Freida Pinto Leads #LoveScotch Global Movement for International Scotch Day in Manila

International Scotch Day is on February 10—the birthday of Johnnie Walker pioneer Alexander Walker. For Diageo Philippines (Johnnie Walker, The Singleton), the holiday marks the beginning of a month-long series of #LoveScotch events celebrating the world’s favorite whisky and inspiring new Scotch-drinking traditions.

The #LoveScotch global movement also encourages people to break their preconceived notions about the “correct” way to enjoy Scotch. “People think there are a lot of rules when it comes to drinking Scotch,” says Diageo Philippines’ general manager Vanee Gosiengfiao. “It’s time to break old Scotch notions because if there’s one rule about drinking Scotch, it’s that Scotch has no rules.”

Hollywood actress Freida Pinto (Slumdog Millionaire, Rise of the Planet of the Apes) flew to Manila to join local brand ambassadors Raymond Gutierrez, Martine Cajucom, Jess Connelly, and Nico Bolzico at the #LoveScotch kickoff party that took place in both 20:20 and XX:XX on Feb. 8. The five celebrity ambassadors spoke about their love for Scotch onstage. “I am a huge fan of Scotch and I was really ecited to be part of #LoveScotch to help break perceived ‘rules’ and ‘traditions’ so often associated with Scotch,” said Pinto.

Connelly and Cajucom are longtime Scotch drinkers. “I hate that people think it’s only a masculine drink,” says Connelly, though she thinks that with more women enjoying Scotch that notion is slowly changing. Cajucom likes her Scotch “simple and straightforward,” with a splash of water or on the rocks.

Gutierrez and Bolzico admitted that they only started drinking more Scotch over the past year or so. Gutierrez said that he used to find Scotch too strong by itself, but his fellow brand ambassador Coco Rocha introduced him to Johnnie Walker Black with ginger ale and it’s now his go-to drink for celebrations. Bolzico likes Johnnie Walker and the Singleton, and he’s exploring a range of different blended and single malt whiskies.

World Class bartending competition winners AK Roxas and Michael Tubiera prepared drinks that showcased the many different ways to enjoy Scotch: New Fashioned Singleton cocktails, Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve with crushed ice and an orange slice on the rocks, Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch lemonades, and Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky sours.

If you’re celebrating International Scotch Day on Feb. 10 with a glass of Scotch, Johnnie Walker invites you to post about it online and use the hashtags #LoveScotch and #InternationalScotchDay. To learn more about #LoveScotch events and special offers running from Feb. 10 to March 15, visit the Johnnie Walker Philippines Facebook page