The Philippine PR industry lost one of its most vibrant forces with the passing of Susan Peña Joven, the founder of Visions & Expressions. The news was confirmed by her daughter Ginggay Joven Dela Merced through a social media post.

“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,” Ginggay posted. “She suffered Rapid Interstitial Lung Disease associated with the rare autoimmune disease, Anti MDA-5+ Amyopathic Dermatomyositis.”

Long before “public relations” became a buzzword, Susan was already shaping how brands, personalities, and ideas connected with people. Her approach went beyond strategy—it was instinctive, human, and always grounded in respect.

Susan began her journey under the mentorship of the legendary Glecy Tantoco of Rustan’s, where she learned the fine art of discipline and detail. Those lessons became the foundation of her own PR agency, Visions & Expressions, which for over three decades became synonymous with creativity, elegance, and energy. From luxury fashion to lifestyle, she championed local and global brands with authenticity—and always, with flair.

To celebrate her life, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle reached out to the women close to Susan as they shared the moments, memories, and values that continue to keep her spirit alive.

Not only was she my boss, she was my mom. So it’s quite impossible to single out one or even state a few most memorable moment/s. This much I share: Professionally, despite her vast accomplishments and iconic status in the industry, my mom always yielded if a better idea came to the table. That, I think, is one of the best leadership traits she had. She had the humility to know she didn’t know it all. She was open and she listened to suggestions. She wasn’t tyrannical, rather collaborative, which makes people love working with her.

Personally, we enjoyed how quirky she was, but her quirkiness never overshadowed her unconditional love for the family. She was such a character—.magnetic, ebullient, simply irreplaceable. There can only be one SPJ.—Ginggay Dela Merced, daughter of Susan

I have countless memorable moments and invaluable lessons from SPJ (as we fondly and respectfully call her). Three lessons from SPJ continue to guide me in my career—foresight, choosing battles wisely, and treating everyone with care and respect. In PR and events, there will always be things beyond your control. But as she taught me, with foresight and careful planning, you can anticipate challenges and minimize setbacks before they even happen. She also showed me the importance of approaching people and situations with calmness and perspective. Being level-headed, especially in difficult moments, often leads to better solutions than being combative ever could. And perhaps one of her most enduring lessons was inclusivity; that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness, respect, and genuine care.

Many of my “firsts” happened under her guidance—Visions PR was my first job, she was my first boss and mentor, through her I met many remarkable and influential people, both locally and globally, and she was also a part of my life milestones from my wedding to being a mother myself. Eighteen years later, I’m still here, and she remains one of the biggest reasons why.

I’ve always looked forward to October—it’s both our birth month, a time that’s usually busy yet filled with love and celebration. But now, it’s also the month she left us. I’m not quite sure how I’ll feel about it in the years to come, but I know it will always carry her memory, her lessons, and her light.—Danica Valdes-Lloren, EVP of Visions and Expressions PR

Mrs. Joven was a truly remarkable woman, my beloved boss of 32 years, my mentor, and a second mother to me. She was more than a leader; she was a source of wisdom, grace, and genuine kindness. Her guidance shaped not only my career but the person I’ve become. Every milestone, every success I’ve achieved, carries her influence and the lessons she so generously shared.

Her compassion, strength, and unwavering faith in me will forever remain in my heart. It has been one of life’s greatest blessings to have worked beside her, to have been guided, cared for, and loved by her.

Thank you, Ma’am, for everything. You will always be remembered with love, gratitude, and the deepest respect. Your legacy will live on in all whose lives you’ve touched.—Jenny Gapan, dedicated and loyal executive assistant of Susan Joven and media relations lead of Visions and Expressions PR

The moment SPJ walked into a room, you’ll immediately feel her presence and energy, and it’s contagious. She’d step in with her big, genuine smile, her trademark big glasses, and that signature, joyful shout: "Hello everybody!"

I remember moments being beside her and feeling a firm squeeze on my forearm when she’s expressing something. Or those playful slaps on the shoulder that sometimes knock me off balance cause of the force, but always done with affection.

Looking back, the brief moments of interaction with her felt like a gift. She was always genuinely happy to see us, interacting with us, and checking in on how we were doing overall.

She was always warm. Even when she would scold me when I was still new and adjusting to this industry. I knew it came from a place where she wanted me to be a better version of myself. And I hope I can continue to make her proud to the point where I can say, “I’m here now because of you, SPJ.” I hope I did well.—Reena Donasco, Visions and Expressions PR senior account manager

One of my most memorable moments with SPJ was during a photo op with some of the well-respected figures in the industry. I was standing off to the side with the photographer when she called me over and told me to join in. It was a quick moment, a small gesture, but it meant a lot. She made me feel that I belonged. After hearing and reading everyone’s messages for SPJ over the past days, I realized that’s who she truly was: a bright, magnetic force of belonging in every room she was in—Rameya Ramoso, Visions and Expressions PR senior account manager

Rest in power, SPJ!