Benj Pangilinan, a Filipino singer-songwriter, is the newest recording artist to be signed to Sony Music Entertainment this year. The label is home to some of the greatest bands in the nation, including P-Pop dynasty SB19 and the multi-awarded band Ben&Ben.
The track serves as his official single under the international record label, and is co-produced by Grammy-nominated Xerxes Bakker (Imagine Dragons, Snoop Dogg). The rising star has demonstrated immense promise with the release of “LOVE, THAT’S RARE.”
A music videocreated by Filipino director Gilb Baldoza, who has produced noteworthy work for other recording artists like Julie Anne San Jose and Rico Blanco, is released alongside the electro-pop ballad. Benj and his sister Hannah came up with the core concept of the film’s graphics.
“We wanted to try our best to tell a story that made people see a different side of Love and all that it brings,” the alt-pop prodigy explains. “Working with Direk Gilb was super fun. His energy is infectious. I learned so much from him on the process of what it takes to create a short film.”
Despite coming from a lineage of well-respected entertainers, Benj Pangilinan wants to be known for bringing his personal stamp to his own art. Not worried about what other people think, the multi-hyphenate artist is keen on redirecting his focus on making music that represents his own vision.
I’m not trying to impress anyone,” he admits. “I guess I just try to focus on being as authentic as possible to shine His light on others.”
Sony Music Entertainment will release the“LOVE, THAT’S RARE”music video on YouTube on July 7, 2023 (a Friday), at 7 p.m. View ithere.
A subsidiary of the events, public relations, and multimedia company GNN Entertainment Productions in Manila, GNN Pop, just revealed its 2023 launch offering.
As part of its debut performance, the pop-focused group transports audience members back in time by bringing back Kyla and Jay R, two of the biggest names in Filipino R&B. As we attended the press conference, I’m so grateful to have met Kyla personally, and as expected, she’s very kind and accommodating. All of our questions were answered by her, and since JayR was not able to attend the press conference, he still sent his warmest greetings to us, and he even dedicated a song for us through a video.
GNN Events Director Marie Lara Pauline Bobier reveals that the concert aims to celebrate Kyla and Jay R’s versatility and chemistry as musicians and performers. “The setlist will be a collaboration between the core production team and the two R&B royalty, putting a premium on songs that defined their iconic status, while also challenging them creatively to the best of their abilities. This is a very important project for us, GNN, as this is our first pop concert. We promise that Back in Time will be an unforgettable reunion for all of us.”
Back In Time: Kyla and Jay R The Reunion Concert, made possible by two of OPM’s most recognizable voices, will take place on September 2, 2023 (Saturday) at the New Frontier Theatre in Cubao, Quezon City.
The highly anticipated show aims to bring Y2K vibes back to life with soulful collaborations, captivating numbers, and show-stopping vocal performances. It also marks the tandem’s 20th year of creative partnership, which spawned numerous sold-out concerts, top endorsement deals, and chart-topping hits such as “Let The Love Begin,” “Undeniable, “Say That You Love Me,” and “Back In Time.”
During the intimate press conference held at the Empty Stomach and Lounge Bar in Taguig City on July 5, 2023, Kyla expressed her excitement about working with Jay R again for this special project.
“Jay R has always been one of my favorite collaborators,” shares the Hanggang Ngayon hitmaker. “We’ve done concerts together in the past, but I’m most excited about this one because there’s so much growth and maturity in terms of our musicality. This show will surely give us an opportunity to reflect on where we’re at in our respective careers and personal lives, while allowing us to be more involved in terms of song selection and artistic direction . I can’t wait to hit the studios and rehearse real soon.”
One of the top Philippine multi-media entertainment companies, Cornerstone Entertainment, is a co-presenter of Back In Time: Kyla and Jay R The Reunion Concert.
Tickets are currently on sale through Ticketnet Onlineand all Ticketnet locations across the country. You could also call Tel. (02) 8588 – 4000 loc. 4066 for additional details.
The highly anticipated show marks GNN Pop’s debut offering for 2023
The royalty of Filipino music KYLA and JAY R are preparing for their eagerly awaited comeback to the main stage!
