Inquirer Group rolls out ‘Cebu Living’ freezine

TO A GOOD LIFE. Inquirer Group president Alexandra Prieto-Romualdez (4th from left) reaches out for a toast at the launch of Cebu Living, a lifestyle magazine. With her are (from left) Ria Prieto, Hinge Inquirer group publisher Bea Ledesma, Vito Selma, host Tessa Prieto-Valdes and April Rama.

The Inquirer Group last night launched a new title, Cebu Living, a lifestyle magazine at the Tavolata restaurant in Mandaue City.

Alexandra Prieto-Romualdez, president of the Inquirer Group and group chairperson of Hinge Inquirer Publications which publishes the new freezine, said Cebu Living is an expression of the company’s love for Cebu.

“It is obvious that we really love Cebu. Cebu Living makes us part of the community,” Romualdez said.

The host of the launch, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, lit up the party in a dress of green leaf designs to go with the tropical chic theme and her signature headpiece of feathers.

Cebu Living, she said, “is not your ordinary magazine. The magazine will definitely capture the lifestyle of Cebu.”

“And it’s free.”

HIP publisher Bea Ledesma said they “wanted to create a magazine for the bright shining star of the South.”

Ria Prieto, lifestyle editor, said what she loved most about starting a magazine here was its talented people.

“We love how talented people here are, and that’s what we want to chronicle,” said Prieto.

On the front cover is Cebu furniture designer Vito Selma, who was interviewed for the maiden issue in his factory in Canduman, Mandaue City.

Selma, who attended the launch, said his role in the magazine started after he was messaged on Instagram. “I’m very happy they chose me to be their very first cover guy,” he said.

Called on stage to tell everyone what readers could expect were two of the magazine’s resident columnists.

Jude Bacalso, an editor at large of Cebu Daily News’ lifestyle section, will share his culinary escapades in the column “City Flavors.” Fashion and beauty guru Kymberly Maitland-Smith will write about make-up tips and beauty regimens in her column “Beauty Journal.”

The 46-page maiden issue of Cebu Living will be distributed for free in selected gated communities, condominiums and cafes around Metro Cebu.

Cebu Daily News subscribers will also get copies together with the newspaper. Cebu Living will be distributed quarterly but two more issues will be released before the year ends.

“I’m excited to see Cebu Living breathe new life into our appreciation of all that makes for a good life,” wrote Eileen Mangubat, CDN publisher and acting editor-in-chief in her welcome note in the maiden issue.