Singer and actress Julie Anne San Jose, recognized for her role as Maria Clara in the GMA period drama Maria Clara at Ibarra, shared her excitement about her new role as Ginebra San Miguel’s 2025 Calendar Girl. During the calendar launch at the Diamond Hotel in Manila, Julie Anne said it is “totally different” from her previous character.
“Coming from Maria Clara, this calendar girl is totally different,” Julie Anne shared. “As an artist, I like to portray different roles and do different things. I like to innovate and improve myself when it comes to my craft.”
Ginebra San Miguel has a rich history, celebrating 190 years in the spirits industry, with the calendar girl tradition being a significant part of its legacy since 1988. Allan Mercado, the company’s vice president and marketing manager, emphasized the importance of the role, noting that the calendar girl is a key element of the brand’s identity.
“It’s been 36 years since we first started our calendar girl,” Mercado said. “This tradition continues to reflect the exceptional women we choose to represent our brand.”
Following her stint as Maria Clara, Julie Anne expressed that her new role will allow her to connect with a broader audience and potentially inspire change in their lives. “Being sexy isn’t limited to one’s body; it’s about how a person can inspire others based on their abilities,” she explained.
Julie Anne joins a prestigious lineup of previous Ginebra San Miguel Calendar Girls, which includes prominent figures such as Marian Rivera, Pia Wurtzbach, and Anne Curtis.
“I’m very happy to be part of the Ginebra San Miguel family. It’s truly an honor to represent a brand that has worked with incredible women,” she said.
The theme of the 2025 calendar, titled “Obra Maestra” (Masterpiece), features Julie Anne in six artistic compositions that celebrate classic art. Marketing Manager Ron Molina explained that the calendar aims to uphold the brand’s legacy of excellence.
“For 190 years, Ginebra San Miguel has crafted masterpieces in every bottle, offering only the finest in distilled spirits,” Molina stated.
The calendar’s layouts portray Julie Anne as various artistic muses, including “Galatea,” a representation of creativity and passion, and “Diana,” symbolizing independence and strength. Julie Anne expressed a particular connection to her portrayal of Diana, stating, “The bow and arrow resonate with me as an artist. It symbolizes my constant pursuit of improvement.”
In addition to her artistic endeavors, Julie Anne is also a certified gin enthusiast. She shared her connection to Ginebra San Miguel, recalling how the brand has been a part of her family gatherings.
“Ginebra has always been part of our lives for every gathering, whether Christmas, birthday parties, or just a simple celebration,” she said.
As the new face of Ginebra San Miguel, Julie Anne aims to inspire others by becoming a better version of herself.
“You know, I wanted to show a different side of me, I wanted to show a more confident, stronger, braver Julie Anne. This is the start of something new para sa akin. This feels like a rebirth as a woman. Proud po [ako] na napili po ako ng Ginebra family, along with past Ginebra Calendar Girls,” she concluded.