Back In Time: Kyla and Jay R The Reunion Concert, the reunion performance of the King and Queen of Filipino R&B, will take place on September 2, 2023 (Saturday), at the New Frontier Theatre in Cubao, Quezon City.
Kyla and Jay R are prepared to take listeners on a musical trip that has influenced pop culture broadly from the early 2000s to the present. The duo is celebrating 20 years of a generation-spanning partnership that opened the way for local R&B/soul/hip-hop to flourish in the mainstream music industry in the Philippines.
“I’m excited to work with Kyla again,” acclaimed producer/singer-songwriter Jay R said. “Aside from the undeniable chemistry that we’ve developed through years of working together, this concert means a lot to me for sentimental reasons. There’s magic every time Kyla and I go on stage. We don’t perform just to impress, but also to lift each other up and bring out the best versions of ourselves.”
“Jay R and I have always been soulmates in music,” award-winning songstress Kyla explained. “I immediately said yes to this concert because this is my own little way of thanking our fans for being supportive of the creative partnership. We owe it big time to them for protecting this legacy of ours, and for ensuring that it will be preserved for the next generation to cherish.”
The much awaited Kyla x Jay R performance is presented and produced by GNN Pop, a division of Manila-based GNN Entertainment Productions, which also handles events, public relations, and multimedia. This marks the local production’s 2023 debut release and makes a commitment to its fans to provide top-tier pop-leaning performances at festivals, concerts, and shows. One of the top Philippine companies for multimedia entertainment, Cornerstone Entertainment, is also a co-presenter of the event.
On June 30 at 12:00, tickets go on sale through Ticketnet Online.You could also call Tel. (02) 8588 – 4000 loc. 4066 for additional details.
The Filipino band is also set to debut the electronic-leaning track live in their upcoming 5-city international tour
With the release of “CouldBeSomething” on June 30, Friday at midnight, the Filipino nine-piece collective Ben&Ben ushers in a new era after attracting more than 60,000 spectators for their homecoming concert last year and receiving praise for their performance at Hong Kong’s Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival 2023. As we attended the press conference for Ben & Ben, we had the chance to meet and interact with them personally. They are so generous in sharing their ideas and plans, and they are so accommodating. We really enjoyed everything that they shared with us, and we look forward to seeing them achieve their endeavors. I also greatly liked their new album, “Could be Something.” Everything is beautifully written, and it will surely hook many of their avid listeners.
Selfie with the Ben&Ben Members
Ben&Ben’s first single of 2023 is a significant advancement that ushers in a new phase of musical development and evolution. This time, the multiple award-winning group incorporates elements of city pop, tropicalia beats, and dazzling production touches into their guitar-driven folk/pop-rock foundations to create a more electronic-leaning composition. They gave Ben&Ben’s sound a fresh perspective along with co-producers Timothy Run and Sam Marquez. “We wanted the instrumentation and production to capture a more mature kind of hope, so we used slightly darker chords, coupled with tight rhythms, to bring out a unique kind of catharsis for the listener, for our Liwanag,” Ben&Ben explained in a group statement. The soundscapes were created by the co-producers and myself to reflect the band’s luxurious, yet tighter-than-ever sound.
According to the Pagtingin hitmakers, “Could Be Something” delves into the often-overlooked phase before taking a leap of faith. It candidly addresses moments of overthinking and overprocessing, providing a relatable narrative for all.
“Could Be Something is a song about turning doubt into belief,” Ben&Ben shares. “It’s the revival of hope after being caught in a very cynical place. It’s the feeling you get after meeting someone who unexplainably makes you believe in love again, or finding a new passion that sparks life in you.”
The nine-piece act reveals that, beyond being a love song, their new single doubles as an anthem for people grappling with doubt. “It offers a reminder to believe, surrender, and let go during challenging times,” the acclaimed Filipino group adds.The band worked together with Ben&Ben Music Production, the management team behind the band’s entire operations, music production and marketing efforts, to embark on this new journey. Since the pandemic, the band has been self-managed by a tightly knit, yet efficient team of people that the band believes in, and trusts wholeheartedly.
