Mc Richard Paglicawan
San Miguel Pale Pilsen marked its 135th anniversary on August 13 with the launch of its limited-edition ‘Balik Tanaw’ can, designed by acclaimed Filipino visual artist Francis Nacion, at the ECJ Hall, San Miguel Head Office Complex.
First brewed in 1890 by La Fabrica de Cerveza de San Miguel in Manila—later renamed San Miguel Corporation in 1963—the iconic beer has been a constant companion in Filipino celebrations for generations.
San Miguel Brewery president Carlos Antonio Mayo Berba couldn’t help but imagine national hero Jose Rizal enjoying the beer himself. “Imagine, 1890. Aba, buhay pa si Jose Rizal no’n. Malamang naimbita siya… Kasi ginoogle ko e, 1892 siya nakulong. Alta-sosyedad ‘yon, malamang imbitado ‘yon,” Berba said with a laugh.
He added, “O kaya no’ng nag-independence proclamation party sila noong 1898, malamang kasama sa handaan ang San Miguel Beer.”
Berba also pointed out that the beer predates many modern conveniences. “If you really think about it globally, what was 1890 then? TV, radio, kotse—wala lahat ‘yan. Even some big technologies. Diesel engine, mga X-ray. […] Kahit zipper, wala pa. 1891 pa naimbento ang zipper. Ang Pilipinas wala pang kuryente. Pero may San Miguel Beer na tayo,” he said.
For Nacion, ‘Balik Tanaw’ is a deeply personal work inspired by his grandfather, who was a San Miguel Beer enthusiast. “Hindi ko talaga malilimutan ‘yong time na nabubuhay pa ‘yong lolo ko. Kasi favorite niya talaga ‘yong San Miguel. So parang do’n ko rin nakuha ‘yong title na ‘Balik Tanaw,’” he shared.
The Aklan-born artist explained that he wanted Filipinos who see the artwork to feel a sense of pride in their heritage. “Gusto kong maramdaman nila na nakaka-proud bilang isang Pilipino… gusto ko ring balikan nila ‘yong nakaraan,” he said. “’Pag nakita nila ‘tong artwork na ‘to parang masarap bumalik sa nakaraan. ‘Yong mga kultura na pinama sa atin ng mga ninuno dapat maipasa rin natin sa bagong henerasyon.”
True to his signature style, Nacion left half of the faces in the painting without details—missing an eye, an ear, or even a finger—as a symbolic reminder to embrace imperfections. “Reminder lang ‘yon para sa akin na kailangan nating i-embrace ‘yong imperfections… parang tayo, lahat naman tayo hindi perpekto,” he explained.
The ‘Balik Tanaw’ limited-edition can is now available in select supermarkets, groceries, and convenience stores, and via SMB Delivers at 8632-BEER (2337) or www.SMBDelivers.com.
