Mc Richard Paglicawan
In celebration of its 190th anniversary, Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI), the producer of the world’s best-selling gin, is highlighting the Art of Gin on World Gin Day.
This global event, observed every second Saturday of June, has become a staple for gin enthusiasts across Europe, Australia, the United States, and the Philippines. GSMI initiated the first World Gin Day celebration in the Asia-Pacific region in 2014, and the event has grown in popularity ever since.
This year’s celebration, marking both World Gin Day and GSMI’s 190th anniversary, features month-long activities throughout June, beginning with a media launch on June 4 at Novotel Manila Araneta City. GSMI Marketing Manager Ron Molina expressed the significance of this milestone: “We’ve crafted a one-of-a-kind World Gin Day experience, allowing gin enthusiasts to step back in time and celebrate the rich history and craftsmanship of Ginebra San Miguel.”
Celebrating the Journey: OriGINs, GINnovations, and ImaGINations
The event’s highlight is a walk-through museum showcasing Ginebra artifacts, commemorative items, art pieces, and collectibles. An educational-entertainment performance narrates Ginebra’s 190-year journey through three segments: OriGINs, GINnovations, and ImaGINations.
OriGINs
Historian Alvin Campomanes brings the origins of Ginebra San Miguel to life with historical narration and re-enactments by human statues. This segment chronicles the creation of the Philippines’ first gin on March 10, 1834, at the Distileria Licorea de Ayala in Quiapo, Manila. Originally bottled in large demijohns for the wealthy, gin became more accessible and affordable in the mid-1800s, packaged in distinctive square bottles known as frasco or cuatro cantos.
The segment also features the iconic bottle label painted by National Artist Fernando Amorsolo, depicting St. Michael the Archangel vanquishing evil, which became Ginebra San Miguel’s official logo in the early 1950s.
GINnovations
GINnovations explores advancements in Philippine gin-making, illustrating how Ginebra San Miguel has maintained excellence since 1834. Crafted in copper stills, each bottle undergoes meticulous distillation to achieve its distinctive flavor. Today, GSMI offers a variety of brands catering to different tastes, including GSM Blue, Ginebra San Miguel, GSM Premium Gin, and 1834 Premium Distilled Gin.
A standout at the event is the launch of Archangel Reserve, a limited-edition 90-proof premium dry gin in a commemorative emerald green bottle. This masterpiece features a perfect balance of six select botanicals and exemplifies Ginebra San Miguel’s rich heritage of gin-making.
ImaGINations
ImaGINations celebrates Ginebra San Miguel’s cultural impact on Filipino life through a modern variety show. The brand has resonated with generations through iconic Calendar Girls, memorable TV ad campaigns, and influence on sports, music, fashion, and film. GSMI introduced its newest ‘Gin-is-In’ ambassadors, showcasing the versatile qualities of gin. The event also featured an auction of Ginebra collectibles, an improv performance by SPIT Manila, and a musical performance by rapper and brand ambassador Nik Makino.
@lionheartv Nag-live auction si #BossToyo sa celebration ng 190 years ng Ginebra San Miguel… At ang nag-uwi ng limited edition custom designed Nike Air Force One…! #EntertainmentNewsPH #TiktokTainmentPH #BestOfTiktokPH #LionhearTV #RAWRNation
June: The ‘Gin-Is-In’ Month
To continue the festivities, GSMI has planned various activities in selected bars nationwide for all Saturdays of June. Promotions include the GIN-IS IN VIP promo, offering exclusive perks and giveaways.
From its humble beginnings as a small distillery in Manila, Ginebra San Miguel has become one of the Philippines’ most respected brands, consistently embodying the outstanding qualities of gin. Celebrating 190 years, Ginebra San Miguel stands as a testament to the enduring art of gin-making.
