paper and social media. But its purpose never changed: tell the truth, and tell it right.
That’s why it earned the trust of readers and advertisers.
Tempo’s story isn’t just about surviving a changing media landscape—it’s about upholding the value of truth, embedded in every report, every story crafted by reporters and editors who believe in public service over clicks.
At 43, it remains proof that print media is still strong – and continues to be an active source of news that informs, connects, and inspires Filipinos.
As it marks this milestone, Tempo celebrates with deep gratitude—for its readers, its advertisers, and the trust they’ve placed in its mission through every headline, every year. (Emily G. Bugarin)
