San Miguel Pale Pilsen has been on Filipino tables for more than a century, its distinct taste tied to both everyday life and landmark celebrations. On August 16, fittingly at the San Miguel headquarters in Ortigas, the company unveiled a new heritage can to mark its 135th anniversary.

The release, called the “Balik Tanaw” can, carries artwork by Filipino visual artist Francis Nacion. Known for his stylized figures and half-rendered visages, Nacion drew on scenes from the past to reflect how the beer has remained a constant in Filipino culture. His work evokes familiar moments: neighborhood gatherings, milestone toasts, and festivals where the pale gold brew has long been present.

San Miguel Brewery Inc., which first opened its doors in 1890, is looking back at its history while underlining its place in the present. The heritage can is both a collectible and a reminder of the brand’s reach across generations.

For many, the pale lager is more than a drink. It is a companion to storytelling, an anchor in friendship, and a witness to changing times. The anniversary can gives form to that legacy, tying a 19th-century brew to 21st-century life.