It was a night of spectacle, spirits, and star power as Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) once again raised the bar for its annual celebration of World Gin Day, held Tuesday, June 10, at the Diamond Hotel in Ermita, Manila.
With this year’s theme, ‘Your World of Gin Experience,’ the event transformed the venue into an immersive, travel-inspired destination celebrating gin’s legacy across cultures — and the Filipino spirit behind every bottle.
Leading the festivities was Julie Anne San Jose, GSMI’s 2025 calendar girl and the face of the brand’s international push. Stunning in an elegant ensemble, Julie Anne not only captivated the crowd with her performance but also reinforced her image as the ‘Limitless Star,’ personifying gin’s versatility and appeal.
Adding even more sparkle to the evening was a surprise performance from Gabbi Garcia, whose energy and charm lit up the stage. Her appearance was one of the night’s most talked-about moments, showing her strong presence as one of GMA Network’s brightest stars. Gabbi, a proud endorser of GSM Blue, delivered a high-octane number that had the audience cheering and singing along.
Celebrity personalities Boss Toyo and Mikee Quintos were also called to the stage as special guests for key segments of the program. Boss Toyo led guests through the ‘Cool Botanica’ zone—an exhibit highlighting gin’s botanical ingredients like juniper berries—where he engaged the audience in a lighthearted but insightful discussion about what makes gin cool and confident. Meanwhile, Mikee Quintos represented the ‘Versatile Bar & Lounge’ segment, where she shared her own favorite gin cocktail mixes and discussed how gin fits into every lifestyle.
Not to be missed were the appearances of Kim Ji Soo and Oliver Moeller, who brought K-drama and influencer heartthrob energy to the celebration. Heartthrob lawyer and GSMI brand ambassador Oliver Moeller walked guests through the ‘Clear Archives’, showcasing gin’s distillation history, purity, and evolution as a world-class product.
Another highlight was the electrifying performance of Nik Makino, who kicked off and capped the night with explosive musical sets. As the official endorser of Ginebra San Miguel, Nik brought the crowd to its feet, proving once again that gin culture in the Philippines isn’t just about drinking—it’s about celebration, community, and pride.
But beyond the glitz and entertainment, World Gin Day 2025 aimed to showcase the global excellence of Filipino-made gin. GSMI proudly highlighted its international milestones—such as winning seven consecutive Gold Quality Seals from Monde Selection in Belgium—and reaffirmed its position as the world’s number one-selling gin. Guests had the chance to taste signature cocktails made with Ginebra’s premium products, including GSM Blue, 1834 Premium Distilled Gin, Archangel Reserve Gin, and the iconic Ginebra San Miguel Bilog.
Among the signature cocktails served were region-themed creations such as the Pearl of the Orient (Philippines), Singapore Sling (Singapore), Golden Halo (France), and Classic Gin & Tonic (UK), each crafted by TESDA-certified mixologists from the GSM Bar Academy. These drinks were not just refreshments, but liquid passports to gin’s global influence, giving every guest a taste of Ginebra’s international ambition.
A ceremonial toast, led by GSMI General Manager Cynthia M. Baroy alongside brand ambassadors and GSMI executives, capped the official program. The toast echoed the night’s central message: ‘Gin is In’—here, now, and everywhere. It was followed by a message from Global World Gin Day Ambassador Emma Stokes, who reminded attendees that over 36 countries participate in World Gin Day annually, with the Philippines—through Ginebra San Miguel—at the forefront of this global celebration.
As guests mingled, posed at the travel-themed installations, and sipped their cocktails, one thing became clear: World Gin Day 2025 wasn’t just an event—it was a journey. A journey that began in the Philippines and is now flying across the world, bottle by bottle, toast by toast.
