LIFESTYLE | July 22, 2020
 |
| (Image Source: Business Mirror/Facebook/Ginebra San Miguel) |
Every year, thousands of people from different parts of the country have gathered together to witness a series of local live music festivals showcasing local talent and featuring popular bands and celebrities and eventually join in on an epic celebration of music, food and the world's largest selling gin. This is Ginebra San Miguel's GinumanFests which has been championing original Filipino music since its inception in 2011. However, restricted by measures that strictly prohibits staging of large mass gatherings due to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) found a way to move forward with this year's GinumanFest amidst the challenges set by the new normal.
On June 20, 2020, eight days after the celebration of Philippine Independence Day, GinumanFest staged its first ever live online concert headlined by popular OPM bands Banda Ni Kleggy, Silent Sanctuary and December Avenue streamed via Ginebra San Miguel's official Facebook page where Filipinos have digitally got together as ONE GINEBRA NATION to support and salute the frontliners that are keeping the nation safe from the further spread of the COVID-19 virus, the freedom to enjoy life, and the never-say-die Filipino spirit. It was a well-timed concert that also ushered in the Philippines' month-long celebration of World Gin Month kicked off by World Gin Day held last June 13th.
 |
| (Image Source: Business Mirror/Facebook/Ginebra San Miguel) |
Riding high on the celebration of Filipino freedom, the online GinumanFest concert was literally no different from previous installments as the headline bands have kept netizens entertained with their best hits and sent out messages of hope and encouragement. Hosted by Magic 89.9 DJs Suzy Gamboa and CJ Rivera, the virtual event encouraged viewers to prepare their favorite GSM drinks as they were treated to the special participation of industry idols such as Sue Ramirez, 2020 GSM Calendar Girl Sanya Lopez, top favorite candidates from Miss Universe Philippines, and the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings. The night has many interesting and enjoyable highlights including two surprise collaborations where Sanya Lopez and Sue Ramirez sang together with Banda Ni Kleggy and Silent Sanctuary, respectively which received wild live comments on Facebook.
 |
| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Entertainment/Facebook/Ginebra San Miguel) |
As the event carried on and before festivities came to a close, guests and viewers have taken part in a virtual toast as heroes celebrating heroes and were thanked for making an unforgettable night possible. The GSM GinumanFest live online concert reached more than 3 million viewers and garnered 335,000 views in just one night on Facebook. The live comments bursting with happiness and exclamations of admirations for the artists were stirred up by the feelings and memories with each song performed throughout the affair. Many netizens have expressed their disappointment of not attending any major concert considering today's situation but they were grateful that they have the chance to experience it through GSM GinumanFest and this is all that matters.
