Ginebra San Miguel 185 Years Gives Toast to One Ginebra Nation
Six Things You Missed at the One Ginebra Nation Launch
When you say gin in the Philippines only one brand
comes to mind: Ginebra San Miguel. The mere mention of Ginebra can evoke a
myriad of memories for many Filipinos. It has been such a part of Philippine
history that it represents more than a drink perhaps this is because Ginebra has
become a testament to the passion, perseverance and the unwavering spirit of
the Filipino people it has served for almost two centuries. Wherever you are,
whatever your status, whether celebrating milestones or unwinding at the end of
the day, Ginebra has become part of our way of life.
This year, the Filipinos favorite gin is celebrating
185 years. Let’s look back to how it all began.
The Birth of an Icon
Ginebra’s humble beginnings
started in a small distillery in Quiapo, Manila. The first ever gin in the
Philippines, Ginebra San Miguel was first served on March 10, 1834. Originally produced
to cater to the affluent and colonial elite who stayed on in Manila, it was later
shared with other wealthy Filipinos. Back then, Ginebra San Miguel was bottled
in 20-liter glass jars wrapped in rattan weave called the dama juana.
The
brand, already an award winner as early as the late 19th century, became
the most sought-after liquor drink by Filipinos. As Ginebra San Miguel grew in
demand, it also became more affordable to the working class Filipino when it
was bottled in 1 liter glass containers called the frasco.
Along
with modernization and improvements in production technology, Ginebra San
Miguel introduced in the 1950s the image of St. Michael the Archangel
vanquishing the devil, painted by Fernando Amorsolo (who would become the first
National Artist), in its Bilog and Kwatro Kantos bottles.
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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.
A
Celebration 185 Years in the Making: 6 Things You Missed at the Launch of One
Ginebra Nation
Last June 7, 2019, also known as
World Gin Day, the brand that is patronized for more than nine generations celebrated
its 185th anniversary with the official launch of One Ginebra Nation
held at Seda Vertis North, Quezon City. Here are the 6 things you missed:
Official
Launch of One Ginebra Nation Tour
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.
LUZVIMIN Food
and Special Gin Cocktails
True to its One Ginebra Nation
theme, the event 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.
Ginebra San Miguel
Calendar Girls
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 prepared elevated
Ginebra San Miguel drink mixes with the world-class mixologists.
The 3 Chefs Gin Concoctions
Guests get to sample Kalel Demetrio with
his Beautiful With A Heart gin
concoction, made with Kamias juice and Blue Sampaguita spritz, paying tribute to
the island Luzon while Enzo Lim created the Carabao
Cocktail that highlighted the sweet Mangoes of Visayas. Icy Mariñas’
Shalala represents Mindanao’s Tablea that is mixed beautifully with Durian. (FB Live by Ginebra San Miguel Official)
A Musicale Chronicling Ginebra San Miguel 185 Years
While everyone enjoyed the free-flowing
gin cocktails and delicious food, the highlight of the night was a musical
spectacle chronicling the 185 years of Ginebra San Miguel. Directed by award-winning director Rommel Ramilo and starring Miss Saigon alumnus, Gerald Santos, the venue was
transformed into a theater and the guests were treated to outstanding performances
showcasing Ginebra San Miguel in the different periods of Philippine history. Adding
excitement to the program, Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach and actress Sue Ramirez
as well as other brand endorsers surprised the crowd with their participation
in the show.
Jawo
is in the House
During the start of the celebration, the Living Legend
and former Senator of the Philippines Robert Jaworski made an appearance to the
delight of the crowd.
Throughout this 185-year journey, Ginebra San Miguel
has certainly been there in good and bad times, being one with the people and
it has been with the Filipino people no matter what.
“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.
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