Charles Teves
Popular gin brand Ginebra brought a unique twist to the celebrations of World Gin Day by hosting an exclusive white party.
The event, held on June 16, 2023, was a glamorous affair that attracted gin enthusiasts and celebrities alike.
“We join gin enthusiasts worldwide in celebrating World Gin Day. As pioneers of this event in our country, we aspire to ignite the spirit of greater appreciation for more Filipinos to know gin’s outstanding qualities, as it is a drink that is ‘cool, clear, and versatile,'” said Ginebra San Miguel Inc. Marketing Manager Ron Molina on June 8.
Instead of the usual gin tasting and cocktail competitions, Ginebra opted for a more sophisticated and visually stunning gathering. The venue was filled with guests dressed in all-white attire, such as Zanjoe Marudo.
“You know what’s truly cool for me? It’s my being that way,” said Marudo on his favorite type of gin.
Meanwhile, Basel Manadil, also known as ‘The Hungry Syrian,’ has expressed his preference for GSM Premium Gin, a distilled gin crafted using natural ingredients and high-quality botanicals.
With his viral posts resonating with millions of online users, Manadil has become a beloved figure among netizens.
He emphasizes the importance of clarity in intentions, as he believes that every action has the potential to make a positive impact on others.
Moreover, Herlene ‘Hipon Girl’ Budol prefers her gin to be adaptable and suitable for various drink choices.
“In life, one should be versatile. If you are good at one thing, you can also be good at anything. Stay true while learning many things,” she said.
An additional highlight of the World Gin Day occasion was the attendance of three mixologists who have successfully completed the Ginebra San Miguel (GSM) Bar Academy program.
These mixologists are scholars who have graduated from the academy, which is a collaboration between GSM and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
The aim of this partnership is to provide Filipinos the opportunity to improve their lives through education, specifically by offering training in bartending, flairtending, and basic entrepreneurship.
With a commitment to nurturing graduates who are globally competitive and ready for employment, the GSM Bar Academy takes pride in its remarkable achievement of ensuring that all its graduates in 2022 had immediate employment opportunities, totaling a 100 percent success rate.
This accomplishment not only elevates the standards of the bartending profession but also demonstrates the academy’s dedication to producing skilled professionals who are sought-after in the industry.
As part of the World Gin Day festivities, three talented graduates of the GSM Bar Academy, specifically Jhyrus Denver Domingo, Angela Felarca, and JP Peñaflor, showcased their impressive mixology skills in a friendly competition themed ‘Gin Is In.’ The event highlighted the world-renowned Ginebra San Miguel, as well as other popular gin brands such as GSM Blue and GSM Premium Distilled Gin. All three graduates are now gainfully employed at prominent bars located in Metro Manila.
The tremendous impact of the GSM Bar Academy, not only on the lives of its students but also on their families and the wider community, has garnered significant recognition.
The program was honored with the esteemed International CSR Excellence Award officially presented in London, UK on June 16.
This prestigious accolade highlights the academy’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and its exceptional efforts in transforming individuals by providing them with valuable education and career opportunities.
As part of the ongoing celebrations, the second season of the online series ‘G-Mix Nation’ will be launched. Hosted by Luis Manzano, the series will showcase new cocktail recipes and will be premiered for the first time.
In addition, Ginebra San Miguel will introduce The Home Bar Kit which includes Ginebra products and essential tools for mixing cocktails.
This kit will be available for online purchase as well as in select supermarkets.
To ensure that gin enthusiasts across the country can participate in the ‘Gin Is In’ festivities, Ginebra San Miguel has planned mini-events in approximately 50 bars nationwide, including locations like Pampanga, Naga, Cebu, and Cagayan De Oro.
These bar activations will offer exclusive promotions, raffle giveaways, and outlet merchandising, providing everyone the opportunity to engage in the celebration.
To maintain the excitement, numerous activities will be held in hundreds of on-premise outlets from July to December.
Participating establishments will receive exclusive benefits and special ‘Gin Is In’ vouchers to encourage consumer participation and support.