International Tour
As the headliners of their cross-country tour, Ben&Ben intends to present a live version of “Could Be Something” in the upcoming months. Additionally, they will be introducing the song to an international audience for the first time ever with an international tour that begins in London and continues through Los Angeles, Toronto, Sydney, and Dubai. This is done in association with the 1MX Music Festival and ABS-CBN Global. Through their social media pages and official website, more information will be made available in the upcoming weeks.
On June 30, 2023, Sony Music Entertainment will release Ben&Ben’s “Could Be Something” on all digital music platforms across the world.
Our forthcoming event, “The Magic of EKquality,” which strives to inspire acceptance and serve as a forum for promoting unity, equality, and honoring the dynamic LGBTQIA community, will take place during Pride Month, which is currently in full gear.
The “Magic of EKquality” promises to be an evening full of star-studded performances and enthralling entertainment on July 2, 2023 at the Spaceport Grounds of Enchanted Kingdom. We cordially welcome everyone to join us for this amazing celebration of diversity and equality.
The concert will feature an impressive lineup of talented artists, including the upcoming IWant TCS, DRAG & ME’s actors Precious Paula Nicole (Drag Race PH winner), Lance Carr, Amy Nobles, JC Alcantara, and Andrea Brillantes. Joining them on stage are Vivacious dance crew, Tanya Jose Evans, Loura Mercy, Tiffany, Lady Gagita and Anton Diva, all set to bring their energy and charisma to captivate the audience.
In the spirit of inclusivity, we invite all park guests to participate in the SaGAYlahan segment, which allows individuals to showcase their creativity and individuality through their best PRIDE outfits. Attendees who arrive in their most fabulous pride costumes will have the opportunity to register for the SaGAYlahan segment and take part in the catwalk, competing for the highly coveted title of “Sagaylahan Queen.” Participants will also have a chance to win cash prizes, making this segment an exhilarating experience for all.
We are excited to provide the “Magic of EKquality” EK Online Store promotion (EKOS) to prolong the celebration. From June 28 to July 2, travelers can get a Regular Day Pass for just P935 during a special discount period. Additionally, to sweeten the festive ambiance, the first 2,000 customers to take advantage of the promotion will receive a FREE Magnolia ice cream scoop, which can be redeemed at Amazon Grill or Diggers.
The purpose of the event is to encourage people from every walk of life—as well as the LGBTQIA community—to embrace diversity, equality, and inclusivity. We can create a stronger, more welcoming society by cooperating and embracing our diversity.
The brand-new 11th album from the Foo Fighters, But Here We Are, which has been universally praised as one of the group’s strongest to date, has been the group’s 10th album to enter the Top 10 of the US Album Chart. But Here We Are also marks the sixth UK #1 album for the Foo Fighters, the ninth Australian #1 album, the #1 album in Switzerland and New Zealand, and the Top 5 debut in almost a dozen other countries.
But Here We Are, an album that was released on June 2 by Roswell Records/RCA Records, debuted at #1 on the Alternative and Hard Rock album sales charts and reached #8 on the Billboard 200 in its first week. The Colour and the Shape and There is Nothing Left to Lose both debuted in the Top 10 in 1997 and 1999, respectively. Since then, Wasting Light (2011) and Concrete and Gold (2017) have reached #1 on the charts, and One by One (2002), In Your Honor (2005), Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace (2007), Sonic Highways (2014), and Medicine at Midnight (2021) have debuted in the Top 3.
Produced by Greg Kurstin and Foo Fighters, But Here We Are has received the warmest of welcomes—from the capacity crowds singing along to every word of “Rescued” and “Under You” during the band’s current tour, to a still growing torrent of acclaim for the album and its songs including Billboard, which called it “a moving collection that balances raw emotion with the band’s signature determination to see the light through the darkness” and The New York Times which described Grohl’s melodies as “soaring and anthemic as they’ve sounded in years.”
