Show Off Your Hidden Talent at the Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival with the #NatatagongGaling Online Challenge

Get ready to shine! 

Tanduay is inviting all singers and dancers, whether from Bacolod or elsewhere, to participate in the #NatatagongGaling Online Challenge as part of the Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival, which will take place from August 28 to August 31 in honor of World Rum Month.

“The Rum Festival is not only a celebration of Bacolod’s world-class rum, but also of the creativity and talent of our people. I encourage everyone -- young and old, here in Bacolod and beyond -- to take part in the #NatatagongGaling Challenge and be part of this exciting celebration.” ~Greg Gasataya, Bacolod Mayor 

Joining is easy:

1. Pick your best song or dance—just make sure it’s in the Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok music libraries. (Singers, we recommend using instrumental or videoke tracks.)
2. Record your 30-second to 1-minute video and give it your all!
3. Post on your socials as a reel or video, tag @Tanduay Rum Festival, and don’t forget the hashtags #NatatagongGaling and #TanduayBacolodRumFestival.

The best entries will be invited to perform LIVE at the Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival Music Fest Night on August 30 -- your chance to hit the big stage and vibe with the festival crowd.

“This challenge is all about discovering raw, authentic talent. We know so many out there have amazing voices and moves just waiting to be seen. The Bacolod Rum Festival is the perfect stage to let that hidden talent shine.” ~Edzel Ty, Brand Manager, Tanduay Brands International

To honor the city's history of sugarcane and its intimate connection to rum production, the Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival was started in 2019 in collaboration with the City of Bacolod.  A thriving display of Bacolod's culture and inventiveness, the festival now takes place every year and combines food, music, art, and mixology.  Celebrated annually in August to commemorate Rum Month around the world, the festival has become one of the city's most eagerly awaited events, showcasing Tanduay, the world's top-ranked rum, and its strong ties to Bacolod and Negros Occidental.

Don’t just scroll—get in the groove, hit record, and show the world your #NatatagongGaling.

Follow @Tanduay Rum Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates.

Tanduay Bacolod Rum Fest Set August 10-18 With “Ambagan” as Theme

The fourth Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival recognizes the different roles people play in building a community as it chooses "Ambagan" for this year’s theme. Happening from August 10 to 18, this year’s event promises food, arts, music and thrills for everyone to enjoy.

A feast that started as an homage to the city’s sugarcane, which is the main source for Tanduay’s award-winning rums, the event has been held annually since 2019.

“On this same ground, my father, Lucio K. Tan Jr., together with Councilor Em Ang, announced the inception of the Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival. The festival was born out of a desire to ensure that Bacolod, the City of Smiles, remains the heart and home of Tanduay. That wherever Tanduay goes, Bacolod will always be a part of its story. What’s remarkable about this collaboration is that we are able to tell the story of Bacolod and Tanduay by highlighting their culinary heritage and the artistic prowess of the Bacolodnon, whether in cocktail-making, painting, music, or dance. That, in essence, is what this Rum Festival is all about.” ~Lucio Tan III, President, LT Group and Tanduay Distillers, Inc., 

Before a full house press conference held at the Century Park Hotel in Pasay City, Metro Manila. Tan, likewise, cited the strong collaboration of Tanduay with the local government in mounting the annual festival. 

“On behalf of our City Government led by our beloved Mayor Albee Benitez, I would like to thank each and every one of you for your continued support. Together, we have built a celebration that not only honors our heritage but also paves the way for future generations to appreciate and cherish. Supporting initiatives like this festival is crucial in preserving our culture and boosting our local economy.” ~Councilor Em Ang, Chairman of Bacolod City History, Culture, and Arts

Through the different facets of the festival, participants are encouraged to contribute, whether through culinary delights, visual arts, and more. On August 10, a motorcade heading to the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) will signal the opening of the festival, where local government officials led by Mayor Albee Benitez are expected to grace the ribbon-cutting ceremonies of the Food Park. The Food Park will feature nightly entertainment, local and international culinary delights, and mixology. The Food Park will be open until the last day of the festival on August 18.

