 |
| (Image Source: RonNotTheDJ.com) |
The
long storied history of Ginebra San Miguel is indeed the story of the culture
of one drinking nation that began on March 10, 1834. From its humble beginnings
in a small distillery in Quiapo, Manila, the first ever gin in the Philippines
was initially produced to cater to the affluent and colonial elite who have
stayed in Manila and later to other wealthy Filipinos. Back then, it was bottled
in a 20-liter glass jars wrapped in rattan weave called the dama juana. Already
an award winner as early as the late 19th century, GSM became the most sought-after
liquor drink by many Filipinos.
As
demand for the gin continues to grow, Ginebra became more affordable to the
working class Filipinos when it was bottled in a 1 liter glass container called
the frasco. In the 1950s, aside from the modernization and improvements in
production technology, Ginebra introduced the image of Saint Michael de Archangel
vanquishing the devil, which was painted by the late National Artist Fernando
Amorsolo, in its Bilog and Kwatro Kantos bottles. Ginebra has been a witness to
many moments, events and changes that have shaped and defined the Philippines
and is now evolved into a part of Filipino history, culture and tradition that
won the hearts and taste buds of the masses through the years.
In celebration
of its 185th year anniversary, Ginebra San Miguel staged a special event which
took place at the night of June 7, 2019 at the Seda Vertis North in Quezon City
which happens to be World Gin Day. With the theme "One Ginebra Nation",
the event featured sumptuous dishes prepared by Chef Rolando Laudico using top
ingredients from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao paired with special gin cocktails
concucted by top mixologists. Gracing the celebration were Ginebra San Miguel
Calendar Girl and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, GSM Blue endorser and
actress Sue Ramirez and GSM Premium Gin ambassador and comedian Alex Calleja which
have prepared elevated GSM drink mixes with the likes of Kalel Demitrio, Enzo
Lim and Icy Marinas.
Headlining
the celebration was a grand musical spectacle chronicling Ginebra San Miguel's
185-year legacy. While enjoying free-flowing gin cocktails and delicious food,
everyone were treated to outstanding performances showcasing GSM in various
periods of Philippine history considering that the musical was directed by
award-winning Rommel Ramillo and among the cast was Miss Saigon alumnus Gerald
Santos. The event also marked the launch of OneGinebraNation.com where it
features a comprehensive detail on the gin's history, concuction tutorials, GSM
news and updates and more.
World
Gin Day is just the beginning as the celebration of GSM's 185th year
anniversary rolls on where gin lovers can look forward to promos and special
GSM packages available at selected bars nationwide as well as the One Ginebra Nation
truck touring the country with special treats on hand. Ginebra San Miguel has
been with the Filipino people through good and bad times and its story
eventually becomes the story of the Filipino nation. Today, we toast and
celebrate as one great drinking nation, One Ginebra Nation!!
