By Marinel E. Peroy
“SMB stands as a symbol of resilience, camaraderie, and Filipino pride. The truly global Filipino beer company that we are proud of.”
San Miguel Pale Pilsen, the flagship beer of San Miguel Brewery Inc. (SMB), is celebrating 135 years of brewing excellence with a special “Balik Tanaw” heritage can designed by visual artist Francis Nacion.
“2025 marks the celebration of San Miguel Beer’s 135th year. For 135 years, San Miguel Beer has sustained the distinction of being one of the most lasting cultural icons in the Philippines,” said SMB President Carlos Antonio Berba during the reception.
Berba highlighted how San Miguel Beer has inspired generations of artists, including National Artists Bencab, Dean Jose Joya, and cartoonist Larry Alcala.
“Their masterpieces depict how ingrained San Miguel Beer is in the core Filipino values of friendship, camaraderie, and our love for fun and celebration,” he said.
Nacion, who collaborated with SMB for this milestone, expressed gratitude for the opportunity. He explained that his design reflects the natural “close family ties” of Filipinos, while also celebrating the rich heritage and shared camaraderie among friends.
From its founding in 1890 as Southeast Asia’s first brewery to the present day, San Miguel Pale Pilsen has remained an iconic part of Filipino life—embracing tradition and modernity, nostalgia and anticipation. Once a constant presence in special occasions, the beer continues to be a trusted companion in moments of laughter, milestones, and celebration.
“With the leadership of our SMC CEO, boss RSA [Ramon S. Ang], we are motivated to push SMB to even greater heights. Our strength as a company lies in our ability to transform, innovate, and engage, and move forward to future-proof SMB,” Berba added.
#TheTrueGlobalFilipinoBeer #SMPP135thHeritageCan
