It’s that time of the year again when we get red-faced dancing to the sound of clacking beer mugs. Yes, it’s Oktoberfest. And, as in the past four years, it will be held at Sofitel Philippine Plaza.
The scenic hotel along Roxas Boulevard will convert its Harbor Garden Tent into an authentic Biergarten (beer garden) with Oktoberfest long tables and benches. The event spans two days and promises to be a lot of fun. Don’t believe us? Here are five reasons why you should.
1. Free-flowing beer from 6pm to 2am
A total of 30,000 liters of beer were consumed at last year’s Oktoberfest—and you can expect a lot more ice cold-San Miguel Beer this 2014. When they say bottomless, they mean it.
2. Food from a top Bavarian chef
There will be more than enough food to coat—or stuff—your stomach while drinking alcohol. Retired chef Hubertus Timmel, a Bavarian native who has worked in top establishments here in Metro Manila, designed this year’s menu, which includes fresh roasted pork knuckles, laugen rolls, grilled German sausages and mouth-watering pastries. Midnight snack will also be served.
3. It’s a costume party
This annual event is being organized by the German Club Manila and its members promise to arrive in full German reglaia: dirndl for the ladies and Lederhosen for the gentlemen. Feel free to wear a costume— you can purchase one online.
4. Meet the German national soccer team
Rumor is that the national soccer team of Germany will be in town to visit their Filipino counterparts on the same weekend. If they’re truly patriotic, you’ll be sure to see them at Sofitel on both Oktoberfest nights.
Or you can dance like this…
5. You’ll be dancing to the sound of cracking whips
You love listening to live music while downing our beer bottles, yes? At the Oktoberfest weekend, raise your glasses for the world-famous Hofbrahaus Band and Show, resident band of one of the oldest breweries in Bavaria. They are composed of one yodeller, one male vocalist, a musician playing on cowbells, and men cracking their whips to Bavarian music. As the evening wears on, expect the music to get louder and people linking arms and swinging beer mugs from side to side. Remember these words: “Ein Prosit der Gemutlichkeit” which is a toast to contentment, congeniality and relaxation.
Oktoberfest is on October 17 & 18, 6pm-2am, at Sofitel Philippine Plaza’s Harbor Garden Tent. PHP3,200 & PHP3,300 inclusive of drinks and food. For tickets call +63 2 8184236.
