128 years of San Miguel Corporation

Summary

The video script narrates the rich history of San Miguel Corporation, deeply intertwined with the Filipino people. From its 19th-century beginnings as a brewery founded by Enrique Maria Barredo, the company has grown into a major conglomerate. It faced challenges like prohibition and World War II, but emerged stronger, diversifying into food, beverages, and even infrastructure. Today, San Miguel is a symbol of Filipino identity, with a legacy of innovation and resilience.

Takeaways

• 🏭 The story of San Miguel Corporation is deeply intertwined with the history of the Philippines, reflecting a shared past.
• 🏛️ Enrique Maria Barredo, the founder of San Miguel, started the first brewery in the Philippines, originally scheduled to open on September 29 but opened on October 4 due to a storm.
• 🍺 San Miguel Brewery was Southeast Asia's first brewery and began exporting beer as early as 1891.
• 🔄 The company expanded under new leadership by 1912, acquiring the Oriental Brewery and an ice company, marking its first steps into the food and beverage industry beyond beer.
• 🍦 San Miguel purchased the Magnolia ice cream plant, which was a pioneer in sanitary manufacturing techniques, and expanded into dairy products like milk and cottage cheese.
• 🥤 During Prohibition in the United States, San Miguel explored non-alcoholic beverages, successfully bottling Royal Tru-Orange and becoming the first bottler of Coca-Cola outside the mainland U.S.
• 🏗️ World War II brought significant challenges for San Miguel, with its facilities seized by the Japanese Imperial Army and later destroyed, necessitating post-war rebuilding efforts led by Andre Soriano.
• 🔄 Post-war, San Miguel made strategic acquisitions, such as the Balintawak beer company, and ventured into new industries, becoming more integrated into Filipino daily life.
• 🌐 San Miguel Corporation has grown into one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines, with diverse interests including oil, petrochemicals, power, and infrastructure.
• 🚀 The company's history, which began with a single beer product, has evolved to contribute significantly to the Filipino identity and the nation's development.

Q & A

What is the historical significance of San Miguel Corporation in the Philippines?

San Miguel Corporation is intertwined with the history of the Philippines, representing a shared history with the Filipino people. It has been a part of the nation's development and is seen as an integral part of Filipino identity.

Where was the first San Miguel brewery located?

The first San Miguel brewery, 'la fábrica de cerveza de San Miguel', was located in Intramuros, Manila, near the summer home of the Spanish governors-general and the church dedicated to San Miguel Archangel.

Why was the initial opening of the brewery postponed?

The initial opening of the brewery was scheduled for September 29, but due to a storm, it had to be postponed and eventually opened on October 4.

Who was the founder of San Miguel Corporation and what was his profession?

Enrique Maria Barredo was the founder of San Miguel Corporation. He was a well-known businessman and the owner of a photo studio.

What was the role of Pedro Pablo Rojas in the early years of San Miguel Corporation?

Pedro Pablo Rojas was hired to manage the enterprise and he adopted the latest European standards in brewing, ensuring the quality of the beer and the adoption of modern technologies.

When did San Miguel Corporation start exporting its beer?

San Miguel Corporation started exporting its beer, 'cerveza de San Miguel', barely a year from its foundation in 1890.

Why did San Miguel Corporation acquire the Oriental Brewery and an ice company?

San Miguel Corporation acquired the Oriental Brewery and an ice company in 1919 as part of its expansion strategy and to meet the growing demand for ice, which was essential for brewing and maintaining the quality of beers.

What was the significance of the Magnolia brand for San Miguel Corporation?

The Magnolia brand was significant as it marked San Miguel's entry into the food and beverage industry beyond beer. It started with an ice cream plant and expanded to include milk and cottage cheese.

How did the Prohibition in the United States affect San Miguel Corporation?

Although Prohibition in the United States did not extend to the Philippines, it prompted San Miguel Corporation to explore other options such as producing carbonated drinks like Royal Tru Orange.

What challenges did San Miguel Corporation face during World War II?

During World War II, San Miguel Corporation faced significant challenges as its facilities were seized by the Japanese Imperial Army, and its plants for Royal Tru Orange, Magnolia dairy products, and cold storage were ruined.