On August 12, a Mixology Competition will take place at the Ayala Malls Capitol Center. On August 14-15, the Culinaria Competition will be held. August 16 is designated as Rum Education Day, featuring a Tanduay Plant Tour, followed by a Rum Masterclass and the nationwide Grand Finals of the Mixology Competition at the Seda Hotel.

On August 17, a motorcade parade featuring some of Bacolod’s beauty queens, with Tanduay Brand Ambassador Derek Ramsay, will begin in the afternoon, followed by a Street Dance Competition and a concert at the BCGC. Bands Juan Karlos and Almost will headline this year's concert performers.

For more information about the festival, visit on Facebook.

A Daring Julia Barretto Is Tanduay’s New Calendar Girl

Tanduay has chosen actress Julia Barretto as its 2024 Tanduay Calendar Girl. 

“Tanduay will be celebrating its 170th anniversary in 2024 and we wanted a strong, confident, and hardworking personality to represent the brand. Like Tanduay, Julia has weathered many challenges in her career and has emerged happy and successful. In representing Tanduay, she shows the world that the brand champions courage and empowerment. 2024 is a big year for Tanduay as it celebrates its 170th anniversary. We have lined up activities that will showcase the brand’s evolution, how it captured the hearts of Filipinos, and how it is now also gaining the attention of rum aficionados in the biggest cities in the world. Julia is going to be a part of these major events.” ~Tanduay, the brand said in a statement

The World’s Number 1 rum added that Barretto has a fire in her soul and is not afraid to show the world her truest self. 

The 2024 Tanduay Calendar Girl was presented to the members of the media at Elements in ETON Centris. According to Tanduay, their creative team worked with the actress’ style team for the upcoming calendar and they tapped top editorial and commercial photographer BJ Pascual to do the shoot.

Barretto is one of the most popular and talented actresses of her generation. She has been in the industry since she was a child, appearing in numerous top-rating television shows and movies throughout her decades-long career.

The actress is also considered a style icon and is one of the most-followed Filipino celebrities on social media, with 11.4 million followers on Instagram as of this writing.

As the 2024 Tanduay Calendar Girl, Barretto is also scheduled to appear in the brand’s promotional events and materials in the coming year.

Tanduay, Embassy, and Ginto Gift Boxes Now Available at SHOTS.PH

If you’re still looking for the perfect gift to give yourself and your loved ones this Christmas, head on over to SHOTS.PH for a great selection of Tanduay. Embassy, and Ginto box sets.

From only PhP150 and up, the institutional gift boxes come in four selections. There’s the 600 ml Ginto gift box that comes with a complimentary shot glass. Ginto is Tanduay’s barrel-aged gin that’s been gaining customers who want more than just the usual gin. It is a complex mix of sweet and spicy flavors with hints of fresh botanicals. Being aged in oak wood barrels for six months produces its golden sunset color.

For friends who love whisky, there’s the 750 ml Embassy Whisky gift box that comes with a branded rock glass. Embassy Whisky is a smooth blend of malt whisky and fine spirits aged in oak barrels. This aging process produces its distinct taste and aroma.

If you prefer rum, there’s the 700 ml Tanduay Select gift box that also comes with its branded rock glass. Tanduay Select is a unique blend of cane spirits derived from choice sugarcane and has a suave 60 proof.

One of Tanduay’s most-awarded rums is also available in a box set for a limited time. Tanduay Double Rum is made from a blend of rums aged for 16 years and 5 years. They are placed in bourbon barrels for two years. This ageing process produces its harmony of caramelized pineapple, toasted nuts, cherry, vanilla, and tropical fruit flavors. The Tanduay Double Rum gift box comes with a free rock glass.

The gift boxes are available until supplies last, so don’t wait until it’s almost Christmas to buy your gifts. And while you’re on the site, why not stock up on your gin, whisky, and rum supplies for the holidays as well? Any purchase from the online store comes with a freebie. Stocks are limited, so start shopping now.

Tanduay Christmas Barrel Tree 2022

Spirit of Christmas. Tanduay recently unveiled its Christmas Barrel Trees. First, the Tanduay Barrel Tree at Eton Centris in Quezon City. Another is the Ginto Barrel Tree at Eton City Square in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Made with barrels used for aging its award-winning rums, the Barrel Trees are a holiday tradition for the brand. Likewise, it is a reminder that there is an abundance of blessings we must be thankful for even the little things such as an old used barrel. Recycling or re-purposing is a strong advocacy of Tanduay to ensure the sustainability of its business. 

