San Miguel Pale Pilsen marks 135 years with limited-edition 'Balik Tanaw' can

San Miguel Pale Pilsen, a Filipino beer brand, has raised a toast to its 135th anniversary with the launch of a special-edition “Balik Tanaw” can.

The commemorative design, unveiled on 31 August at San Miguel Corporation’s headquarters in Ortigas, comes from acclaimed Filipino visual artist Francis Nacion, whose works are known for stylised forms and half-rendered visages that balance light and shadow.

Nacion drew from deeply personal memories to create the artwork, weaving nostalgia into its design. “For me, the beer especially evokes family, memories of sharing one with my grandfather,” he shared, as quoted by The Manila Times. His “Balik Tanaw” canvas reimagines classic Filipino celebrations, from intimate home gatherings to town fiestas, with San Miguel Pale Pilsen as a constant backdrop across generations.

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San Miguel Brewery president Carlos Antonio Mayo Berba presided over the launch, situating the brand not only as part of Filipino culture but also as a shaper of it.

“Imagine, back in 1890, before electricity, before cars, before even the zipper was invented, there was already San Miguel,” he said. “From then until now, it has been part of our lives, a constant presence in our celebrations, and a source of pride.”

San Miguel Pale Pilsen’s global footprint extends far beyond Philippine shores. As early as 1914, exports had reached Hong Kong, Shanghai and Guam.

By the mid-20th century, the brand was establishing breweries across Spain, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam - a pioneering internationalisation that predated many global beer icons. This reach remains a source of pride for Filipinos, positioning San Miguel as both a national emblem and a cultural export.

At the Ortigas launch, the atmosphere was as much about history as it was about heritage. Guests swapped stories of friendships that began over cold bottles of San Miguel, of how it bridged families and turned strangers into kin.

The limited-edition cans, adorned with Nacion’s design, served as both art pieces and storytelling vessels - tokens of a brand that has helped shape shared memory. The “Balik Tanaw” can is now available in select supermarkets, groceries, convenience stores and via SMB Delivers.

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