NEWS & EVENTS

The Philippines as One Ginebra Nation

The grand launch of One Ginebra Nation at Seda Vertis North last June 7 took us back to almost two centuries of rich Philippine history and culture, and the role that the Philippine’s number 1 gin played in the lives of people then and now.

I am not much of a drinker but I do drink on special occasions. My most vivid experience of Ginebra San Miguel was during several of our college home parties with friends pairing Gin with Tang’s Pomelo and Skyflakes with homemade Tuna Spreads.

My generation has had at least one or two memories with Ginebra. Remember those fruit punches you drank in high school Christmas parties that got you to dance even if you didn’t know how? That’s ginebra. 🙂

The Seda launch event last Friday also highlighted this year’s World Gin Day and the 185th Anniversary of Ginebra San Miguel.

Ginebra was first introduced in March 10, 1834 bottled in 20-liter glass jars wrapped in rattan weave called the dama juana made in a small distillery located in Quiapo, Manila. It was the first gin in the Philippines.

In the late 19th century, Ginebra San Miguel became the drink of choice for many working class Filipinos as they began offering gin in 1 liter glass containers called frasco, which is more affordable.

In the 50s, the country’s first National Artist, Fernando Amorsolo allowed his painting of St. Michael the Archangel to be placed in the brand’s labels for the Bilog and Kwatro Kanto bottles. And from that day forward, the image has become the iconic symbol for gin in the Philippines.

The story of Ginebra San Miguel in contrast with Philippine history and changing lifestyles was the inspiration for a short stage musical presentation at the start of the launch event directed by award-winning director Rommel Ramilo.

The play called “Ang Ginebra San Miguel Sa Tangkay Ng Panahon” starred Miss Saigon alumnus, Gerald Santos and a special participation of new GSM Blue celebrity endorser Sue Ramirez, the 2019 GSM Calendar Girl Pia Wurtzbach and Writer/Comedian Alex Calleja.

The theater-like production treated guests to outstanding performances showcasing Ginebra San Miguel in the different periods of Philippine history.

When you say gin in the Philippines, only one brand comes to mind: Ginebra San Miguel.  Wherever you are, whatever your status, whether celebrating milestones or unwinding at the end of the day, it has become part of the Filipino’s way of life.

Perhaps this is because Ginebra San Miguel represents more than a drink. It is a testament to the passion, perseverance and the unwavering spirit of the people it has served for almost two centuries.

“Ginebra San Miguel mirrors the resilience and the never-say-die spirit of the Filipinos. As the pioneering gin in the Philippines, we take pride in its legacy because the story of Ginebra San Miguel is the story of the Filipino people,” said Ron C. Molina, Ginebra San Miguel Marketing Manager.

True to its One Ginebra Nation theme, the event also featured food and special gin cocktails prepared with ingredients from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Chef Rolando Laudico created sumptuous dishes to pair perfectly with the gin concoctions of top mixologists:

  • Kalel Demetrio and his “Beautiful With A Heart” Luzon concoction made with Kamias Juice and Blue Sampaguita Spritz.
  • Enzo Lim and his “Carabao Cocktail” that highlighted the sweet mangoes of Visayas.
  • And Mindanao’s Tablea and Durian in Icy Mariñas’ Shalalala.

The World Gin Day festivity was just the beginning of the One Ginebra Nation Tour. Gin lovers can look forward to promos and special Ginebra San Miguel packages in selected bars nationwide and by checking out www.oneginebranation.com.

Moreover, be on the lookout for the One Ginebra Nation Truck touring the country with special treats.

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