The Foo Fighters resume their ongoing tour in support of But Here We Are this week, including a headlining performance at Bonnaroo, following the recent announcement of stadium concerts in Australia and New Zealand. Go to https://foofighters.com/tour-dates/ for a full schedule.
“But Here We Are”by the Foo Fighters is currently available on all digital music services in the world thanks to Sony Music Entertainment.
Doja Cat, a multi-platinum recording artist, debuts her brand-new song and music video for “Attention”via Kemosabe Records, RCA Records, and Sony Music Entertainment. The award-winning director Tanu Muino (Harry Styles, Cardi B) directed and shot the music video in Los Angeles last month. It debuted globally on MTV Live, MTVU, MTV Biggest Pop, and throughout the company’s entire network of channels, as well as on billboards in Paramount Times Square. Doja Cat released her first brand-new single following Vegas, which dominated the charts.
Most recently, Doja Cat was included on SZA’s remix of her #1 Hot 100 hit, Kill Bill, along with their label name SZA. She was also named one of TIME100’s Most Influential People of 2023, where she graced the cover of one of the four global TIME Magazine April issues and was recognized as an honoree and performer. On the remix track, Doja received high praise for opening the song with a badass rap verse, followed by SZA’s original chorus; Billboard said: “…Doja’s inclusion on the track injects a new excitement.”
GRAMMY award-winning global superstar Doja Cat made her first upload to Soundcloud in 2013 at just 16 years old. Having grown up in and around the LA area, she developed a knack for music by studying piano and dance as a kid and listening to the likes of Busta Rhymes, Erykah Badu, Nicki Minaj, Drake, and more. Signed to Kemosabe/RCA Records in 2014, she released her Purrr! EP and followed that with her debut album Amala in spring 2018, but it was her August 2018 release of “MOOO!” which catapulted her into the mainstream and was met with critical acclaim.
Doja Cat released her sophomore GRAMMY-nominated platinum album Hot Pink in November 2019 to mass critical acclaim; the album has garnered over 6 billion streams worldwide. It features “Streets”, the viral sensation that soundtracked the ‘Silhouette Challenge,’ one of the biggest TikTok trends to date and her GRAMMY-nominated #1 smash record “Say So” which has been RIAA certified 6x platinum and catapulted Doja into global superstardom.
With over 20 billion worldwide streams to date, Doja’s creativity and showmanship as a performer have been praised time and time again, she has delivered unique and show-stopping performances on nearly all the major Award Show stages and music festivals throughout the world. Doja Cat’s GRAMMY award-winning album Planet Her came out in June 2021 and dominated the charts, debuting at #1 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and #2 on the Billboard Top 200 and Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and generated the highest first day Spotify streams for an album by a female rapper. GRAMMY award-winning “Kiss Me More” ft. SZA, the lead single off Planet Her is certified 5x platinum by the RIAA and hit #1 at Top 40 and Rhythm radio with over 2.2 billion streams worldwide. That fall, Doja Cat became the first rapper to have 3 songs in the Top 10 at Top 40 radio. Last year, “Woman” went to the top of the Billboard Rhythmic Airplay charts which ascended her to become the first women to have four #1 hits from one album, other hits including “You Right” with The Weeknd and “Need to Know.” She went on to land at #1 on the Billboard Artist 100 chart for the first time. Amongst others, Doja has won 5 AMAs, 5 Billboard Music Award, 3 MTV VMAs, 3 BMI Awards, 2 MTV EMAs, 1 GRAMMY Award and 1 NAACP Image Award along with garnering a total of 16 GRAMMY Award nominations. Additionally, Doja has been nominated for 20 Billboard Music Awards, 10 MTV VMAs, 9 AMAs, 9 BET Awards, 8 MTV EMAs, 5 BMI Awards and dozens more. Most recently, Doja was named one of TIME100’s Most Influential People of 2023 where she was featured on the April cover issue and performed at the TIME100 Gala in New York City.
