There’s always something exciting happening in Cebu—an emerging talent, an industry player with a new story to tell, or a hole-in-the-wall destination waiting to be discovered.
Not all of these make it to the news, as some of Cebu’s best resources for compelling content are either overlooked or taken for granted while the same, tired faces and banalities always get the spotlight.
Cebu Living is the answer to a city starved for a sincere, distinctive and visually inspiring magazine that talks about the community in a substantial, simple but imaginative way.
The magazine’s maiden issue is flying straight off the press and into your hands after its launch at Tavolata Bar and Restaurant in Mandaue City, Cebu, in a tropical safari-themed party last Sept. 11.
Hosted by Inquirer Lifestyle columnist Tessa Prieto-Valdes, the event opened with a speech from Hinge Inquirer Publications’ group publisher, Bea Ledesma. “Cebu is a city all its own, with its own culture and language. And we’re so honored to be able to work with Cebu’s finest columnists and writers who understand the natural nuance of their home city,” Ledesma said.
Fresh take
The magazine aims for a fresh take on Cebu’s urban narrative, with people who evoke interest and have something to say, buzz-worthy events, and curious stories about art, culture, fashion and food.
Ledesma explained that one of the unique aspects of the magazine is that all 40+ pages, capturing the extraordinary lifestyle of the Cebuanos, beautifully written and photographed, come free, delivered right at your doorsteps.
Led by editor-at-large April Rama, with Jude Bacalso, columnist for food, and Kim Maithland Smith for beauty, the magazine gives readers a recognizable voice from Cebuanos.
Inquirer president and CEO Sandy Prieto-Romualdez said, “Cebu is a great place to be. We are happy to bring to you a community magazine with a fresh perspective.”
Dedicated to capturing cultural trendsetters and industry revolutionaries, the magazine features innovative furniture designer Vito Selma on the cover of its first issue, highlighting his latest works and recent venture into the culinary field.
“I love how Cebu Living shows a different perspective of my city through fresh photography and content,” Selma said. “It’s really great that we have a magazine focused purely on Cebu that is easily accessible to everyone. I’m grateful for this cover feature, and I would like to thank the team for making it a great first-time experience.”
The event brought together Cebu’s present and future creative forces, providing a platform for both established and rising personalities. Well-known personalities in fashion, TV, and beauty, including Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez, Alyanna Martinez, Patrice Ramos-Diaz, Isabel Roces, Divine Maitland-Smith and Cristalle Belo gathered at the launch.
The personalities, together with the team behind the magazine, flew in from Manila via Air Asia, while accommodations were provided by SM Seaside City Cebu. The launch was also supported by Pinkflora, B!gseed PR Company, Booze Online, Inc. and Rustan’s.
Cebu Living is available quarterly via subscription, and is delivered to exclusive subdivisions, cafés, and malls. Log on to https://go.hip.ph/subscribe and follow Cebu Living at facebook.com/cebulivingph and Instagram at @cebulivingph.
