Love for gin is something that the Filipinos share in common with the world. Now on its 11th year, the Philippines is currently celebrating an extended World Gin Day 2019, turning it into a festivity that will be experienced by the whole nation!
Last June 7, we stood and partied as “One Gin Nation” with the country’s pioneering spirit, Ginebra San Miguel. The big event has been an observance of camaraderie, good food, and awesome spirits. All these and more at this year’s festivities were the things not to be missed.
But it isn’t over yet so TARA, TAGAY NA!
The Birth of The Drinking Legend: A Look At The Filipino Flavor of GIn
Filipinos love their alcohol and we are in-born fans of festivals.
Celebrations, whether big or small, in metro cities or far-flung barrios, are meant to be enjoyed with spirits. In fact, our drinking culture is so strong that we gave birth to the concept of “tagay.” Unique to Filipinos, it’s a fun way of drinking gin where one drinks from a common glass and passes it on to be refilled for the next round.
And for 185 years now, Filipinos have been enjoying the distinct taste and quality of Ginebra San Miguel. From its humble beginnings in a small distillery in Manila, to becoming one of the country’s most respected brands, Ginebra San Miguel has solidified itself as being integral to the history and culture of the Philippines, and the story of the Filipino people.
So to kick off the World Gin Day 2019, Ginebra San Miguel has gathered some of the country’s top master mixologists, a highly-acclaimed chef, popular celebrity performers, and a nation of gin lovers in one big celebration. World Gin Day 2019 PH was held at the Seda Vertis North, Quezon City last Friday.
Let the “GIN-tastic Tour Begin
Officially, World Gin Day took place yesterday, June 8, 2019. But we were lucky enough to get a head start on all the festivities prepared by Ginebra San Miguel.
The event started with a thirst-quenching display of awesome bartending skills. The said GSM event staples Master mixologists Enzo Lim, Kalel Demetrio and Icy Mariñaswere there to once again feature new gin-based cocktails that represent the country’s three main island groups.
First up, Liquido Maestro Kalel Demetrio created the Beautiful With A Heart gin concoction. He made it with his all-time fave ingredients: Kamias juice and Blue Sampaguita spritz.
Meanwhile, Enzo Lim paid tribute to Visayas’ sweet mangoes, creating the Carabao Cocktail.
And finally, for Mindanao, spunky mixologist Icy Mariñas crafted the Shalalala using Mindanao’s Tablea and Durian.
To make the night hotter, Ginebra San Miguel Calendar Girl, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, along with the actress and GSM Blue endorser, Sue Ramirez as well as the GSM Premium Gin ambassador, comedian/writer Alex Calleja all joined the world-classgin mixing masters in preparing the cocktails.
And to creatively pair with all the bottomless spirits prepared during the event, rockstar chef Rolando Laudicowas once again invited to prepare a sumptuous “pulutan” feast for all guests.
A Gin-credible Night with Gin-Credible People
Of course, no party will be complete without fun people and good music, right? Among the guests who graced the event were famous personalities like Miss Saigon alumnus, Gerald Santos, who also starred in the night’s musical spectacle chronicling the 185 years of Ginebra San Miguel. The theater-like show was directed by the award-winning Rommel Ramilo.
Guests were also entertained with outstanding performances showcasing Ginebra San Miguel in the different periods of Philippine history. And to add some extra excitement to the program, the brand endorsers surprised the crowd with their special participation in the show.
World Gin Day 2019 All Over The World
Now on its 11th year, World Gin Day was founded by British blogger Neil Houston and is celebrated every 2nd Saturday of June. What started as a day to bring his friends together to drink gin has grown into a worldwide celebration. World Gin Day 2019 events were also held in the UK, Australia and the US.
Here in the Philippines, World Gin Day was first celebrated in 2014 coinciding with the celebration of Ginebra San Miguel’s 180th anniversary. This was highlighted by the launch of a travelling exhibit showcasing the brand’s colorful history and rich heritage.
Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) is the producer of the world’s no. 1 selling gin Ginebra San Miguel. As well as other quality liquor products including GSM Premium Gin, GSM Blue, GSM Blue Flavors, Antonov Vodka, Vino Kulafu, Don Enrique Tequila, Añejo Gold Medium Rum and Primera Light Brandy.
The Ginebra San Miguel Marketing Manager, Ron C. Molina said about the number 1 gin in the Philippines:
“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.”
The One Ginebra Nation Tour will now start taking over other cities in the Philippines. All the gin-lovers will be treated to special GSM promos and packages when they visit selected bars nationwide. Check out more details on www.oneginebranation.com. Watch out for the One Ginebra Nation Truck tour near you too for some special treats.