Who led San Miguel Corporation during the post-war reconstruction period?

Andre Soriano, also known as Colonel Soriano, led San Miguel Corporation during the post-war reconstruction period, overseeing the rebuilding of the company's infrastructure and business.

Outlines

00:00

🍺 The Origins and Growth of San Miguel Brewery

The script begins with a historical journey through the streets of Manila, highlighting the significance of San Miguel Corporation in Philippine history. It recounts the establishment of the first San Miguel brewery by Enrique Maria Barredo in 1890, initially scheduled to open on September 29 but delayed due to a storm. The brewery was blessed by the Archbishop of Manila and managed by Pedro Pablo Rojas, who implemented European standards and hired a German brewmaster. The company quickly expanded, becoming Southeast Asia's first brewery and exporting beer by 1891. The narrative also touches on the company's diversification into ice production and the acquisition of the Oriental Brewery and an ice company, marking its entry into the broader food and beverage industry. The purchase of the Magnolia ice cream plant and the introduction of milk and cottage cheese to its product line are also mentioned, along with the impact of Prohibition in the United States and the company's response by exploring other beverage options like carbonated drinks.

05:01

🌟 San Miguel's Expansion and Diversification

This section delves into San Miguel's foray into bottling Coca-Cola, becoming the first franchise outside the mainland United States, and the strategic shift to glass bottles in 1938. It also discusses the company's operations in the U.S., India, and Singapore, and the challenges faced during World War II when the Japanese Imperial Army seized San Miguel's facilities. Post-war, Andre Soriano, known as 'the Colonel,' led the company's reconstruction efforts, including the acquisition of the Balintawak beer company. The script highlights San Miguel's strategic acquisitions and investments in various industries such as lumber, agribusiness, textiles, and steel drums, which helped the company grow into one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines. It concludes with a reflection on San Miguel's evolution from a single-product brewery to a diverse enterprise deeply intertwined with the nation's identity and its ongoing commitment to innovation and expansion.

Keywords

💡San Miguel Corporation

San Miguel Corporation is a Filipino multinational conglomerate company with a diverse range of businesses. In the video, it is portrayed as an integral part of Filipino history, with its origins dating back to the 19th century. The company's story is intertwined with the nation's narrative, showcasing its evolution from a brewery to a major conglomerate contributing to various sectors of the economy.

💡History

History in the context of the video refers to the chronological record of events that have shaped San Miguel Corporation and the Philippines. It highlights the company's journey from its founding to becoming a significant economic force, reflecting the shared history between the corporation and the Filipino people.

💡Enrique Maria Barredo

Enrique Maria Barredo is identified as the founder of San Miguel Corporation. The video script mentions him as a well-known businessman who established the first brewery in San Miguel. His entrepreneurial spirit and vision laid the foundation for the company's growth and its deep roots in the Philippines' economic and cultural landscape.

💡Brewery

A brewery is a facility where beer is produced. In the video, the establishment of San Miguel's first brewery is a pivotal moment, marking the beginning of the company's operations. The brewery's opening on October 4, after a delay due to weather, symbolizes the start of the company's long-standing tradition of beer production.

💡PP Rojas

Pedro Pablo Rojas, or PP Rojas, is mentioned as the manager of San Miguel Corporation's enterprise. He is credited with adopting the latest European standards in brewing, ensuring the quality of the beer produced. His role signifies the company's commitment to excellence and innovation from its early days.

💡Export

Export refers to the shipping of goods, such as San Miguel's beer, to other countries. The video highlights that the company was exporting beer to various regions like Shanghai, Guam, and Honolulu by 1891. This showcases the company's early international reach and its role in putting the Philippines on the global trade map.

💡Magnolia

Magnolia is a brand that originally belonged to an ice cream plant acquired by San Miguel Corporation. The video describes the expansion of the company's product line to include milk and cottage cheese, and the opening of the Magnolia plant to the public as a showcase of sanitary manufacturing techniques. This signifies the company's diversification and its commitment to quality and hygiene.