The Philippine Ballet Theater’s goal is to share traditional Filipino stories that reflect the culture of our nation. They want to write and perform tales that are profoundly anchored in our history. A brand-new, full-length Filipino ballet titled “Ibalon” will launch PBT’s 37th season. Artistic Director and Choreographer Ronilo Jaynario draws inspiration from the well-known Bicolano epic “Ibalon” and concentrates on the romance between Handyong (The Warrior) and Oryol (The Cursed Creature). Jaynario makes a point of explaining that his choreography is a reimagining of a love story set against a background of Philippine mythology. He used artistic license and added nuances and plot twists to the story to produce a potent illustration of love in motion. He wants to fascinate his audience with vibrant dances drawn from Mindanao, Visayas, and Luzon.
This story will be luxuriously told with original music by Paulo Zarate. Zarate explains that in creating the music, his approach was an exaggeration of what the music would have sounded like in ancient times. Filipino instruments in that period were more percussive and rhythmic. He took this into consideration but added bold and moving melodies, incorporating details of Filipino elements that he researched on, to make the music more epic. Zarate wanted to create music that would have a theatrical or cinematic effect on the audience, pushing them at the edge of their seat in excitement or sweeping them into the love story of Handyong and Oryol.
You will embark on a journey into the core of our culture and history with Matthew Davo’s portrayal of the warrior Handyong and Eloisa Jessa Tangalin’s portrayal of the doomed princess Oryol. The telling of our ancestors’ tales will come to life with song and dance thanks to PBT’s emerging talents.
Zarate and Jaynario shared a desire to make a lasting contribution to the heritage of Philippine dance. Old Filipino tales are no longer discussed, but ingenuity can change that. A beautiful representation of our culture can be made using both new and old elements. From July 28 to July 29, 2023, PBT’s “Ibalon” will be shown in the elegant Samsung Theater. The fundraising effort for the 65th Anniversary of the Ramon Magsaysay Awards will profit entirely from sales on July 29.
Title: IBALON
Venue: Samsung Performing Arts Theatre
Date & Time of Performances: July 28, 2023, Friday 8:00 pm, July 29, 2023, Saturday 8:00 pm
For ticket inquiries and reservations, you may contact the following numbers.
Landline: 86711697
Mobile: 09688708887
Via Ticketworld: and 8891-9999/ ticketworld.com.ph
Or message their social media platforms in Instagram and Facebook Page.
This week, Fra Lippo Lippi will perform a two-day concert at The Theatre at Solaire on Friday, June 16, 2023, and the Santa Rosa Sports Complex on Saturday, June 17, 2023. As we attended the press conference, I was so excited to hear his wonderful songs, as they are also relatable to me for the reason that they are all from the 1980s, and I’m so delighted meeting him in person as I look up to his wonderful music. Really looking forward to experiencing the much anticipated performances.
With Per Sorensen
The Norwegian pop group, led by keyboardist and lead vocalist Per Sorensen, performs once more in Manila and Laguna to reaffirm their status as one of the important figures in the new wave movement.
Per Sorensen of Fra Lippo Lippi made a special appearance on ABS-CBN’s Showtime earlier this month to advertise his upcoming two-day performance, which will be organized by DMC Philippines. During a private press conference held on June 12, 2023 at the Kingsford Hotel in Paranaque City, Metro Manila, he also expressed his gratitude to the Filipino fans for their undying love and support of his songs.
Taken during the presscon at Kingsford Hotel
“I’m always grateful to the Philippines for the warm welcome that they give me every time I visit the country to do a show,” the ‘80s pop icon shares. “I’m excited to grace the concert stage once again and perform some of the biggest hits of my career, along with some personal favorites.”
Fra Lippo Lippi is best known for their worldwide hits, including classics such as “Everytime I See You,” “Beauty and Madness,” “Stitches and Burns,” “Light and Shade,” “The Distance Between Us,” “Angel,” and more.
After bassist and founding co-member Rune Kristoffer decided to call it quits, Per Sorensen kept the band’s music alive through live concert tours all around the world, with the Philippines as one of its regular stops.
