Edita C. Aspiras has been an Inquirer reader for 36 years now.

“I wish to share with you that I have been an avid reader of your paper since Day 3 of its publication,” she wrote to us in an email.

Back then, she recalled that the newspaper sold out so quickly in her area in Cainta, Rizal, that she’d end up going to Cubao just to find a copy. “I was so happy when I found someone to deliver to me a copy of PDI (Philippine Daily Inquirer) every day.”

Aspiras likes Inquirer’s style, she said. It’s what’s kept her a loyal subscriber all these years. “The editorial, the columnists, other contributors, the news coverage, etc. My going to a far place to find a copy of PDI when I can have a copy of any other newspaper within reach says it all.”

Aspiras, who is turning 88 this year, saw the announcement that we were granting the wishes of 36 readers to celebrate the newspaper’s 36th anniversary. She asked for a globe.

Aspiras describes herself as a “simple person with simple needs in life but with big dreams for quality education for my three children. Having accomplished that, I consider my life complete.”

Why a globe

But why did she want a globe, we wondered?

She said, “When I was young, I dreamed of seeing the world. When I grew older, I had limited travels but my older daughter fulfilled my dream when she almost navigated the world, and it amuses us to pinpoint in the map places she has gone to.”

We reached out to National Book Store, which has a long history of partnerships with the Inquirer, and asked if they would be a partner in granting this loyal reader’s simple wish. We got a swift yes in reply.

“National Book Store is grateful for our longstanding relationship with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, and wanted to celebrate its 36th anniversary by giving back to its loyal readers,” said Xandra Ramos-Padilla, National Book Store’s managing director.

Aspiras said, “I felt joy when I found out that my wish was being granted.”

She added that her love for reading made National Book Store a part of her life since she was young.

We sent the globe to her along with a card, a Guyito plushie and an Inquirer T-shirt. The globe came with a sweet message from Ramos-Padilla as well. “We are happy to grant your wish and hope this simple gift brings much-needed joy during these challenging times.

“We hope to continue seeing you in our stores, and may you celebrate more anniversaries with the Inquirer!”

She’s grateful for the gift but, Aspiras said, “Nothing would make my day more than getting my daily copy of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Mabuhay to PDI and its staff and contributors.” INQ