O’zapft is!
“O’zapft is” is a Bavarian expression which means “it’s tapped,” officially indicating the beginning of the festival.
The tapping of the first barrel of beer marked the opening of one of the largest beer festivals in the country as Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila and German Club Manila celebrated the 79th Oktoberfest with yet another bang.
The hotel’s Harbor Garden Tent was once again transformed into a sumptuous and expansive beer garden, having housed a staggering 4,000 guests in the two-day event.
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Oktoberfest toast: Oktoberfest host Michael Scheile, San Miguel Corporation’s VP-National Sales Manager Debbie Namalata, Ambassador Gordon Kricke, German Club Manila President Bernd Schneider, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila General Manager Adam Laker, and Oktoberfest host Eiffelene Salavador-Howard
The annual festival highlights long-established German traditions including men in lederhosens, women in dirndls, and of course, their enduring love for beer and mouth-watering delights!
Oktoberfest hosts Eiffelene Salavador-Howard and Michael Scheile danced with the electrified crowd to the traditional Oktoberfest anthem “Fliegerlied.”
Traditional Bavarian Oktoberfest music and international party hits echoed throughout the night as the Bavarian Sound Express returned by popular demand to electrify the crowd. They performed Pretty Woman, We Will Rock You, and some traditional Oktoberfest anthems.
The Bavarian Sound Express serenaded the crowd with upbeat hits.
It was a gastronomic utopia for Germans and Filipinos alike as the hotel’s master chefs paraded a lavish feast of unrivaled Bavarian cuisines such as laugen rolls, roasted calf and pork knuckles, and a variety of grilled German sausages and appetizing pastries, not to mention the overflowing ice-cold San Miguel Beer!
Schweinebraten or roasted pork
Würstl refers to a variety of classic Bavarian sausages, best sautéed in a skillet with bacon and apple sauerkraut.
Brezen or soft pretzels with cheese and mustard dipping sauce for appetizers
Go wacky for the camera!
One of the highlights of the event was the drinking contest wherein people lined up in front of the stage as the crowd cheered on. The first one to finish drinking should put the mug on his or head like a hat. You can just imagine how wet they got!
Whoever chugs the beer first win!
The Irish are a loud and fun bunch!
There were also souvenirs such as hats, shirts, and mugs for you to bring home to your loved ones! You can also find paintings and sketches for sale in the venue. Not only that, you can also have yourself painted!
Since Oktoberfest is one of the biggest beer festivals in the country, it is joined by thousands of people with different nationalities and of all ages. A lot of families also came to enjoy the convivial occasion.
Music, food, and good company. We, Filipinos, love these as well!
Pretty sure it is going to be a tough challenge for the organizers to top this event next year, but wouldn’t you want to find out if they did? See you, then!
Had the best kind of fun with this bunch!
Prost! Cheers!
