MANILA, Philippines - The maiden issue of Profiles magazine was launched last Nov. 8 at the Rizal Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. The magazine is a joint undertaking of the GMA Artist Center (GMAAC) headed by Ida Henares and Philippine Real Estate Festival (PREF) Media CEO and president Rosemarie Basa, in partnership with Mega Publishing Group. To celebrate its first issue, the magazine released nine cover editions featuring top GMA artists Iza Calzado, Rhian Ramos, Tim Yap, Solenn Heussaff, Jackie Rice and Lovie Poe, along with Gwen Zamora and Sarah Lahbati in one cover, Kris Bernal, Bela Padilla and Aljur Abrenica in another, and GMA hosts Jace Flores, Gino de la Peña, Stephanie Henares and Luane Dy sharing the ninth cover. The issue also includes features on Manny Pacquiao, Cesar Montano, Ogie Alcasid and Bong Revilla.
Profiles is the first venture of Rose Basa in entertainment publishing. “The real estate industry acknowledges the need for celebrity endorsers to sell the various property developments,” says she on how the two worlds merge. Ida Henares responds, “The benefits work both ways. Our artists get their share of the necessary exposure in this magazine, and at the same time being showcased to other business networks which can possibly present more opportunities for them in the future,” she said.
However, unlike most entertainment magazines, Profiles supports the non-profit organization Called to Rescue, which actively takes up action against child trafficking. A percentage from every magazine sold will go towards Called to Rescue.