By ANTONIO DELOS REYES and TOBY MACASAET
Gin is one of the most popular spirits consumed worldwide and doubly so in the Philippines. Ginebra San Miguel Incorporated’s (GSMI) gin offerings are consumed all over the country and has become a staple in any celebration or get together, becoming a Filipino icon over the years.
As the world celebrates World Gin Day, GSMI brought guests on an immersive journey which highlighted the history of the brand as well as the multiple ways it can be enjoyed by customers. With the theme “Your World of Gin Experience,” the event was designed as a full-fledged voyage, blending aviation-inspired aesthetics with the sensory adventure of gin appreciation.
Inside Manila Diamond Hotel’s ballroom, guests entered a travel-themed world where aviation lounge aesthetics met gin sophistication. Every area was thoughtfully designed to reflect a stage in a global journey. At the “Cool Botanica” zone, guests walked through a lush, garden-inspired space where juniper berries and other botanicals took centerstage.
Next, the “Clear Archives” transported attendees to a classic London pub-style exhibit, complete with dark wood, vintage posters, and copper pot stills. This museum-like walkthrough unveiled gin’s rich history, from its European origins to its celebrated presence in the Philippines. Guests also had a chance to savor freshly crafted 1834 Premium Distilled Gin and Archangel Reserve Premium Dry Gin produced only 12 hours prior to the event.
Completing the journey was the “Versatile Bar & Lounge,” a sleek, monochrome cocktail playground modeled after a modern airport lounge. Here, guests enjoyed handcrafted drinks from the bar and gin carts manned by top Tesda-trained mixologists from the GSM Bar Academy that celebrated gin’s adaptability.
Cocktails like Pearl of the Orient representing the Philippines, Golden Halo representing France, Singapore Sling representing Singapore, Classic Gin & Tonic from the UK, USA’s Jell-O Shots, and Negroni of Italy were crafted with GSMI’s historic and popular brands including GSM Blue, 1834 Premium Distilled Gin, Archangel Reserve Gin, and Ginebra San Miguel Bilog.
Beyond the cocktails and entertainment, World Gin Day 2025 served a deeper purpose: to spotlight Filipino excellence on the world stage. The event celebrated GSMI’s impressive track record, including seven consecutive Gold Quality Seals from Monde Selection in Belgium, the international acclaim for its 1834 Premium Distilled Gin, and the strong overseas reception of local favorites like Gin Bilog and Kwatro Kantos.
As the program drew to a close, a ceremonial toast led by GSMI General Manager Cynthia M. Baroy, GSMI executives, and GSMI ambassadors sent a clear message: Ginebra’s story is a shared victory for every Filipino. Each bottle represents generations of craft, innovation, and heart. As it continues to gain recognition abroad, it also elevates the Filipino identity globally.