💡Prohibition

Prohibition in the video refers to the period in the 1920s when the sale of alcoholic beverages was banned in the United States. Although the ban did not extend to the Philippines, it influenced San Miguel Corporation to explore other options, such as producing carbonated drinks like Royal Tru Orange, which became a success until the introduction of Coca-Cola.

💡Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola is a globally recognized soft drink brand. The video mentions San Miguel Corporation as the first bottler of Coca-Cola outside the mainland United States. This partnership signifies the company's ability to adapt to market changes and its role in bringing international brands to the Philippines.

💡Japanese Imperial Army

The Japanese Imperial Army is referenced in the context of World War II when they seized control of San Miguel Corporation's facilities in the Philippines. This period marked a significant challenge for the company, which had to rebuild its operations after the war. The video emphasizes the resilience and recovery of San Miguel Corporation under the leadership of Andre Soriano.

💡Diversification

Diversification in the video refers to San Miguel Corporation's strategic expansion into various industries beyond its original beer production. The company ventured into lumber, agribusiness, textiles, steel drums, and even media with its own newspaper, radio, and television stations. This diversification showcases the company's growth and its integration into the fabric of Filipino daily life.

Highlights

San Miguel Corporation's history is deeply intertwined with the Filipino people.

The company's origins trace back to a photo studio owner, Enrique Maria Barredo, who established the first San Miguel brewery.

The brewery was initially scheduled to open on September 29, the feast of San Miguel, but was delayed due to weather.

San Miguel was Southeast Asia's first brewery and began exporting beer shortly after its founding.

PP Rojas, who managed the brewery, adopted the latest European standards and hired a German brewmaster to ensure quality.

San Miguel expanded into ice production and acquired the Oriental Brewery and an ice company by 1919.

The company purchased the Magnolia ice cream plant and expanded into dairy products.

During Prohibition in the U.S., San Miguel explored other options like carbonated drinks, including Royal Tru Orange.

San Miguel became the first bottler of Coca-Cola outside the mainland United States.

The company ventured into the packaging business to support its own needs and the growing demand for glass bottles.

During World War II, San Miguel was seized by the Japanese Imperial Army, but later reclaimed and rebuilt by Andre Soriano.

Post-war, San Miguel acquired the Balintawak beer company and upgraded its facilities to produce quality beer.

The company continued to grow by acquiring more facilities and venturing into various industries.

San Miguel invested in agribusiness, using byproducts from its brewery to produce livestock feeds.

The company diversified into media, owning a newspaper, radio, and television station.

San Miguel has become one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines, with interests in oil, petrochemicals, power, and infrastructure.

The company's history is a narrative of the nation, with its beginnings in the 19th century and its ongoing evolution.

San Miguel remains true to its pioneering spirit, contributing significantly to the Filipino identity.

Transcripts

[Music]

when we talk about pin exam I will be in

more than just a recounting of dates and

places we are talking about a shared

history the story of San Miguel

Corporation is a story it shares with

the Filipino people it's a history that

we often see but I do not notice so

where do we go first

I'm on tape is our L Street formerly

Kassadin Mallahan yang so where on earth

is the San Miguel building

[Music]

my grandfather's grandfather would have

walked past the summer home of the

Spanish governors-general to go to

church a church dedicated to San Miguel

are hung hell one of my professors said

that one of the best ways to learn about

history is to read data of tombstones so

in many old churches in the Philippines

I often look at the sides to see who's

buried there and in some bigger Church

we found a discovery which is this the

founder of San Miguel

Enrique emberato enrique maria barrio de

casa was a well-known businessman owner

of a photo studio that captured Manila's

finest in their Sunday best

just paces away from his home Baretta

established the first sub miguel Priven

la fábrica de cerveza de son began the

brewery was scheduled to open on

September 29 the feast of San Miguel I

can't help but like many things in the

Philippines the weather intervened a

storm came and they had to open an

october 4 with no less than the

Archbishop of Manila blessing the new

program of course he had a little help

from his friends

barretto got pedro pablo rojas to manage

the enterprise PP rojas immediately

adopted the latest European standards in

the blooming of beer

he hired a brewmaster from Germany you'd

be kindly to ensure that the broom was

ruined glass even more

Enrique beretta LP Barajas make sure

that the brewery used the most modern

technologies improving and refrigeration

of its time San Miguel was Southeast

Asia's first brewery and by 1891 barely

a year from its foundation was exporting

beer cerveza de San Miguel was Manila

sprite who perhaps later on the pride of

the Pacific

[Music]