“Later,” a song by Per Sorensen and his band that topped the charts in Asia and the rest of Europe, was released in 2002. He even managed to work with Filipino R&B singer Kyla on the song “Wish We Were Two,” which received a lot of broadcast on several top 40 stations in Manila and other significant Philippine cities.
Steve Hovington of B-Movie, who will appear with Per Sorensen of Fra Lippo Lippi at both locations—the Theatre at Solaire on June 16, 2023, and the Santa Rosa Sports Complex on June 17, 2023—supports this event. The Rail, Maui & Sons, and New DMC Entertainment Production Management are in charge of organizing the event..
The event is presented by New DMC Entertainment Production Management, Maui & Sons, and The Rail.
Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI), the company that produces the best-selling gin in the world, is celebrating World Gin Day (WGD) this year in a “cool, clear, and versatile” manner. June will be recognized as World Gin Month with a series of events beginning with a media introduction on June 8 at The Westin Manila in Ortigas. As I joined the blast during the much anticipated event, we really had fun and enjoyed everything, especially with all the flavors and GSM products they have offered and served. I also had the chance to meet the three personalities that grace the event of GSM, namely, Zanjo Marudo, Hipon Girl and Basel, who also make the event more alive and contagious. They also showcased the mixing of drinks and the different contests of their graduates as part of the fun-filled evening.
Selfie with the celebrities
WGD is a worldwide event celebrated on the second Saturday of June and is led in the Philippines by GSMI, which was also responsible for bringing the inaugural WGD celebrations to the Asia Pacific area in 2014. The main brand of GSMI, Ginebra San Miguel, celebrated its 180th anniversary in that year. Currently, gin lovers anticipate GSMI’s month-long events, which not only honor gin’s continuing impact on our drinking culture but also highlight its significance in festivals, fiestas, gatherings, and even our everyday victories.
Paolo Abrera, host and GSMI Marketing Manager Ron Molina
“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,’” says GSMI Marketing Manager Ron Molina.
‘Cool, Clear, and Versatile’
This June 8, GSMI once again reinforces that “Gin Is In,” highlighting gin’s “Cool, Clear, and Versatile” qualities that elevate it from the rest.
Gin has been around since the 17th century, and remains popular to this day, especially in Europe, and of course, the Philippines. It is loved by many, and its popularity can be attributed to its taste—the flavor of Juniper and a variety of botanicals—allowing gin to exude that classic yet “Cool” vibe.
The gin’s “Clear,” pure quality is derived from a rigorous distillation process that brings out its best flavor. Since it is unpretentious – with nothing to hide – it is a drink known for its “Versatility,” as it can be enjoyed straight or mixed with other ingredients in a cocktail.
In a new campaign supporting the appreciation for Gin, GSMI features three exciting and authentic personalities who perfectly embody these unique characteristics of gin.
The Three personalities: Basel Manadil, Herlene “Hipon Girl” Budol and Zanjoe Marudo
Gin Is Cool.
The actor and model Zanjoe Marudo likes the cool and refreshing gin experience to punctuate the day. For him, being cool is more than style and moves; it is being calm, too. “Alam niyo kung anong totoong COOL sakin? Yung pagiging kalmado ko (You know what’s truly cool for me? It is my being calm),” says Zanjoe. His choice of gin is popular to this day – Ginebra San Miguel, which has been his favorite since his days growing up in Batangas.
Gin Is Clear.
Basel Manadil’s choice is GSM Premium Gin, a distilled gin made with natural ingredients and fine botanicals. Popularly known as “The Hungry Syrian,” the Syrian-born Filipino vlogger’s viral posts have made him a clear favorite among millions of netizens. As he would say, “always be CLEAR with your intentions no matter where you go. Because everything you do, can make an impact to others.”
Gin is Versatile.
Actress comedian Herlene “Hipon Girl” Budol likes her gin to be versatile, a drink she can enjoy in many ways. This love for versatility in drinks is something that she also carries in life. The fact that this comedian was able to transform herself into a serious pageant contender truly is outstanding and admirable. Herlene has won over Filipinos with her charming wit, down-to-earth personality, and of course, her remarkable versatility. “In life, dapat VERSATILE (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.”
