FIRST ‘GINUMANFEST’ LIVE ONLINE CONCERT SALUTES FRONTLINERS
EVERY year, thousands of people gather together for Ginebra San Miguel’s “Ginumanfest,” an annual music festival held across different regions nationwide.
Since 2011, Ginumanfest has championed the best in OPM, bringing Filipinos together for an epic celebration of music, food, and the world’s largest selling gin.
This year, however, as an act of unity in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, Ginebra San Miguel (GSM) held its first-ever live online concert, dedicating the musical extravaganza to support and salute the frontliners and the “never-saydie” Filipino spirit.
Night of hope
Held via GSM’s Facebook Page, the live online concert featured three of the Philippines’ biggest bands namely Banda ni Kleggy, Silent Sanctuary, and December Avenue who entertained netizens with their hits and sent out messages of hope and encouragement.
“Naexcite kamikasingayon langkamimakakatugtogulit after three months. It’s a different experience kasihindimonakikita
yung audience and band members in person. But, we are thankful
for this opportunity kasinaging posiblenamai- share ulitnamin yungmgakantanaminsainyo,”
Silent Sanctuary lead vocalist Sarkie Sarangay said.
“In this pandemic, sana safe kayo lagi at wag niyong kalimutan magdasal dahil yun ang makakaligtas sa atin ngayon,” he added.
December Avenue vocalist Zel Bautista also enthused, “It’s been a while. Salamatdahilmatapos angtatlongbuwanna quarantine nakahanapkaming platform para makatugtogulit.”
“Gustonamini- honor anglahat ngmga frontliners for their service saatingbansa. We also dedicate this night for all our kababayan, sapagpupugayngatingkalayaan nasakahitanomangkadiliman, angimportantemagkaisatayong
lahat,” Bautista noted. Hosted by Magic 89.9’s DJ Suzy Gamboa and DJ CJ Rivera, viewers were also treated to special appearances of industry idols such as Sue Ramirez; 2020 GSM Calendar Girl Sanya Lopez; candidates from the Miss Universe Philippines pageant; and basketball players from the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings.
It also saw the launch of GSM Blue flavor Tamarind Punch and the Ginebra San Miguel Hari oneliter bottle.
Honoring heroes
Now more than ever, the message of unity and togetherness of the brand’s “One Ginebra Nation” rings so true.
Since the crisis started, the heritage brand has constantly done its part to help.
Besides donating millions of liters of ethyl alcohol to hospitals and the frontlines, GSM also came out with a reimagination of its iconic label by National Artist Fernando Amorsolo. The image of St. Michael the Archangel vanquishing the devil, which has been on the Kuwatro Kantos and Bilog bottles for over 100 years, inspired artworks honoring the brave doctors, nurses, security guards, factory workers, delivery and grocery personnel who have kept the country going amid the lockdowns.
These artworks, posted on their Facebook Page, drew such positive reactions from netizens that the company has since responded to the clamor to make them actual labels of the Kuwatro Kantos bottle. A limited edition, the bottles carry commemorative labels featuring healthcare workers.
As the event carried on and the festivities came to a close, guests and viewers gathered in a virtual toast as heroes celebrating heroes and gave thanks to everyone who made the unforgettable night possible.