“Tanduay has a myriad of achievements to be grateful for as it successfully entered new markets such as Armenia, Australia, Austria, Czech Republic, Georgia, Poland and Slovakia. It has also maintained its standing for the fifth consecutive year as the World’s Number 1 Rum in Drinks International's The Millionaires Club Magazine for selling more than 23.7 million of 9-liter cases last year.” ~Marc Ngo, International Business Development Manager and Senior Brand Manager for Tanduay Distillers, Inc.,

Visit the massive trees and experience the spirit of Christmas with Tanduay. Both trees will be on display until January 14, 2023.

Tanduay’s New TVC is a Salute to Friends Who Keep Us Sane

Friends make everything seem light. 

Tanduay’s latest TVC, “All Light Lang”, is not only fun to watch but it also reminds us of the value of having friends around especially during these extraordinary times. 

In the opening of the TVC, the main character is seen singing to the tune of Gloc9's “Simpleng Tao” and the different stresses that he has to deal with everyday -- from tech problems, to paying a lot of bills, to never ending household chores. Despite all of these, he is able to end his day with a smile because his friends are there for him.

“Masakit sa ulo, pero light lang tayo,” his friends sing to him as they unwind and share a drink of Tanduay Light.

Marc Ngo, International Development Manager and Senior Brand Manager at Tanduay, shared that during the concept development for the Tanduay Light TVC the brand direction was to convey the experience the product brings.

“We want a material that will make viewers feel happy. With everything that’s happening now with the pandemic, we just wanted to share a good laugh, a great drink, and a fun experience. For a moment, we want the viewers to set aside the negativity and focus on a light moment shared with friends.” ~Marc Ngo, International Development Manager and Senior Brand Manager at Tanduay

As the song further cites, “Ang nagpapagaan ng lahat ng ito – ang tropa ko.” 

The TVC has a fitting ending and a reminder that things are going to be easier if only we will reach out. The final copy states, “Gaan ng may kasama”.

Derek Ramsay Mixes Tanduay’s Halloween Cocktails

Tanduay Spooky Cocktail by Derek Ramsay

If you are looking for creative Halloween drinks and cocktails to serve for your Halloween party,  Derek Ramsay shares some of his favorite Tanduay rhum concoctions to liven up your virtual get-together with your family and friends.

“We’ve been through a tough year, and we are still doing our best to cope with the current situation. This is why it’s important to celebrate once in a while, to remind ourselves of the good things that we have in our life like our loved ones.” ~Derek Ramsay

The cocktails are easy to do, Derek assured, and can be made using ingredients that are available in stores.

• Hocus Pocus Cocktail

Ingredients

• Orange zest
• 15 mL Simple Syrup
• 45 mL Cranberry Juice
• 15 mL Orange Juice, Freshly Squeezed
• 1 Prosecco or sparkling wine
• 45 mL Tanduay Rhum 5 Years 

Procedure

1. Start off by dipping the rim of your coupe or martini glass in the chilled simple syrup. Dip it very lightly. Now dip the rim of the same glass into some orange-colored sugar. Set this aside on the counter or in the freezer to set. 

To create your own colored sugar:  

• Place sugar in a resealable plastic bag. 
• Add a few drops of food coloring. 
• Seal the bag and shake until the color has spread evenly. 
• Allow sugar to dry in a flat surface for 15 to 20 minutes before using.

2. In a shaker or mixing glass, add ice and combine cranberry juice, orange juice, simple syrup, orange zest, and Tanduay Rhum 5 Years in a cocktail shaker. Cover and shake until thoroughly chilled.

