Fodder for the rumor mill: What is this itty-bitty magazine the same size of that a brochure everyone’s been tucking under their arm lately? Does the name sound catchy enough to make you sink your teeth into it?

Okay, lame pun. I am referring to Cebu’s newest monthly magazine, BITE, that I first got my hand into while I was at the usual Wifi-generous spot East, West. The magazine does represent a mini brochure because it is a plethora of events, news and information all related to Cebu right at your fingertips. I do mean that because BITE magazine is FREE.

The brainstorm is credited to David Harris who perfunctorily helped me with a few tidbits of their baby:

Who conceptualized the mag? Myself, mona and roy. I was frustrated at reading about events or activities in the paper that had happened weeks ago. Yet there was nothing to tell people in advance of what’s happening around town, for arts, music, events and general activities. We chatted at the outpost one evening, roy was excited by the idea (this was after some other more outlandish ideas I’d previously had) and wanted to be a part of it. As writers both he and mona are instrumental in making it happen
When? I think it was Sept of 2006
Your circulation is exclusively Cebu? We circulate mostly in Cebu city but it does go out into the Visayas region and some into Manila
How do you distribute mags? I personally drive around to distribute copies. We work with partners to distribute into Visayas.
and that is…? Currently we print 8’000 copies, and a pass on readership of 45’000 people
Future plans? Viral marketing and becoming more 3 dimensional instead of just print medium. Possibly more events.
Will the mag remain free? BITE magazine will remain free, it’s the way forwards for printed media.
…or until ads grow? It’s important to have a good balance between reader content and profitable income.

The overture? Get your hands on every month of BITE magazine. What an evolution.

BITE magazine celebrated their 1st year anniversary at The Outpost last January 18 of this year.