Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest While spring is not a familiar experience for Filipinos, Don Papa Rum’s latest global lifestyle campaign “Sweet Sugarlandia Spring” celebrating the festive and hopeful season, resonates with all of us. Don Papa Rum, the Philippines’ premium single island rum, brings forth a message of hope, symbolizing a fresh start to Filipinos in the coming days. “The idea of spring is all about the idea of rebirth. And looking forward to better things ahead. And seriously, that’s really what we want to encourage and give a rah-rah to everyone, just that you know what, we’re here also with you and looking forward to better days ahead,” shares Monica Llamas-Garcia, communications director of Bleeding Heart Rum Company during the virtual launch. Don Papa Rum is owned by the Bleeding Heart Rum Company. ‘Sweet Sugarlandia Spring ’ depicts a dreamy rebirth, with a sprinkle of curiosity and wonder, and a touch of romance with four new Don Papa cocktails, created by Tomas De los Reyes, the brand’s LA-based US brand ambassador. Tomas delos Reyes, Don Papa’s West Coast Ambassador Guests were given the chance to try two of the cocktails in the lineup during the launch. The first drink was Avalon Awakens, a velvety, smooth drink inspired by the Don’s travels on the cool Pacific coast. The second cocktail was Botanica Obscura, a floral elixir to truly celebrate that spring is upon us and brighter days await. This is also a play on daiquiri using hibiscus and inspired by those very flowers that represent the arrival of spring. Sweet Sugarlandia Spring Cocktails: Avalon Awakens How to make Avalon Awakens: In a cocktail shaker, add Don Papa Rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, velvet falernum, ube syrup* and fill with ice. Shake and strain into highball glass over ice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and straw. Botanica Obscura How to make Botanica Obscura: In a cocktail shaker, add Don Papa Rum, lemon juice, hibiscus syrup and mole bitters. Add ice and shake. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with an edible flower. Descanso Bloom How to make Descanso Bloom: In a cocktail shaker, add Don Papa Rum, sake, lime juice, simple syrup, and ice. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass with half a cup of ice. Spear and garnish with the remaining melon sphere. Jungle Nectar How to make Jungle Nectar: In a cocktail shaker, add Don Papa Rum, guava nectar, pandan simple syrup, lime juice, Peychaud’s bitters, and ice. Shake and strain into a rocks glass over ice. Top with ginger ale and garnish with a lime wheel. The campaign was shot at the stylish Dawnridge House, the legendary Beverly Hills home featured on Netflix’s 2020 hit show ‘Ratched.’ Renowned photographer Steve Tirona, who has a permanent collection exhibited at The Singapore Art Museum and whose works have been exhibited all over the world, brought the whimsical, languid scenes to life. Steve Tirona “I was more than happy to work on this campaign to help support homegrown products made in the Philippines,” says Steve. “So the inspiration for the show came about during that feeling of isolation during lockdown, and then realizing how much we need that human connection, especially between family and friends.” To complete the spring feeling, Don Papa also collaborated with 2012 Palanca Award Winner Anca Bautista in creating an original poem to anchor the campaign aptly titled ‘The Sweetest Spell of Spring’. At the close of cold, trapped winter, open wide the door, Greet the brilliant promise of a day with much in store. The golden rays of sunshine, spilling languid and alight; A fine, romantic picnic to last from noon to night; Bewitching strains of music, bright whimsy in the air, A spread of cool elixirs poured out for friends to share; Laughter from the gardens, games across the lawns, The dreamy scent of flowers as the veil of dusk is drawn. And now, you dreamers, waken; come drink, and dance, and sing! The dream you have been dreaming is the sweetest spell of Spring. 2012 Palanca Award Winner Anca Bautista “Super delighted to receive the call from Don Papa to collaborate and talk about writing this piece,” shares Anca Bautista. “It’s not every day that you have poetry accompanying a brand conversation or a brand launch. And I thought it was very refreshing. And true to the times. I think we need much more poetry, much more hope, much more art, at this season of our time. And the collaboration was very natural, because I think the season of spring, can serve as a metaphor for where we are at, kind of feeling hemmed in from the winter that is COVID. But also looking forward to the possible coming out, or stepping out and returning to our friends to wonderful simple things that we used to do, like, enjoying cocktails out in the garden.” Spring in Sugarlandia is just one of the campaigns the Don Papa team has planned for this year as part of Seasons of Sugarlandia, which was developed to explore the possibilities of Don Papa cocktails. So this won’t be the last of the surprises and features from Don Papa. It’s just the first of several events in their year-long Seasons of Sugarlandia global campaign. Don Papa lovers can expect exquisite set-ups and virtual offerings, delicious new cocktails, and interesting collaborations with different artists for the rest of the year. On top of that, they’ll be coming out with a new Don Papa expression later this year. ### If you’re not in the mood to mix your own Sweet Sugarlandia Spring cocktails, you can order your own ready-to-drink cocktails from Run Rabbit Run. Or if you’re in the Poblacion area, drop by Lampara to sip your cocktails at the bar. They’re looking to have the range of cocktails to be available at different venues throughout the year, not just in the Philippines, but hopefully in bars in the region as well. The ‘Sweet Sugarlandia in Spring’ photo series, shot by Steve Tirona and produced by Hyperion LA, can be seen on Don Papa’s Facebook and Instagram. Don Papa Rum is available for purchase online at Boozy.ph. For more updates, follow Don Papa on Facebook or Instagram or visit their website.