3. Strain the mixture into your sugar rimmed cocktail glass. 

4. Top off with chilled Prosecco or sparkling wine and garnish with an orange twist.

• Devil’s Brew (Good for 2)

Devil's Brew by Derek Ramsay

Ingredients

• Thai Chili 
• 40 mL Triple Sec
• 60 mL Tanduay Rhum 5 Years 
• Lime Juice
• Ice
• 300 mL Cranberry Juice
• Lime 
• Kosher Salt and Chili Powder

Procedure

1. Remove the seeds from the Thai chili and muddle (mash) it. 
2. In a mixing glass, add 40 mL triple sec.
3. Pour the Tanduay Rhum 5 Years 
4. Put some lime juice and 300 mL cranberry juice.
5. Add some ice and mix.
6. Rub some lime, kosher salt and chili powder around the rim of a glass. Pour the cocktail you just made. Garnish with chili.

• Tanduay Spooky Cocktail 🍹

Tanduay Spooky Cocktail

Ingredients

• Lychee
• Grapes
• 30 mL Tanduay Rhum 5 Years 
• Ginger Ale
• 10 mL Simple Syrup
• Grenadine Syrup 

Procedure:

1. Create frozen (fake) eyeballs by putting a piece of grape inside a lychee. Create as many as you want. Set aside and put inside the freezer.
2. Now start creating your cocktail mix by pouring 30 mL Tanduay Rhum 5 Years in a glass.
3. Top with ginger ale and drop your frozen eyeballs.
4. Add the simple syrup next.
5. Pour the grenadine syrup to create a blood effect.

Hocus Pocus Cocktail

Ingredients

• Orange zest
• 15 mL Simple Syrup
• 45 mL Cranberry Juice
• 15 mL Orange Juice, Freshly Squeezed
• 1 Prosecco or sparkling wine
• 45 mL Tanduay Rhum 5 Years 

Procedure

1. Start off by dipping the rim of your coupe or martini glass in the chilled simple syrup. Dip it very lightly. Now dip the rim of the same glass into some orange-colored sugar. Set this aside on the counter or in the freezer to set. 

To create your own colored sugar:  

Place sugar in a resealable plastic bag. 

Add a few drops of food coloring. 

Seal the bag and shake until the color has spread evenly. 

Allow sugar to dry in a flat surface for 15 to 20 minutes before using.

2. In a shaker or mixing glass, add ice and combine cranberry juice, orange juice, simple syrup, orange zest, and Tanduay Rhum 5 Years in a cocktail shaker. Cover and shake until thoroughly chilled.

3. Strain the mixture into your sugar rimmed cocktail glass. 

4. Top off with chilled Prosecco or sparkling wine and garnish with an orange twist.

Tanduay Rum Awarded Medals in Spirits Awards Belgium

 

Dubbed “The United Nations of Fine Spirits”, the international competition rewards spirits from across the globe. It has a panel of internationally renowned experts assessing and classifying whiskies, cognacs, brandies, rums, vodkas, and gins, among others.

Tanduay products continue to gain recognition from prestigious spirits competitions abroad. Most recently, Tanduay Asian Rum Gold and Tanduay Asian Rum Silver were both awarded silver medals at the Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial in Brussels, Belgium.

“There are many fine spirits around the world, and we are honored that our products have been chosen as two of the best. We accept this recognition with both pride and humility, and we thank all our people for their hard work and dedication in continuous-ly crafting quality products that are proudly Philippine-made.” ~Paul Lim, Tanduay Distillers, Inc. Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing

The Tanduay Asian Rum Gold is one of the company’s most-awarded products. Aged in used Bourbon barrels for seven years, it is silky smooth with elegant flavors, almonds, dried dark fruits, and island spices. 

The Tanduay Asian Rum Silver has also received several recognitions throughout the years. It is aged in used Bourbon barrels for five years and had hints of dried tropical fruits, vanilla, and toasted coconut.

This year, Tanduay continued to expand its international presence when it inked deals with top wines and spirits distributors from several U.S. states. Its U.S. presence now encompasses Hawaii, Indiana, Minnesota, Nevada, Wisconsin, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, California, Tennessee, and Michigan, and the territory of Guam.

Tanduay has also expanded its market in China and entered Singapore. The company is likewise working on its distribution in Europe.

Tech Savvy Lucio Tan III Leads Tanduay’s Continued US Market Growth Amid Pandemic, Eyes Europe Distribution in Q4

 

Tanduay Distillers’ Inc. president and chief operating officer Lucio Tan III, a software engineer, has been aggressive in bringing the Filipino rum to more customers worldwide, making it available not just through traditional marketing and selling but tapping into online channels as well.

