It was recently announced that the December issue would be Lifestyle Asia Editor-in-Chief Anna Sobrepeña’s final issue. Hitting newsstands on the last week of November, this marks the end of a legendary publishing career that garnered multiple awards and distinctions from both her peers and award giving bodies. Last night, the Asia Leaders Awards honored Mrs. Sobrepeña as their Editor of the Year, recognizing her eleven-year career as a local tastemaker and innovator in the publishing industry.
Mrs. Sobrepeña attended the awarding ceremony at the Makati Shangri-La with her family, a few close friends, and several members of her editorial staff. A formal dinner was followed by an awarding ceremony, where the likes of Andrew Tan and Robbie Antonio were recognized for the achievements of their companies Megaworld and Revolution Precrafted, respectively. The Lifestyle Asia Editor in Chief fell under the category of Special Awards, where individuals were recognized for their contributions to their industries. A video produced by award-winning director Mike Carandang played to honor Mrs. Sobrepeña’s career, featuring well wishes and testimonials from Jerry Tiu, Doris Magsaysay Ho and Raul Manzano, amongst others. She then took to the stage to accept her award.
“Eleven years ago, I joined the publishing industry and began a significant chapter in my life. Some dismissed me as a housewife wannabe, another chided me for stepping down to join the working class. I was more amused than offended. I did not materialize from nowhere, nor did I see working as a demotion from a stratum in society,” she began her speech.
“I have always held that who we are precedes what we do. Being wife and mother is part of who I am. A writer by passion, I have been privileged to work alongside a team of competent, dedicated and enthusiastic professionals of high integrity. Together, we produced award winning issues and bestselling books to add to the distinction of a heritage brand. Lifestyle Asia was the first luxury magazine in the Philippines that prefaced the glossy magazine boom in the country. It has been and continues to be a wholly Filipino enterprise that celebrates the best of our country and our people.”
Anna Sobrepeña continued her speech by acknowledging those who have supported her throughout career. She also talked about redefining the magazine’s tagline “living at its finest” to look beyond material wealth, but also to embrace generosity and giving back. She concluded her two-minute speech by saying, “There has been an overwhelming outpouring of well wishes. After all the accolades and awards, including this one, when all the toasting and celebrating settles down, what remains is gratitude to those who conveyed a regard that what cannot be written in stone but is written in their hearts. Not bad for a housewife. Thank you.”
Although it is the end of an era, Anna Sobrepeña’s contributions to Lifestyle Asia the past eleven years has made the title one of the leading luxury magazines in the country. Her legacy lives on inside the pages of the past, and also ones that are yet to be written. On behalf of her team, we’d like to say, CONGRATULATIONS Ms. Anna Sobrepeña. The award was well deserved!
Scroll down to see the video shown on the evening of the Asia Leaders Awards…