ONE GINEBRA NATION: A CELEBRATION OF GINEBRA SAN MIGUEL’S 185 YEARS
When I first started drinking, I can still remember my first gin – Ginebra San Miguel. But let’s face it, when you say gin in the Philippines, that’s the first and only brand that comes to mind.
No matter what the occasion is, Ginebra San Miguel has become part of the Filipino’s way of life as it 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.
A Celebration 185 Years in the Making
To celebrate the brand’s success for more than nine generations, I was invited to Ginebra San Miguel’s 185th anniversary at Seda Vertis North, Quezon City.
With the theme, One Ginebra Nation, the event featured food and special gin cocktails prepared with ingredients from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Chef Rolando Laudico was present and he created sumptuous dishes to pair perfectly with the gin concoctions made by the country’s top mixologists (Kalel Demetrio, Enzo Lim and Icy Mariñas).
Also present at the event were Ginebra San Miguel Calendar Girl, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, GSM Blue endorser, actress/singer Sue Ramirez and GSM Premium Gin ambassador, comedian/writer Alex Calleja – who were all game to help mix the drinks the three world-class mixologists has prepared to truly elevate a Ginebra San Miguel cocktail.
One Ginebra Nation – a celebration highlighted on World Gin Day last June 7, 2019
Gin Concoctions
- Kalel Demetrio paid tribute to Luzon with his Beautiful With A Heart gin concoction, made with Kamias juice and Blue Sampaguita spritz.
- Enzo Lim created the Carabao Cocktail that highlighted the sweet Mangoes of Visayas
- Mindanao’s Tablea and Durian was mixed beautifully in Icy Mariñas’ Shalalala.
We all enjoyed the free-flowing gin cocktails and delicious food, plus the musical spectacle that chronicled the 185 years of Ginebra San Miguel. Directed by award-winning director Rommel Ramilo and starring Miss Saigon alumnus, Gerald Santos, the stage was transformed into a theater as we were treated to an outstanding performances showcasing Ginebra San Miguel in the different periods of Philippine history. The 3 brand endorsers also participated in the show.
One Ginebra Nation
Throughout this 185-year journey, Ginebra San Miguel has certainly been there in good and bad times, being one with the people.
Since its creation, Ginebra San Miguel has been a witness to the changes that shaped and defined the Philippines. It has withstood the test of time, the challenges of war, the transitions of governments, and even technological developments. Ginebra San Miguel evolved from being a drink of the elite to winning the hearts and taste buds of the masses. Today, Ginebra San Miguel is considered as one of the country’s most respected and iconic brands and has become part of Philippine history, culture and tradition.
“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.
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. Aside from the newly launched website, be on the lookout for the One Ginebra Nation Truck touring the country with special treats.
For 185 Years, Ginebra San Miguel has been with the Filipino people no matter what. Today, across the nation, we toast as One Ginebra Nation.
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