A software engineer, Tan’s direction for the 165-year-old Tanduay business is to bring it to more customers worldwide, making it available not just through traditional marketing and selling but tapping into online channels as well. Now headed by Lucio Tan III, the third-generation scion to one of the Philippines’ biggest conglomerates, Tanduay continues to successfully enter new international markets. Most recently, it inked deals with the largest US wines and spirits distributors, Johnson Brothers and General Beverage.  The third-generation scion to one of the Philippines’ biggest conglomerates is at the forefront of bringing the Filipino rum to more customers worldwide.

Even as most businesses are reeling under the effect of the pandemic, Filipino rum maker Tanduay’s growth continues on an upwards trajectory. A software engineer, Tan’s direction for the 165-year-old Tanduay business is to bring it to more customers worldwide, making it available not just through traditional marketing and selling but tapping into online channels as well.

Tanduay can now be found in Hawaii, Nevada, Wisconsin, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, California, Tennessee, and Michigan, and in the territory of Guam. It is also available in China and Singapore and will be available in Europe by the end of the year. Tan's direction for the 165-year-old Tanduay business is to push toward a more visible international presence using traditional marketing strategies and tapping into tech-driven or digital channels as well.

Tanduay takes pride in delivering the highest quality products by ensuring its sugarcane source and maintaining its efficient distillation process. As one of the biggest and most recognizable brands in the country, it pays homage to Filipino craftsmanship as it dominates the global market.

Founded in 1854, Tanduay uses the same distillation process that is employed in its now decommissioned distillery in Manila. A Master Blender, who serves as the guardian of Tanduay’s formulas, checks on the consistency and quality of the rums before they are sent for bottling and packaging.

Tanduay’s push toward a more visible international presence started in the 2000s. Its more recent initiatives in the US included a partnership with the Golden State Warriors, making it the first Philippine brand to sponsor an NBA team. It had naming rights to the Tanduay Club in the Oracle Arena, and Tanduay Rum can be found at retailers in the Golden State Warriors’ blue and gold “Strength in Numbers” collectible boxes in California. Tanduay currently has its own branded bar at the Chase Center, the Golden State Warriors’ brand-new arena in San Francisco’s Bay District which opened in 2019.

Tanduay also became the official rum of the Barclays Center and the Brooklyn Nets. It has been a Presenting Sponsor of the 40/40 CLUB and an Associate Sponsor of the arena's Brooklyn Show platform. Tanduay also made a foray into entertainment by being one of the sponsors of the Emmy Awards, the first for any Filipino brand.

The company credits its international partnerships and aggressive marketing efforts for its domination of the international rum category. For three years now, Tanduay has been declared the World’s Number One Rum by Drinks International magazine. It has sold millions of cases worldwide, even outselling more popular international rum brands.

“Even before the pandemic, we were already working on making Tanduay available through tech-driven channels. Last June, we launched an online selling site for our Filipino customers, shots.ph. In the US, we have partnered with Caskers and Flaviar, and we are also available through the online sites of our distributor-partners. When we market Tanduay internationally, we are also highlighting the craftsmanship of the Filipino. Tanduay is a product that we can proudly say is Philippine-made—from the sugarcane, it uses to the unique distilling process it undergoes. These are all products of the Filipino’s hard work and ingenuity. We’re combining our traditional practices in rum-making with new ways of marketing our products.” ~Lucio Tan III, Tanduay Distillers’ Inc. President, and Chief Operating Officer, a Software Engineer, a Graduate of Stanford University

Tanduay mainly sources its sugarcane from Bacolod in the Visayas, which is a place known for its long history of sugarcane farming. The island is home to the country’s 100-year-old sugar milling company.

About Tanduay 

Tanduay is one of the most-awarded rum brands in the Philippines, receiving various local and international citations. In 2017, it was declared the World’s Number One Rum by Drinks International magazine. Tanduay will hold this title for three consecutive years.

Tanduay started out as a distillery in Hagonoy, Bulacan, a province in the island of Luzon known for its heroes and craftsmen. It changed ownership throughout the decades and has been under the Lucio Tan Group of Companies, Inc., one of the biggest conglomerates in the Philippines.

