This year’s World Gin Day 2025 celebration took Filipino gin lovers on a journey like never before. Led by Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI), producer of the world’s best-selling gin, the immersive event transformed the Manila Diamond Hotel ballroom into a gateway to the world, where every sip was a new destination, and every corner revealed gin’s interesting characteristics.
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. From check-in to the final landing, guests were taken on a “flight” through global flavors, cultural heritage, and Filipino excellence.
The event brought together gin enthusiasts, industry leaders, media, influencers, and celebrities to celebrate gin as a global favorite and Ginebra San Miguel as a brand that has now gone international. This year’s key message was evident: “The Philippines celebrates World Gin Day. And on this day and always, Gin Is In!”
Gin Is In: Gin is Cool, Clear, and Versatile
Building on the success of last year’s Art of Gin concept, World Gin Day 2025 evolved into the World of Gin experience. The celebration embraced immersive exploration, spotlighting gin’s diversity and global reach through a curated exhibit on the venue’s premises.
Inside, 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. This sensory experience allowed visitors to crush, touch, and smell gin’s core ingredients, evoking the freshness and craftsmanship behind every bottle.
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—highlighting GSMI’s legacy as one of the top gin producers in the world. Guests had a chance to savor freshly crafted 1834 Premium Distilled Gin and Archangel Reserve Premium Dry Gin.
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 (UK), Jell-O Shots (USA), and Negroni (representing 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.
Welcome to the World of Gin
Framed around a dynamic, flight-inspired narrative, the World of Gin event unfolded across three thematic chapters, each elevating the story of Ginebra as a world-class spirit, opened by Ginebra San Miguel endorser Nik Makino.
The journey began with “World of Adventure – Gin is Cool,” where guests were immersed in the Cool Botanica exhibit by popular personality Boss Toyo, who represented gin’s cool confidence. He engaged in a lively discussion on what makes gin cool while roving Gin Carts served Singapore Sling cocktails.
The second leg, “World of Excellence – Gin is Clear,” took guests through the Clear Archives. Heartthrob Atty. Oliver Moeller embodied gin’s purity and clarity, sharing insights on the distillation process and celebrating the international recognition of Ginebra’s premium products. The chapter featured testimonials from gin experts, mixologists, and global distributors, further emphasizing Ginebra’s status as a globally awarded Filipino brand.
The final chapter, “World of Celebration – Gin is Versatile,” highlighted gin’s adaptability through the Versatile Bar & Lounge. Actress and singer Mikee Quintos discussed how gin suits every lifestyle, sharing her favorite mixes while Gin Carts served refreshing gin-based cocktails. Julie Anne San Jose, the limitless star, further reinforced the “limitless” ways of consuming gin because Gin is Cool, Gin is Clear, Gin is Versatile.
Happy World Gin Day
The chapter opened in a vibrant celebration featuring performances by GSM Blue endorser Gabbi Garcia. The audience was engaged with a gin trivia game, leading to a ceremonial toast that brought together brand ambassadors, executives, and guests in a collective “Happy World Gin Day” greeting.
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.
A special portion of the evening took place when Global World Gin Day Ambassador Emma Stokes delivered a message that there are more than 36 countries that celebrate World Gin Day every second Saturday of June, led by Ginebra San Miguel in the Philippines. “From Brussels to Bangkok, gin lovers are discovering what Filipinos have always known - Ginebra is a world-class spirit,” Stokes said.
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.
Capping off the night was the signature performance by Ginebra San Miguel endorser Nik Makino to further energize the crowd and bring the celebration to a powerful, world-class finale.
Whether you’re a seasoned gin lover or just discovering the spirit, World Gin Day 2025 proved that gin is not only a drink, but also a “destination.” And with Ginebra San Miguel, that destination begins in the Philippines and reaches across the globe.
6/12/2025 11:25:00 PM
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