however Enrique burrito and ppaos didn't

stay long enough to see their company

expand from just a brewery San Miguel by

then was dominating the beer market

exporting cerveza to ohon Shanghai Guam

and Honolulu by 1912 an entirely new set

of leaders had taken over and they not

only wanted to expand but in fact needed

two breweries need ice and beers need

badly so by 1919 san miguel acquired the

oriental brewery an ice company the

first step into a wider food and

beverage business one of San Miguel's

neighbors was an ice cream plant that

manufactured confections conjured by a

US Army volunteer cook under the brand

of Magnolia san miguel purchased the

magnolia ice cream plant relocating it

to a chakra street expanding the product

line to include milk and cottage cheese

the Magnolia plant was opened to the

public a showcase of the

state-of-the-art sanitary manufacturing

techniques employed by the company no

dirty ice cream here in the 1920s

prohibition halted the sale of beer and

alcoholic beverages in the mainland

United States while the band did not

extend to the Philippines the company

began to explore other options like

carbonated drinks royal threw orange

which san miguel started bottling in

1922 was described as the result of a

strictly hygienic manufacturing process

operating out of the newly purchased

facility in general Solano's 3 it was a

success a big one

until this enjoy the pause that

refreshes with coca-cola a refreshing

drink of highest quality San Miguel was

the first Butler of coca-cola outside

the mainland United States the first

bottles of San Miguel were ceramic after

shifting to glass bottles in 1938 the

company went into the packaging business

without bottles at ready disposal

neither San Miguel nor coke would be

easily available in the Philippines

[Music]

by 1940 San Miguel was conducting

operations in the u.s. operating a small

brewery in Texas it also was managing

cold storage operations in Calcutta and

Singapore but then back home

[Music]

San Miguel was seized by the Japanese

Imperial Army the invaders made their

own beer to supplement their own stocks

imported from Manchuria a disturbin time

a new leader was needed during the war

Andre Soriano was asked by President

Manuel Quezon to be his secretary of

finance agriculture and commerce even

with his cabinet post Soriano

enlisted with the Armed Forces when they

took back the Philippines for his

service in the battlefield

Soriano earned himself a promotion from

then on Andre Soriano

would be known as the colonel the war

would soon be over but San Miguel's

biggest battle still lay ahead April

1945 the Philippine capital lay in ruins

among the industrial casualties of war

were San Miguel's royal through orange

plant the Magnolia dairy products plant

the cold storage plant Soriano led the

company in rebuilding ruined

infrastructure and business a key

decision being the acquisition of the

Japanese owned Balintawak beer company

in Palo

it's facilities were upgraded and soon

the plans brewing kettles were finally

producing quality Philippine beer San

Miguel Beer the country and the company

embarked on rebuilding from the ruins

san miguel sees the opportunity to

acquire more facilities to venture into

other industries becoming even more

woven into the fabric of the filipinos

everyday life can begin vista behind

inaudible by pouring as in the past the

strategic acquisitions of san miguel

built upon its core businesses each

industry helping the other the company

started to invest in lumber for the

manufacturing of cases and soon was

producing textiles and steel drums he 22

agribusiness with the byproducts of the

breviary

providing ideal raw material for

livestock feeds soon enough san miguel

had its own newspaper the philippine

harem ana radio television station the

inter-island broadcasting corporation

san miguel that began with beer as its

sole product with a capital of 180,000

pesos in 1890 he said to earn over a

trillion pesos over the next few years

San Miguel today is one of the largest

conglomerates in the Philippines

producing oil and petrochemicals and

power to building airports and always

the story that began in the fábrica de

cerveza de San Miguel leads us to this

Skyway

the history of San Miguel is intertwined

with the narrative of nation San Miguel

today begins a new chapter beyond fear

beyond food and drink into highways into

new worlds yet it remains true to the

pioneer in 19th century company now part

the Filipino identity

[Music]

[Music]