editorial team
This 2019, two Filipino icons come together to mark a milestone year—the 185th anniversary of Ginebra San Miguel!
For the first time ever, proud Filipina and 2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach is Ginebra San Miguel’s 2019 Calendar Girl, the perfect woman to mark the iconic brand’s anniversary. Just as Pia overcame all challenges to claim the title of the most beautiful woman in the universe, Ginebra San Miguel also prevailed against all odds to become the oldest and one of the most respected consumer liquor brands in the market today.
Humble beginnings
From Ginebra San Miguel’s humble beginnings in a small distillery in Quiapo, Manila in 1834, the beloved alcoholic beverage has been a part of the Filipino story and tradition—an intrinsic part of every Filipino celebration, no matter how big or small. Through the ups and downs of the country’s history, Ginebra San Miguel has been there, cheering on the victors and consoling those who have suffered losses.
And as the brand became a part of everyday life, it came to understand the deep complexities of Filipinos—our spirit that never gives up, our passion and courage to stand up for what is right, and our resilience and the desire to serve others, to carry on for the sake of our loved ones. Dahil Pilipino ako. Matapang ako. Ginebra ako.
An iconic brand
But Ginebra San Miguel is more than a nostalgic and cultural touchpoint of a country and of a people. It is an iconic brand with good reason: a world-class quality Filipino product that’s recognized all over the world.
As the world’s number one selling gin, Ginebra San Miguel has been reaping international awards since 1883. Winning the silver medal at the 1883 Amsterdam World Exposition, the brand has also been recognized with numerous quality excellence awards, including the Grand Prize in 1889 Exposicion Paris and the Silver Medal in 1902 Exposicion Hanoi. And since 1990, Ginebra San Miguel has been consistently recognized by the Monde Selection International Institute for Quality Selections for its high quality and taste.
A fitting choice
World-class quality, excellence, and popularity—these are just a few of the many qualities that Pia Wurtzbach shares with Ginebra San Miguel, making her a fitting choice to be the 2019 Ginebra San Miguel Calendar Girl.
“We are proud to have Ms. Pia Wurtzbach as our Ginebra San Miguel 2019 Calendar Girl. Pia is the perfect person to represent the brand, especially that we will be celebrating next year Ginebra San Miguel’s 185th anniversary. Pia is the epitome of what the brand stands for,” said GSMI Marketing manager Ron Molina.
It’s no secret that Pia is an unabashedly determined woman who has hurdled several obstacles, including joining Binibini Pilipinas three times, before eventually winning the title of Miss Universe. As only the third Filipina to do so in the prestigious pageant’s almost 70-year history, the drive and grit that she showed as she pursued her goal endeared her in the hearts of many, especially her countrymen, who, aside from relating to her struggles, were given another reason to be proud to be Filipino.
With her determination to achieve her goals, no matter how difficult; her courage to face challenges and struggles that threaten to surmount her; her dedication and motivation to provide for her family; and her advocacy for HIV/AIDS awareness and women empowerment—Pia has proven time and time again that she is a Filipina. Strong. Ginebra ako.
A long-standing tradition of beauty, confidence, and strength
Representing the iconic Philippine brand as the Ginebra San Miguel 2019 Calendar Girl, Pia joins the ranks of beautiful, confident, and strong-willed women who have also graced the pages of the calendar. “It’s an honor for me, especially since the 2019 calendar also commemorates Ginebra’s 185th anniversary,” she says. “This is an experience I won’t forget since this is the first time I’ve done a swimsuit photo shoot since competing at the Miss Universe pageant.”
Appearing on the pages of the calendar together with Pia are Ginebra San Miguel’s iconic products—the original and iconic Ginebra San Miguel, Ginebra San Miguel Premium Gin, G.S.M. Blue Flavors, G.S.M. Blue Light Gin, the Monde Selection International Institute for Quality Selections Silver Quality Label Awardees Primera Light Brandy and Vino Kulafu, Antonov Vodka, Añejo Gold Medium Rum, and Don Enrique Mixkila.
A symbol of the Filipino
Recognized the world over for her charm, enthusiasm, and her unrelenting pursuit of excellence, Pia shares the same values that have made Ginebra San Miguel a world-class quality Filipino product. And in the same way that she represented the Philippines to the world, Ginebra San Miguel remains a symbol of the Filipino and of a solid heritage marked by 185 years of superior quality and excellence.
“I’m proud to be a part of the Ginebra San Miguel family,” Pia says without hesitation. “I’m even prouder to represent an iconic Filipino brand that’s trusted and recognized all over the world. We both have the never-say-die spirit—we’re not going to give up until we’ve made all of our dreams come true.”
Fierce. Courageous. Exceptional. Both possessing these qualities, Pia Wurtzbach and Ginebra San Miguel continue to inspire Filipinos to fight for success, excellence, and superior quality. To never give up on their dreams and to be resilient amidst life’s challenges. Dahil Pilipino ako. Matapang ako. Ginebra ako.
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