GSMI celebrates partnership with TESDA on World Gin Day

This year, Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) is celebrating World Gin Day in a meaningful way—by shining a spotlight on a partnership that, for more than a decade, has transformed lives, opened doors to opportunities, and positively shaped the future of bartending in the Philippines.

Since 2014, the GSMI-TESDA partnership has produced hundreds of job-ready graduates with skills that have led to rewarding careers in high-end bars, cruise ships, hotels, restaurants, resorts, and hospitality establishments both here and abroad. Many have also ventured into their own F&B businesses, turning their training into sustainable livelihoods.

What began as a scholarship and livelihood initiative has evolved into the GSM Bar Academy, now recognized as one of the country’s most impactful public-private partnerships in tech-voc education.

As part of this year’s World Gin Day celebration, the GSM Bar Academy is opening its doors to members of the media and content creators, giving them a closer look at the program’s impact and offering a preview of its micro-credential bartending course—a short, industry-focused program designed to equip learners with the basics of cocktail mixing.

The event also highlights the partnership whose achievements have earned recognition both locally and internationally. Among its honors are the prestigious Kabalikat Award—TESDA’s highest recognition for outstanding private sector partners; the International CSR Excellence Award given in London; and, Brazil’s Green World Awards.

AN ENDURING PARTNERSHIP

The partnership began in 2014 during the 180th anniversary celebration of GSMI’s flagship brand, Ginebra San Miguel. Through the program, scholars from the different regions of the country received training in bartending, flairtending, and entrepreneurship, while graduates were provided mobile bars to help them start their own livelihood ventures. Recognizing the growing demand for quality hospitality training, GSMI strengthened its commitment through the establishment of the GSM Bar Academy.

Today, the Academy stands as one of TESDA’s premier showcases for tech-voc excellence. Equipped with a professional bar laboratory, a fully stocked bar with GSMI products, a flairtending gym, and hospitality training facilities, it provides scholars with valuable real-world industry exposure.

Beyond the facilities, however, the GSM Bar Academy has become a place where aspirations take shape. It provided not only learning, but confidence to work with the world’s best.

Through TESDA’s National Certificate II (NC II) Bartending Program, scholars undergo almost three months of intensive training in bartending, customer service, beverage preparation, responsible alcohol service, and workplace professionalism.

Its graduates are now highly regarded across the hospitality industry, while the Academy itself has become a showcase for government officials, ambassadors, industry leaders, and education advocates. In 2025, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. also visited the GSM Bar Academy.

The Academy likewise promotes GSMI’s “Gin Responsibly” campaign, reminding future bartenders that great service goes beyond preparing drinks, as it is also about creating safe, enjoyable, and memorable experiences for guests.

CELEBRATING WORLD GIN DAY

GSMI’s month-long celebration of World Gin Day coincides with the global observance held every second Saturday of June.

In 2014, GSMI introduced the first World Gin Day festivities in the Asia-Pacific region as part of the 180th anniversary celebration of Ginebra San Miguel. Since then, the celebration has evolved from a one-day event into a month-long series of activities that bring people together while showcasing the versatility of gin.

“These initiatives have helped elevate gin appreciation beyond traditional consumption, highlighting its versatility, craftsmanship, and role in creating memorable moments among family and friends,” said GSMI Marketing Manager Ron Molina.

This year, GSMI is bringing World Gin Day closer to more Filipinos through “Ginuman X,” a new event format centered on fun, connection, and shared experiences.

“X stands for eXperience, eXtraordinary, and eXciting,” said Group Product Manager Paolo Jose Tupaz. “Ginuman X features new performers, more interactive activities, and a program designed to give everyone a memorable experience.”

Adding meaning to the festivities, part of the proceeds from sales during Ginuman X will help support the community programs of the San Miguel Foundation.

The Ginuman X celebrations will begin on June 24 at the RSA Sports Complex in Balayan, Batangas. The Visayas leg will be held in Talisay City, Cebu on June 26, while simultaneous celebrations will take place on June 27 at Robinsons Antipolo Parking Lot and at Pueblo de Oro in Cagayan de Oro.

GSMI is the producer of the world’s largest-selling gin, Ginebra San Miguel. Its other quality distilled spirits include GSM Blue Mojito, GSM Blue Lychee Martini, GSM Blue Margarita, GSM Blue Gin Pomelo, GSM Blue Light Gin, Ginebra San Miguel Premium Gin, 1834 Premium Distilled Gin, Archangel Reserve Premium Dry Gin, Antonov Vodka, Freedom Island Light Rum, Primera Light Brandy, the Philippines’ no. 1 Chinese wine Vino Kulafu, and Vamos Tequila Gold.

ADVT.

This article is brought to you by Ginebra San Miguel.