Even as the years passed, Tanduay has maintained the traditional way of distilling its rums, a practice that started in its Manila distillery. It has likewise consistently maintained its product quality, ensuring that Filipinos and foreigners alike will enjoy the same taste and aroma of a Tanduay product wherever they are in the world.

Tanduay Rhum to Number 1 Spot Anew

Tanduay Asian Rum Gold topped the list with a gold medal. Silver medals, meanwhile, were awarded to Tanduay Asian Rum Silver and Boracay Cappuccino Flavored Rum. Tanduay Double Rum and Boracay Coconut Flavored Rum both received bronze medals. Tanduay has maintained its leadership position in the industry, it has been declared the World's Number 1 Rum for the third consecutive year. International partnerships and global expansion contributed to the increase in global sales.

Early this year, Tanduay‘s international partnerships and global expansion bolstered its worldwide sales, making it the world’s top-selling rum for the third consecutive year. Tanduay won five medals from the Beverage Testing Institute. 

“Being declared the World’s Number 1 Rum for the third year is an achievement not just for Tanduay but for the entire country as our products are proudly Philippine-made using materials sourced locally. We celebrate this feast with our fellow Filipinos and we thank our international partners who have helped us market Tanduay globally. At present, we are working toward bringing Tanduay to Europe as rhum sales in the region outstripped gin. The value of rhum in Europe is growing faster than volume, which is very encouraging because that suggests premiumisation leading the industry to long-term growth prospects. Nowadays, drinkers have a more developed taste when it comes to their drink of choice. Aside from rhum, we are also exploring other spirit categories to supply markets here and abroad.” ~Paul Lim, Tanduay Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing 

The liquor firm is currently working on expanding its product portfolio for both local and international markets. It was in 2018 that Tanduay first dislodged rival Bacardi and other known brands to hold the top spot.

Tanduay‘s international partnerships and global expansion bolstered its worldwide sales, making it the world’s top-selling rum for the third consecutive year.

Tanduay Rhum sold 20.5 million cases in 2019, an increase from its 20.1 million cases in 2018, according to Drinks International magazine which hands out the awards.

“Once again, Philippine giant Tanduay has topped the rum chart, has continued its steady growth above the 20m-case threshold. The brand branched out into Singapore and US territory Guam while, at the same time, nourishing its vast domestic market…”

Tanduay is currently working on expanding its product portfolio for both local and international markets.

Tanduay products are currently available in:

• Florida
• New York
• New Jersey
• Illinois
• California
• Wisconsin
• Tennessee
• Michigan
• Guam in the U.S

And will be available in:

• Hawaii
• Indiana
• Nevada
• Minnesota

The company has also successfully entered the markets of:

• China
• United Arab Emirates
• Singapore
• Australia

It was in 2018 that Tanduay first dislodged Bacardi on the top spot of the world’s number one rum list. The following year, the Filipino rum maintained its leadership against 153 other brands in the category. 

Tanduay's Inernational Expansion in Guam

“We believe that the brand will grow in the state of Guam having a lot of Filipinos residing in that state who's familiar with the brand, and the locals of Guam themselves who’re looking for quality products.” ~Paul Lim, Tanduay Senior Vice President for Marketing

Tanduay, the world’s number one rum according to Drinks International, continues its aggressive international expansion. Most recently, the 165-year-old Filipino brand partnered with one of Guam’s leading spirits distributor, TITAN Imports, for its distribution in the U.S. territory.

The event included a brand education seminar conducted by Tanduay Business Development Manager and TITAN managing director John Antenorcruz.

A bartending competition followed, where contestants where challenged to create drinks using Tanduay Dark Rum, Tanduay Asian Rum Gold, and Guam’s freshest ingredients.

A cocktail event was also held in another venue, The Atrio, to celebrate the distribution deal with F&B directors, restaurant managers, hotel owners, and business decision-makers in attendance. They were provided with entertainment along with specialty drinks and exciting prizes from Tanduay.

