GINEBRA HIGHLIGHTS COOL, CLEAR, VERSATILE QUALITY OF GIN AT WORLD GIN DAY WHITE PARTY

World Gin Day (WGD) has become a highly anticipated global celebration observed every June, attracting gin enthusiasts from around the world.

One of the driving forces behind this worldwide phenomenon is Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI), the maker of the world’s number one selling gin. GSMI has been instrumental in bringing the first WGD festivities to the Asia Pacific region back in 2014 and continues to elevate the popularity of gin with its month-long activities in June. This year it kicks of the festivities with a media launch on June 8 held at The Westin Manila in Ortigas, to be followed a series of events to highlight June as World Gin month.

GSMI aims to showcase gin’s enduring influence on drinking culture and its role in celebrations, fiestas, gatherings, and even everyday triumphs.

“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.

Gin, a spirit that has been enjoyed since the 17th century, holds a special place in the hearts of many, particularly in Europe and the Philippines. Its popularity can be attributed to its unique taste, derived from a blend of juniper and various botanicals, giving it a classic and “cool” vibe. Additionally, gin’s purity and clarity are achieved through a meticulous distillation process that brings out its best flavors. This transparency makes gin a versatile drink that can be savored straight or mixed with other ingredients to create delightful cocktails.

To further promote the appreciation of gin, GSMI has partnered with three authentic personalities who embody its distinct qualities. Zanjoe Marudo, the actor and model, Basel Manadil, known as “The Hungry Syrian,” and comedian/beauty titlist Herlene “Hipon Girl” Budol .

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.

GSM Bar Academy graduates ‘mix’ back

The celebration of WGD extends beyond personalities and reaches the realm of mixology. GSMI’s Bar Academy, in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), has empowered aspiring bartenders, providing them with the necessary skills and education to succeed in the industry. The academy’s graduates, exemplifying the transformational power of education, will showcase their mixology talents during the WGD event, featuring Ginebra San Miguel and other popular gin brands.

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

GSMI ensures that the excitement of “Gin Is In” reaches gin enthusiasts across the country. The nationwide celebration includes the launch of the G-MIX Nation Online Series, featuring new cocktail recipes and hosted by Luis Manzano. Mini events will be held in various bars nationwide, offering exclusive promotions and giveaways. In addition, on-premise outlets will receive special benefits and support to sustain the momentum of the “Gin Is In” movement.

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.

Each bottle of Ginebra San Miguel undergoes a stringent production process to ensure optimal quality. As a testament to the strength of its brand name, variants such as GSM Blue, GSM Blue Flavors, and Ginebra San Miguel Premium Gin, have been introduced to cater to different market segments. Just launched last year, its 1834 Premium Distilled Gin has now become a sought-after drink among those with sophisticated taste, as they are enamored with its infusion of classic juniper berries and unique Philippine botanicals such as Sampaguita and Calamansi.

GSMI is the producer of Ginebra San Miguel, the world’s largest-selling gin, according to leading global drinks journal, Drinks International. GSMI’s other quality distilled spirits include GSM Blue Light Gin, GSM Blue Mojito, GSM Blue Margarita, GSM Blue Gin Pomelo, GSM Premium Gin, 1834 Premium Distilled Gin, Antonov Vodka, Añejo Gold Rum, Primera Light Brandy, the Philippines’ no. 1 Chinese wine Vino Kulafu and the newly launched G&T Ultralight Spirit Drink.