Remembering Susan

It was a heartfelt reunion of family and dear friends at Manila House, gathered on the first anniversary of Susan Joven’s sudden passing to celebrate her life, her cherished friendships and her enduring legacy.

Hosted by her daughter, Ginggay, and her beloved grandchildren, Chloe, Noey and Santino, the evening was a loving tribute to a woman whose warmth, generosity and gift for bringing people together touched so many lives.

The gathering began with a memorial Mass celebrated by His Excellency, Archbishop Charles Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines. It was a privilege for me to serve as lector at the Mass, a meaningful opportunity to join family and friends in prayer and thanksgiving for Susan’s life.

In a delightful and unexpected turn, the solemnity of the occasion gave way to a moment of lighthearted celebration when Archbishop Brown was presented with a birthday cake at the conclusion of the Mass as guests spontaneously broke out into the birthday song — a charming surprise in an evening otherwise devoted to the remembrance of Susan.

Instead of conventional place cards, each guest found their place at the dinner table marked by a miniature silver frame containing their photograph. It was a fitting detail that reflected Susan’s thoughtful and caring nature. A pioneer of Philippine lifestyle PR, Susan had mastered the art of connecting people, a skill that had earned her admiration, respect and affection across social circles and generations.

Over dinner, guests took turns sharing heartwarming recollections and personal tributes, bringing to life different facets of Susan’s unique personality. Stories of friendship, sisterhood, travels, and shared adventures brought back glimpses of Susan’s boundless energy. There was laughter alongside tears, as the countless memories of Susan’s life made her presence feel especially vivid.

Susan’s professional legacy and remarkable career in public relations spanned decades, and one can only imagine how proud she would be to see Visions PR, the company she founded, continuing to flourish under the helm of Ginggay with the dedication of the entire Visions team. The company’s enduring success is a testament to Susan’s vision and the relationships she built throughout her life.

Yet beyond the professional accomplishments and countless friendships, it was the tributes of her three grandchildren that were among the evening’s most moving moments. Each took a turn remembering their beloved Mamita, offering intimate glimpses of a grandmother whose influence extends far beyond her lifetime.

Noey Dela Merced

“What I loved most about Mamita was how full of life she was. She had such a big personality and there was never a dull moment with her. We were so close and being roommates for so long made our relationship extra special. She wasn’t just my grandmother; she was someone I got to share so much of my everyday life with.

“Even now, working at the company she built, I constantly hear stories about her from the people she worked with and the lives she touched. It makes me so proud to be her grandson, and it reminds me how much of her is still present in the world around me.”

Santino Joven

“Mamita had a remarkable ability to connect with others and make them feel like they belonged. It was something that defined both her career and the person she was. I think one of the greatest things I inherited from her is a deep appreciation for people and a curiosity about who they are and the stories they carry.

“For someone who lived such an extraordinary life, my fondest memories of Mamita are surprisingly ordinary: the way she held her phone at a peculiar angle, squinting at messages even when the letters were already so large, and the overwhelming smell of her Thai balms and Vicks, which would make my eyes burn whenever I was beside her. They were little quirks I barely noticed at the time, but now, a year after losing her, I remember them most fondly. More than any adventure, I’d love one more ordinary day with her.”

Chloe Dela Merced

“Mamita truly felt like my biggest cheerleader. Despite having a busy life of her own, she always made an effort to keep up with mine and made me feel like everything I did mattered to her. I also got to experience a more traditional side of her that not everyone got to see. She was the grandma who made me pray the rosary, sewed clothes for me, played solitaire with me, and showed her love through the little things. I will always treasure getting to experience that side of her and the kind of love that made me feel so supported in everything I did.

“Getting to see the world alongside her during some of my most formative years was so special, and I feel incredibly lucky that so many of my childhood memories include her. We got to experience new places together and make memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I wish I could travel with her one more time, but I will always be grateful that a part of my childhood was spent seeing the world with my Mamita.”

As the evening drew to a close, it became clear how Susan’s legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the friendships she nurtured and the memories that continue to bring people together — even a year after her passing.

In remembering Susan, those gathered at Manila House that night were reminded of a simple yet profound truth: love does not end with a life’s passing. It endures in the stories we tell, the values we carry forward and the countless memories that live on in the hearts of those who loved her.