Ginebra San Miguel 2019 Calendar Girl launch held at the Isla Ballroom of EDSA Shangri-La Hotel (from left) Marketing manager Ron Molina, General manager Noli Macalalag, Pia Wurtzbach and National sales manager Allan Mercado.
It was an evening filled with Filipino pride as Ginebra San Miguel celebrated another milestone with its key dealers and friends from the media. With Ginebra San Miguel’s 185th anniversary celebration next year came the beautiful reveal of its Calendar Girl for 2019. The Isla ballroom of EDSA Shangri-La Hotel was packed with everyone waiting to meet the newest addition to the famous and prestigious roster of GSM Calendar Girls.
Part of history
“In 2019, Ginebra San Miguel will be 185 years old as a brand. So next year will be a super special year. Dapat super special rin ang calendar. So, everyone was asking who will the next GSM calendar girl be?” This was the introductory speech of GSMI Marketing manager Ron Molina at the recent launch of the Ginebra San Miguel Calendar Girl 2019.
Over the last 185 years, Ginebra San Miguel has become more than a drink. It’s been the companion of every Filipino, through ups and downs. Molina shares, “It has become the Filipino drinkers’ badge of strength and boldness, passion. It’s a badge of pride. Kaya naman, ang bawat tagay ng Ginebra ay isang saludo sa bawat Pilipinong may ipinaglalabang pangarap, pamilya at bayan. Ang tingin namin sa kanila, mga bayani.” Ginebra San Miguel is an iconic Philippine brand that reflects the bravery, compassion and never say die spirit of every Filipino.
Ginebra San Miguel Calendar Girl 2019
Despite all the challenges, Filipinos remain hopeful and steadfast amidst the many hurdles. The Ginebra San Miguel Calendar Girl 2019 represents all these and more.
The crowd went wild when the LED backdrop on stage opened to show who the beautiful reveal was. Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach came out in a figure-hugging red sequined dress with thigh high slit. With all that she has been through, joining Bb. Pilipinas three times and bagging the Miss Universe title at last, she was determined to win for her family and country. Indeed, Pia Wurtzbach embodies the Filipino spirit of being ganado, resilient and never say die.
One-on-One with Pia Wurtzbach
When asked by host Rico Robles how it feels to be part of an iconic Filipino brand. “I am so honored to be part of this well respected brand. It is really recognized all over the world. Itong sa Ginebra San Miguel, medyo special case ito. Kasi a few months ago, syempre tiningnan ko sarili ko sa salamin. Napansin ko medyo hindi na Miss Universe ang figure ko. After nalaman ko na kukunin ako ng GSM, I promised I will deliver. Just give me a few weeks.” Pia went into the zone, pushing herself from regular gym sessions to high intensity workouts but still enjoying the workouts she signed up in, she made sure she still has fun. “Pinaghandaan ko ito. Nag train ako. Di ko dinaya. Inisip ko kasi dapat maganda ako sa camera. Pero while I was doing it, I realized, kailangan maganda rin ang pakiramdam ko. I think ‘yun yung mas importante talaga. So thank you, na push ako ng Ginebra.”
It is also Pia’s first time to accept an endorsement that requires wearing swimsuits outside the pageant world. “Ginebra San Miguel is an internationally recognized brand. I am really happy to be here. Thank you so much for making me part of this family. My favorite drink is actually gin and tonic. I like to add juniper berries and peppercorn. That is my signature drink. My best friend actually makes it for me. Now, I would like to call it the Pia drink.”
Ginebra San Miguel Calendar 2019 quick tour
“I think a lot of people know already my story in Binibini. I kept trying and finally made it here. Beyond that, what are the new things that I’m going to do. That’s what I am working on right now. I want to continue to make all of you proud. I do have a never say die story because of my story when I joined Miss Universe, but it’s not the end of my story. Abangan niyo na lang,” Pia teases.
Part of her story continues in her latest endorsement as Ginebra San Miguel Calendar Girl for 2019. Together with host Rico, they guided the guests through all the calendar sheets shown on the big screen. The first, with Pia in a red swimsuit holding the classic gin since 1834. Pia was quick to share that Ginebra San Miguel is a Monde Selection Gold Awardee and recognized by Drinks International and Wines and Spirits Competition as the World’s Largest Selling Gin Brand. “This became the final pitch na sobrang nagustuhan ng IMG (International Management Group). Nag yes sila kaagad kasi kilala nila ang brand and this is the world’s largest selling gin brand. So they said yes right away, and siyempre, I said yes!”
Second is Pia in blue showcasing GSM Blue flavors. “GSM Blue is very fun, it’s what you usually have with your friends. It’s a ready mix drink, so you don’t need a chaser. You just buy the bottle and you’re good to go. I know this brand is known to be something fun, so I wanted to show it in the photo.”
Vino Kulafu is the Philippines’ No. 1 best-selling Chinese wine with various health benefits from its 12 authentic Chinese herb ingredients. It also achieved a Gold Quality Label Award from Monde Selection International Institute for Quality Selections 2018. “What I love about this shoot is they let me add my own personality. Minsan nadadala ako sa photoshoot, so I started flipping my hair from one side to the other side. So now, it’s part of the calendar,” laughs a giddy Pia.
The last two sets of photos are the biggest reveals because it’s the first in history for GSM calendar, with host Rico Robles naming it “Panoramic Pia.” Both layouts show three Pia Wurtzbachs in different sexy bikinis
Isang tagay para sa Pilipino
Ginebra San Miguel General manager Noli Macalalag joins Pia on stage to present to her a simple token, “Ginebra San Miguel would like to give you, Ms. Pia Wurtzbach, this commemorative Ginebra San Miguel bottle to officially welcome you to the Ginebra San Miguel family. Sumasaludo ang Ginebra San Miguel sa tapang at husay mo.” National sales manager Allan Mercado and Marketing manager Ronald Molina join the two on stage for a celebratory toast.
Guests got to enjoy handcrafted drinks from the Ginebra San Miguel Bar 1834 with offerings of Ginebra San Miguel Gin and Tonic, GSM Blue Light Gin Tom Collins, GSM Premium Gin Calamansi Surprise, Primera Light Brandy Sky Prisma, Vino Kulafu Kulmix, Antonov Vodka Cosmopolitan, Añejo Medium Rum Cuba Libre, GSM Blue Flavors Margarita Slush, and GSM Blue Flavors Gin Pomelo Slush. They even got to bring home a customized bottle of Ginebra with their photo printed on the label, courtesy of the Tatak Ginebra booth. Overflowing food and drinks were also served as they waited for the reveal.
Ginebra San Miguel Calendar 2019 will soon be released in stores and dealers nationwide.
