Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila’s expansive Harbor Garden Tent echoed the traditional German biergarten (beer garden), as it hosted over 4,000 guests in celebration of the 78th Oktoberfest.
A two-night event that featured time-honored German traditions, a sumptuous Bavarian feast and lively musical entertainment from Munich’s very own Bavarian Sound Express, the latest installment of Oktoberfest brought together members of the German-Filipino community, corporate groups, members of the expatriate community and resident gastronomes.
The two-day festival was a pageantry of the traditional dirndl for ladies and the lederhosen for gentlemen and the lively rendition of Oktoberfest favorites, including “Ein Prosit” and the “Fliegerlied”.
The celebration commenced with the ceremonial tapping of the first keg by German Club Manila President Bernd Schneider, German Ambassador-designate Dr. Gordon Kricke, German Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires Michael Hasper, San Miguel Corp Vice President and National Finance Manager Fil Madlansacay and Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila General Manager Adam Laker.
The feast nonpareil showcased traditional fare, including the Obatzda, Bratwurst, Weisswurst, Sauerkraut, Goulashsuppe, Pork Schnitzel and Apfelstrudel.
A staggering 149 kegs, or 7,450 liters of beer, 500 kilos of German sausages, 700 kilos of chicken, 1,000 kilos of pork and 200 kilos of sauerkraut were consumed during the two-day celebration.