Ginebra Ako Awards Year 2 Pays Tribute to Everyday Heroes

An entrepreneur who brought light to so many lives, a storyteller who spread the word on the joys of reading, a not so typical artist turned performing arts advocate, a jail warden who emerged as an unlikely agent of change, and a street orphan who
overcame the odds to become an international rugby player.

They are the everyday heroes who were recently honored at “Ginebra Ako Awards Year 2: Pagkilala sa Tunay na Tapang at Husay ng Pilipino” held at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater in Bonifacio Global City with no less than Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach hosting the grand awarding ceremony along with veteran host and writer RJ Ledesma.

2019 GINEBRA AKO Awards 315
Inspired by the award-winning “Ginebra Ako” campaign of Ginebra San Miguel, the awards program is a nationwide search that seeks to recognize and salute the extraordinary accomplishments of exemplary Filipinos who embody Ginebra San Miguel values – matapang (courage), ganado (passionate), and never-say-die (resilient).

“We hope ‘Ginebra Ako Awards’ would inspire each one of us to be better and  encourage our fellow Filipinos to keep their dreams alive,” says Ginebra San Miguel  Marketing Manager Ronald Molina. “There is no need to look far to be inspired. Simply  look to the person beside you because, in real life, ordinary Filipinos are doing heroic deeds. These are the people that we want to pay tribute to,” he adds.

The awardees recognized for their accomplishments and contributions in their respective communities were: Illac Diaz, founder and executive director of Liter of Light for Ginebra Ako Para sa Kalikasan; Rey Bufi, founder of The Storytelling Project for Ginebra Ako Para sa Kabataan; Pedro Abraham, Jr., founder of Kontemporaryong Gamelan Pilipino (Kontra-GaPi) for Ginebra Ako Para sa Entablado; Aris Villaester  Jail Warden of Tagaytay City Jail for Ginebra Ako Para sa Paglilingkod; and Lito Ramirez of the Philippine Volcanoes for Ginebra Ako Para sa Palakasan.

Candidates were chosen from well-respected organizations around the country and passed through a screening committee. Each awardee was given a cash prize and a trophy featuring the iconic Ginebra San Miguel logo designed by no less than National Artist Fernando Amorsolo.

Senator Robert Jaworski, Philippine sports icon and former playing coach of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, led the presenters in the awarding ceremony.

Towards the end of 2017, Ginebra San Miguel launched the campaign “Ginebra Ako” through a music video dedicated to all Filipinos who tirelessly commit their everyday lives to their family and the nation. Its success led to a follow-up TV commercial featuring Olympic Silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz, basketball superstar Scottie Thompson and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, with Quest and KZ Tandingan performing the new “Ginebra Ako” theme song for the 2019 campaign.

The campaign has already won numerous recognitions including the Quill Award for Excellence in Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication and a Special Citation from the Catholic Mass Media Awards for Best Branded TV AD.

Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) is the producer of Ginebra San Miguel and other quality liquor products including GSM Blue, GSM Blue Flavors, GSM Premium Gin, Antonov Vodka, Don Enrique Mixkila, Anejo Gold Rum, Primera Light Brandy and Vino Kulafu.