Village Connect
At the heart of Bonifacio Global City, amidst a sea of gin enthusiasts, Tanduay made an unexpected yet striking impression at the Manila Gin Festival. Defying expectations, the legendary Filipino rum brand captivated the audience, proving that rum is just as refined, versatile, and mixology-friendly as gin.
“The Manila Gin Festival was an excellent opportunity for us to connect with discerning consumers who appreciate high-quality spirits,” said Madel Pamfilo, Tanduay Special Projects Officer.
The event drew a diverse crowd, including international visitors, making it an ideal platform for Tanduay to introduce its premium rums to a global audience. By offering a unique tasting experience, the brand left a lasting impression on attendees, many of whom left with a newfound appreciation for rum.
Breaking Expectations with Tanduay’s Signature Cocktails
Despite the festival’s gin-centric theme, Tanduay successfully stood out with its innovative cocktail menu crafted by guest bartenders RJ Ramirez and Dondz Bolante. Their creations blended tradition with modern mixology, showcasing the depth of Tanduay’s flavors.
Ramirez paid homage to Filipino cuisine with his Tinola Cocktail, a daring mix of Tanduay Asian Rum Silver, calamansi juice, lemongrass syrup, ginger beer, pepper, and even fish sauce. His second creation, the Samalamig, featured Especia Spiced Rum, banana liqueur, pandan syrup, and soda water, delivering a nostalgic take on a classic Filipino refreshment.
Bolante, on the other hand, captured the essence of summer with his Yuzu High, a citrusy blend of Tanduay Asian Rum Gold and Silver, yuzu puree, and soda water. His Lemongrass Mule infused Especia Spiced Rum with lemongrass syrup, cherry blossom syrup, and Strong Zero, resulting in a refreshing yet complex drink.
“The bold flavors of RJ’s Tinola Cocktail and the crisp, citrusy notes of Dondz’s Yuzu High were absolute crowd favorites,” Pamfilo shared. “We also engaged attendees with interactive activities, giveaways, and a tropical-themed booth that amplified the premium Tanduay experience.”
The Rise of Premium Mixology
One of the biggest takeaways from the festival was the growing demand for unique, artisanal cocktails. Attendees weren’t just looking for standard drinks—they craved sophisticated, well-crafted experiences that pushed the boundaries of flavor.
Tanduay is fully embracing this trend, reinforcing its commitment to redefining rum in the modern cocktail scene. “We will continue working with expert bartenders to craft signature drinks that highlight the versatility of our rums,” Pamfilo said.
With an overwhelmingly positive reception at the festival, Tanduay further solidified its place as a pioneering force in mixology.
Tanduay at WOFEX 2025
Looking ahead, the 171-year-old brand is set to make an impact at the World Food Expo (WOFEX)from March 27-29 at the World Trade Center Manila. This marks another step in Tanduay’s journey to elevate rum’s status in the world of fine spirits and cocktail innovation.
For updates on Tanduay’s latest releases and events, follow their official social media channels.