For the past three years, Tanduay has been aggressive in opening new markets for its quality rums in countries outside of the Philippines. In 2018, its volume in the US grew by 114% year-on-year, from the first half of 2018 versus the first half of 2017.

Its overall product sales grew by 3% in 2018 from 2017, making it the world’s best-selling rum for two years running. According to Drinks International, Tanduay 20.1 million 9-liter cases in 2018. It is the only rum brand to reach the 20 million mark for that year.

“Sustainable” Future of LT Group from Mr. Tan Jr.

Lucio K. Tan, Jr., president, and chief operating officer, Tanduay Distillers Inc.

Lucio K. Tan Jr. gave a glimpse of the sustainable future that the companies under the Lucio Tan (LT) Group will undertake and emphasized the need to develop clean and renewable energy projects during the company’s recent year-end gathering. 

In his customary year-end message, Tan Jr. encouraged his company executives to develop an ability to “go on offensive business mode” to adapt to a changing world advocating technologies that are environmentally-responsible and help ease the impacts of climate change. 

“Our thrust is to participate and develop clean and renewable energy projects for our sustainability...reduce our carbon footprint to underscore our commitment to help mitigate the effects of climate change. I believe this is incumbent upon us as a responsible corporate entity, where we can invest in technologies that will unravel economic opportunities for the group and our employees,” said the president and COO of Tanduay Distillers. 

The younger Tan revealed the revival of Asian Alcohol Corp. next year. It can be recalled that the operation of the Bacolod-based facility was temporarily suspended eight years ago. 

“Kapitan (Lucio Tan Sr.) made a strategic move to take one step backward in the hope of moving forward, a strategy that teaches us how to realize our future by our sacrifices of today. Next year, Asian Alcohol will begin its biofuel production. Like Absolut Distillers, it will blaze new paths and return to its old glory,” he divulged.

Lucio K. Tan, Jr., president and chief operating officer, Tanduay Distillers Inc.

Located in a 10-hectare plant, Asian Alcohol Corp. was the second largest distillery in the Philippines. The plant houses alcohol aging and wastewater treatment facilities, which converts distillery waste into biogas energy for its power requirements. It used to have a daily rated capacity of 210, 000 liters of quality ethyl alcohol.

With this development, Tan Jr. said, Asian Alcohol Corp. is expected to be patterned after the success of Absolut Distillers Inc. in Batangas, which has made more than Php880M from its bioethanol operations since 2015. 

On the other hand, he also revealed, Absolut Distillers has commissioned a six-effect evaporator as part of its continuous improvement and wastewater treatment upgrade. Next year, a pot still distillery will be added to its operation together with a small mill.

He also divulged that one of the companies under the group, Macroasia, will be going into "full blast" next year. 

Tan Jr. recalled the hardwork and dedication of his father Lucio C. Tan, who is the man behind the success of the companies under the LT Group, but stressed the need to “deliver the future of the Group.” 

“Our thrust is to participate and develop clean and renewable energy projects for our sustainability...reduce our carbon footprint to underscore our commitment to help mitigate the effects of climate change. I believe this is incumbent upon us as a responsible corporate entity, where we can invest in technologies that will unravel economic opportunities for the group and our employees. Kapitan (Lucio Tan Sr.) made a strategic move to take one step backward in the hope of moving forward, a strategy that teaches us how to realize our future by our sacrifices of today. Next year, Asian Alcohol will begin its biofuel production. Like Absolut Distillers, it will blaze new paths and return to its old glory. I cannot wait to find out how we will fare against the best of the best. Tanduay will grow its assets to compete and be even more relevant in the liquor industry. Macroasia is going full blast with our thrust to address the future of water…our Chairman (Lucio Tan Sr.) has already been building dams to compliment the farmers with their harvest up north. We are now investing more in this valuable liquid. I believe that the world opens up to those who know where they are going,” he said, adding that, “So, let us, as one company, stay focused, and get this dream going towards our goals.” ~Mr. Lucio K. Tan, Jr., President, and Chief Operating Officer, Tanduay Distillers Inc.

For Tanduay Distillers, according to him, this coming year, the company is expected to sell 20 million cases. Part of the growth plans is Tanduay’s more aggressive operations in pursuing the Luzon market and continued exploration of markets outside the country.