MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine lifestyle and media industries are mourning the loss of Susan Peña Joven, the trailblazing public relations icon and founder of Visions & Expressions, who passed away on October 17.
The news of her passing was confirmed by her daughter, Ginggay Joven Dela Merced, through a social media post on Saturday.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved mother and grandmother, legendary public relations maven Susan Peña Joven, yesterday, Oct. 17, Friday, at 2:34 a.m., 11 days after her 76th birthday. She suffered Rapid Interstitial Lung Disease associated with the rare autoimmune disease, Anti MDA-5+ Amyopathic Dermatomyositis,” Dela Merced wrote.
Joven is survived by her son Lloyd, his wife Karen and their son Santi; and daughter Ginggay, her husband Noel, and their children Noey and Chloe.
In the same post, Dela Merced paid tribute to her mother’s trailblazing influence across industries.
“We know how revered and cherished she is by the scores of professionals in the public relations, marketing, fashion, lifestyle, and media industries she championed for over five decades. This is true more so by the countless devoted and loving friends whose enduring relationships she held dearly. She touched many lives, helped shape the careers of today’s luminaries, and brought happiness and laughter to any and all she encountered. And did so with panache and style, always clad in her signature quirky oversized glasses, chunky earrings, colorful fashion, and funky sneakers,” she wrote.
“Without her light, our family is in agony. We are heartbroken. While we appreciate your thoughts and prayers, we beg your indulgence to allow us some time to gather ourselves and come to terms with this devastating loss,” she added.
Wake services will be held from October 20 to 22 (Monday to Wednesday), from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Heritage Memorial Park, with a mass at 5 p.m. each evening. The inurnment will take place on October 23 (Thursday), following a 10 a.m. inurnment mass at the same venue.