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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

What readers say By Elena Pernia Reader’s Advocate

THE PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER is the paper of choice of more than a million Filipinos, making it the country’s No. 1 newspaper in terms of readership. On a daily basis, there are almost two INQUIRER readers for every reader of either the Manila Bulletin or Philippine Star (see newsinfo.inquirer.net/648396/pdi-beats-combined-readership-of-2-rivals). For several of these INQUIRER readers, their daily newspaper experience is incomplete if they do not send feedback. And because modern technologies have made communication speedier and easier, the INQUIRER receives daily thousands of comments through various

means. I receive feedback predominantly through e-mail messages, phone calls, SMS texts and social media, but also quite commonly through fax, the postal system and face-to-face encounters. Who are these INQUIRER readers sending their feedback and what have they said? Let me share some examples. There are feedback senders who describe the INQUIRER in heartwarming superlatives. In one case, the PDI is her “ultimate news source” that “has been pretty helpful for me in training young writers in editorial and feature writing and cartooning.” Another wrote “to express pleasure and appreciation” with changes in the INQUIRER.net website, saying that its new layout “exudes an excellent virtual ap-

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peal” and that he is positively “dazed” and “stunned” not just by the website features, “but more importantly [by] its content [that is] reflective of its admired tagline, Balanced News, Fearless Views.”

All age groups Readers across all age groups contribute quick feedback as well as longer commentaries. A septuagenarian plus four took time to send an email to say “my favorite newspaper is still very much the PDI” and then proceeded to give his hard-hitting opinion, which he hoped would see print. An equally opinionated 90-year-old is a regular (almost daily) e-mail writer. Among the younger set who send contributions, they proclaim joy and fulfillment in being published in Young Blood. As one said, “getting to contribute there [and be published] has been one of my greatest dreams for as long as my writing self can remember.” Sometimes, but not often enough, there are those who send congratulatory messages and words of encouragement. For instance, a reader wrote that continued coverage of a particular issue “will go a long way in urging national leaders and policy makers … to take a stand … that truly benefits all.” There are words of “bravo” for columnists and reporters who “cannot be more precise” in their writings. There are also those who praise our news coverage but advise caution. A reader wrote this regarding a particular feature story: “It is well written and informative, yes, but what concerns me is the manner in which it was written. I understand that it was a way of catching attention … but don’t you think it was a little too much?” Another avid reader chided the paper for errors in a caption of a front-page photo: “Two things wrong with the nonsentence and it passed muster? Please, be more careful next time.”

Critics A significant number of feedback can be labeled critical. Readers and

news sources who send such feedback question the accuracy and balance of particular stories and general news coverage. They raise arguments like the “headline being a misrepresentation of the fact,” the “claims [made in the article being] unwarranted, the reporter having “ventured into the practice of sensationalism,” and the “published [details] giving a wrong impression from the original one.” Among the harshest complaint I have ever received said: “either your writers don’t know their math, don’t know their logic, don’t care to get their facts right, or just want to sensationalize their story.” Very commonly, these critical readers ask that, “in the interest of truth and fairness,” the issues they raise in the complaint be published as letter to the editor, the correction or apology be made, or that the “reporter [be] advised of the [need for] correction.” Even among these who complain, there is an acknowledgement that the I NQUIRER is “an otherwise great newspaper.”

Disappointments A regular reader of the INwho is himself a ranking official of the national government and therefore a highly placed news source, lamentably expressed the sentiment that journalists, at times, fall short in accuracy and verification. He gave me the book by Alain de Botton, “The News: A User’s Manual,” which he asked to be shared with the PDI editors. De Botton’s book, which has been described as “a manifesto for what we (the consumers of the news media) should want and demand from news organizations,” was probably his way of communicating his disappointments with certain news coverage of the PDI. A regular reader sent this text message to me just last week: “I’ve been monitoring and really noticed QUIRER,

PERNIA: Readers give praise but advise caution. a vast improvement in PDI news reporting.” Coming from her, the comment was especially pleasing because a few months back, when we had first met, it was to complain about the “deteriorating quality and growing imbalance in the reporting and treatment of news by PDI.”

Invitation to readers The INQUIRER values its engagement with readers, and invites its readers to send feedback—whether these are complaints or words of appreciation via mail (PDI, Chino Roces Avenue corner Yague and Mascardo streets, Makati City), fax (8974793 and 8974794), e-mail (feedback@inquirer.com.ph and readersadvocate@inquirer.com.ph), Twitter (@NenyP) and Facebook.

Music and laughter in Casino Filipino Celebrity Shows this December Casino Filipino (CF) guests and patrons can expect unbridled laughter and unparalleled musical shows from some of the country's most popular artists this December. The "Krismas Na! Krismas Na!" celebrity shows in Casino Filipino branches and satellites began at CF Tagaytay on December 4 with popular TV host/comedian Jose Manalo entertaining guests with his unique brand of humor. The "Eat…Bulaga!" mainstay will also perform in Ronquillo Satellite (December 10), and CF Olongapo (December 12). "Maraming beses na akong nakapag-perform para sa Casino Filipino kaya't kabisadungkabisado ko na ang kiliti ng mga manonood. May mga bago akong gimik na inihanda sa mga darating kong shows," Jose excitedly said. Also lined up to provide casino guests with toprate entertainment this December are Bossa Nova Queen Sitti Navarro, Acoustic Pop Prince Nyoy Volante and Comedy Queen Ai Ai delas Alas. Sitti and Nyoy will regale their audience with their signature relaxing music at CF Pavilion (December 17), Malabon Satellite (December 27) and CF Tagaytay (December 30). Ai Ai delas Alas, meanwhile, vows to bring the house down with her comedic wit and musical flair as she performs at CF Angeles on December 27. The three celebrities are no strangers to the Casino Filipino stage and have performed to SRO crowds during their previous CF shows. Sitti is one of the most in-demand performers in the different CF venues. "I'm very excited to return to what I consider as my second home. The countless occasions that I've performed for Casino Filipino were so memorable. It just feels great that I get to entertain people who are appreciative of my music," she said.

Nyoy, on the other hand, has also made his mark among casino guests with his unique rendition of timeless love songs. "I always love performing for the Casino Filipino audience. They are very warm. I am sure Sitti and I will have a great time during our shows. I hope our fans and people who love hearing our music will watch our shows," he added. Meanwhile, despite her hectic showbiz schedule, Ai Ai managed to squeeze in a gig for CF guests who wish to see the popular comedienne perform once again. Ai Ai is excited to hold a special concert for her fans in Casino Filipino. "Isang show lang ako sa Casino Filipino ngayong December pero nasisiguro kong masisiyahan nang husto ang mga taong walang sawang nanonood at tumatangkilik sa atin," she enthused. Bong Quintana, PAGCOR's Assistant Vice President for Bingo and Entertainment, said the shows they prepared for December would give casino guests more reasons to celebrate a merrier Yuletide season. "The special Casino Filipino celebrity shows we lined up this December will surely bring joy and excitement to our guests. We have invited some of the country's top artists to perform for our casino patrons because they deserve nothing but the best, especially during this Christmas season," Quintana mused. For more information on "Krismas Na! Krismas Na!" special celebrity shows and other entertainment offerings of Casino Filipino, please call the Entertainment and Bingo Department at 708-2046 or 526-0337 local 2401 to 2404. You may also visit and 'like' us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/casinofilipino; www.facebook.com/pagcorartists) or follow us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/casinofilipino).