Over the years, the DAILY TRIBUNE front page has seen several visual makeovers — from refined layouts to updated typography — each reflecting the times and the evolving tastes of its readership. But perhaps the most iconic change has been the transformation of its masthead, which has undergone various iterations before settling into the bold, modern design it bears today.

Yet amid all these changes, one thing has remained constant: the paper’s unwavering motto, “Without Fear, Without Favor.” Coined by its fearless founder, the late Ninez Cacho-Olivares, the slogan continues to embody the DAILY TRIBUNE’s commitment to brave, independent journalism — a legacy that endures with every edition.

Maria Victoria Clemente, one of the three remaining pioneer layout artists of the DAILY TRIBUNE, recalls the paper’s original front page as having a classic, no-frills look — including its first masthead.

“It was definitely traditional in design,” said Clemente, now the paper’s chief of design. “But the content was a blend — part broadsheet, part tabloid. It had a bit of both worlds.”

The DAILY TRIBUNE’s original masthead featured a sans serif font — a style known for its clean lines, straight edges, and modern, minimalist appeal. It gave the paper a contemporary look that aligned with the bold tone of its early editorial direction.

However, after a few years, the masthead underwent a significant transformation, adopting a serif typeface. Characterized by small strokes or “feet” at the ends of letters, serif fonts are often associated with tradition, authority, and timelessness. The change not only gave the masthead a more classic and elegant aesthetic but also improved readability, particularly in print — a practical move that reflected the paper’s growing identity as a serious and credible news source.

The paper’s masthead underwent another significant redesign when the current owners assumed leadership seven years ago. While it retained its sans serif font — reflecting a clean, modern aesthetic — the update introduced a bold blue background, aligning the newspaper’s visual identity with the owners’ signature color.

The result is a sleeker, more contemporary masthead that maintains readability while reinforcing the brand’s refreshed and forward-looking image.

Conspicuously present is the iconic slogan, “Without Fear, Without Favor,” with the two phrases separated by the logo of Concept and Information Group Inc. — the company that now operates the paper.

In keeping with its mission, the DAILY TRIBUNE continued to publish controversial articles that other papers were afraid to tackle.

True to that mission, the DAILY TRIBUNE has consistently published hard-hitting, often controversial stories that other publications hesitated to cover — living up to the fearless journalism it proudly stands for.

That spirit of fearlessness extends to the paper’s design — a bold fusion of classic newspaper structure and fashion magazine flair.

When photo cropping tools became widely accessible, the TRIBUNE was among the first to adopt the technique consistently on its front page, using striking visuals to amplify storytelling and break away from traditional, boxy layouts.

The DAILY TRIBUNE also pioneered the use of a daily foot ad — a banner-style advertisement placed at the bottom of the front page. This consistent placement not only maximized ad visibility but also set the paper apart visually from other broadsheets, giving it a modern, commercial edge that blended seamlessly with its editorial layout.

Just last month, the DAILY TRIBUNE raised the bar once again by rolling out a unique front page design every day — a bold move that reflects its commitment to creativity, adaptability, and reader engagement.

This dynamic approach not only keeps the layout fresh and visually compelling, but also allows the design team to tailor each edition to the day’s top story, mood, or theme — turning the front page into a canvas for storytelling.

Joining Clemente in steering the DAILY TRIBUNE’s evolving design are fellow original mainstays Lor Bulacan and Edwin Venturina. With years of experience under their belt, the two serve as steady pillars of the design team — mentoring younger colleagues and ensuring that every front page strikes a balance between innovation and tradition.

Through all its visual reinventions, the DAILY TRIBUNE has proven that design isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s a reflection of identity, purpose and the times.

From pioneering layout innovations to staying fearless in both form and content, the Tribune continues to evolve without losing sight of the values that shaped it.

As it pushes the boundaries of what a front page can look like, it also reinforces what journalism should always be: bold, unflinching, and relentlessly relevant.