Experience Munich in Manila

Mandarin Oriental, Manila and The German Club stage Oktoberfest 2008

The annual Oktoberfest in Munich unfolds over two weeks of merrymaking, where men and women from all walks of life converge in outdoor parks and massive tents while consuming tons of beer and singing and cheering to the beat of the famous "oompapa" music played by Bavarian bands.

The festivities commence with the "burgomaster" leading a massive parade marked by colorful floats, beer-wagons drawn by attractive carriages driven by brewers, and flocks of men and women dressed in national costumes. However, the beers start flowing only right after the Lord Mayor of Munich performs the ceremonial "tapping of the keg" on the first day of the feast.

On their eighth year of partnership, Mandarin Oriental, Manila and the German Club of Manila roll out the barrel at the NBC Tent in Fort Bonifacio Global City for four grand days of Oktoberfest 2008 from October 16 to 19. The festivity will recreate the revelry and splendor of a centuries-old Bavarian tradition to the country which kicks-off with the first "San Miguel Beer Oktoberfiesta" on October 16.

The local version of the traditional Bavarian outdoor festival will have a lavish buffet of local fiesta fare such as sisig, roasted chicken, inihaw na liempo, kilawin, and more: free-flowing beer and non-stop music and dancing from Banda Kawayan as well as a top showband. It is considered to be one of the most lavish celebrations in San Miguel’s 120-day Oktoberfest series.

Each detail at the event will be a delightful Philippine version of Munich’s Oktoberfest celebrations. German specialties will be replaced by bountiful Filipino cuisine. A traditional Bavarian "oompapa" will become a bamboo orchestra playing lively native music. A top local show band will reign as the ubiquitous element to every local party. While beer tents in the real Oktoberfest celebrations are decorated with amblems, a maibaum, and symbolic German décor, San Miguel Oktoberfiesta is as colorful with the traditional native fiesta decorations.

OKTOBERFEST: A family affair

Whoever said that Oktoberfest was only for adults and beer lovers? At exactly 10:30 a.m., on Sunday (October 19), a Family Oktoberfest will definitely entertain children of all ages to complete the four-day Oktoberfest celebration this year.

The "fruehschoppen" will feature a buffet laden with German and popular children’s fare, as authentic "oompapa" music played by the Bavarian Sound Express, a 12-piece band flown in from Munich, Germany, provide the entertaining music.

The German European School Manila will also present a hip-hop performance and music for fun. Games and activities for the whole family, including a playground with a bouncy castle, a puppet show, painting competition, RC car racing from Audi, a magician, a caricaturist, a kiddie salon, a yoyo artist, a balloon artist, and a football booth from Puma will keep the children occupied with unlimited fun. Adults can also test-drive the latest models from Audi, while mothers primp with beauty products at the LR corner.

Tickets are available at P1,500 net for San Miguel Beer Oktoberfiesta on October 16; P2,350 net for Oktoberfest on October 17 and 18; and P1,100 net for October 19. Tickets are inclusive of a buffet and free-flowing beer.