World Gin Day this year put the spotlight on the GSM Bar Academy, a bartending training program that has produced hundreds of graduates now working in the hospitality industry in the Philippines and abroad.
Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) marked the global observance by showcasing the academy’s role in developing job-ready bartenders through its long-running partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
The program has trained scholars who have gone on to work in hotels, restaurants, resorts, cruise ships and bars, while others have started their own food and beverage businesses.
The GSM Bar Academy has since become one of GSMI’s flagship technical-vocational education initiatives, earning recognition locally and internationally.
Among its awards are TESDA’s Kabalikat Award, the agency’s highest recognition for private sector partners, the International CSR Excellence Award in London and Brazil’s Green World Awards.
As part of the World Gin Day celebration, GSMI invited members of the media and content creators to the GSM Bar Academy to showcase its training facilities and give a closer look at its programs.
The visit included a preview of its micro-credential bartending course, a short program designed to introduce learners to basic cocktail mixing and industry fundamentals.
The academy provides TESDA’s National Certificate II (NC II) Bartending Program, a nearly three-month course covering bartending, beverage preparation, customer service, responsible alcohol service and workplace professionalism.
Its training environment includes a professional bar laboratory, a fully stocked training bar, a flairtending gym and hospitality learning facilities designed to simulate real-world industry conditions.
Apart from technical training, the program also promotes GSMI’s “Gin Responsibly” campaign, which emphasizes safe alcohol service and responsible guest experiences.
The academy has also become a regular destination for government officials, diplomats, industry leaders and education advocates. In 2025, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited the facility.
GSMI said the academy traces its roots to a scholarship and livelihood initiative launched in 2014 during the 180th anniversary of Ginebra San Miguel. It initially began as a training program in bartending and flairtending and has since evolved into a full-scale training institution.
GSMI Marketing Manager Ron Molina said the company’s initiatives have helped broaden appreciation of gin beyond consumption.
“These initiatives have helped elevate gin appreciation beyond traditional consumption, highlighting its versatility, craftsmanship, and role in creating memorable moments among family and friends,” he said.
This year’s World Gin Day celebration also features “Ginuman X,” a series of events focused on interactive experiences and live performances.
“X stands for eXperience, eXtraordinary, and eXciting,” Group Product Manager Paolo Jose Tupaz said.
“Ginuman X features new performers, more interactive activities, and a program designed to give everyone a memorable experience,” he added.
Part of the proceeds from Ginuman X events will support community programs of the San Miguel Foundation, GSMI said.
The celebrations will be held today, June 24 in Balayan, Batangas; June 26 in Talisay City, Cebu and June 27 in Antipolo City and Cagayan de Oro.
