Bold and Blue in Cebu: Quiccs and the world of whisky

On World Whisky Day, we look back at when the worlds of art and design collided with the luxurious taste of whiskey. On April 26, 2023, a partnership brought together the visionary toy designer and graffiti artist Quiccs and the renowned Johnnie Walker Blue label. As Quiccs launched his highly anticipated Johnnie Walker Blue Artist Collection Series, fans and collectors alike were thrilled to witness the fusion of two worlds that share a passion for creativity and craftsmanship.

Juanito Maiquez, better known as Quiccs, is a man of many talents. As an internationally renowned Filipino toy designer and graffiti artist, he has spent years honing his craft and creating some of the most captivating art in the world. Now, he’s taking his talents to a new level—the luxury spirits market.

The collection, which officially launched at the Fili Lobby of NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu City, is a testament to Quiccs’ incredible vision and skill. Featuring a range of limited-edition Johnnie Walker Blue bottles designed by Quiccs himself, the collection is a stunning showcase of his unique aesthetic. From the bold colors to the intricate Japanese mecha-inspired designs, each bottle is a work of art in its own right.

But for Quiccs, this project is about more than just creating beautiful designs. It’s about pushing boundaries and exploring new avenues.

“It’s a very big honor for me to work with a brand as well-established as Johnny Label, and its Blue Label collection at that,” Quiccs shared. “I’ve always been interested in bringing together different worlds and seeing what happens when they collide, and collaborating with a whiskey brand is one of those. So, it’s a truly proud moment.”

And the Johnnie Walker Blue Artist Collection Series is certainly a collision of worlds. Bringing together the worlds of street art and luxury spirits, the collection is a celebration of art, creativity and innovation. At the launch event, guests were treated to a meet and greet with Quiccs, who was on hand to sign bottles and showcase some of his prized toy collection. DJ Kirby of WAYF provided the music, and guests were able to sip on Johnnie Walker Blue cocktails while admiring the stunning bottle designs.

For Quiccs, this collaboration with Johnnie Walker Blue represents a new chapter in his career as an artist and designer. “It’s been amazing to see the response to this project so far,” Quiccs said. “The whole style of Quiccs is very Japanese graffiti and street punk. The brand is the result of the things I loved growing up and it’s really cool to be able to reach a new demographic by collaborating with such brands.”

The Johnnie Walker Blue Artist Collection Series is just the latest in a long line of groundbreaking projects from this visionary artist. Whether he’s designing toys, creating graffiti, or pushing the boundaries of the luxury spirits market, Quiccs is always pushing himself to be better, to do more, and to create something truly unforgettable.

In the world of art and design, there are few names as exciting as Quiccs. With his incredible talent and his unyielding drive to innovate, he is a true visionary and a true icon. The Johnnie Walker Blue Artist Collection Series is just the beginning of what promises to be an incredible journey for this incredible artist.

The event in Cebu was the second launch of the partnership in the country. Multinational alcoholic beverage company Diageo Philippines partnered with Sugbo Wine in promoting 200 bottles of The Lightning Design (one out of the four designs for the collection) among Cebuano whisky lovers and toy collectors.