“It all started with a dream and two glasses of Mojitos” says founder & Editor-in-Chief Joanne Marie Combong-Pijuan. “I dreamt of someday having my own magazine after years of being editor of several publications” In the same league is co-founder Deputy Editor Georginna Marie Jarantilla Desuasido. “Ginna, a professional makeup artist, wanted to have a business related to the bridal industry.” Joanne says.
Her visit to Manila last January was a meeting of the minds, a business proposal and over two glasses of Mojitos sealed the deal. And, yesterday V Weddings, the only wedding magazine and suppliers’ guide in the Visayas, had its unveiling and launching at Robinson’s Place Iloilo.
With no less than Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog (in white) and Regional Tourism Director Edwin Trompeta (leftmost) present in the event , the duo together with the founders led the ribbon cutting ceremony that started the program. A quick word from the founders gave the audience a taste of what’s to come.
Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog “V Weddings (VW) is a vibrant, new magazine that vividly showcases anything and everything related to Visayan weddings and events through its exceptionally written and photographed content from a host of A-list contributors and suppliers” says Joanne.
“V Weddings aims to promote not just local businesses relating to weddings and events, but also the Visayas’ thriving tourism industry. VW’s advocacy is simple: to put the Visayas Islands (its business capabilities, destinations, culture, and lifestyle) into the forefront so that lives will be significantly enriched” she continues.
V Weddings Editor-in-Chief Joanne Marie Combong PijuanJoanne further explained that VW will focus on providing novel concepts, creative ideas and up-to-date information regarding everything related to weddings, debuts, and other events in the Visayas region. “VW will be the only source of reference that will provide information on event suppliers like photographers, caterers, designers, party planners, etc. through quality features and articles.”
Excitement then filled the mall as the Joanne and Ginna walked up the stage and unveiled the cover of the maiden issue of V Weddings Magazine. And the crowd burst into enthusiastic applause seeing the stylish cover showing Valerie Weigmann (of PBB Teen Edition Plus) donned in Cebu designer June Escario’s ethereal finery.
Joanne and Deputy Editor Georginna Marie Jarantilla Desuasido unveiling the premiere issue coverV Weddings Magazine is the first and only wedding magazine and suppliers guide in the Visayas. V Weddings is a pioneering concept, the first of its kind here in the Visayan islands and a publication that Visayans can really be proud of.
“ This is ours, Visayas - and it’s about time” proudly proclaims Joanne. “In our premier issue, we bring you the designs of Cebu designer Jun Escario, a true-blue Visayan talent who has been in the fashion industry for more than 20 years.”
“Learn more about him in Escario’s Ethereal Finery (on page 24) and you’ll understand why we’ve chosen him to dress up our cover girl, Pinoy Big Brother alum Valerie Weigmann, one of the hottest ramp and commercial models in the country right now” explain Joanne.
Premiere issue cover featuring Pinoy Big Brother alumna Valerie Weigmann
Premiere issue cover featuring Pinoy Big Brother alumna Valerie WeigmannWhy Weigmann? “She’s young, fresh, chic, and smart – exactly what this magazine is, or, if we’re not quite there yet, what we aim to become” explain Joanne. “Valerie may not be Visayan, but she has the sweet charisma of a typical Ilongga, the infectious energy of a Cebuana, and the radiant beauty of a Southern bride” were the poetic words of Joanne. “Besides, according to our cover story (on page 27), Valerie has a plan. And we love a girl with a plan.
“To all our readers in the islands of Panay (Iloilo, Antique, Roxas, Boracay, and Kalibo), in Negros, and in Cebu, we hope that this magazine will guide you as you plan your weddings, debuts, and special events” she continues. “To those who wish to get married in any of the idyllic places in these Visayan islands: The Ruins in Talisay, Negros (An Enduring Testament to Love on page 38), or in good old Boracay (Destination: Utopia on page 42), this magazine is for you.”
A toast!“In this issue, we’re introducing ourselves to you. In the next, you’ll get to know us better. And in the issues that will follow, you’ll definitely fall in love with us” teases Joanne.
And what happens after? “Well, we’re proposing a marriage between you and us, reader and magazine. If you say yes, we’ll be with you every step of the way and hope that this new partnership of ours -- just like my friendship with Ginna -- will last for a long, long time.” Joanne closes with a knowing smile.
V Weddings is now available in key areas in the Visayas (Panay: Iloilo, Antique, Roxas, Boracay, Kalibo; Negros; and Cebu) through major magazine distributors. It will soon be made available in Gen. Santos City and Davao. For Iloilo: All Mall branches of Eddie Mar Bookstore (SM City Iloilo, Robinsons Place, and Gaisano City Iloilo. Manila and Cebu: Fully Booked. For more details and updates please check it's website.