The three of them – Zanjoe, Basel, and Herlene – will not only grace the WGD celebration but will also be present at various events of GSMI during “Gin Is In” celebrations starting in June.
“We are proud to say that they truly embody the best qualities of gin: Zanjoe is ‘Cool like Gin Is In.’ Basel is ‘Clear like Gin Is In,’ and Herlene is ‘Versatile like Gin Is In,’” Molina added.
The 3 Graduates of the GSM Bar Academy from left: Angela Felarca, Jhyrus Denver A. Domingo and JP Peñaflor
GSM Bar Academy graduates ‘mix’ back
One of the highlights of the WGD event is the presence of three mixologists who are scholar-graduates of the Ginebra San Miguel Bar Academy, a partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) that gives Filipinos a chance to change their lives through education – training students in bartending, flairtending, and basic entrepreneurship.
With the goal of producing globally-competitive and job-ready graduates, while elevating the quality of the bartending profession in the process, the GSM Bar Academy is proud to say that it has produced an astounding 100% immediate employability for all its graduates in 2022.
During WGD, three graduates of the GSM Bar Academy – Jhyrus Denver A. Domingo, Angela Felarca, and JP Peñaflor – who are all employed in top bars in Metro Manila, will showcase their mixology skills in a friendly competition with the theme, “Gin Is In, ” which will feature the world’s most popular and bestselling gin Ginebra San Miguel and other brands, GSM Blue and GSM Premium Distilled Gin.
The success of the GSM Bar Academy in transforming the lives not only of the students but also of their families and the community has not gone unnoticed. In fact, the program will be a recipient of the prestigious International CSR Excellence Award, to be formally awarded on June 16 in London, UK.
‘Gin Is In’ Nationwide
Part of the WGD celebration will be the launch of the second season of G-MIX Nation Online Series, hosted by Luis Manzano, which will be shown for the first time and will feature new cocktail recipes. Alongside is the Home Bar Kit that features Ginebra products and tools for mixing different kinds of cocktails, which is sold online and at select supermarkets.
To ensure gin enthusiasts across the country can partake in the “Gin Is In” festivity, Ginebra San Miguel Inc. will also host mini events in around 50 bars nationwide, including those in Pampanga, Naga, Cebu, and Cagayan De Oro. These bar activations will offer consumers exclusive promotions, raffle giveaways, and outlet merchandising, providing an opportunity for everyone to immerse themselves in the celebration.
To sustain the momentum of the “Gin Is In,” there will be various activities in hundreds on-premise outlets from July to December. Participating outlets will receive exclusive benefits, special “Gin Is In” stubs for consumers to support their patronage.
GSMI’s World Gin Day celebration is just the beginning of a series of exciting events, allowing enthusiasts to declare their love and support for the vibrant local gin culture. In the country, gin is synonymous with Ginebra San Miguel. It is the country’s pioneering gin and the oldest consumer brand still in the market, but still remains cool, clear and versatile, a timeless classic yet still in tune with the times.
Ginebra San Miguel bottles go through a meticulous production procedure to guarantee the highest quality. Variants like GSM Blue, GSM Blue Flavors, and Ginebra San Miguel Premium Gin have been produced to target various market niches as evidence of the brand’s strength. Since it was only introduced last year, its 1834 Premium Distilled Gin has gained popularity among people with discerning tastes who are attracted by its blend of traditional juniper berries with distinctive Philippine botanicals like Sampaguita and Calamansi.
The world’s best-selling gin, Ginebra San Miguel, is made by GSMI, according to renowned international beverage publication Drinks International. Other premium distilled spirits produced by GSMI include GSM Blue Light Gin, GSM Blue Mojito, GSM Blue Margarita, GSM Blue Gin Pomelo, GSM Premium Gin, 1834 Premium Distilled Gin, Antonov Vodka, Aejo Gold Rum, Primera Light Brandy, No. 1 Chinese wine Vino Kulafu in the Philippines, and the recently introduced G&T Ultralight Spirit Drink.